A Review of the Leatherman Multitools
This is a large review of many different Leatherman multitools - perfect for building robots with!
In a geek's toolbox, especially robot geeks, there are loads of great tools: pliers, soldering irons, solder suckers, drills, screw drivers, and the list goes on and on. However, one tool that no robot geek should ever be without is a Leatherman Multi-tool. Without one of these fine works of craftsmanship no robot builder, IMHO, is complete. My first experience with the Leatherman tools came during Christmas of '00 when which I became the proud owner of my very own Leatherman Wave. After little over a year of ownership I contacted Leatherman Inc. to ask for a few other their other models to review. In response they sent me a Leatherman Mini-Tool, Leatherman Micra©, and a Leatherman Juice C2. In the following article I will discuss, compare, and contrast each of these tools, including the Leatherman Wave and the Leatherman PST. I'd like to say a special thanks to Leatherman Inc. for their generosity and for making such amazingly awesome products.
Leatherman Micra© - A lightweight killer-key-chain tool
The Micra, weighing in at a mere 50 grams (1/5 of a mini sumo robot), contains:
Knife blade
Nail cleaner
Nail file
Medium screw driver
Scissors
Tweezers
Extra small screw-driver
Bottle opener
Lanyard hole
Phillips screw-driver
Ruler
Length: 2.5 in. / 6.35 cm closed
Weight: 1.75 ounces / 50 grams
That's quite an assortment for a tool that is only 2.5 inches long. From the outside the Micra looks like a miniature version of the Leatherman PST. The Micra comes in a variety of different colors, including the standard steel. When the tool is folded it to its full 4 or so inches, the main feature, scissors, are exposed. These 1" blades are high quality cutting scissors. As with all other Leatherman tools, there are no springs or shabby tongues of metal to be broken off, but instead the cutting action is supplied by the rebounding power of the steel base of the knife. The first inside section of the tool contains a pair of tweezers (an ingenious design, similar to a tuning fork) that you can't lose, a large Phillips screwdriver head and a bottle opener into which is incorporated a small flat head screwdriver. On the other side (inside) of the tool there is a nail file, a large flat-head screwdriver and a 1.5in knife blade. There are no tools on the outside of the Micra, however there is an 11cm/4.5 in ruler. If you just look at the Micra as a key-chain knife/scissors type "knife" then it is a really great buy, however if you're looking for a new high power tool for your toolbox this probably would be the best bet. The Micras make great gifts as they retail for only around $20.
Buy A Micra and help support GoRobotics.net
Leatherman PST - The tool that started it all
Needle Nose Pliers
Regular Pliers
Wire Cutters
Hard-Wire Cutters
Clip Point Knife
Metal / Wood File
Ruler
Can / Bottle Opener
Small Screwdriver
Medium Screwdriver
Large Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver
Awl Punch
Length: 4 in. / 10 cm closed / 6.25 in. / 16 cm open
Weight: 5 ounces / 142 grams
The Leatherman PST (Pocket Survival Tool) is the original Leatherman tool. First conceived in the 70s this tool has quickly become a hit. Later versions of multi-tools have added to its design, however it still remains a great tool. If you are looking for a full size multi-tool, but don't have the money to spend on a Wave, you should consider the PST as an option. The advantages of the PST over its smaller brother, the Mini-tool, is that everything is much bigger. The main knife blade on the tool is just over 2.5 inches long along with the file. The PST also has three flat screw-driver blades (extra small, medium, and large) along with a full sized Phillip's screw-driver head. The awl punch is also an advantage over the mini-tool. The outside of the tool doubles as a 7in/19cm ruler. The pliers are the same make as the Wave and are very sturdy. One thing to watch out for is the non-curved inside of the tool, which makes putting a lot of pressure on the pliers a bit uncomfortable. The PST also has a much slimmer design than the Mini-tool. It also comes with a leather sheath. Aside from the lack of scissors, the PST is a great choice for the more budget minded robot geek.
Buy A Pocket Survival Tool from Leatherman and help support GoRobotics.net
Leatherman Wave - The ultimate geek tool
Needlenose Pliers
Regular Pliers
Wire Cutters
Hard-Wire Cutters
Clip-Point Knife
Serrated Knife
Diamond-Coated File
Wood Saw
Scissors
Extra Small Screwdriver
Small Screwdriver
Medium Screwdriver
Large Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver
Can / Bottle Opener
Wire Stripper
Lanyard Attachment
Length: 4 in. / 10 cm closed / 6.25 in. / 16 cm open
Weight: 8 ounces / 224 grams
While the other tools are great, the Wave steals the show from all of them. Its elegant design, sleek curves, and best of all, really comfortable feel earns it, IMHO, the title of Ultimate Geek Tool. In fact, that's what all my friends know it by. "William, can I use your Ultimate Geek Tool??" My Wave literally never leaves my side … well, it doesn't sleep too well, and even thought it is stainless steel, you probably should make a habit of getting it wet … but, nonetheless, even with a coat and tie, I still carry my Leatherman Wave around. I have been the proud owner of a Wave for over 1 year now, and there are scant few days in that time period that I haven't used it. The Wave, unlike some of the other tools, has rounded edges on the inside so it is quite comfortable for putting a lot of pressure on the pliers. Another nice feature is that 4 of the main tools - straight and serrated blades, saw, and the file - are on the outside of the tool and are easily accessible for quick slicing or for menacing an encroaching robot thief. The two knife blades also have a notch cut out of the back, so that with a little practice you can whip them out with your thumb while holding the tool in the same hand (great for impressing the females). After almost eighteen months of continuous use my Leatherman is still rock solid, when folded together there is a bit of a wobble in the joint, but it behaves fine when folded out. The scissors and tools on the Wave are well built and work great. Over all the Leatherman Wave has a really stable design that will last me for many years to come. I wouldn't think of building any more robots without it. Don't let the price stop you - it is well worth it.
Buy a Leatherman Wave with a leather sheath and help support GoRobotics.net
In a geek's toolbox, especially robot geeks, there are loads of great tools: pliers, soldering irons, solder suckers, drills, screw drivers, and the list goes on and on. However, one tool that no robot geek should ever be without is a Leatherman Multi-tool. Without one of these fine works of craftsmanship no robot builder, IMHO, is complete. My first experience with the Leatherman tools came during Christmas of '00 when which I became the proud owner of my very own Leatherman Wave. After little over a year of ownership I contacted Leatherman Inc. to ask for a few other their other models to review. In response they sent me a Leatherman Mini-Tool, Leatherman Micra©, and a Leatherman Juice C2. In the following article I will discuss, compare, and contrast each of these tools, including the Leatherman Wave and the Leatherman PST. I'd like to say a special thanks to Leatherman Inc. for their generosity and for making such amazingly awesome products.
Leatherman Micra© - A lightweight killer-key-chain tool
The Micra, weighing in at a mere 50 grams (1/5 of a mini sumo robot), contains:
Length: 2.5 in. / 6.35 cm closed
Weight: 1.75 ounces / 50 grams
That's quite an assortment for a tool that is only 2.5 inches long. From the outside the Micra looks like a miniature version of the Leatherman PST. The Micra comes in a variety of different colors, including the standard steel. When the tool is folded it to its full 4 or so inches, the main feature, scissors, are exposed. These 1" blades are high quality cutting scissors. As with all other Leatherman tools, there are no springs or shabby tongues of metal to be broken off, but instead the cutting action is supplied by the rebounding power of the steel base of the knife. The first inside section of the tool contains a pair of tweezers (an ingenious design, similar to a tuning fork) that you can't lose, a large Phillips screwdriver head and a bottle opener into which is incorporated a small flat head screwdriver. On the other side (inside) of the tool there is a nail file, a large flat-head screwdriver and a 1.5in knife blade. There are no tools on the outside of the Micra, however there is an 11cm/4.5 in ruler. If you just look at the Micra as a key-chain knife/scissors type "knife" then it is a really great buy, however if you're looking for a new high power tool for your toolbox this probably would be the best bet. The Micras make great gifts as they retail for only around $20.
Buy A Micra and help support GoRobotics.net
Leatherman Mini-Tool - A small tool that folds out to full size
The Leatherman Mini-Tool, which when folded is only 2.6in long, but is the same size as the Leatherman PST when folded out, has the following features:
Knife
Can opener
Wire cutters
Ruler
Hard wire cutter
Screwdriver
File
Bottle opener
Needlenose pliers
Regular pliers
Lanyard hole
Length: 2.6 in. / 7 cm closed / 6.25 in. / 15.5 cm open
Weight: 4 ounces / 114 grams
If your looking for most the features (albeit smaller) of the popular PST model in a really small package the Mini-tool is your best bet. However, comparing the PST directly to the Mini shows quite a dearth of cool tools. Since the Mini's handle has an insert that folds out, all of the Mini's extra tools (not many) have to fit in a really small package. The knife blade is a mere 1.25in long (compared to the 2.5in beauty on the PST) and the file and flat head screwdriver are built into one blade. One advantage the Mini has over the PST is that its grip feels slightly less painful than the PST for jobs requiring a lot of torque.
Buy a Mini-Tool and help support GoRobotics.net
The Leatherman Mini-Tool, which when folded is only 2.6in long, but is the same size as the Leatherman PST when folded out, has the following features:
Length: 2.6 in. / 7 cm closed / 6.25 in. / 15.5 cm open
Weight: 4 ounces / 114 grams
If your looking for most the features (albeit smaller) of the popular PST model in a really small package the Mini-tool is your best bet. However, comparing the PST directly to the Mini shows quite a dearth of cool tools. Since the Mini's handle has an insert that folds out, all of the Mini's extra tools (not many) have to fit in a really small package. The knife blade is a mere 1.25in long (compared to the 2.5in beauty on the PST) and the file and flat head screwdriver are built into one blade. One advantage the Mini has over the PST is that its grip feels slightly less painful than the PST for jobs requiring a lot of torque.
Buy a Mini-Tool and help support GoRobotics.net
Leatherman PST - The tool that started it all
Length: 4 in. / 10 cm closed / 6.25 in. / 16 cm open
Weight: 5 ounces / 142 grams
The Leatherman PST (Pocket Survival Tool) is the original Leatherman tool. First conceived in the 70s this tool has quickly become a hit. Later versions of multi-tools have added to its design, however it still remains a great tool. If you are looking for a full size multi-tool, but don't have the money to spend on a Wave, you should consider the PST as an option. The advantages of the PST over its smaller brother, the Mini-tool, is that everything is much bigger. The main knife blade on the tool is just over 2.5 inches long along with the file. The PST also has three flat screw-driver blades (extra small, medium, and large) along with a full sized Phillip's screw-driver head. The awl punch is also an advantage over the mini-tool. The outside of the tool doubles as a 7in/19cm ruler. The pliers are the same make as the Wave and are very sturdy. One thing to watch out for is the non-curved inside of the tool, which makes putting a lot of pressure on the pliers a bit uncomfortable. The PST also has a much slimmer design than the Mini-tool. It also comes with a leather sheath. Aside from the lack of scissors, the PST is a great choice for the more budget minded robot geek.
Buy A Pocket Survival Tool from Leatherman and help support GoRobotics.net
Leatherman Juice C2 - A snazzy, yet useful, tool for geeks everywhere
Leatherman's latest series of tools, dubbed "Juice" pack tons of tools into an attractive body. The C2 , weighing 4.4oz and 3.25 in long, contains the following tools/features:
Small screwdriver
Extra-small screwdriver
Med./Lg. screwdriver
Can/bottle opener
Hard-wire cutters
Scissors
Phillips screwdriver
Lanyard attachment
Needlenose pliers
Wire cutters
Straight knife
Length: 3.25 in. / 8.25 cm closed
Weight: 4.3 ounces / 122 grams
On of the most attractive features of the C2, aside from the cool orange body, is the inclusion of both needlenose pliers and scissors. If you're one of those "geek in hiding" or "geek in denial" types, the C2 is an excellent choice. You can have all the power of a really awesome multi-tool while having it in the chick-magnet design of the C2 - what more can you ask for? As I mentioned before, having both scissors and pliers, is a real bonus. After using the Wave for so long (which has pliers and scissors) and then testing out the other tools, they all seemed a bit lacking. Having both scissors and pliers just seems to let the tool live half in the geek world and half in the real world - one to tighten screws and the other to cut paper - you can have your cake and eat it too. One advantage that the C2 has over the Wave is that it is quite a bit smaller than the Wave (4.3 oz compared to 8oz). The Juice line of multi-tools also seems to take advantage of a new type of locking mechanism for when the tool is folded out, and it also provided the spring action for the scissors - this gives the tool a distinctive (and strangely entertaining) 'snap' when it is opened or closed. Of course, by making the tool small you lose the saw, serrated knife blade, and file that the Wave has. The C2 doesn't come with a sheath. In terms of whether or not to get a Juice line of multi-tools or a Wave, it really depends on your personal preference. If you're planning on carrying around the tool in your pocket, the C2 is a better choice as it won't pull your pants down, but if you're looking for a full featured, heavy-duty, tool-to-last-a-life-time then the Wave is probably a better choice, in that it has more features and is bigger. Either way, the C2 is a beautiful and extremely useful tool. Kudos again to Leatherman.
Buy a Leatherman Juice S² and help support GoRobotics.net
Leatherman's latest series of tools, dubbed "Juice" pack tons of tools into an attractive body. The C2 , weighing 4.4oz and 3.25 in long, contains the following tools/features:
Length: 3.25 in. / 8.25 cm closed
Weight: 4.3 ounces / 122 grams
On of the most attractive features of the C2, aside from the cool orange body, is the inclusion of both needlenose pliers and scissors. If you're one of those "geek in hiding" or "geek in denial" types, the C2 is an excellent choice. You can have all the power of a really awesome multi-tool while having it in the chick-magnet design of the C2 - what more can you ask for? As I mentioned before, having both scissors and pliers, is a real bonus. After using the Wave for so long (which has pliers and scissors) and then testing out the other tools, they all seemed a bit lacking. Having both scissors and pliers just seems to let the tool live half in the geek world and half in the real world - one to tighten screws and the other to cut paper - you can have your cake and eat it too. One advantage that the C2 has over the Wave is that it is quite a bit smaller than the Wave (4.3 oz compared to 8oz). The Juice line of multi-tools also seems to take advantage of a new type of locking mechanism for when the tool is folded out, and it also provided the spring action for the scissors - this gives the tool a distinctive (and strangely entertaining) 'snap' when it is opened or closed. Of course, by making the tool small you lose the saw, serrated knife blade, and file that the Wave has. The C2 doesn't come with a sheath. In terms of whether or not to get a Juice line of multi-tools or a Wave, it really depends on your personal preference. If you're planning on carrying around the tool in your pocket, the C2 is a better choice as it won't pull your pants down, but if you're looking for a full featured, heavy-duty, tool-to-last-a-life-time then the Wave is probably a better choice, in that it has more features and is bigger. Either way, the C2 is a beautiful and extremely useful tool. Kudos again to Leatherman.
Buy a Leatherman Juice S² and help support GoRobotics.net
Leatherman Wave - The ultimate geek tool
Length: 4 in. / 10 cm closed / 6.25 in. / 16 cm open
Weight: 8 ounces / 224 grams
While the other tools are great, the Wave steals the show from all of them. Its elegant design, sleek curves, and best of all, really comfortable feel earns it, IMHO, the title of Ultimate Geek Tool. In fact, that's what all my friends know it by. "William, can I use your Ultimate Geek Tool??" My Wave literally never leaves my side … well, it doesn't sleep too well, and even thought it is stainless steel, you probably should make a habit of getting it wet … but, nonetheless, even with a coat and tie, I still carry my Leatherman Wave around. I have been the proud owner of a Wave for over 1 year now, and there are scant few days in that time period that I haven't used it. The Wave, unlike some of the other tools, has rounded edges on the inside so it is quite comfortable for putting a lot of pressure on the pliers. Another nice feature is that 4 of the main tools - straight and serrated blades, saw, and the file - are on the outside of the tool and are easily accessible for quick slicing or for menacing an encroaching robot thief. The two knife blades also have a notch cut out of the back, so that with a little practice you can whip them out with your thumb while holding the tool in the same hand (great for impressing the females). After almost eighteen months of continuous use my Leatherman is still rock solid, when folded together there is a bit of a wobble in the joint, but it behaves fine when folded out. The scissors and tools on the Wave are well built and work great. Over all the Leatherman Wave has a really stable design that will last me for many years to come. I wouldn't think of building any more robots without it. Don't let the price stop you - it is well worth it.
Buy a Leatherman Wave with a leather sheath and help support GoRobotics.net
Thanks for helping to keep our community civil!
Notify staff privately
You flagged this as spam. Undo flag.Flag Post
It's Spam
This post is an advertisement, or vandalism. It is not useful or relevant to the current topic.
This post is an advertisement, or vandalism. It is not useful or relevant to the current topic.
You flagged this as spam. Undo flag.Flag Post