I'm an hvac technician. I carry my leatherman wave EVERYDAY! I love this tool. That pry bar fits a bigger flat head screw and I use it to pry panels open. That little screwdriver fits into a thermostat perfectly! I love my wave and it's one tool I will turn around and get if I forget it. Love it!
YOU (emphasis on YOU) bought the wrong letherman. You are looking for the Leatherman skeletool which has only pliers, knife, and a screwdriver. However, the wave is considered the best all around pliers based multi tool in the US and most of the world for good reason.
@@sagewolf8528 skeletool is 70 dollars if i remember, might as well just save a bit and get something with a warranty that you can get as mucb use as possible that you can
If the designers didn’t concentrate on increasing the magic pointless number but on getting the *right* tools we wouldn’t have the tool bloat that is what they’re all chasing.
I want a diamond file on there... That almost makes the Leatherman Charge worth the price. That was the reason a mechinist friend gave for carrying a multi-tool back in the 1990s... "Having a diamond file on my person makes it worth the trouble." Trouble with losing it, that is!!!! IMHO
[Raises hand 🤚🏽] I love them, but there are a few that are a pain for EDC due to their weight and size. If I’m working, I take a large one. If I’m just out, I take a small Gerber (has a beer bottle opener!) that has proved itself very useful.
I see why you like them, and that's fine. But I like the eyeglass screwdriver and the scissors and the awl and pryability. That flat screwdriver you saw on the Wave was a dual tool that can screw in flat screws but it also pries. The Irwin is now all made in China and that's why it's cheap. But they use a pebbly grained metal in their stuff that shears off under load and it's almost the same as cast pot metal in comparison. I'd rather support USA companies and understand that they are more money, because they are employed by American workers who demand a higher pay than their Asian counterparts. We all get what we pay for. I own Irwin stuff too, but I don't carry it around with me. I carry Leatherman and Spyderco. Golden Colorado
traderjoes amen. The pry too comes in handy for paint cans and such, could be killer if it had that nail puller v shape in their thought. The jewlers screw driver has multiple functions like for punching small holes in things. If you want vice grips then use vice grips. If you want a vice grip multi tool then get a leatherman crunch
I love my Wave to death and use it everyday. But I think it's indisputable that the Charge TTi is the better tool. I don't own a charge, but it has all the tools of the Wave with Titanium handles and an S30V blade, far superior to the 420HC blade of the wave. However, value to price ratio, Wave takes the cake, no doubt. I wouldn't consider upgrading to the Charge because it's double the price for 2 upgrades
It's always fun hearing what people do and don't use on their multitools. The tools on my multitool, in order of most to least used, are: -Phillips Head -Saw -pliers (sometimes used as tweezers, so fine closing indeed necessary.) -can opener -file -awl -wire cutter -eyeglasses screwdriver (though never on glasses yet) -awl -flat head screwdriver -serrated knife -plain edge knife (Twice. Still shaves hair, never been dull. I just never reach for a multitool knife over a dedicated knife unless I have to.)
I carry a leatherman wave+ and a benchmade 940 everywhere I go, in my line of work I use the eye glass screw driver almost everyday but not for it’s intended purpose, it works great to hit recessed reset buttons on control modules.
I bought this Irwin multitool a couple months ago before watching this video and I couldn't agree with you more. The vise grips pliers is substantially better for turning a nut or bolt head that needle nose pliers. The screw drivers are all I need for 90% of what I run into. The knife is acceptable - I carry a better knife in my watch pocket of my jeans and the sheath makes it comfortable to wear on my belt.
TO FIX THE LEATHERMAN two hand opening problem, try working your leatherman. While you're watching tv, on standby, or whenever you have a few minutes here and there, just keep opening and closing the tool over and over again. It will begin to loosen up a little bit to the point where you can hold one side and flick it open like a balisong. I work in film and video production and carry one religiously. Being able to flick the whole thing open in one movement is huge. It makes the pliers/wire cutters accessible as well as showing what tools are on the free hand to determine if what you need is there or in the other side. They're great everyday tools to have on your person and not a tackle box if you can get past that dexterity based learning curve. Love your videos and hope you'll give this idea some consideration if a revisit is ever done with more multitools. Thank you for the content and uplifting commentary on everything!
Not a day goes by that I don't use my leatherman Wave. Practically every tool on it, I consider indispensable. Sure, the large flat head isn't the most useful when you have the reversible/interchangeable bit driver, but it has its place when it may be more suitable for a large screw or you need to pry something and don't want to damage the can opener or even the blade.
In my humble opinion, people who hate on the "Cheap tools series" must have more money than sense. Why would anyone be upset about one of the best RUclipsrs for homesteader, independent minded folks, doing a good practical series for the rest of us. So thank you for this series. I seriously appreciate it.
I use a Leatherman Charge ALX for the past 6 years and I have no problem opening the pliers with one hand. Actually, I can open all of the tools on it with one hand and I used them all more than once. The next Leatherman will be the Charge TTI
I got this SOG multi tool for Christmas, and I love it! It opens smoothly and doesn't have un-needed tools! It only has pliers, a reversible screw driver(flat and Phillips), and a knife. I love it!
On my leatherman charge TTi+ I use all 3 blades regularly. The saw is awesome for helping out when I need to trim something hedge trimmers won't cut. The serrated knife is nice for boxes and things I don't want to ruin a nice edge on. The regular blade being S30V takes an incredible edge and I keep it razor sharp for tasks that require a razor sharp knife. The file and can opener are both great for cleaning fingernails, and the scissors are great for keeping your nails trimmed. The remaining screw drivers are great for the car or the eye glasses. The metal cutters are handy for cabling, and the pliers... They get regular use.
I've owned my Gerber for 20 yrs. Great tool. Carry it while I'm fishing. Scissor is invaluable for cuting line to change lures. Comes with a changeable needle nose plier and regular plier. Love it.
I personally am a fan of the Leatherman Surge, Rebar and Crunch multi. Speaking of the Crunch... it hits all of your wants. Vice grip, 3D Phillips, knife, standard screwdriver and small file.
Cody, on the Wave... supposedly the plier tension is adjustable via the Torx headed hinge pins. I got mine 18 yrs ago and since I fish a lot, one-handed opening was essential for me. I took some coarse rubbing compound, packed it around the hinge pins and just continuously opened and closed it while watching TV in the evenings for couple weeks and got it so a flick of the wrist opens them nicely. I never tried the Torx bit thing as I didn't have any bits at the time. If you try it, I'm sure there are a lot of folks who would love to know. Keep up the great videos.
I've had the Victorinox Swiss Army Mechanic Multi-Tool as an edc for 5 years now. Used the tweezers to pull out metal and wood slivers alike. Use the pliers for damn near everything. Always use my can opener on it because the crank style can openers always wear out. Use the Philips screwdriver at work building passenger trains. And yes I even use the tooth pick all the time. Hands down the best multitool I've ever had.
Looks like a great tool for an everyday beater. I wonder if you can clamp the vise on the table and use the knife as a stationary blade for cutting pieces of same length rope. The only thing I don't like is the non-locking screwdriver. I can't tell how many times those things fold while I was twisting the handle.
I care a leatherman surge everyday and it gets used nonstop! The surge is quite a bit larger than the wave but it's a more comfortable and durable tool for me. I couldn't agree more about all of the extra tools. I love my surge because of the custom holster I have for it and the ability to change out parts. You can switch between the saw and file, change bit inserts and it has replaceable wire cutter inserts. Good video! Thank you
I run the Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier [22-01471]. Costs $24 with prime. Ive had it break on me after 3 years of use but the nice thing is Gerber runs their lifetime warranty so i got them replaced. Was a slow replacement but it was replaced. I love them. The only things I don't use on it are the saw and the lanyard. The main thing I am strict on about my multi tool is the fact that everything is accessible without opening the pliers. I don't use the sheath that came with it though that's junk. I just use a molle pistol mag pouch that goes long ways on my belt.
@@AshGreen359 the number of times I've hung out with someone and I've seen loose screws on their computer backplate or the like. Maybe it's because my life is a lot more office-centric life than our guy here, a lot more tiny screws in the corporate world
I'm Canadian and just bought another American made Leatherman...this time the Wave+. Was gifted an older legacy Leatherman Super Tool, but the Wave+ will be my daily. Mind you its easier leave a cheap $10 ChiCom tool at the airport if you've accidentally left one in your carry on bag.
I've been carrying a Swiss Champ for 25 years. (When it was the only "Multi-tool" on the market) While I don't use every tool on it every day, I have used each tool on that tool many times, and I do use the tool many times a day. I reach for it when I DON'T need a real pair of pliers or a real knife. (although, my most often used tool is the scissors) I do find the screwdriver useful, and I think it's the perfect size as I work with computers a lot, and that's what size it is. I find myself using the can opener on average of about once a month. Basically, everyone uses these tools differently, and there's no "right" or "wrong" when it comes to multi-tools, only "Right for me" or "Not Right for me." (I do wish however that the quality of these tools was a bit better...)
having no lock on the knife means that we can carry it in the U.K so that's a plus for us. Can we double check if the knife can be reversed as ShadowNetBG suggested?
This tool has a locking blade. You can see the liner lock at 7:45, then you see him manipulate it to close the blade. I noticed this only because I actually have one of these tools.
PizzocanWasd I don't want to say it is impossible but it would not be as simple as a unscrew flip and remount on the other side. there is a hole that would have to be drilled in the knife frame to allow for one of the vise grip rivets. There would also be clearance issues to overcome with the screwdriver thumb push. if you are not a fabricator, you could just tear up your new tool.
@Ducks Ate My Bagel - It's not an E.U. rule, it's a UK rule. FYI you can sell and use locking knives in the UK, you just may need reasonable justification (work, camping, fishing, spoon carving etc etc) to carry them in public.
To many rules. I used to carry knives in school, locking and not. My teachers knew and didn't care, some shop teachers even compared their carry blade. Society is allot safer when nobody knows who's armed. If everybody is armed then people with bad intent are less likely to act or get away with something. Introduce knives and guns at a young age and teach them to respect them. Way to many people letting television raise their kids.
Hey Cody, the Gerber multitool you have is for a mechanic. You can get a needle nose version. You can even get different multi tools that only have your three requirements. Personally I recommend the military version, they are a workhorse.
It sounds the way you talk about the leatherman you get everything you want they don't make it just exactly for what you want other people need those things
Got the standard Visegrip multi-tool model about a year ago; it's to heavy for everyday carry, but I keep it in my car and have used it when needed. I'm happy with it.
I am somewhat new to the channel. Love all of your videos. Left a comment on one of them. But saw you say in another video you don't always go back and read all the comments from older videos. I totally get that with the number subscribers you have. I just felt moved to tell you that it is wonderful to see how through your beautiful videos you no doubt change peoples lives. When I was a boy my father spent a number of those ears oversea in USAF. But a neighbor man much like yourself taught me many things about tools and becoming a young man. Thanks for all you and your do Cody,
Great vid! Speaking of mutlitools and wanting the 'essentials', you might wanna go for the Leatherman Wingman, it's by far my most favorite of the multi tools I have.
I carried the original Leatherman PST for the first ten years of my Army career. I was a mechanic, and my Leatherman saw a lot of use. The Gerber, though more popular among my buddies, would often pinch my hands if the pliers slipped. Unacceptable. I loved my PST and was heartbroken when I lost it and some other gear in a lake in a training accident. I carry the Leatherman Wingman these days. It's quite useful in my civilian career, where I often have to make quick little repairs to keep things running when the alternative is to wait weeks for the maintenance guys to show up.
Thats really an amazing deal, and at $12.00 price point, its inexpensive enough to leave in a truck box, ans another one in the cars glove compartment....
I would like to thank you for all the time and effort you and your family put in making videos, I really enjoy them and I have learned a lot from them. God bless you guys.
Had the same problem with the center drive. What prevents it from closing properly is the holder for the second bit. You need to push it further in for it to make space to allow full closesure.
I've been using Leatherman tools for 20 years. Great tool, outstanding customer support, and I've used all the functions except the lanyard. I also used the vise grip multi tool for about a year. It's not really in the same league as the leatherman when it comes to quality.
Zals , I think ShadowNetBG is talking about putting it on the other side of the handle. Currently, if you hold the pliers in your right hand the knife blade is on the side with your fingertips. To re-position the blade in a more usable orientation as ShadowNetBG suggested, put the knife on the palm side of the handle. That's what he meant by "upside down (the blade) and on the other side (of the handle)." That said, I don't actually have one in front of me, so I'm not sure that you could securely attach the blade to the other side, but if you could then it would be in a better orientation.
I've been using a leatherman skeletool for nearly 6 years now, great tool, and as you specify simple- pliers, knife and bit driver. great knife, great pliers and the Philips head you can flip from fine to fatter, handy spare bit hold for the flat head. love it... well OK it's not the most comfortable tool to use but hey that's the case with a lot of multitools. 95% of my jobs are handled by the skeletool.
Wranglerstar: not sure if you're aware, but Leatherman does have a single handed opening multi-tool: Leatherman OHT. It has 16 tools on it. Don't use one myself, I use the Wingman, but friends and co-workers who have them really like it. It was probably designed for more of combat situations (given the sheath is all MOLLE compatible), but like any Leatherman, they work in all situations.
Wranglerstar: There is a smaller Version of the Leatherman Wave, the Leatherman Wingman, i use it everyday. I need a small Multitool which i can carry everyday and have a small blade ( no more then 2,5 inch). As i work in a school and a blade longer than 2.5 inch is considered a weapon. It got the normal leatherman pliers, but is smaller and cheaper. Two normal screwdrivers and one crosshead. And best of all it costs only around 40 dollars. Best feature of all: The small Tools can be opened by push through AND the nailbraker opening. The only weak tool is are the scissors on it. My long knife stays in the Car and the Wingman can be carried in the jeans pocket or on the belt.
@@pat7864 All the important parts are made of supposedly 420HC steel, but it still feels cheap even though its a $130 in Canada. The one hand open pliers are cool but low quality. The heads don't touch and they aren't ridged, they can be deflected very easy by hand. The cutters are Carbide, so the crack on anything you want to cut and don't do a good job cutting when they do decide to cut. Serrated blade cuts nothing. The only thing that's good is the screwdriver. The handles felt like they would buckle and bend when grabbing a bolt head or similar object. Leatherman Surge, while a bit more expensive, is a much better tool
You should try the Leatherman crunch. Gotta pair of vice grips on it so perfect it makes that little Erwin look like trash, not to mention it folds up small and nice just like every other Leatherman
why do you try to make leatherman look bad? its way smaller than all the other and still you put it next to the others unfolded wich makes it seem bigger. you dont compare the quality, durabillity or service only the price and the simplicity. other than that the leatherman skelleton is a lot lighter and doesnt have as many functions as e.g. the wave, you can return it if broken for 25 years for free and its way smaler than your cheap and easy breakable china tools.
Get a double stack 9mm mag pouch, a SAK, & Channellock 524. I use the SAK Trekker, and it with the pliers fit in the mag pouch. The SAK has the screwdriver, blade, and other tools while the pliers are separate from the knife. The one thing leatherman, gerber, or just about any mulitool can't do, is let you use the pliers and screwdriver at the same time.
Wranglerstar I had the SAME ISSUE WITH THE CENTER DRIVE and it took me days to realize I had the bit holder slightly out and when I pushed down hard on it, it kinda clicked into pace and then the pliers met flush. Hope that helps.
wiiking2 I totally agree. But the quality of the brand name Vise Grips has gone down significantly since it moved over seas. Anyone using them daily can tell so. I also found it surprising beings that WS is usually gung ho on "american made"
Great video Cody i love these cheapest on Amazon videos. They let the average guy or girl know if they are getting their money's worth out of the tools.
My EDC multi tool is a Winchester folding knife. It's $15, holds a good edge, it's small and ok quality. And it's got great ergonomics. Plus I wouldn't care if I lost it!
"I don't need everything in this leatherman" as you take a closer look and the file has been used so many times its almost worn down. Very bias. If he doesn't want it to work he will make sure it won't
Those who have used one know a locking plier is EXTREMELY useful, and it is built like a tank, so they are on the right track for a heavy user--like a maintenance person. The other crucial needed improvement is to have the screwdriver open from closed position without having to unfold the plier. I hacked those 2 improvements on mine, and it transforms the tool.
I've owned a lot of multi tools over the years. My Berber multiplier I bought in 1995 is still my favorite and has needed no maintenance beyond sharpening blades. Best money I've ever spent.
You really don't seem to get the CONCEPT of multi-tools 😅 You can't write them off just because it has tools that YOU don't need! And you don't need tools until… you do. I love how you immediately complained about the Wave having 4 blades, then showed that one of them was a file. So, 3 blades. Counting is quite important, IN LIFE 😅
Just have to point out that we do really need locking on knives. It’s a nice little safety feature that guarantees that the blade doesn’t come back on you in case of a slip up. It enables you to use the blade freely as though it is a fixed blade.
Love the centerdrve, bought one for every guy in the family. Mostly for the screw driver. Use the pry tool to open paint cans. Just side note English pocket knifes aren't allowed to lock.
Leatherman Skeletool CX - pliers, good knife, philips and flat screwdrivers, lightweight.I have bought them few months ago, and I am very pleased with them so far.
After using both for several years in the military the leatherman wins every time. I have used every tool in it probably hundreds of times. It's meant to be a toolbox on your hip. I think the most common tool used on my multi-tool is the knife. If in an emergency I bet decent chance you need to cut something. WIth the Gerber you're having to swing it open, try to pick out the knife -- or, using your thumb you can slide out the blade on the leatherman. No extra steps.
I have the Leatherman Surge. The various blades and assortment of tools along with the bit kit really make for a nice "on hand" tool set. Ive worked in a few industries and understand the simple path as well. Lucky that we live in a place that allows the market to satisfy many needs.
I am carrying the Vice grip every single day and I can confirm that thing is not only worth it's price but it actually paid of many times. I'm glad I did not gave up, trying to get the thing shipped to Germany as this has required some fiddling around...
The leatherman wave is intended as a kind of "urban" multitool. I use nearly every item on it in my daily routine. However, i'm not a homesteader, i install car electronics for a living. The leatherman Wave has saved my skin more times than i can count.
Nothing beats a Leatherman. I've had a Wave for a long time, I don't leave home without it and I can open it with one hand. I also have the Surge, Rebar, Super Tool 300, MUT and Skeletool. I don't like the Gerber or Sogs. But I do have the Vise grip multi tool, though. It is pretty cool for the price.
I absolutely agree on your rant about too many useless tools especially when you mentioned flashlights. I am an industrial electrician and we all received flashlights as tools. They are actually really good flashlights. But what keeps annoying me is that it has three modes. Bright, not so bright and SOS. Why would I want the last two ones? The flashlight won't blind me if I point it at something and if it did, I could still just adjust the focus and it would be fine. And an SOS? Who needs that? Even if i used it as a survival flashlight, which I would probably like to do as it's a great compact flashlight, how many times would I try to use a morse code to message people? Just point it at someone and yell! That's way more promising. Now every time I want to turn the flashlight off I have to press the button three times to switch through the useless modes which can be quite annoying if you don't have your hands free.
I have been carrying a Leatherman c33Tx or a version of it for about 10 years. I love it! it doesn't have pliers, but it does have a good straight slot and Philips screwdriver as well as a 3" blade that you can get either as a regular blade or with half blade half seraded. As an EDC for me it gets me by.
Question: Are those Irwin needle nose vice grips small enough to get into the front sight post on an AR-15? They look a bit too bulky to me, but it's hard to be sure on the scale watching a video like this.
Hey wranglerstar! I found your channel a few weeks ago and I love it ! I don't really know why , I'm a teenager in a city . I've never been in a situation where I needed anything you've ever shown on the channel. but I still love it and I've learned a heck of alot .
If you want the jaws to close completely on the center drive, try rotating the bit holder out. Unfortunately the jaws dont like to slide back in with the bit holder like that. Other than that hassle, I love my center drive
I carry the Gerber Crucial multitool. All it has: knife, screwdrivers, pliers, and a seatbelt cutter (which I use all the time to open letters). plus it fits on your pocket
Thank you for the great videos. They're fun and informative. I really appreciate not having annoying music playing in background. You're doing a great job. Keep it up.
You are looking for the Leatherman Skeletool, they're great. Knife, plier, screwdriver (both Phillips and Flathead). Also a cap lifter, but its part of the frame.
I'm an hvac technician. I carry my leatherman wave EVERYDAY! I love this tool. That pry bar fits a bigger flat head screw and I use it to pry panels open. That little screwdriver fits into a thermostat perfectly! I love my wave and it's one tool I will turn around and get if I forget it. Love it!
YOU (emphasis on YOU) bought the wrong letherman. You are looking for the Leatherman skeletool which has only pliers, knife, and a screwdriver. However, the wave is considered the best all around pliers based multi tool in the US and most of the world for good reason.
Or the leatherman wingman
He's a multitool that's why
That still doesn't resolve the price point issue.
@@sagewolf8528 skeletool is 70 dollars if i remember, might as well just save a bit and get something with a warranty that you can get as mucb use as possible that you can
Yeah the whole time he was talking about how he doesnt want something i was cringing.
"I want less tools on my multi-tool." Before this video, I've never heard anyone say such a thing.
If the designers didn’t concentrate on increasing the magic pointless number but on getting the *right* tools we wouldn’t have the tool bloat that is what they’re all chasing.
Jeffrey Stern everything by leatherman ;)
I want a diamond file on there... That almost makes the Leatherman Charge worth the price. That was the reason a mechinist friend gave for carrying a multi-tool back in the 1990s... "Having a diamond file on my person makes it worth the trouble." Trouble with losing it, that is!!!! IMHO
i want more more more (and more more more more more more more) skrt skrt
[Raises hand 🤚🏽] I love them, but there are a few that are a pain for EDC due to their weight and size. If I’m working, I take a large one. If I’m just out, I take a small Gerber (has a beer bottle opener!) that has proved itself very useful.
Leatherman oht. One hand opening multi tool. I will always stick with leatherman.
jacob schneider leatherman are the best.
Your right peter
@@peterv1318 ever heard of victorinox?
Kevin Teran - yes but they are more expensive and they don’t make anything that looks like they leatherman. They have their own style.
waste of money 💵
I'd check out the Leatherman Skeletool if you're looking for a lighter more simple multi tool. I think you would like it
I loved mine until i lost it. ;)
Yeah.. I've got the Wave and the Skeletool. The Skeletool is a great handy tool reduced to the minimum of useful tools. And it looks great!
would love one!!!
Came here to say this. Love my Skeletool.
I also came here to say this too haha I love mine
Leatherman crunch is where its at. vice grips, knife, screwdrivers, 1/4 driver.
I see why you like them, and that's fine.
But I like the eyeglass screwdriver and the scissors and the awl and pryability. That flat screwdriver you saw on the Wave was a dual tool that can screw in flat screws but it also pries. The Irwin is now all made in China and that's why it's cheap. But they use a pebbly grained metal in their stuff that shears off under load and it's almost the same as cast pot metal in comparison. I'd rather support USA companies and understand that they are more money, because they are employed by American workers who demand a higher pay than their Asian counterparts. We all get what we pay for. I own Irwin stuff too, but I don't carry it around with me. I carry Leatherman and Spyderco. Golden Colorado
traderjoes amen. The pry too comes in handy for paint cans and such, could be killer if it had that nail puller v shape in their thought. The jewlers screw driver has multiple functions like for punching small holes in things.
If you want vice grips then use vice grips. If you want a vice grip multi tool then get a leatherman crunch
"you know what really grinds my gears..."
"Back in my day..."
I simply love a good Wranglerstar rant :)
The Leatherman Wave is the best multi tool ever made!
i love my leatherman but i never use it anymore
Doug van der Hoop yeah I keep mine in my car with a flashlight just in case
I love my Wave to death and use it everyday. But I think it's indisputable that the Charge TTi is the better tool. I don't own a charge, but it has all the tools of the Wave with Titanium handles and an S30V blade, far superior to the 420HC blade of the wave. However, value to price ratio, Wave takes the cake, no doubt. I wouldn't consider upgrading to the Charge because it's double the price for 2 upgrades
I would agree up until the center drive came out, I like that one the best.
Mike T what about the wire cutters
It's always fun hearing what people do and don't use on their multitools. The tools on my multitool, in order of most to least used, are:
-Phillips Head
-Saw
-pliers (sometimes used as tweezers, so fine closing indeed necessary.)
-can opener
-file
-awl
-wire cutter
-eyeglasses screwdriver (though never on glasses yet)
-awl
-flat head screwdriver
-serrated knife
-plain edge knife (Twice. Still shaves hair, never been dull. I just never reach for a multitool knife over a dedicated knife unless I have to.)
I carry a leatherman wave+ and a benchmade 940 everywhere I go, in my line of work I use the eye glass screw driver almost everyday but not for it’s intended purpose, it works great to hit recessed reset buttons on control modules.
I bought this Irwin multitool a couple months ago before watching this video and I couldn't agree with you more. The vise grips pliers is substantially better for turning a nut or bolt head that needle nose pliers. The screw drivers are all I need for 90% of what I run into. The knife is acceptable - I carry a better knife in my watch pocket of my jeans and the sheath makes it comfortable to wear on my belt.
Why doesn't the knife open the other way
Im thinking the same thing
So you have more access to the blade for cutting and the blade locks so leatherman is able to move the blade so it can do that
@@darrenwebb7732 the Amazon tool, not the wave
danko, nothing was Amazon brand
TO FIX THE LEATHERMAN two hand opening problem, try working your leatherman. While you're watching tv, on standby, or whenever you have a few minutes here and there, just keep opening and closing the tool over and over again. It will begin to loosen up a little bit to the point where you can hold one side and flick it open like a balisong.
I work in film and video production and carry one religiously. Being able to flick the whole thing open in one movement is huge. It makes the pliers/wire cutters accessible as well as showing what tools are on the free hand to determine if what you need is there or in the other side.
They're great everyday tools to have on your person and not a tackle box if you can get past that dexterity based learning curve. Love your videos and hope you'll give this idea some consideration if a revisit is ever done with more multitools.
Thank you for the content and uplifting commentary on everything!
Not a day goes by that I don't use my leatherman Wave. Practically every tool on it, I consider indispensable. Sure, the large flat head isn't the most useful when you have the reversible/interchangeable bit driver, but it has its place when it may be more suitable for a large screw or you need to pry something and don't want to damage the can opener or even the blade.
In my humble opinion, people who hate on the "Cheap tools series" must have more money than sense. Why would anyone be upset about one of the best RUclipsrs for homesteader, independent minded folks, doing a good practical series for the rest of us. So thank you for this series. I seriously appreciate it.
Did I totally miss the "testing" part?
I use everything on my Leatherman Wave. I just got it a week ago and out of 12 multitools I have it's my main EDC.
I use a Leatherman Charge ALX for the past 6 years and I have no problem opening the pliers with one hand. Actually, I can open all of the tools on it with one hand and I used them all more than once. The next Leatherman will be the Charge TTI
Are you still using it
@@luckymeziere3675 I still use it. It's my EDC.
I got this SOG multi tool for Christmas, and I love it! It opens smoothly and doesn't have un-needed tools! It only has pliers, a reversible screw driver(flat and Phillips), and a knife. I love it!
Leatherman Crunch might tickle your fancy. It is smaller.
Oi oi we got anuver brit ere ain't we
Doesn't have one hand opening
On my leatherman charge TTi+ I use all 3 blades regularly. The saw is awesome for helping out when I need to trim something hedge trimmers won't cut. The serrated knife is nice for boxes and things I don't want to ruin a nice edge on. The regular blade being S30V takes an incredible edge and I keep it razor sharp for tasks that require a razor sharp knife. The file and can opener are both great for cleaning fingernails, and the scissors are great for keeping your nails trimmed. The remaining screw drivers are great for the car or the eye glasses. The metal cutters are handy for cabling, and the pliers... They get regular use.
Basically a wave on steroids 👍
"a Leatherman wave is just too danged complicated for me" -Wranglerstar. Remind me again why I'm supposed to take you seriously?
I've owned my Gerber for 20 yrs. Great tool. Carry it while I'm fishing. Scissor is invaluable for cuting line to change lures. Comes with a changeable needle nose plier and regular plier. Love it.
I can’t leave home without the Leatherman Wave. I know that I’m going to need it.
I personally am a fan of the Leatherman Surge, Rebar and Crunch multi. Speaking of the Crunch... it hits all of your wants. Vice grip, 3D Phillips, knife, standard screwdriver and small file.
Leatherman model OHT is one hand opening too. Great video.
Cody, on the Wave... supposedly the plier tension is adjustable via the Torx headed hinge pins. I got mine 18 yrs ago and since I fish a lot, one-handed opening was essential for me. I took some coarse rubbing compound, packed it around the hinge pins and just continuously opened and closed it while watching TV in the evenings for couple weeks and got it so a flick of the wrist opens them nicely. I never tried the Torx bit thing as I didn't have any bits at the time. If you try it, I'm sure there are a lot of folks who would love to know. Keep up the great videos.
I use needle nose vice grips for welding, made a little wedge to go with it they hold sheet metal flat and tight together
I've had the Victorinox Swiss Army Mechanic Multi-Tool as an edc for 5 years now. Used the tweezers to pull out metal and wood slivers alike. Use the pliers for damn near everything. Always use my can opener on it because the crank style can openers always wear out. Use the Philips screwdriver at work building passenger trains. And yes I even use the tooth pick all the time. Hands down the best multitool I've ever had.
emphasis on the best multi-tool for YOU
Looks like a great tool for an everyday beater. I wonder if you can clamp the vise on the table and use the knife as a stationary blade for cutting pieces of same length rope. The only thing I don't like is the non-locking screwdriver. I can't tell how many times those things fold while I was twisting the handle.
You should definitely try the leatherman crunch
Fr
I care a leatherman surge everyday and it gets used nonstop! The surge is quite a bit larger than the wave but it's a more comfortable and durable tool for me. I couldn't agree more about all of the extra tools. I love my surge because of the custom holster I have for it and the ability to change out parts. You can switch between the saw and file, change bit inserts and it has replaceable wire cutter inserts. Good video! Thank you
That nail puller on the gerber was a can opener...and it is fantastic
Is there room for a lighter in the irwin pouch?
I run the Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier [22-01471]. Costs $24 with prime. Ive had it break on me after 3 years of use but the nice thing is Gerber runs their lifetime warranty so i got them replaced. Was a slow replacement but it was replaced. I love them. The only things I don't use on it are the saw and the lanyard. The main thing I am strict on about my multi tool is the fact that everything is accessible without opening the pliers. I don't use the sheath that came with it though that's junk. I just use a molle pistol mag pouch that goes long ways on my belt.
The jeweler's screwdriver is one of the things I've used the most.
I use it for wiring up thermostats all the time
I use it too. Surprise surprise the guys who need eye glasses don't mind an eyeglass screwdriver
@@Go4Bro Plenty of other uses for it as well. Maybe I run across tiny screws more often than others
@@AshGreen359 the number of times I've hung out with someone and I've seen loose screws on their computer backplate or the like. Maybe it's because my life is a lot more office-centric life than our guy here, a lot more tiny screws in the corporate world
I'm Canadian and just bought another American made Leatherman...this time the Wave+. Was gifted an older legacy Leatherman Super Tool, but the Wave+ will be my daily.
Mind you its easier leave a cheap $10 ChiCom tool at the airport if you've accidentally left one in your carry on bag.
Leatherman for life! I'm rocking the surge everything I ever need indoors and outdoors is on it aside from fire and shelter water I'm good tool wise!
I've been carrying a Swiss Champ for 25 years. (When it was the only "Multi-tool" on the market) While I don't use every tool on it every day, I have used each tool on that tool many times, and I do use the tool many times a day. I reach for it when I DON'T need a real pair of pliers or a real knife. (although, my most often used tool is the scissors) I do find the screwdriver useful, and I think it's the perfect size as I work with computers a lot, and that's what size it is. I find myself using the can opener on average of about once a month.
Basically, everyone uses these tools differently, and there's no "right" or "wrong" when it comes to multi-tools, only "Right for me" or "Not Right for me." (I do wish however that the quality of these tools was a bit better...)
having no lock on the knife means that we can carry it in the U.K so that's a plus for us. Can we double check if the knife can be reversed as ShadowNetBG suggested?
This tool has a locking blade. You can see the liner lock at 7:45, then you see him manipulate it to close the blade. I noticed this only because I actually have one of these tools.
BEAKER UNREFINED can the blade be turned the other way around?
PizzocanWasd I don't want to say it is impossible but it would not be as simple as a unscrew flip and remount on the other side. there is a hole that would have to be drilled in the knife frame to allow for one of the vise grip rivets. There would also be clearance issues to overcome with the screwdriver thumb push. if you are not a fabricator, you could just tear up your new tool.
@Ducks Ate My Bagel - It's not an E.U. rule, it's a UK rule. FYI you can sell and use locking knives in the UK, you just may need reasonable justification (work, camping, fishing, spoon carving etc etc) to carry them in public.
To many rules. I used to carry knives in school, locking and not. My teachers knew and didn't care, some shop teachers even compared their carry blade. Society is allot safer when nobody knows who's armed. If everybody is armed then people with bad intent are less likely to act or get away with something. Introduce knives and guns at a young age and teach them to respect them. Way to many people letting television raise their kids.
Hey Cody, the Gerber multitool you have is for a mechanic. You can get a needle nose version. You can even get different multi tools that only have your three requirements. Personally I recommend the military version, they are a workhorse.
It sounds the way you talk about the leatherman you get everything you want they don't make it just exactly for what you want other people need those things
Got the standard Visegrip multi-tool model about a year ago; it's to heavy for everyday carry, but I keep it in my car and have used it when needed. I'm happy with it.
my leatherman does work
Them tools look mighty purdy.
I am somewhat new to the channel. Love all of your videos. Left a comment on one of them. But saw you say in another video you don't always go back and read all the comments from older videos. I totally get that with the number subscribers you have. I just felt moved to tell you that it is wonderful to see how through your beautiful videos you no doubt change peoples lives. When I was a boy my father spent a number of those ears oversea in USAF. But a neighbor man much like yourself taught me many things about tools and becoming a young man. Thanks for all you and your do Cody,
Great vid! Speaking of mutlitools and wanting the 'essentials', you might wanna go for the Leatherman Wingman, it's by far my most favorite of the multi tools I have.
I carried the original Leatherman PST for the first ten years of my Army career. I was a mechanic, and my Leatherman saw a lot of use. The Gerber, though more popular among my buddies, would often pinch my hands if the pliers slipped. Unacceptable. I loved my PST and was heartbroken when I lost it and some other gear in a lake in a training accident. I carry the Leatherman Wingman these days. It's quite useful in my civilian career, where I often have to make quick little repairs to keep things running when the alternative is to wait weeks for the maintenance guys to show up.
Thats really an amazing deal, and at $12.00 price point, its inexpensive enough to leave in a truck box, ans another one in the cars glove compartment....
I would like to thank you for all the time and effort you and your family put in making videos, I really enjoy them and I have learned a lot from them. God bless you guys.
especially in the winters here in southeast Alaska wear it rains 160 or so inch a year
“Im giving away five of the cheapest tools on amazon!”
Instantly!
Had the same problem with the center drive. What prevents it from closing properly is the holder for the second bit. You need to push it further in for it to make space to allow full closesure.
'what is this, what is this thing here?' pulls out the flat head screwdriver😂
I've been using Leatherman tools for 20 years. Great tool, outstanding customer support, and I've used all the functions except the lanyard. I also used the vise grip multi tool for about a year. It's not really in the same league as the leatherman when it comes to quality.
Hmm I'm not sure, but it looks like you can unscrew the knife holding part and put it upside down on the other side.
I was noticing that too.
ShadowNetBG the knife portion is curved so it will fit differently upside down. It will stick out instead of being curved to the handle
It looks like this now )) but it would look like this ()
Zals , I think ShadowNetBG is talking about putting it on the other side of the handle. Currently, if you hold the pliers in your right hand the knife blade is on the side with your fingertips. To re-position the blade in a more usable orientation as ShadowNetBG suggested, put the knife on the palm side of the handle. That's what he meant by "upside down (the blade) and on the other side (of the handle)."
That said, I don't actually have one in front of me, so I'm not sure that you could securely attach the blade to the other side, but if you could then it would be in a better orientation.
I've been using a leatherman skeletool for nearly 6 years now, great tool, and as you specify simple- pliers, knife and bit driver. great knife, great pliers and the Philips head you can flip from fine to fatter, handy spare bit hold for the flat head. love it... well OK it's not the most comfortable tool to use but hey that's the case with a lot of multitools. 95% of my jobs are handled by the skeletool.
As a frenchman, my dad in one of his wise moment told me not to buy leatherman since they do not have a corkscrew on them.
Wranglerstar: not sure if you're aware, but Leatherman does have a single handed opening multi-tool: Leatherman OHT. It has 16 tools on it. Don't use one myself, I use the Wingman, but friends and co-workers who have them really like it. It was probably designed for more of combat situations (given the sheath is all MOLLE compatible), but like any Leatherman, they work in all situations.
6:50 i’m like LMAO the way the blade open it’s just stupid and wtf
The knife can’t be use
The players and the screwdriver ok but not the knife
I don't see any respectable person would purchase such "tool", and compare it to a Leatherman Wave, seriously?
Wranglerstar:
There is a smaller Version of the Leatherman Wave, the Leatherman Wingman, i use it everyday.
I need a small Multitool which i can carry everyday and have a small blade ( no more then 2,5 inch).
As i work in a school and a blade longer than 2.5 inch is considered a weapon. It got the normal leatherman pliers,
but is smaller and cheaper. Two normal screwdrivers and one crosshead.
And best of all it costs only around 40 dollars.
Best feature of all: The small Tools can be opened by push through AND the nailbraker opening.
The only weak tool is are the scissors on it.
My long knife stays in the Car and the Wingman can be carried in the jeans pocket or on the belt.
is it me or does the Gerber multi tool look like it's made of plastic
Some parts are
Given the quality of Gerber it probably is
@@pat7864 All the important parts are made of supposedly 420HC steel, but it still feels cheap even though its a $130 in Canada. The one hand open pliers are cool but low quality. The heads don't touch and they aren't ridged, they can be deflected very easy by hand. The cutters are Carbide, so the crack on anything you want to cut and don't do a good job cutting when they do decide to cut. Serrated blade cuts nothing. The only thing that's good is the screwdriver. The handles felt like they would buckle and bend when grabbing a bolt head or similar object. Leatherman Surge, while a bit more expensive, is a much better tool
You should try the Leatherman crunch. Gotta pair of vice grips on it so perfect it makes that little Erwin look like trash, not to mention it folds up small and nice just like every other Leatherman
why do you try to make leatherman look bad? its way smaller than all the other and still you put it next to the others unfolded wich makes it seem bigger. you dont compare the quality, durabillity or service only the price and the simplicity. other than that the leatherman skelleton is a lot lighter and doesnt have as many functions as e.g. the wave, you can return it if broken for 25 years for free and its way smaler than your cheap and easy breakable china tools.
Tofeja Ajefot Great point
Get a double stack 9mm mag pouch, a SAK, & Channellock 524. I use the SAK Trekker, and it with the pliers fit in the mag pouch. The SAK has the screwdriver, blade, and other tools while the pliers are separate from the knife. The one thing leatherman, gerber, or just about any mulitool can't do, is let you use the pliers and screwdriver at the same time.
I`d just carry normal vice grips. I think this is just playing around.
Wranglerstar I had the SAME ISSUE WITH THE CENTER DRIVE and it took me days to realize I had the bit holder slightly out and when I pushed down hard on it, it kinda clicked into pace and then the pliers met flush. Hope that helps.
Yeah after watching it over again I'm almost certain that's your issue based on the way you close the bit holder.
leather man rebar best 40 $ ever and I use it for fishing
I have can bottle opener 2 knives 3 screwdrivers plyers and it locks the blades aka every thing
The best of Cody, the Wranglerstar. Thank you!
- slides leatherman off to the side -
"Irwin, the name brand, the name we trust".
Irwin is made in China. Leatherman is USA made.
Colton S. Trust can be worldwide, blind loyalty sticks close to home
wiiking2 I totally agree. But the quality of the brand name Vise Grips has gone down significantly since it moved over seas. Anyone using them daily can tell so. I also found it surprising beings that WS is usually gung ho on "american made"
Bill Randall Leatherman has a pretty good 25 year warranty though
Pretty good 25yr warranty try life time by victoriknox
+lin juan ....so? That has no bearing on Leatherman vs Irwin
Great video Cody i love these cheapest on Amazon videos. They let the average guy or girl know if they are getting their money's worth out of the tools.
just talk, no test, not so useful, and you can't compare a leatherman tool with that badly design thing, the knife beside the vise grip is useless...
Wrangler sells out so easily
My EDC multi tool is a Winchester folding knife. It's $15, holds a good edge, it's small and ok quality. And it's got great ergonomics. Plus I wouldn't care if I lost it!
"I don't need everything in this leatherman" as you take a closer look and the file has been used so many times its almost worn down. Very bias. If he doesn't want it to work he will make sure it won't
Those who have used one know a locking plier is EXTREMELY useful, and it is built like a tank, so they are on the right track for a heavy user--like a maintenance person. The other crucial needed improvement is to have the screwdriver open from closed position without having to unfold the plier. I hacked those 2 improvements on mine, and it transforms the tool.
I love it, I'm going to buy one. I've really got to stop letting you talk me into buying all this stuff, I'm going to end up broke lol
I've owned a lot of multi tools over the years. My Berber multiplier I bought in 1995 is still my favorite and has needed no maintenance beyond sharpening blades. Best money I've ever spent.
You really don't seem to get the CONCEPT of multi-tools 😅 You can't write them off just because it has tools that YOU don't need! And you don't need tools until… you do. I love how you immediately complained about the Wave having 4 blades, then showed that one of them was a file. So, 3 blades. Counting is quite important, IN LIFE 😅
Just have to point out that we do really need locking on knives. It’s a nice little safety feature that guarantees that the blade doesn’t come back on you in case of a slip up. It enables you to use the blade freely as though it is a fixed blade.
Love the centerdrve, bought one for every guy in the family. Mostly for the screw driver. Use the pry tool to open paint cans.
Just side note English pocket knifes aren't allowed to lock.
Leatherman Skeletool CX - pliers, good knife, philips and flat screwdrivers, lightweight.I have bought them few months ago, and I am very pleased with them so far.
10-4 ON WHAT YA REALLY NEED!!! A LEATHERMAN KNIFE, W/ A PHILLIPS AND STRAIGHT SLOT SCREW DRIVER. I LOVE IT
After using both for several years in the military the leatherman wins every time. I have used every tool in it probably hundreds of times. It's meant to be a toolbox on your hip.
I think the most common tool used on my multi-tool is the knife. If in an emergency I bet decent chance you need to cut something. WIth the Gerber you're having to swing it open, try to pick out the knife -- or, using your thumb you can slide out the blade on the leatherman. No extra steps.
I've been using the same Gerber multi pliers for 25 years. I don't know if Gerber still makes them the way they did 25 years ago, but I swear by mine.
I have the Leatherman Surge. The various blades and assortment of tools along with the bit kit really make for a nice "on hand" tool set. Ive worked in a few industries and understand the simple path as well. Lucky that we live in a place that allows the market to satisfy many needs.
I am carrying the Vice grip every single day and I can confirm that thing is not only worth it's price but it actually paid of many times. I'm glad I did not gave up, trying to get the thing shipped to Germany as this has required some fiddling around...
The leatherman wave is intended as a kind of "urban" multitool. I use nearly every item on it in my daily routine. However, i'm not a homesteader, i install car electronics for a living. The leatherman Wave has saved my skin more times than i can count.
Nothing beats a Leatherman. I've had a Wave for a long time, I don't leave home without it and I can open it with one hand. I also have the Surge, Rebar, Super Tool 300, MUT and Skeletool. I don't like the Gerber or Sogs. But I do have the Vise grip multi tool, though. It is pretty cool for the price.
My grandfather gifted me his Sheffield Multi-tool. It actually works amazingly, it has 9 tools plus the pliers.
I absolutely agree on your rant about too many useless tools especially when you mentioned flashlights. I am an industrial electrician and we all received flashlights as tools. They are actually really good flashlights. But what keeps annoying me is that it has three modes. Bright, not so bright and SOS.
Why would I want the last two ones? The flashlight won't blind me if I point it at something and if it did, I could still just adjust the focus and it would be fine. And an SOS? Who needs that? Even if i used it as a survival flashlight, which I would probably like to do as it's a great compact flashlight, how many times would I try to use a morse code to message people? Just point it at someone and yell! That's way more promising. Now every time I want to turn the flashlight off I have to press the button three times to switch through the useless modes which can be quite annoying if you don't have your hands free.
I have been carrying a Leatherman c33Tx or a version of it for about 10 years. I love it! it doesn't have pliers, but it does have a good straight slot and Philips screwdriver as well as a 3" blade that you can get either as a regular blade or with half blade half seraded. As an EDC for me it gets me by.
Question:
Are those Irwin needle nose vice grips small enough to get into the front sight post on an AR-15? They look a bit too bulky to me, but it's hard to be sure on the scale watching a video like this.
Hey wranglerstar! I found your channel a few weeks ago and I love it ! I don't really know why , I'm a teenager in a city . I've never been in a situation where I needed anything you've ever shown on the channel. but I still love it and I've learned a heck of alot .
If you want the jaws to close completely on the center drive, try rotating the bit holder out. Unfortunately the jaws dont like to slide back in with the bit holder like that. Other than that hassle, I love my center drive
I carry the Gerber Crucial multitool. All it has: knife, screwdrivers, pliers, and a seatbelt cutter (which I use all the time to open letters). plus it fits on your pocket
You could also carry Irwin vise grips & something like a Victorinox Tinker. Covers the needs you mentioned plus has a better blade and awl.
Still have my first Gerber after leaving basic training back in 96'. Works just fine.
You have no idea how handy needle-nose vice grips are! Especially extracting small broken bolts.
Thank you for the great videos. They're fun and informative. I really appreciate not having annoying music playing in background. You're doing a great job. Keep it up.
You are looking for the Leatherman Skeletool, they're great. Knife, plier, screwdriver (both Phillips and Flathead). Also a cap lifter, but its part of the frame.