I always carry a Leatherman in my pocket at work. Mine is an old school model that has been discontinued and so I’m looking around for a replacement. I like the look of their Skeletool models and the Guppie by Columbia River. Any feedback or other favorites?
From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
I have a Schrade that I need to replace, the phillips bit snapped when I was putting some serious pressure on it. But I like the old school design and don't really care for Leatherman's skeletal style. I'd like to step up to a genuine Leatherman, but if they don't have the original style anymore I'll probably just get another Schrade.
~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools - BuildersTools.net
See my work - TedsCarpentry.com
I want a multitool with the following.
Utility knife
Screwdriver bitholder type with reversible bit ends
Recip blade holder with sheath to hold 2 blades
led flashlight
bottle opener/can opener
pop out needle nose pliers with wire cutter
rasp with deep teeth
awl/poker could be part of recip set
Maybe ??????
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
I thought of a couple more items to add to to my all in one tool.
As part of the bit set I want a pencil and pen.
A measuring device that consists of a small wheel that you can roll and it clicks off the length.
The bottle and can opener has to be strong enough to start a crack in nailed up trim.
The end of it would be hardened so you could drive a proud nail flush.
A magnet telescoping with light in middle.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Leatherman just changed the model I had, they still have lots of the traditional multi tools. I'm a bit of a sucker for interesting new designs, which has come back to bite me on the #### - especially with new hammers.
I carry a Leatherman "Wave". You can open the blades with one hand, diamond file for touching up chisels and router bits, lacks bottle opener, but can opener does surfice.
Wier/Barlow
I wore out two Leathermans, they got real sloppy. Then a gerber that was great, the pliers slid into the grips, I gave that to the DW.
On a Schrade now for 3 or so yrs, and like it enough to get another, the phillips is worn, not broke.
Old school for me too.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I just never got the Leatherman...or for that matter carrying a knife in a sheath on your belt....such clutter tied to you. For as often as i need any of those attachments...it's not like I'm more'n two minutes away from any of my tools...and a knife in a sheath??? Davy Crockett huh? Figurin' on comin' up on a big ol' bar are ya? lol.
Hell....I hate even wearin' a cell phone on my hip or for that matter even a wedding ring while I'm working.
I never got the need for that Batman utililty belt unless yer Batman of course : )
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
When my Gfather was dying in the hosp. I went and saw him. He saw the Gerber ( at that time) and said, "well, ya live in the woods ( NC) what er ya gonna do with a pair of pliers if a bear has ya?"
I took em out and got that hunk of skin between the nostrils and said ' Squeeze REAL hard"
He loved it.
Those were some of our last times together..I miss that ald crotchty bastid.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Sounds to me like he was on the same wave length as me
and you
seemed to have the same answer I would had....lol
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
The leatherman I had was 7 oz and clipped inside my pocket with no sheath so I didn't really notice it. Really just a glorified pocket knife with pliers and two screwdriver bits. I don't see the point of the Swiss army style kitchen-on-your-belt stuff either, but I do find having a small multi tool on me very useful and that's why I'm looking for input on an even smaller replacement.
I just never got the Leatherman...or for that matter carrying a knife in a sheath on your belt....
I keep mine in my business bag. If it doesn't come in handy, at least it shows my preparedness. Only thing I keep on me is my Stanley 16' tape measure. ~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools - BuildersTools.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
I agree about the 16' Stanley. I finally got sick of carrying around a 25-30 footer. What for? Framing a house maybe but for the most part a 16 works for most everything plus I like how it fits my hand.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
Dats cuz you gots them tiny girlie hands. LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I don't get the carrying a 2 pound do-it-all-in mediocrity tool in your pocket to pull yer pants down.I have a truck full of tool and a trailer full of tools and a shop full of tools, if I aint near one then I am on vacation.besides some other handy man type will be around hiking his pants up so I can borrow his....
.
"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
.
.
.
If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
.
.
.
according to statistical analysis, "for some time now, bears apparently have been going to the bathroom in the woods."
Amen brother
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
I have a leatherman wave, I love it and sometimes it proves to be the handiest tool I own. I carry mine in my toolbelt. I think it is the most efficient way to go for any remodeling contractor. I see guys all the time carrying 10 to 20 tools in their toolbelts when then could be carrying half that by having a leatherman.I also have an original leatherman PST and knife/plier/dbl screwdriver but the wave seems to be the best. I would like to try the titanium version though. DC
Hey wait a minute, something just came back to me. You object to cluttering up your belt with a 7 oz tool, but isn't it you who is happy to drive half way across his state with a 50 lbs snake around his neck? Correct me if I've got the wrong guy.
I wore out two Leathermans, they got real sloppy.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll stick with Schrade =)
As for the phillips driver, I used it with the handle perpendicular for extra leverage, trying to remove a tapcon from old concrete. It really took a lot of force before it snapped.~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools - BuildersTools.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
"I wore out two Leathermans, they got real sloppy.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll stick with Schrade =)"
Leatherman has a 25 years warranty. Technically they say they will repair or replace based on their assessment of the tool when returned. But ...
I have sent back at least 6 tools over the course of the last decade and everytime I have gotten a brand new tool. And if the one I sent in was a discontinued model, I got a brand new of the most comparable current model in return.
I've sent them back for being worn and sloppy, broken knife blade, broken saw, twisted screwdriver tip, etc, etc. Never questioned ... always a new tool.
Shawn
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Checker Contracting - SE Michigan
When I work I keep a Gerber suspension on my belt. It is the needle nose variety. I snapped one of the jaws, e-mailed them and they said send it back. Real quick to send new one. Kept the sheath as a spare. I have one of the older black Gerbers I used to carry, now keep it in the truck. Keep one of the original Leatherman ones in wif's Tahoe.
Great place to get all of these is ebay guys that buy the airport confiscations. I got one of the Leatherman/Radio shack mini's with wire strippers new for next to nothing. Got wife one of the Gerber mini's for Christmas.For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
That's good to know. I have a Leatherman Wave that got bent when I lent it to a guy in need who I thought would know how to use pliers correctly. I also have a Leatherman supertool that stays in my dresser for emergencies in the house. I have plenty of tools in garage, shop and truck but it nice having something at hand. I also carry a Leatherman Micra tethered a small Mag-lite because you never know when you will need to trim your nails (finger)or tighten a screw. I also recently picked up a Leatherman Squirt E4. It is a nifty little wire tripper with straight and phillips bits,file, knife blade and nice little tweezers that really work on those elusive little splinters.My favorate has to be my new ( actually a year old) byrd made by the knife maker Spyderco. It has adjustable wrench, short nosed pliers, nice blade, removable round file and 4 replaceable screwdriver bits. The two halves separate to be used independently. It comes with a sheath as well as a belt/pocket clip on the tool. Very handy. So how many tools does one person need? All of them.
I have a Victorinox -- couldn't tell ya' the model. Dear Li'l Sis gave it to me maybe, I don't know, ten years back. I like that all tools except the pliers are on the outside of the handles, and the metal is really, really nice. It does take some effort to put a good edge on blades, but once done, it lasts a long time.
I keep the thing with me at all times, since my work no longer requires real tools. Fixed a jammed transmission in my car with it once, skinned a marmot with it once, threatened a mugger with it once... I also have one o' those tiny mini-Leathermans on my keychain -- mostly to keep my manicure spiffy.
Dear Li'l Sis has a pink Leatherman with a corkscrew and a cheese spreader -- gift from someone who didn't really understand her. It's come in handy a number of times.
}}}}
I got one of those leatherman gadgets for a gift. Great tool. I keep it in the tacklebox right next to my Ronco pocket fisherman. :)
On top of your Ginsu knife...
I've bought my son two of the new style Leatherman tools. On both, the locks that hold the tools open broke under less than normal abuse.
I'm a little more than dissapointed in a name that I thought had better quality than that.
I have an older model thats held up fine but the new ones are just garbage.
Sad to see.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
That is sort of what precipitated my search. My old trusty Leatherman finally broke. I sent it in for repair, but because it was discontinued they sent me a replacement which is similar but definitely of inferior quality: It has a plastic insert and the fastenings are less sturdy. I was hoping the decline in quality was limited to their less popular (cheap) models, but from what you say the new Skeletools are suffering from the same problems.
My kid had a leatherman blast. It also has the plastic inserts and the crappy metal. Hate to be lost in the woods with that piece.
I'll keep my old one.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
I have a leatherman Core. Loaned it out the first week I had it and the sprinkler guy broke the jaws. Academy replaced it and it's been 5 years since and I like still it a lot. I never found out how the dufuse broke the first one.
Just A Guy With A Hammer
If you like multi tools check out swiss tech