Firstly, Gerber upgraded (redesigned) the serrated blade and file on the centerdrive and MP 600, so the complaints are from models prior to 2020 (they deepened the teeth on the serrated blade). All should be sharp and aggressive now. I have personally talked to Gerbers engineers when I was invited to tour the factory. They seemed unmoved by the complaints about the cutters, because the design is not meant for anything other than general wire. They aren’t trying to compete with Leatherman in that regard, because nobody really needs to cut a nail in half practically. I have cut fishhooks with my centerdrive cutters and they survived. I have also broken Leatherman cutters while doing the stupid tests people generally do with them (ie nail cutting). My pliers heads (and I’ve had 3 centerdrives now) have all touched at the tips and do fine tasks well. Just a few things. Awesome mod!
@@user-vz9ft9wm8s That's true, they're famous for shattering and indeed the ones on my MP600 did, I was trying to cut coathanger wire, to simulate a barbed wire or other wire fence. My Leatherman Rebar does it fine. Even my SOG Micro Toolclip can just about do it although it's painful on the hands. Luckily I bought a multipack of no name carbide replacement cutters from China. But I'd have thought that Gerber would have made this tool suitable for cutting thick wire.
@@simonh6371 I handed my general foreman my gerber center drive when he asked for a wire cutter. 14g copper wire exploded my cutters. He handed me my tool back an very impatiently asked for the next thing that could do the job of cutting wire. A cheap pair of rusty dykes was supplied. There is a loss of confidence when you hand over a $100 plus tool. only to have it returned broken, then a $8 tool does it’s job. That can not be over stated
@m To be honest, your story would repeat itself with Leatherman etc (Surge, Charge, Bear Grylls or whatever brand and model) as well. Many "survival" geeks believe their shiny expensive new toys perform as proper tools, when it's just a man toy in many respects. I like my Leatherman anyway, bring it when fishing or in a pinch for some minor task around the house when I don't have real tools in reach. But don't kid yourselves that this is "survival gear" or actual proper pliers, saws etc.
@@alejandroc1062 14gauge wire is extremely thin. Heck I've snapped it in half just by pulling hard. If the wire cutters failed on that then he has all the right to be annoyed. I regularly use my Chinese leatherman wave clone for cutting through 12/2 and for holding nuts while I use my impact on the other side and it holds up fine. A $25 Chinese Leatherman wave clone shouldn't be leagues above a $100 Gerber but sadly it is.
Greetings from Germany! Thanks for your inspiration. I moded two Center Drives and one MP600 Bladeless after your videos. Now I have two Center Drives with useful tools . Not the crap they put in by Gerber. And a Bladeless with two blades. (I was running out of more useful tools 😅 Even with the parts of a Bibury EDC) And now I like my Gerber Tools mutch more.❤
Wow thank you so much for the link to the proper cutters that is so great! I knew they were lathe cutters, but had no idea how to select them or even choose the right size. Thank you.
I really hope gerber and Leatherman have scouts that watch videos. I'm new to your channel, but you have so many ideas that would really improve their products. Thanks man.
I see Gerber innovating. Leatherman has came out with the Free series... and back tracked with the toolset on the P4 and P2. Asked more for the tools with less premium features. Claimed they took notes for 4 years to give us the Arc. Seriously? I as well as many other tinkerers, Zap Wizard, etc. Not only complained about the lack of bit drivers. We complained about not having a stamped ruler when there is space!! Also the lanyard loop on the P4 and no pocket clip was shameful. I could have solved most of their marketing and toolset issues in weeks. No way Leatherman us using the internet to their advantage. Their engineers are as connected to the real world as Joe Biden is. 😂
Got one as a Christmas gift from my job. Personally the bottle opener/pry bar works great if you’re building some ikea furniture that uses this small nails and need to pull some. Love it use it everyday at my job. But I like the suggestions on what you did.
I just bought a set of TCMW-2-1.5-1 cutters for my Gerber MP600 Bladeless! Clicking on your link takes me to the same Amazon page. I'll track down a set of replacement screw and keep the original cutters as backup, if I should ever need them.
Thats a awesome video! Thats the best customization ive seen so far you took a great tool and made it even better. I wish you could do the same with a leatherman. The gerber centre driver is my EDC as of the last year
Got like 5 multitools my self from both Leatherman, SOG and Gerber, but ive have to say that the SOG Powerpint is my favorite EDC. Ive got it with me no matter what, even if im in the house chilling.
I love mine. I think its purpose is lost on most people. They view this in an industrial environment and I don’t think that’s what Gerber was really going for. I use mine pretty regularly for day to day tasks on the range and out on field movements. It’s never let me down. My MP600 lasted multiple deployments and I beat the living shit out of those. My son carries it now. The fact that you got yours in a military kit further solidifies my opinion. I really don’t think Gerber makes its tools for factory or shop workers, I’ve always felt their tools and knives were geared for military personnel. Either way, I love my Center Drive and use it all the time, and I hope other people get good use out of theirs as well. At the end of the day, I always recommend watching videos like this one before you buy, that goes for more than just tools and blades, always do your homework when you’re spending money especially over $100 for something. Anyway, much love from your friendly neighborhood Mortarman.
Absolutely no one speaks highly of the carbide cutters so WHY hasn’t Gerber fixed this?! It’s mind blowing. How can they be so disrespectful to their customers?
The reason for the extra bit carrier is to make sure that you can open it with one hand without any problems in one smooth motion if that little knob was not there you would have some difficulty opening it with one hand
For 120 no extra work should be required. Great video... this is indicative of why I don't do gerber tools... so close yet so far... should be their motto !
The nail extractor being cast and therefore break first is a lot better then breaking the hinge or the entire multitool. I'm guessing that's probably the reason why it's cast in the first place so it's guaranteed to fail first. But I agree that a nail extractor should not be part of a multitool, or at least not at the place it is implemented here.
I agree with your points here. I also think that the nail extractor is more for smal nails and not big ones. Just a thought. I don't really see a use for it anyways.
Have you ever accessed the internal spring of the Gerber Center Drive pliers? Furthermore, would it be possible to obtain a replacement for that spring?
I hope you don’t take me as being rude. I really loved your video and I am going to do some of the upgrades that you have shown thank you so much and please continue doing awesome videos. I would like to know and maybe you already did say where did you get those proprietary tools to screw the bolts that hold the tools into the multitool thank you so much and happy new year
Update! I i switched (i should say flip flopped) the awl (reamer) with the pry tool giving it more room for leverage. That little bit extra is everything and does not impede on the operation of the tool in any way. Again, thank you for peaking my interest in modifying my center drive to make it better for the user. I LOVE Your videos! Keep being awesome🏆
I drilled a hole in the bit holder and routed a bungee through it and the sheath so that it automatically retracts. I wish i knew how to get a hold of them to see if they can do the same thing on the regular production model. For $0.25, it'd be hella handy to be able to open the sheath and pull the knife out without the mental overhead of having to watch so that the bit set doesn't fall out on the floor.
Those cutters look like standard brake lathe bits. They're the flat ones not the angled ones right? Might need to give my center drive plus am upgrade. I've never broken mine because I rarely use them, have side cutters and a wiring cutter crimper I use at work. Hey any interest in checking out the sog power assist after I'm done reviewing it? Real weird.
The bit holder stops it from closing further on purpose. It aligns the handles to allow the pliers to flik out the front easily. The plier guides will bind and keep it from gliding smoothly enough to flick out without the bit holder keeping the handles aligned.
Maybe they've fixed it in the more recent versions. My pliers would hang up even if the bit holder was recessed into the tool past flush. There was a detent that would stop the bit holder at flush. But if you squeezed the pliers hard enough, it would recess the bit holder into the tool past flush and my plier slides would bind enough that I couldn't flick the pliers out. I'd have to swing the bit holder out and store it at the flush detent inorder to again be able to flick the pliers out. All considered, I love the tool and your cutter replacement suggestion is awesome. Keep em comin.
I love the Centerdrive and have used mine for several years now but the cutters are not good for hard cutting and I did notice the issue with the pliers not gripping tiny things to good. That Dual force looks legit tho.
@@maxlvledc I really hope Gerber markets it well. They seem to just have thrown it out there, and I’m afraid it will be forgotten. If it’s good, it needs to be spread around that it is
Personally I love mine but the inside tool locking mechanism broke within a week (I’ve had mine for like 3 years I think) the awl is actually one of my favorites! Good lint in charger ports!
Spot 🙂, I'm a building super (238 apartments) and a multi tool is a must. I had also given up on my wire cutters. I broke them not long after getting the tool. So thanks for the link I will be switching to HS cutters. 👍 on the modified tool selection. Can you buy the blade holder separately? However I also broke the screwdriver/blade pivot bolt. Trying to get more leverage I had the handle at right angles to the screwdriver and 😖 it broke. But I've replaced it with a custom bolt coming through the screwdriver and a nut on the blade side (and removed the bit holder). I can now brake a screw loss and remove it as normal.
Do you think the m600 file is a better (harder steel) file than the center drive file? I was thinking about swapping them cause it looks as if they will plug and play perfectly. Let me know what u think. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! thanks in advance have a great new year.
Get rid of the bit holder and add the scissors back, get a pouch or holster to carry the extra bits/saws. I don't have one to see why there is such a small area for the bit holder so maybe the skizzers won't fit. Maybe a small pry/scrape implement or a light hammer!
I took apart a gerber mp400 for the scissors to replace the awl on my centerdrive. I got all the tools out of the centerdrive as well but putting them back in is a pain in the rear. Are the spacers necessary? I didn't see you put those in in reassembly.
Definitely heading into the direction of eventually a damn competition to Leatherman. Mr. T is nervous now.! Keep looking SOG. Take note Gerber. Great things happens when one persevere. Cowabunga matey.
Can you give us the link to the wrench? I would love to do some DIY on my Gerber Didn't had much luck with the screw pliers or the locking vise grip Thank you
How do you rate the MP600 Bladeless? I'm just starting work as a stage technician and my Leathermans really aren't doing it for me, don't want to be fiddling around with the butterfly opening when I'm up a vertical ladder. My only experience with Gerber so far was borrowing my dad's old MP400, did fine for light DIY until the old man snapped the plierhead trying to cut a nail. Bladeless MP600 seems ideal with the OTF pliers and being bladeless it's not gonna get me into trouble in the UK, tool setup seems almost perfect, I'm just a little concerned about the quality. If I'm about to drop £80 on a multitool I'll need to rely on it, don't want to be finding out too late that the screwdrivers are useless and the cutters can't handle the wiring. Keep up the great work as always dude 👍
@@maxlvledc Very tempting offering from GOAT actually. Like the Wave's sexier younger cousin. If there's a way to one-hand the pliers on it I'm sold, I admittedly haven't been following the progress all that closely but I haven't been able to find anything regarding that particular question on the FAQs or forums so far. If the GOAT lives up to the hype I'll throw all my other multitools out, I've got too many already 😅
Fellow stage tech here. I myself love my Center-Drive. Yes I wouldn't mind switching the serated blade for a H-lock or T-lock saw holder but furthermore it's great. The prybar comes in handy more times than I would've thought and when carrying an additional driver bit set in your bag or case your golden. I also would recommend against switching the cutters to the ones without notches. In this trade you'll find yourself cutting copper wire and stripping the insulation far more than cutting anything like nails if at all (I didn't). As long as you stow away your tool in your bag or case when you're done with the gig you should be fine in terms of having a blade on you. I myself still want to get the leather sheath over the nylon one as the hook 'n loop wears out in about 2-3 years losing basically 60-70 percent of its strength.
I like Gerber tools a lot, including the Centerdrive... But there are a myriad of reasons why the Centerdrive sits on a desk while the MP600 (of any type) and Diesel get picked up first. Lol
rewatching this one a few months after getting a centerdrive and using it regularly and one thing you missed here that to me is the most annoying failing of this tool is in the driver, and its very dumb. the driver has a cutaway that does nothing, cannot imagine why its even there but it prevents double ended bits being used in it.... if it could take double ended bits then the tool could hold 4 different bits without carrying a supplimental bit kit. I EDC the armbar which can use double enders and carry a second under the scissors. when i grab the centerdrive to do some work i would potentially be equipped with 8 different bits if this cutout didnt exist
I don't think it would be too complicated to machine a copy of the leatherman blade exchanger for the gerber, I think now I have a project. Btw, I'm from spain and I can't find the cutters you use, any idea of how I could find them?
How about using the leatherman but adapter or a t shank from an old tool and add it here? That would be a cool upgrade over this already better upgrade. Intresting concept as usual! Thank you
Does Brownells sell a drop in replacement for the cutters on the Gerber Center Drive? If so, part number. Why not fix something so many customers complain about?!
I love my Center Drive Plus! But I hate the starting with the scissors, the file (non diamond?), the wire cutters/strippers and the serrated knife blade. If I could find the parts and change them I would. Also the tool you are using to take them apart were can buy one? The only Gerber MP600 I can find with a saw blade are the det ones or blade less one so I don’t want to mess the Center Drive Plus or MP600 up. Whatever tools I remove from the Center Drive I will put them on the 600. But for me I don’t know what I need to get so I can do straight out swap with better parts. Do you have a PDF file for the parts that you used that I can download? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I love the tool I just want to make it a little better. Thank You
Ok I will try that when I can get a MP with the saw blade and screw driver’s. I wish that there was a diamond file that would fit. Going to loose all the can and bottle opener’s and the horrible scissors plus the horrible main knife blade why put a serrated main blade. Also the extra bit holder is the place for lanyard to go if you using it so it would up and out of the way.
I probably would've kept the pry bar in exchange for the flat heads. Its annoying both gerber and leatherman refuse to put t-shank adapters on more of their tools.
Good video! P.S. Amazon doesn't carry that cutter anymore. They have some different ones but I don't understand the meaning of the numbers after the TCMW designation. Do you know? Also, I noticed when you put it back together, you didn't use the thin 'Q' shaped spacers between the implements. Do you not think they are important or were you going to put them in later? What is their orientation? Thanks!
@@maxlvledc I just took apart my Legend 800 and made my own spring to fix the scissors. I don't know why it is impossible to buy a spring, but I couldn't get one. I ordered a roll of 0.051 in music wire from Amazon and bent my own replacement. It works well, but it seems the scissors wobble a bit, like I didn't get all the little pieces exactly in the right place. Anyway thanks and best to you!
I don’t know if have gotten to review Gerber’s small multi tool the Stake- Out Tool or the small multi tool Crucial Tool yet. I ordered both of them before release and got them yesterday. They are both a huge step forward from the Armbar (junk). If you have not ordered them yet I will send you them for review if you return them. I also ordered two new cutters from your link. Now I looking for a MP600 with a saw blade and other donor tools without spending $65-$85 for a tool I am going to take apart. Also the wrench you are using where can get one vise grips don’t sound like a good choice?
Can you please help me (and, I am sure, a lot of other folks) with a link, or a suggestion on where to find replacement HSS cutters in Europe (or, al least, in the USA) ? (I have read the replies, and they seem to work for my MP600 too...)
With certain Center Drive’s there different levels 1)no bit set you order one from Gerber or make your own 2)bit set with nylon sheath 3)bit set with leather sheath 4)bit set leather sheath and different tools (the plus) if you have the basic center drive you can order the bit and leather sheath 5)bit set with black nylon sheath you can order the leather one 6)the center drive plus has the bit set leather sheath some different tools and the crappy serrated main knife blade. If there is do over I would not buy the center drive plus or the black one it rub’s all over your hands. I would get the stainless black nylon sheath and bit set upgrade to the leather sheath with a good snap and you carry a small folding knife with a clip clipped to sheath so you aren’t digging it out for small stuff like opening boxes letters stuff like that.
Bought those replacement cutter blades. I was still not impressed with the cutting ability. I'm sure they are more durable but do not cut any more easily than the original in my experience.
Nice video,love what you did with it. After the next video with the bitholder, is there any chance to buy this tool ore do you keep it in your private collection? Thx
Great video, I’ve got two CenterDrive models, standard and blackout version. I’ve found that on the blackout version the spring loaded pliers don’t work properly. It’s like they’re sticky. Any ideas of how I can solve this issue?? Thanks again 🤙
ive been obsessed with multi tools for years and NEVER UNTIL NOW heard someone say the obvious truth of "you can open a bottle on anything so why would i need a bottle opener"
As a machinist who uses carbide tooling daily, people expect WAY too much from it. All these nerds upset their carbide cutters aren't cutting nails in half are shocking to me. What planet do they live on?? 😂 Carbide has wonderful properties, but you're never going to turn your multitool fast enough to ever take advantage of them. HSS is a better option for sure.
By the look of the modified tool, the new inner tools keep the handles even further apart than before, so the plier tips wouldn't grip anything small. And, with the handles on an angle, I doubt if the pliers could even slide out. You cunningly didn't show this.
just paid 96 total after tax, no regrets yet. i'll certainly be upgrading those cutters first, they're already in my shopping cart. Update, I finally got around to ordering the cutters and they're worth every cent!
Firstly, Gerber upgraded (redesigned) the serrated blade and file on the centerdrive and MP 600, so the complaints are from models prior to 2020 (they deepened the teeth on the serrated blade). All should be sharp and aggressive now. I have personally talked to Gerbers engineers when I was invited to tour the factory. They seemed unmoved by the complaints about the cutters, because the design is not meant for anything other than general wire. They aren’t trying to compete with Leatherman in that regard, because nobody really needs to cut a nail in half practically. I have cut fishhooks with my centerdrive cutters and they survived. I have also broken Leatherman cutters while doing the stupid tests people generally do with them (ie nail cutting). My pliers heads (and I’ve had 3 centerdrives now) have all touched at the tips and do fine tasks well. Just a few things. Awesome mod!
their carbide is still underbuilt garbage
@@user-vz9ft9wm8s That's true, they're famous for shattering and indeed the ones on my MP600 did, I was trying to cut coathanger wire, to simulate a barbed wire or other wire fence. My Leatherman Rebar does it fine. Even my SOG Micro Toolclip can just about do it although it's painful on the hands. Luckily I bought a multipack of no name carbide replacement cutters from China. But I'd have thought that Gerber would have made this tool suitable for cutting thick wire.
@@simonh6371 I handed my general foreman my gerber center drive when he asked for a wire cutter. 14g copper wire exploded my cutters. He handed me my tool back an very impatiently asked for the next thing that could do the job of cutting wire. A cheap pair of rusty dykes was supplied.
There is a loss of confidence when you hand over a $100 plus tool. only to have it returned broken, then a $8 tool does it’s job. That can not be over stated
@m To be honest, your story would repeat itself with Leatherman etc (Surge, Charge, Bear Grylls or whatever brand and model) as well. Many "survival" geeks believe their shiny expensive new toys perform as proper tools, when it's just a man toy in many respects. I like my Leatherman anyway, bring it when fishing or in a pinch for some minor task around the house when I don't have real tools in reach. But don't kid yourselves that this is "survival gear" or actual proper pliers, saws etc.
@@alejandroc1062 14gauge wire is extremely thin. Heck I've snapped it in half just by pulling hard. If the wire cutters failed on that then he has all the right to be annoyed. I regularly use my Chinese leatherman wave clone for cutting through 12/2 and for holding nuts while I use my impact on the other side and it holds up fine. A $25 Chinese Leatherman wave clone shouldn't be leagues above a $100 Gerber but sadly it is.
Greetings from Germany!
Thanks for your inspiration. I moded two Center Drives and one MP600 Bladeless after your videos. Now I have two Center Drives with useful tools . Not the crap they put in by Gerber. And a Bladeless with two blades. (I was running out of more useful tools 😅 Even with the parts of a Bibury EDC) And now I like my Gerber Tools mutch more.❤
Wow thank you so much for the link to the proper cutters that is so great! I knew they were lathe cutters, but had no idea how to select them or even choose the right size. Thank you.
I really hope gerber and Leatherman have scouts that watch videos. I'm new to your channel, but you have so many ideas that would really improve their products. Thanks man.
LOL. Leatherman is too big to innovate and don’t seem to GAF. Ditto to Gerber but at least the center drive is cool.
I see Gerber innovating. Leatherman has came out with the Free series... and back tracked with the toolset on the P4 and P2. Asked more for the tools with less premium features. Claimed they took notes for 4 years to give us the Arc. Seriously? I as well as many other tinkerers, Zap Wizard, etc. Not only complained about the lack of bit drivers. We complained about not having a stamped ruler when there is space!! Also the lanyard loop on the P4 and no pocket clip was shameful. I could have solved most of their marketing and toolset issues in weeks. No way Leatherman us using the internet to their advantage. Their engineers are as connected to the real world as Joe Biden is. 😂
Start your own company and make the perfect multi tool. Or you could hack the ones we already have out there and make them even better.
I love your videos, but why are you counting the spring opening as a step?
I like that saw upgrade and I am going to be doing that soon. Great idea.
Got one as a Christmas gift from my job. Personally the bottle opener/pry bar works great if you’re building some ikea furniture that uses this small nails and need to pull some. Love it use it everyday at my job. But I like the suggestions on what you did.
I just bought a set of TCMW-2-1.5-1 cutters for my Gerber MP600 Bladeless! Clicking on your link takes me to the same Amazon page. I'll track down a set of replacement screw and keep the original cutters as backup, if I should ever need them.
The speed steel cutters are going to last longer than the tool lol
Thats a awesome video! Thats the best customization ive seen so far you took a great tool and made it even better. I wish you could do the same with a leatherman. The gerber centre driver is my EDC as of the last year
Got like 5 multitools my self from both Leatherman, SOG and Gerber, but ive have to say that the SOG Powerpint is my favorite EDC. Ive got it with me no matter what, even if im in the house chilling.
I love the pliers on it..if the other implements were just a little better I'd be happy
@@maxlvledc that is true, but no multitool is perfect.
@@LTSDK1 ain't that the truth!
I love mine. I think its purpose is lost on most people. They view this in an industrial environment and I don’t think that’s what Gerber was really going for. I use mine pretty regularly for day to day tasks on the range and out on field movements. It’s never let me down. My MP600 lasted multiple deployments and I beat the living shit out of those. My son carries it now. The fact that you got yours in a military kit further solidifies my opinion. I really don’t think Gerber makes its tools for factory or shop workers, I’ve always felt their tools and knives were geared for military personnel. Either way, I love my Center Drive and use it all the time, and I hope other people get good use out of theirs as well. At the end of the day, I always recommend watching videos like this one before you buy, that goes for more than just tools and blades, always do your homework when you’re spending money especially over $100 for something. Anyway, much love from your friendly neighborhood Mortarman.
Absolutely no one speaks highly of the carbide cutters so WHY hasn’t Gerber fixed this?! It’s mind blowing. How can they be so disrespectful to their customers?
The reason for the extra bit carrier is to make sure that you can open it with one hand without any problems in one smooth motion if that little knob was not there you would have some difficulty opening it with one hand
For 120 no extra work should be required. Great video... this is indicative of why I don't do gerber tools... so close yet so far... should be their motto !
Gerber is so frustrating.
They'll have one or two genuinely great ideas and then mess the execution up completely.
I haven't seen a multitool that I personally wouldn't need to modify for me to be happy with it
nice video. I think the scissor in the mp600 is the best among all the multitools i have. Going to compare it to my incoming mp800.
I just order them i hope there good im a HVAC installer in cookville TN. I cut a lot of stuff cant wait to try them
You are the multi-tool GOAT my friend. Keep up the good work.
Appreciated!
The nail extractor being cast and therefore break first is a lot better then breaking the hinge or the entire multitool. I'm guessing that's probably the reason why it's cast in the first place so it's guaranteed to fail first. But I agree that a nail extractor should not be part of a multitool, or at least not at the place it is implemented here.
I agree with your points here. I also think that the nail extractor is more for smal nails and not big ones. Just a thought. I don't really see a use for it anyways.
It's probably ment to be more of a pry bar than a nail remover
Have you ever accessed the internal spring of the Gerber Center Drive pliers? Furthermore, would it be possible to obtain a replacement for that spring?
I hope you don’t take me as being rude. I really loved your video and I am going to do some of the upgrades that you have shown thank you so much and please continue doing awesome videos. I would like to know and maybe you already did say where did you get those proprietary tools to screw the bolts that hold the tools into the multitool thank you so much and happy new year
Update! I i switched (i should say flip flopped) the awl (reamer) with the pry tool giving it more room for leverage. That little bit extra is everything and does not impede on the operation of the tool in any way. Again, thank you for peaking my interest in modifying my center drive to make it better for the user. I LOVE Your videos! Keep being awesome🏆
I drilled a hole in the bit holder and routed a bungee through it and the sheath so that it automatically retracts. I wish i knew how to get a hold of them to see if they can do the same thing on the regular production model. For $0.25, it'd be hella handy to be able to open the sheath and pull the knife out without the mental overhead of having to watch so that the bit set doesn't fall out on the floor.
Those cutters look like standard brake lathe bits. They're the flat ones not the angled ones right? Might need to give my center drive plus am upgrade. I've never broken mine because I rarely use them, have side cutters and a wiring cutter crimper I use at work.
Hey any interest in checking out the sog power assist after I'm done reviewing it? Real weird.
They have 7 degree relief
The bit holder stops it from closing further on purpose. It aligns the handles to allow the pliers to flik out the front easily. The plier guides will bind and keep it from gliding smoothly enough to flick out without the bit holder keeping the handles aligned.
Just checked...works perfectly fine either way.
Maybe they've fixed it in the more recent versions. My pliers would hang up even if the bit holder was recessed into the tool past flush. There was a detent that would stop the bit holder at flush. But if you squeezed the pliers hard enough, it would recess the bit holder into the tool past flush and my plier slides would bind enough that I couldn't flick the pliers out. I'd have to swing the bit holder out and store it at the flush detent inorder to again be able to flick the pliers out. All considered, I love the tool and your cutter replacement suggestion is awesome. Keep em comin.
from what i have heard the leatherman supertool 300M has an incredible pry bar. it is such an underrated tool sadly
I have it..it's not the pry tool that fails..it's the pivot screw.
The website called Travers has the same HSS inserts. The ones linked are unavailable unfortunately.
I love the Centerdrive and have used mine for several years now but the cutters are not good for hard cutting and I did notice the issue with the pliers not gripping tiny things to good. That Dual force looks legit tho.
Yea, I'm excited for it.
@@maxlvledc I really hope Gerber markets it well. They seem to just have thrown it out there, and I’m afraid it will be forgotten. If it’s good, it needs to be spread around that it is
I would love to be able to order a kit that I could turn mine into the one you just showed me.
Is there a scissor upgrade for this Gurber?
Personally I love mine but the inside tool locking mechanism broke within a week (I’ve had mine for like 3 years I think) the awl is actually one of my favorites! Good lint in charger ports!
Spot 🙂,
I'm a building super (238 apartments) and a multi tool is a must.
I had also given up on my wire cutters. I broke them not long after getting the tool. So thanks for the link I will be switching to HS cutters.
👍 on the modified tool selection.
Can you buy the blade holder separately?
However I also broke the screwdriver/blade pivot bolt.
Trying to get more leverage I had the handle at right angles to the screwdriver and 😖 it broke.
But I've replaced it with a custom bolt coming through the screwdriver and a nut on the blade side (and removed the bit holder). I can now brake a screw loss and remove it as normal.
Awesome! Hope it works better for you
Do you think the m600 file is a better (harder steel) file than the center drive file? I was thinking about swapping them cause it looks as if they will plug and play perfectly. Let me know what u think. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!! thanks in advance have a great new year.
Did you ever solve the issue with the bit holder?
Where can I get the wrench you used on your center drive modification? I actually like the scissors, but the saw blade would be much more useful.
Can you please provide a link for where to buy that wrench to disassemble the tool? Thank you for all your great videos!
Sadly not available, we're made in russia
Get rid of the bit holder and add the scissors back, get a pouch or holster to carry the extra bits/saws. I don't have one to see why there is such a small area for the bit holder so maybe the skizzers won't fit. Maybe a small pry/scrape implement or a light hammer!
Any update on how to remove the spare bit holder?
I took apart a gerber mp400 for the scissors to replace the awl on my centerdrive. I got all the tools out of the centerdrive as well but putting them back in is a pain in the rear. Are the spacers necessary? I didn't see you put those in in reassembly.
Technically....no, and I kind of prefer clumping
@@maxlvledc thanks 👍
Definitely heading into the direction of eventually a damn competition to Leatherman. Mr. T is nervous now.! Keep looking SOG. Take note Gerber. Great things happens when one persevere. Cowabunga matey.
Can u post a video that what you did with the bit holder?? I am also trying to remove the bit holder and install something else.
Can you give us the link to the wrench? I would love to do some DIY on my Gerber
Didn't had much luck with the screw pliers or the locking vise grip
Thank you
Sadly no longer available
@@maxlvledc ok, thank you anyway
How do you rate the MP600 Bladeless? I'm just starting work as a stage technician and my Leathermans really aren't doing it for me, don't want to be fiddling around with the butterfly opening when I'm up a vertical ladder. My only experience with Gerber so far was borrowing my dad's old MP400, did fine for light DIY until the old man snapped the plierhead trying to cut a nail.
Bladeless MP600 seems ideal with the OTF pliers and being bladeless it's not gonna get me into trouble in the UK, tool setup seems almost perfect, I'm just a little concerned about the quality. If I'm about to drop £80 on a multitool I'll need to rely on it, don't want to be finding out too late that the screwdrivers are useless and the cutters can't handle the wiring.
Keep up the great work as always dude 👍
Imo, get the GOAT tool when it comes out...modular and has a blade that can be UK legal.
@@maxlvledc Very tempting offering from GOAT actually. Like the Wave's sexier younger cousin. If there's a way to one-hand the pliers on it I'm sold, I admittedly haven't been following the progress all that closely but I haven't been able to find anything regarding that particular question on the FAQs or forums so far. If the GOAT lives up to the hype I'll throw all my other multitools out, I've got too many already 😅
Fellow stage tech here. I myself love my Center-Drive. Yes I wouldn't mind switching the serated blade for a H-lock or T-lock saw holder but furthermore it's great. The prybar comes in handy more times than I would've thought and when carrying an additional driver bit set in your bag or case your golden. I also would recommend against switching the cutters to the ones without notches. In this trade you'll find yourself cutting copper wire and stripping the insulation far more than cutting anything like nails if at all (I didn't). As long as you stow away your tool in your bag or case when you're done with the gig you should be fine in terms of having a blade on you.
I myself still want to get the leather sheath over the nylon one as the hook 'n loop wears out in about 2-3 years losing basically 60-70 percent of its strength.
Where can I buy the wrench that you used to loosen the locking mechanism to free the tools for upgrading. Thank you in advance
sadly no longer available, but screw pliers work well.
I like Gerber tools a lot, including the Centerdrive... But there are a myriad of reasons why the Centerdrive sits on a desk while the MP600 (of any type) and Diesel get picked up first. Lol
Center drive is King 💪
rewatching this one a few months after getting a centerdrive and using it regularly and one thing you missed here that to me is the most annoying failing of this tool is in the driver, and its very dumb.
the driver has a cutaway that does nothing, cannot imagine why its even there but it prevents double ended bits being used in it....
if it could take double ended bits then the tool could hold 4 different bits without carrying a supplimental bit kit.
I EDC the armbar which can use double enders and carry a second under the scissors.
when i grab the centerdrive to do some work i would potentially be equipped with 8 different bits if this cutout didnt exist
Amazing Video / I am to
purchase the tool with bit set..
I don't think it would be too complicated to machine a copy of the leatherman blade exchanger for the gerber, I think now I have a project. Btw, I'm from spain and I can't find the cutters you use, any idea of how I could find them?
Hmm, I saw some on Ali express but they were carbide.
Can you please provide a link to the wrench tool used to pull the gerber apart?
Where did you say you got those little wrenches to work on a Gerber?
Those high speed steel inserts are no longer available in Amazon. What bits are you using?
They can also be sold oh then companies website I believe
Ic. Let me look for it. Shipping will be costly to malaysia
How about using the leatherman but adapter or a t shank from an old tool and add it here? That would be a cool upgrade over this already better upgrade.
Intresting concept as usual! Thank you
The pivot size is the same..but the tang is completely different sadly, and won't work. Good thought
But it would work with the centerdrive if you used leatherman saw blades? Or are the dimensions of the adapter itself not a good fit
Is there any way we can buy a saw or holder if we are buying a gerber for the first time? I really would love and prefer a saw.
Hi. For how many flat screws drivers can i swap the pry tool? I need at least the small and big
at least 2
What wrench do you use to disassemble
Where can I get the proprietary wrench? My Dual Force knife has been tight since I bought it.
there are some made in USA now. amzn.to/4c3v1Ly
@@maxlvledc, out of stock but I added it to my list. Thanks for the response and for the informative videos. By far my favorite YT channel.
What type of tool are you using to take off the screws?
I didn't see a link my friend. Please show me where you got them. Thank you.
Link to what??
Link to cutters should be in description
@@maxlvledc
Oh dang it I'm so sorry. I thought I had typed it in( the cutters) my apologies.
I ordered some of those replacement wire cutters and found them to be to thick to retract the pliers. Any advice.
It's the wrong one then, there are different thicknesses. Return them
@@maxlvledc can you recommend the proper measurement to look for?
Does Brownells sell a drop in replacement for the cutters on the Gerber Center Drive? If so, part number. Why not fix something so many customers complain about?!
I love my Center Drive Plus! But I hate the starting with the scissors, the file (non diamond?), the wire cutters/strippers and the serrated knife blade. If I could find the parts and change them I would. Also the tool you are using to take them apart were can buy one? The only Gerber MP600 I can find with a saw blade are the det ones or blade less one so I don’t want to mess the Center Drive Plus or MP600 up. Whatever tools I remove from the Center Drive I will put them on the 600. But for me I don’t know what I need to get so I can do straight out swap with better parts. Do you have a PDF file for the parts that you used that I can download? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I love the tool I just want to make it a little better.
Thank You
Are you referring to the wrenches? I don't have the design. I'd use some locking pliers
Ok I will try that when I can get a MP with the saw blade and screw driver’s. I wish that there was a diamond file that would fit. Going to loose all the can and bottle opener’s and the horrible scissors plus the horrible main knife blade why put a serrated main blade. Also the extra bit holder is the place for lanyard to go if you using it so it would up and out of the way.
I probably would've kept the pry bar in exchange for the flat heads. Its annoying both gerber and leatherman refuse to put t-shank adapters on more of their tools.
What size Phillips do you have in this video?
Im wondering, mine doesn't deploy the pliers as easy as yours. I used to be able to flick it out. Do you know why? Or how to fix itM
lube on the frame rails? bent frame?
Good video! P.S. Amazon doesn't carry that cutter anymore. They have some different ones but I don't understand the meaning of the numbers after the TCMW designation. Do you know? Also, I noticed when you put it back together, you didn't use the thin 'Q' shaped spacers between the implements. Do you not think they are important or were you going to put them in later? What is their orientation? Thanks!
They are..but I would have to think hard how to get everything back in if I were to do it again. For the video this was the best I could do
@@maxlvledc I just took apart my Legend 800 and made my own spring to fix the scissors. I don't know why it is impossible to buy a spring, but I couldn't get one. I ordered a roll of 0.051 in music wire from Amazon and bent my own replacement. It works well, but it seems the scissors wobble a bit, like I didn't get all the little pieces exactly in the right place. Anyway thanks and best to you!
Hey Dominic,
Do you have a source for the Gerber disassembly wrenches?
They were made in Russia, so not any more
Crap. I was afraid of that...
Can you provide a link to those parts?
I don’t know if have gotten to review Gerber’s small multi tool the Stake- Out Tool or the small multi tool Crucial Tool yet. I ordered both of them before release and got them yesterday. They are both a huge step forward from the Armbar (junk). If you have not ordered them yet I will send you them for review if you return them. I also ordered two new cutters from your link. Now I looking for a MP600 with a saw blade and other donor tools without spending $65-$85 for a tool I am going to take apart. Also the wrench you are using where can get one vise grips don’t sound like a good choice?
You would have to look on ebay...but since they are from Russia...it may be difficult
Does the mp600 plier head fit in the center drive?
Where did you get the wrench for taking it apart
From ebay, from Russia so I don't know how easy it will be to get.
How Armstrong lost a government contract and gerber had 1 to begin with baffles me
Where can we get those revit removal?
Did you have to buy two of them or do the cutters come as a pair ?
Buy two
Where to get spare parts like t shank holder or scissors? Don't want to buy new tool and just take it apart for parts :D
Yep, sacrifice one for another.
@@maxlvledccan you put Leatherman t shank on center drive?
Hi, i have an odd question, what are those gloves?
I love your videos!
Greetings from México!
Some milwaukee leather work gloves
That’s exactly how I would want it I would buy one if they were like that
You should buy a surge or wave and mod it with a center drive driver or use a Gerber arm bar driver
Thinking about itm
Where do you buy the different tools?
Salvaged from other tools
Can you please help me (and, I am sure, a lot of other folks) with a link, or a suggestion on where to find replacement HSS cutters in Europe (or, al least, in the USA) ? (I have read the replies, and they seem to work for my MP600 too...)
the company who makes the cutters actually has their own website you can buy from possibly.
Cool. I wonder why Gerber contacted you.
They didn't as far as I know
Have you been able to solve the problem of adding an awl to a Wave? Regarding the Gerber,, I would never spend a penny buying one.
The awl isn't too hard to accomplish, just needs a little grinding
Hi, can anyone tell me the name of the spanner used to open the nail which holds all the tools together? The proprietary tool
It's a proprietary tool make from russia..but any screw plier will work just as well and is far more versatile
@@maxlvledc thanks
The GOAT tool will be perfect for you since you like tinkering with your tools
Dude...I was #7 on the backer list 😉😉
@@maxlvledc I don’t know what backer I was but I bought one that comes with all the extras and two normal ones
I've used since day released and not crack on carbide insert,
What size is the blade？thank you
Do those cutters work for the MP600?
Yes!
Cool. Thanks for the tip. I enjoy your videos.
Robison??? Always called it a Robertson or canadian😆 who's right also when I bought my new center drive new at Walmart it was 79.99 just no bit kit
Solid deal!
With certain Center Drive’s there different levels 1)no bit set you order one from Gerber or make your own 2)bit set with nylon sheath 3)bit set with leather sheath 4)bit set leather sheath and different tools (the plus) if you have the basic center drive you can order the bit and leather sheath 5)bit set with black nylon sheath you can order the leather one 6)the center drive plus has the bit set leather sheath some different tools and the crappy serrated main knife blade. If there is do over I would not buy the center drive plus or the black one it rub’s all over your hands. I would get the stainless black nylon sheath and bit set upgrade to the leather sheath with a good snap and you carry a small folding knife with a clip clipped to sheath so you aren’t digging it out for small stuff like opening boxes letters stuff like that.
Bought those replacement cutter blades. I was still not impressed with the cutting ability. I'm sure they are more durable but do not cut any more easily than the original in my experience.
anyone knows where to get that 4 lobe wrench for disassembling mp600 and center drive? much appreciated
Freakin' nice ! I checked for the cutters.... for me in Canada i'd cost 40$.... 😑 anyways ahah nice video !!! 🤟
The cutters are a standard size, I'd see who distributes in Canada
Nice video,love what you did with it. After the next video with the bitholder, is there any chance to buy this tool ore do you keep it in your private collection? Thx
I haven't decided...selling these is a gray area
How can i got it..?? I'm from Dhaka, Bangladesh
Great video, I’ve got two CenterDrive models, standard and blackout version. I’ve found that on the blackout version the spring loaded pliers don’t work properly. It’s like they’re sticky. Any ideas of how I can solve this issue??
Thanks again 🤙
Sounds like it maybe worth a warranty imo
@@maxlvledc I thought it would loosen over time but it hasn’t. I might contact them then. It prevents me using it tbh
@@timosborne8174 file a warranty claim on Gerbers website and send it in. They will either repair or replace it no questions asked.
I disagree about my reamer. Broke the tip off mine
Let me clarify, I bought this online and thought it had a saw, I know my mistake but I want to add a saw.
Cool
ive been obsessed with multi tools for years and NEVER UNTIL NOW heard someone say the obvious truth of "you can open a bottle on anything so why would i need a bottle opener"
As a machinist who uses carbide tooling daily, people expect WAY too much from it. All these nerds upset their carbide cutters aren't cutting nails in half are shocking to me. What planet do they live on?? 😂 Carbide has wonderful properties, but you're never going to turn your multitool fast enough to ever take advantage of them. HSS is a better option for sure.
By the look of the modified tool, the new inner tools keep the handles even further apart than before, so the plier tips wouldn't grip anything small. And, with the handles on an angle, I doubt if the pliers could even slide out. You cunningly didn't show this.
.... I'll take the bait...the bit holder is still the issue...what do you feel would cause it being further apart?
both my reamer and my prytool broke...
How did you break the reamer?!?
@@maxlvledc Well, I reamed... A bit hard I guess but I continued with my charge and it handled it so...
Why not a pocket clip? This is a heavy tool. It is not a highly polished multitool, like the Victorinox. Why demand the use of a sheath or case?
I upgraded it bye putting it down and buying a Leatherman never picked up the Gerber again
just paid 96 total after tax, no regrets yet. i'll certainly be upgrading those cutters first, they're already in my shopping cart.
Update, I finally got around to ordering the cutters and they're worth every cent!