Leatherman Crunch is Gone. (Why would they discontinue it? What can replace it?)
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- Опубликовано: 5 дек 2023
- I'm sad to see the Crunch go, but I also understand it uses exclusive parts. This js something I believe Leatherman is moving away from.
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I think this sucks that they are discontinuing it. Literally one of the best tools they make.
Not "one of the best". Simply the best.
Amen, baby.
Prices for them are already getting obscene!!
@@garypotter5569just bought one off my countrys official leatherman store... 177$... had to get one and I suspect prices will go up, so if I don't like it there should be ok resale options!😂
I hope Leatherman realizes going forward that if they start putting these 1/4 Hex drivers onto all their multi-tools, along with listening to what the customers want, they'd undercut their Chinese competition majorly and get a big chunk of people back buying their stuff.
The Leatherman square- to- 1/4" hex adapter is currently obscenely priced as of this printing, but this model could benefit from a square-to-1/4" phillips just like the Juice and other models have.
When the patent runs out on that particular, specific adapter, the utility of scores of multitools will be vastly enhanced.
I carry a crunch with me every day! The small set of tools it has along with the locking pliers, is perfect for me.
The Crunch was the second Leatherman mt that I purchased. The first was the Wave. Both 1999 mfg date. I always carried both on long motorcycle trips. Got me home more than once. Great tools!
With so many discontinued tools. Being pulled from shelves everywhere I shop retail. If I didn't know any better. I would say Leatherman is going out of business or is at risk of being acquired by a Chinese company. Probably not the case, but you never can be too sure. Leatherman tool group isn't very transparent.
The Crunch is the only (non-mini) Leatherman I've considered carrying. But my 4" vise grip does the job. As a woman with medium hand size / strength, having a lightweight locking plier on me is great. A SAK and mini-ratchet take care of most everything else.
It is literally the best multi-tool ever
A fitting tribute 👍
Just worth noting that in the UK the warranty is replacement only.
This was a factor for me when I got mine earlier this year. The QC was poor and the handles didn't close properly at all, was lopsided. I ended up modding it and found a mint in box from '99 to keep.
A shame to see it go but no surprise, think we all knew it was on borrowed time. I tend to think of it as small form factor locking pliers with extra useful stuff on board.
It's also very satisfying to fidget with and practice opening with 1 hand! 😁
That's a real shame. I just found the crunch and it was on my Christmas list. as a welder who uses vice grips daily this would have been the perfect multitool for me.
I checked about four hours after I got the restock notification and it was already gone. Really wish they had extended the run/made more to last for at least a day.
They are at Graingers.
The depressing thing is I had this in my cart but I wasn't going to pull the trigger on buying it until I transitioned from work to school, come to find out it's discontinued right around that time haha. Brutal.
Didn't they already discontinued Crunch some time ago and then brought it back? I got my this year and I love it.
Was lucky enough to get an order in. I have been waiting for a while.
I love this tool! Breaks my heart to know that I can’t replace mine if lost or stolen. I was actually hoping to someday get a second one to try to mod. Alas!
Crunch has been valuable over the decades of ownership. Had it repaired once. It does well added to another tool. There is no other competition.
While it may not be mainstream build quality, it still is quite stout and robust. It could be improved upon, and hopefully there will be another iteration. Yet to discontinue I think is a mistake. Might not be a big seller, yet it is unique. Crunch is compact, easy to carry, and holds fairly well. The pliers attachment could be enhanced, yet it still works.
Unfortunate that this MT was discontinued being an automotive mechanic, I use the Crunch like my life depended on it really has helped during small and quick fixes. I was lucky enough to purchase it after the COVID epidemic as soon as I was notified that it was in production I pulled the wallet trigger and placed the order. Now I’m careful babying it due to the fact it can’t be repaired or replaced, hoping they make a version 2 as you indicated. My Crunch now has become heirloom to pass down to my grandson/daughter.
I purchased one new many years ago. I love it, don't use it much, but will never get rid of it.
It’s been a good tool and just an overall great addition to my tool kit. It sucks that they are discontinuing it but kinda hopeful to see what the replacement could be.
What?!?!?! I thought they brought it back recently. Were they just getting rid of inventory. Glad I still have the one I bought years ago but it's a shame others will miss out. I don't know of anything else like it.
BTW... Has anyone heard any new info on the leatherman cutters situation?
In addition to carrying a multi tool I have for many years carried the smallest needle nose Irwin Vise-grips. I never knew the crunch had the ability to use 1/4 bits. Bring back the Crunch.
I got my order in yesterday before they sold out again. Shipped today!
I bought one nearly two years ago,never used it and still in its original box.I bought it because I knew it was going to become collectable one day........that happened sooner than I thought.
Multi-Tool collecting is a "VICE". I need to get a "GRIP". RIP Crunchy!
Too bad. 😞 I have mine. Thanks for the video about the Crunch. I keep mine in my small tool pouch that is my EDC tool pouch. The tool pouch is my go to with out havaing to get a my big tool box of tools. I do agree, there are not many heavy duty multi tools. I do have all three heavy duty multi tool, Surge, ST 300 and last the Crunch. But yah, the Surge and Crunch is a great multi tool set to have and that work well together.
That is a bummer. It's not been a tool I've particularly needed but it is such a good design. I think it is nice to have different multitool pliers options
I love it when it specifically comes to the Little irwin vise grip,it is so powerful,yet small,and practical.
Beautiful 😍
I have this tool and l find it very useful. I also have other Leatherman tools for my EDC.
I have carried mine since 1999. Used both in HVAC and generat facility maintenance. Greatest EDC that I've come across.
I should've bought one for a little over $100 last year. Now they're over $200 :(
My buddy gave me his, it sux. The pliers r unusable, the tools r too small. If u want a small vise grip, purchase a small vise grip. The action of setting the plier is irritating 😠
@@chevy4x466 I have a small vise grip. I don't want it for the multi-tools (& would remove most of them) but want it for the vise grip pocket plier feature.
I have been thinking about getting this but it would be awesome to see a new one but with some of the Rebar tools, like the knife, Phillips, file and the large flat driver. If possible, the saw would be awesome but I think it would be to wide with the 4 tools. It would be awesome to see a T shank from the Surge in the next Crunch. They could literally make tools with a T shank at the bottom and we can change the tool to fit our needs for the day. That would be amazing. My Uncle just passed away and he liked this tool and said that I should get 1, since I was getting into multitools. It kinda feels like a emty feeling.
Agreed, I want them to also put this Crunch 1/4 hex driver onto all their multi-tools going forward. I hate the soft flat 2D bits and actually ended up returning my new Surge and getting a Chinese copy due to that and the wire cutter issue.
I'm glad I bought one when I did I was carrying it along with a surge.
. I quit carrying it. I'm afraid of losing it and no chance of replacing it. I'm disappointed that it has been discontinued .
Ive never seen one ever, when the first letterman and gerber came I bought both. Im still using both and still running strong. The vice grip feature is great
I’ve had one over 10 years and find it very helpful even when I carry mine along side of my Leatherman Surge. It fills a niche that no other multi tool fills. Maybe this means that mine will gain value.
The crunch is the best, so glad I picked one up before it got discontinued, I've used mine for the most absurd stuff imaginable
I'm glad I got mine around 2 years ago. If they're discontinuing it, they should make a substitute.
Realy disapointed in Leatherman for doing this, such a great tool.
I'd better keep a close eye on mine then! I am a mechanical technician and the locking grips does everything a pliers can do and more. Can unscrew threaded pipe and can be used for clamp when welding. Always have it with me at work. A proper tool, not a toy!
I’ve had mine for over 20 years as well as a bunch of other Leatherman models. Yeah, it’s a bit more fidgety than the mini channel locks you showed but those tools don’t have the additional tools. Taking the time to actually have a LOCKING vice grip in such a small package makes it easier to carry than the Irwin and the channel locks. I have a Schrade multi tool that has two stage pliers and a bunch of other tools. Including a saw and a chisel. Has a regular hex head socket too. An amazing tool. A little bulky but still no thicker than a full size multi tool. Wider and longer but fits perfect in the tool pocket on cargo pants. I don’t see any actual tool name on it other than SCHRADE TOUGH. Oh yeah, all the tools are locking and the driver socket locks in two places for increased torque. I don’t know if it’s still made but I’ve had mine for probably 25 years or longer. Too bad the Crunch is going away. Probably just never sold enough to be worth maintaining a production line and warehousing space. Definitely a tool for guys who actually use their multi tools.
Sad day. Love the small size and engineering of it. Normallly carry it and my squirt p4. Bought an extra yesterday right when i got the email, so i dont have to baby mine.
I bought an extra yesterday, so i dont have to baby it.
I recently was going to get a multi-tool for the first time and tried to get the Crunch because of the locking pliers, but it is not available, so I did get the dedicated ones, a 4 inch needle and 5 inch regular, for less than $25. It's actually a better solution.
still a great tool i got one in SF in 2012 then lost it but got one last year ...because i missed it i have other leathermans but this does unquie things and its small. I guess i will look after it.
This has been my edc multi-tool since I got it 7-8 years ago. I've been on the email list for the better part of 2 years and have missed the drops every time. I'm pretty bummed, I was hoping to snag a spare due the pliers on mine being heavily worn.
I hope they come out with a new stile. These are handy.
This is my current work EDC. It's easier to grip on to stuck valves to turn off. I have broken it, but it's highly abused and was used 5 days a week multiple times per day. The part that failed is where the ball goes in to set the pliers up. Warrantied without issue. It's my favorite tool so far. Less conventional nut the amount of force you can apply with it being locking plier helps it pick up all the slack for it. Sucks they discontinued it. I have many others and have used them but the crunch ended up.be so useful being able to grip a nut or broken vavle without fail
Goes off the market right as I start getting paid and want the tool for engineering work
Had mine for 20+ years but only just discovered the hex bit drive. D'oh!
I love my Crunch and carry it all the time. If I ever thought they would stop making it I would have bought another as spare.
That sucks. I've always wanted a Leatherman and this one has been on top of my list for years because I'm in maintenance and would use it daily. Bummed but still broke...
i wish i still had my craftsman/kershaw needle nose vise grip mt, but i got actual vis grip ones, not many tools but its a good vise grip
i carry my vice grip with a small keyring around the screw part, and keep it on the same bigger keyring that is also attached to my pill bottle that i keep bits in, so i can easily get them both with me if i'm going somewhere that i might need them. and it's really easy to just take the screw out of the vice grip if the pill bottle/bit holder gets in the way.
btw. i used electrical tape, duct tape, and painters tape on the pill bottle, that way, i have it all with me for bigger jobs that might pop out from nowhere
Nawet nie znałem tego narzędzia. Zadziwiająco praktyczne. Małe i wygląda na wytrzymałe.
Im so glad I bought 2 last month i love them and these clone companies need get to cloning ASAP and step up their quality
i don't think this is possible as the crunch isn't very popular in the mass market, and cloning companies just clone the best selling ones
My Crunch lives in its leather pouch with bits and an extender/mini ratchet handle - and is still in excellent shape. If anyone out there in RUclipsLand thinks that they need a Crunch more than I do, I won't sell mine - but I would swap it for a New ARC - unopened in its box...Stay safe.
Tou should be LM history curator. I like your style of presentation (teacher-like).
It is joining the ranks of the tool adapter also.
My countrys official Leatherman site still had it for sale... had to pull the trigger! Always wanted one... so it was now or never!🤗
177$... 😮
Didn't Oregon dramatically raise their minimum wage a few years ago? It could have made some Leatherman tools unprofitable.
Oregon has been raising it annually $0.50 - $0.75. I wouldn't call that dramatic and I doubt they'd have many people at minimum wage. Entry level people maybe, but none of the machinists or anyone working on parts would.
Gerber knives is also headquartered there.
@@silhouettegundamtrue but minimum wage going up raises other trades and jobs as well. It's all relative.
Oh no not minimum wage
I doubt leatherman has anyone working there that makes minimum wage. Did you want your premium tools made by high schoolers working 10 hours a week on industrial machines?
I've had an odd relationship with my crunch. I was really hyped to get it, but for some reason i had some surprising buyers remorse shortly after getting it, yet somehow ever since them my love of it has really come around. No idea why all this happened, since this is the only time Ive had that kind of response to any multitool or knife.
That’s a very valid point you make.
I’m not sure I’ll carry my Crunch as much as I would a $10 Irwin Vice Grips.
The very thought of breaking it makes me shudder.
And that leads to the Paradox of the expensive tool.
At $230, how many would use the Arc as well as they did the SuperTool/200/300?
I love mine, but it's definitely second to my china surge. It lives in my tool bag
I don’t get them retiring the crunch either. Like it very much. Got two of them though so those will last me the rest of my days most likely.
I purchased one after they came back in stock after the last time we thought it was discontinued. I have to say it has been my most used Leatherman. Shame it is going to be officially gone! I have to wonder if Leatherman is more interested in being “trendy” and “cutting edge” rather than being tools for people needing to get stuff done.
I always thought the og pst to be the one that makes most sense: very good pliers and useful tools but in a small package. Their tools now don't have enough additional functionality to justify the addded weight/bulk(I undersrtand that the wave style outer implements are better, but they just seem strange on a multitool handle that is heavy)
@@alliswell-pb9vo Well maybe I should get my original PST out of retirement. 🤔😁Glad I got my Crunch when I did. I also pickuped a G10 Charge that was discontinued. My collection is pretty complete and have no intentions of picking up the ARC, “Garage” or other “pocket jewelry” offerings from Leatherman not unless there a practical cost effective offering.
Hate to say it. But Leatherman is a boutique brand now 😂 their pricing and most recent designs really reflect that. They're the Beats of the tool world.
Dumb mistake great tool and useful carry it always. Will help or back up any other multi tool.
I carry a wave every single day. I wish I’d had more time to pick one of these up for less than 200$ on the second hand market. That price is crazy but damn I could use one. I should’ve got it when I had the chance.
I think a small vocal minority kept this tool alive. Likely the sales aren’t there, it’s a hyper specialized tool that is not broadly applicable.
Also a pair of locking pliers are 6-10 dollars. You buy a multitool for its broad spectrum of applicability not speciality applications. VISE makes great 5inch locking pliers for 10 bucks….
The signal is an exception because the outdoor market is enormous compared to the market for the crunch.
The Crunch is still available at Graingers.
Irwin makes a vice grip with folding blade and bit-holder
Hesitated on buy one of the last 900 batch, by the time I went back to buy they were sold out 😢
I kinda wondered why when they discontinued the Squirt, particularly the ES4. My job at the time required a set of precision wire strippers. Since then I have sought out and carried the ES4 daily in addition to a Charge TTi.
I have the Arc and a Signal on me, evaluating how they carry with a full load on my belt. I'ma head out on work orders in a minute and the Signal is gonna be swapped for the Crunch. The only reason I'm not switching the Arc is because the Signal isn't meant for quick repair and work orders, it's meant for camping.
I don't like the Arc. I need a tool that I can bend into shape and it will hold solid. If I was put in the cold needing to do quick repairs the Arc would be great...not so much in a hospital though.
I think my EDC is gonna wind up being the ES4, the Charge TTi, and the Crunch for work, probably the ES4 and a Mut for the range, and for hunting or kayaking probably the Signal and the Flair.
I've seen a Mossy Oak multi tool that has a Ferro rod and whistle. I plan to try those on the North Canadian River this year, but the Signal may win out because it can be clipped fast onto the kayak rigging. I also found an off brand multi tool with a crescent wrench built in.
You mentioned sentimental tools...I never paid for a Charge + TTi. I was sent one for warranty purposes on a non plus version. On a similar note, you will never get the same strength from a multitool that you will from dedicated tools. There are over $1,000 worth of tools in my box here. If I need to abuse one I can walk back and get it. Generally speaking, though, for quick repairs to things like door locks, wheelchairs, and life safety devices, abusing your tool is unnecessary. Just tweak it, maybe replace a battery or bulb, and go.
I quickly ordered another one.😅
But I just don't get it!!! Leatherman has created a space where the competition can step in?!?!?!
I bought and personalised the crunch when i started my company. It will be carried and used until one of us dies
I've always wanted one, just never got around to getting it. Now they they are discount, they are going for 300 bucks on line
Wish I'd bought now I'm in a job where I need this tool and I can't get it 😔
Waiting for zapwizard holster review next.
Sadly, the one I bought, quite a new one, had some quality issues, the most important ones on the plier head, because the jaws where really desaligned, making the wire cutters useless and the pliers themselfs dificult to use.
Qc has gotten way worse.
What is the Gerber one called I never knew they made one
It was an OTF locking vicegrip
Noooooo! I was saving up for it! Like 20 a month... so that sucks.. but there's always ebay.
😢 Sad. However it’s about to be the year 2024… Where’s the new tools? Maybe the materials are getting harder to source, more expensive…seems all they have left is Titanium. A tool incorporating Ultem would be nice… something different at least.
Wauconda
Ah… the model would be called Ultron w/ Vibranium Blades (Garage Series)
Edc every day for a long time and happened to loose it right when they disappeared and had to pay a ebay seller twice the price to get another one. Looking to pick up a back up from a non opportunistic seller some day.
I feel like this is a recession economy thing. drop your lower volume, more specialized products. I really love the Crunch but it honestly is a secondary tool to another Leatherman. I can see how this just doesn't stack up to the Wave or Free series especially on volumes.
Alternatives too the crunch?
Zero
I wish they improve the tool instaed of just discontinue it.
What I mean is a series of overhauls and possibly versions of it with let's say outside accessible tools and with direct access to the 1/4" driver.
But I think this tool is great for its locking pliers but not so much for the tool set.
You need to unscrew what's needed to adjust the tool to use the driver.
I mean if you loose the screw you will be extremely sad...
The other thing is the price, I do think this is anyways a major problem with Leatherman.
As much I do respect the engineering behind the tool. A pair of knipex pliers will do much more than the crunch for cheaper and even if you chose vise grips add a multifonction knife with a good set of mini tools and you get something better.
Sure it won't be as compact, but in other terms like the overall tool set you can win something over this tool.
I believe there can be multiple solutions like making it bladeless and have scissors. Making the adjusting screw inside the frame. So people can still turn it from the outside but have direct access to the driver.
For the outside tools it depends of people. It's either for 1 or 2 tools or all of them with the according design.
So yeah I would like to see a redesign of this tool. Either from Leatherman or an other brand.
The other option is have a modular multitool based on the locking pliers frame and have the mini tools to swap...
Because as far as multitools go. The crunch was the last of its kind.
I mean gerber had the grappler, kershaw had the A100
I think schrade had some too
Now probably what we have is the irwins. And while they have a blade and a bit driver. They are poorly implemented and If I remember, the driver is fragile.
So yeah locking pliers multitool are needed. There is a market for them. So any brand who comes with a good tool might have some success...
I want to buy this. How can it be taken from Bangladesh and how much is the price?
No idea
For me, it was practically useless. Knipex Cobra XS works so much better for me. Yes, I know that it is not lockable.
On Amazon 294.00
Why is there talk about this tool everywhere now? I forgot mine at a friends house, everytime I see talk about it I think "I really should go and get my tool"😅
You should go get it. Wouldn't want it to disappear on you. These sold out so fast I never had a chance. Even after the first scare I haven't been able to get one. Now, I think I don't care. I hope Malco starts making a 4" Eagle grip. The ebay price is already at $250 and higher on the Crunch.
@@mackjones7688 my friend already removed it from her heating system where I used it to turn the fill valve which has no handle any more. This was very important to me as she's getting a completely new system soon and I wouldn't want the company installing it to find and keep my tool.... now that the crunch is in the hands of my friend I can pick it up whenever it fits my schedule
Is it Pontiac discontinued or McRib discontinued?
Before it was just Max level and other reviewers jumping to conclusions for the first scare. Most of Leatherman's stock was out so long. Retailers like Blade HQ listed them as discontinued. A day ago the website had the Crunch listed as $119.99, limit one per household. None available at this time. I have been checking to see if any remaining inventory popped up. Now it has been removed from the website and the Crunch is listed with all the retired multi-tools. It's officially done. Leatherman killed it. It's Pontiac dead.
Leatherman started the trend at 35 anniversary.
They want collectors and posers, buying expensive tool, not users buying cheap dependable tools.
What's the point of owning a tool that you don't want to carry and use because it's irreplaceable?
I sent mine in for warranty. They couldn't replace it. Offered me a surge which I already have.
Just dissapointed, I loved my crunch and carried it everyday for 10 years+
before it was discontinued, I have no problem. now its just a reference piece.
Gone too soon 😢
rip
This sucks. Unless they make an updated version that fixes whatever problem they had with it.
I’m sad I have to buy one on eBay now for twice as much 😣
They are at Graingers.
Sad to see it go. I got one when it came out and I ordered one of the final run.
That said--I never really carried it.
I know what you are feeling. I have had one for several years, but never carry it. I do have multiple locking pliers that I have always picked up before the crunch without ever thinking about using it. It is a much more novel tool in my minds eye, but it does bother me a bit that it is discontinued.
@@MrSoup6029 I would have preferred an update.
I got one soon after they came out. The peace of junk striped the nut the first time I tried it. Since 1999 I have never bought another Leatherman after blaming me for there defective tool.
1999...
"So tonight we gonna Crunch it till it's 1999!"🤭
Ah!.. What a great year...
And what a great, iconic multitool!
EXCELLENT video🙂👍
Leatherman is making business choices to be more profitable and offer high end options
Rage. 😡. I’ll still try and pay over the odds getting one. 🤦🏻.