Leatherman Mini Question

[cody6268]

I've decided I need a pliers-based multi-tool, and since I prefer older knives and multitools, I've decided upon the PST (not the PST II as serrations are too difficult to maintain)) and/or the Mini Tool. I like the PST as it is full sized and includes my basics.    The Mini Tool I like as it has a compact format, yet full sized pliers.      I already have a Leatherman style tool made in the 1990s Ireland by Imperial, but it isn't all that great, and my grandfather wants it so he can put it back where it came from, the tractor's fender tool box.

The PST is a rather reasonable $25, and many of those include a battered leather sheath.

But, the tiny little Mini Tool is $30, and that's about $10 cheaper than all the others I've found.  That one includes a sheath intended for a full-size Leatherman, which did not go with the tool originally.  The tool appears to have rust on the handles, which will take work to remove.   


Is that $30 reasonable?  The search function on EDC Source did not bring up any Mini Leathermans at all, let alone any cheaper than Ebay prices.    Is there any here who could give me a better deal on one?

[sawman]

They normally go for much more than that.

[SteveC]

Go for the PST, The mini is limited in it's tool load.

[Kampfer]

When you found a Mini for $30, jump on it.
It worth more because it is retired and consider as collectible.

[SteveC]

When you found a Mini for $30, jump on it.
It worth more because it is retired and consider as collectible.

Well the correct MTO answer is   Get Both ! 

[sawman]

Just remember the PST gives you more tools such as awl and file plus more drivers.

[claws42]

I'd get both, as they're both older, retired tools.

Then get something like a Rebar to actually use because you don't want to risk a retired tool 

[kirk13]

When you found a Mini for $30, jump on it.
It worth more because it is retired and consider as collectible.

Well the correct MTO answer is   Get Both ! 

DING! We have a winner!

Seriously,grab the Mini at that price! It's a great set of folding pliers,rather than a multi tool. But pair it with,say,a Vic Super Tinker,your ready for anything!

It's pretty easy to swap out a serrated blade for a plain edge one on the PST2. But a PST of either type is a must have. Though if your planning of serious use of the pliers look else where,even the Mini. The PST will slice into your hand!

Oh,and a reminder. Here at MTo,we observe tradition. So

  MINI! 

[Lynn LeFey]

OP... well, that's not a mini-question AT ALL. It was quite long, in fact.

Oh... wait... maybe I misread that.

I'd say get the PST, if you want the most tool for money. If you have the funds, get both.

[eddie1115]

I'm going to jump on the "GET BOTH!" team as well   That is a good price on the Mini, and it should clean up well (I bought one in a similar condition).  But everyone who's interested in multitools should have a PST of some kind.  If you HAVE to pick just one, I'd go with the PST. Great all around MT to start with, but it might be tough to find another Mini at that price.

[ironraven]

I have several of both.

The Mini is nice as a pair of pliers. And that's really all it is. It is a collectors item, and as others have said they normally go for much more than that. But it's limits are very, very limiting. If you can afford it, grab it though.

Of the two, if you can only afford one, get the PST through. It's compact, strong, versatile, and only lacking scissors. It pairs very nicely with a small SAK. What it also does lack that I like to have with me is a saw, which is why my duo for several years was a Huntsman with a PST

If you can find one, the origional model Supertool is a good buy, but quite bulker than the PST.

And that Imperial, yeah, wrapped in a slightly greasy rag in the tractor box is a good place for it.