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In this review I take a close look at multi-tools for military use and other general heavy usage occupations.
The only tool here that I believe to be Berry Compliant [1] is the Gerber MP600. Having said that, the other options are just as capable, so I wouldn’t be too concerned that they are not on the official US Army procurement list.
The Gerber Centre Drive is an ideal choice for more driver orientated jobs.
The Leatherman Wingman is a lower cost all round performing multi-tool.
The Gerber MP600 is the one that a number of military personnel carry for everyday use.
All 3 multi-tools make a great choice, it’s just down to personal preference in terms of features, size and weight in the main.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool with Bit Set
- Number of tools - 12
- Main blade length - 3.25 inches
- Closed Length - 4.7"
- Weight - 9.5 oz
This Centre Drive comes with a US made nylon stealth that allows you to carry it horizontally or vertically with the various belt loops. The pouch is velcro closed and has enough room to carry the bit set that comes with this tool.
This is one of the larger multi tools in this review, weighing in at 9.5 ounces and with a closed length of 4.7 inches. The advantage of being on the larger side you do get a bigger main blade at 3.25 inches.
The main feature of this Gerber multi-tool is the drive. When fully extended the drive is positioned in the centre of the handles, hence the name of this multi-tool. The big advantage here is that it makes for a more natural rotation when used.
The magnetic driver takes standard 1/4 inch bits and you can even use a driver adapter for sockets.
The spring loaded needle nose pliers are opened with one hand by pushing up the button on one side which has a very smooth action.
The wire cutters inside the pliers are triangular so you can rotate them when they become dull, plus replace the cutting component with a new one too, by removing the holding screws for the cutters.
The outside opening main blade can be taken out with a flick of your thumb, which is quite convenient and is easily opened with both hands.
The main blade is a 3.25 inch straight-edge blade, one that is strong and is up to 30% longer than most similar spec multi-tools. The blades steel is 420HC which is standard for most high end multi-tools.
Summary
The Gerber Centre Drive is an ideal choice if your looking for a multi-tool with excellent drive capability. It comes with 12 x 1/4 inch standard bits as part of the deal.
The knife is larger than most and is really neat in the way it opens from the outside with a quick flick of your thumb.
The rest of the tools are very useful. There’s a file, an awl, bottle opener. The cats claw is an unusual tool thats great for removing screws. All the tools are lockable too.
There’s no wood saw, just a serrated blade, so if woodwork is a priority this may not be an ideal choice multi-tool.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leatherman Wingman with Spring-Action Pliers & Saw
- Number of tools - 14
- Main blade length - 2.6"
- Closed Length - 3.8"
- Weight - 7 oz
This is a very neat little multitool. Unlike the above option, this one does not come with a multi-bit screwdriver. However, it does have many other secondary tools which can come in handy.
This tool has a total of 14 tools included in it, including things like a needle-nose pliers, a knife, a small Phillips-head screwdriver, a wire stripper, a wire cutter, saw, a package opener, a can opener, a bottle opener, and more.
It’s definitely a practical and super useful multitool to keep in mind as it can perform various tasks with ease.
It’s made out of high-grade stainless steel in order to be lightweight, scratch resistant, and impact resistant too.
While it is not quite as durable as say, a Leatherman Wave, it still holds its own with ease. What I really like is that the Leatherman Wingman is designed to be super lightweight and compact while also retaining a level of durability.
The main blade is made from 420HC stainless steel which is fairly standard for a lot of multi-tools. The steel does hold it’s edge well due to the high carbon content.
This item can easily fit in most pockets, plus it is so light that you will barely notice it being on your person at all.
What is cool is that this tool comes with a 25-year warranty, so if something breaks, Leatherman will fix it at no cost to you.
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier
![Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier, Needle Nose, Stainless [07530]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416-CDbo13L.jpg)
- Number of tools - 14
- Main blade length - 2.25"
- Closed Length - 4.9"
- Weight - 9 oz
When it comes to military multi-tools, this is another awesome option to go with. For one, you get 14 different tools, all with useful purposes.
With the Gerber MP600, you get both needle-nose and regular pliers, pinch-cut wire cutters, a serrated knife, a fine-edge knife, a bottle opener, a ruler, a file, a wire crimper, a cross-point screwdriver, a can opener, and a few other useful tools.
In terms of overall usefulness and functionality, the MP600 is up there with the best of them.
What is useful here is that the Gerber Multi-Plier features a patented one-handed open design, which means that you always have one hand free for something else. The pliers are opened by sliding the release mechanisms on both sides of the handles which is a really nice feature.
To make sure that it always stays on your person, it features a convenient lanyard ring. The overall weight of this multi-tool is not too heavy at 9 oz, making it quite convenient to carry around.
The main blade length is fairly small at 2.25″ compared to the overall length of the tool when closed. However the steel is 420HC with a high carbon content, so it will retain it’s edge well with prolonged use.
Although the MP600 is quite large, it’s still practical to carry around every day. The ballistic nylon sheath it comes with is a fine addition as well.
![Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier, Needle Nose, Stainless [07530]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31bALd28BSL._SL320_.jpg)
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What to Consider Before Choosing a Multi-Tool
As we said, there are some considerations that you need to keep in mind before you
purchase a multi-tool, so let’s talk about the most important ones right now.
Size and Weight
Now, this is a bit of a trade-off to be fair. On one hand, you would probably like to have a
multitool that is small and compact. After all, if you are in the military, every single gram you are carrying on your body can make a big difference.
However, on the other hand, the smaller and lighter the multitool is, the fewer features and included tools it is bound to have.
If you can find a small and lightweight multi-tool with lots of features, you have found
something good. A Gerber Dime is a great example of a small pocket multi-tool.
The Pliers
When it comes to multitools, they will mostly all have pliers included in them. Some have
needle-nose pliers, some have blunt-nose pliers, and some have both.
It really depends on what your expected needs are, but generally speaking, if you have a multitool with both types of pliers, you have found a good multi-tool. Both have their separate uses, and both are quite important.
Blade Type
In terms of the blades, all multi-tools are going to come with a blade or two. Just like with
the pliers, some multitools come with straight edge blades, some come with serrated
blades, and some with both.
Of course, having both of them would be best, but if you can only have 1, you need to consider your needs. Serrated blades are good for sawing, while straight edge blades are good for more or less everything else.
Secondary Tools
There are lots of different secondary tools that multitools might come with. These can
include things like screwdrivers, wrenches, other blades, leather working tools, and so on
and so forth.
Design Type
In terms of the design type, some multitools look like pliers with all of the other features
integrated into the handles, while some look more like Swiss Army Knives. It really all
depends on what your preferences are.
