The magnets don't take any less force to initially open the tool than other Leathermans, but once you get it started, the opening mechanism is very smooth and effortless. Like most of Leatherman's lineup, the Free P4 is a quality, well-built tool, but is it worth a $40 increase over our top pick, Leatherman's own $110 Wave Plus? The big differentiators are that the Free P4, with its 21 tools, uses magnets to open and lock the tool, and a new mechanism to unlock and close the mini-tools that doesn't rely on putting your finger in the way of the blade. Leatherman Free P4 for $150: I was on the fence about this one. Buy the Wave Plus, unless you really like the look of the dark titanium. Even though it's made of titanium, it's no lighter than the Wave Plus that costs far less and comes with 18 mini-tools, many of them the same as the Charge TTi's. It's packed with 19 useful tools and comes with that stellar Leatherman build quality and warranty. Leatherman Charge TTi for $190: This is a weak recommendation. Sometimes it's just nice to have a tool that doesn't try to look modern. But it's beautifully made, and I dig the boxy, straight-edged handles. At 10 ounces, it's on the heavier side as well. Victorinox Swiss Tool for $153: Yes, I did a double-take when I first saw the price tag too. If you don't need all the bells and whistles our top pick offers, you can probably make do with a less bulky gizmo that still has the basic, most-used tools, such as a knife, bottle opener, can opener, bit drivers, and pliers. Leatherman Skeletool CX for $90: This one is slightly smaller than the Wave Plus, but it's still a standard-sized multi-tool. There are a ton of other multi-tools out there, and brands like Leatherman and Victorinox have models upon models that make it confusing to figure out exactly what to get. There are countless stories of customers receiving whole replacement flip-out tools and blades for their decades-old multi-tools. It also includes a 25-year warranty, and the company will repair or replace parts if you ship your multi-tool to its facility in Portland, Oregon. Nowadays, Wave Plus offers practically the same package at a lower price. Once upon a time, Leatherman's Charge series offered its best multi-tools. There are 16 other tools, including a wood-and-metal file, a diamond-coated file, a saw, Phillips screwdriver bits, scissors, an 8-inch ruler, and a wire stripper, as well as a bottle and can opener. The 420HC steel employed has a high carbon content, so the edges won't stay sharp for long, but it's easy to sharpen 'em up again. The latter is good for cutting fibrous material such as rope. It has two stainless steel knives, one with a straight edge and the other serrated. Leatherman has many options to choose from, but the Wave Plus is easily my favorite. Tools can be flipped out and retracted forcefully but smoothly, and the finishing on each mini-tool is excellent. The company's build quality is fantastic. Leatherman has become shorthand for “multi-tool” for a good reason. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day. com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). We've also updated pricing and availability. Updated May 2023: We've added the Leatherman Charge TTi, Leatherman Skeletool, and SOG Key Knife. These are the ones that did their tasks exceptionally well.īe sure to check out our other buying guides, like the Best Gear for Your Home Tool Kit, Best Gear for Your Car Emergency Kit, and How to Winter-Proof Your Home. But how many of them are actually well made? I spent months testing various models, putting them to work by assembling picture frames, slicing open packages, opening beer and wine bottles, and cutting apples. Now, there are multi-tools in all kinds of shapes and sizes from a staggering number of companies. Then Leatherman arrived with a folding pair of pliers to give Switzerland a run for its money. The Swiss Army Knife was the first multi-tool with global popularity. You might not even need to stand up, as long as you've got the right multi-tool handy. Is your chair wobbly because it's got a screw loose? Your child needs a toy freed from zip ties that make it as impenetrable as a bank vault? At a picnic with a bottle of wine? You don't need to fetch a toolbox.
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