Gerber Recoil Auto-plier.

[Chako]

As some of you may know, I received a few days ago the first of two Gerber Recoil Auto-pliers from eBay. I won another one knowing that something was wrong with this one. In fact, i was correct, something was wrong with this model, but it is suitable enough to do an intro review on my thoughts on this entertaining and painful…er…unique multi-tool.

The Gerber Recoil came out in 2003, and has been discontinued (I wonder why?).  I got one on the advice of a fellow forum member who recommended one for my collection due to its unique features. My worn down and broken example did not come with a sheath. More on this a little later.

The raison d’être  behind the Recoil is one handed usage. To do this, Gerber saw fit to place springs into the handle that would allow the user to eject the pliers with a press of the button.  The button itself has a sliding lock so that you don’t have an accidental discharge in let’s say your pockets (those of dirty minds need not reply ). You would want this safety feature simply because the pliers are accelerated at a tremendous speed and force outwards and lock authoritatively ready for use. If the Recoil were to do this somewhere delicate and with some surprise, you might be in a compromising position. I speak with some authority on this matter, I did not write this out as soon as I received the Recoil because I wanted to EDC it. It did not come with a sheath, so I made the mistake of pocket carrying it. I might add, that the sliding lock, very simple to use and does secure the pliers nicely, can and will unlock in your pocket. I  um…had a rather painful accident. I just hope that my ability to have children has not been reduced.  Needless to say, the little Recoil discharged in my front pocket and I was immediately on my knees. My only saving grace, this happened in my back yard, and not somewhere in public.

So that is score one for the Recoil.

Because the springs take up the space within the handles, there is no room for folding tools. Gerber got around this by tacking on another layer that contains 2 folding tools per handle, and also a spring unit at the plier hinge to keep the little darling open at all times for easier one handed operations.  Now what I find interesting, is that although this makes the Recoil a rather fat multi-tool, Gerber didn’t go far enough with the one handed side of things. The tools are definitely not one handed. They do have finger slots, but they decided to place these so close to the pivot point, that you need to exert a good amount of force to open them. This requires two hands. In all fairness, it is entirely possible that mine is not in the best of shape… as evidence to the wear and tear, slight surface rust, worn to nothing model markings, and the broken tip off of my can opener/flathead screwdriver…that mine is a bit hard to open.

I did clean it out by placing the whole unit into an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner with water for 2 cycles. That got all the crud off the unit, and I oiled the implements after a good air drying.

Another interesting issue with the folding tools is the lack of variety. You get a knife, a pair of scissors, a combo bottle opener/Phillips screw driver/wire stripper, and a combo can opener/flat head screwdriver, and wire cutter.

Another issue and it could also be attributed to my model alone, I have found that the folding tool locking mechanism a bit stiff to use.  Now when you slide it over, it is tied into the main spring in the handle, which is a beast (I am still wincing thank you). This pressure makes moving the oval shaped locks hard to use, especially one handed.  I have found my thumb wanting to slide right off of it while I am trying to unlock a tool and fold it away. I will know more when I get the other Recoil in.

Another problem that I am having with this Recoil, the pliers stick up past the tool when closed. My example is a bit loose, and thus, these plier tips can pinch when the handles are jiggled. I can use my pliers in the closed position for small delicate work. I kid you not.

Back to the fun part, closing the Recoil. When I first got mine, I was closing mine by fingers alone. After a very short while (because once you get the Recoil, you will fire them and close them multiple times) my fingers got very sore. To close them, you have to simultaneously press the release button down meanwhile pushing the pliers back down into the handles until you hear a click. To make this all the more challenging, you also have to keep the spring loaded handles closed.  It is all rather counter intuitive somewhat. After your first few mistakes which include accidently shooting yourself a few times, it all becomes second nature. Now instead of pushing the pliers with my fingers  and hand, I just look for a hard surface that I am not worried of marring. I push meanwhile pressing the button, hear the click, pull the Recoil away and slide the lock onto the discharge button. Whew.

There are some positives about the Gerber Recoil. I do like the plier action, but then I am told I am easily amused. The locking feature does work. It is simple to use. It is prone to movement in a loose pocket. That goes without saying, take it from experience, do not EDC this in a pocket. You might be sorry.

Now for some photographs.


You can see the model markings are almost completely gone. One good thing, I don’t mind EDCing this as its not in pristine condition.


Here you can see this tool at rest. They are kept apart by a fairly strong spring which I found a bit annoying.


Here you can see the folding tool load out, including my busted tip.

And a first, a video I made and ported to YouTube showing me opening and closing the Recoil.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeyWPR6shW4

[Gareth]

I can well believe you don't want one of those firing off in your pocket. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeyWPR6shW4

[MultiMat]

Nice write up chako  if somewhat painful 
They are MAD MAD MAD

Nice clear video too mate  , I recognize that yellow leather background  .

Chako I would be interested too hear if either of your Recoil's have the lock problem described here http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,1681.0.html. My one does & Bob's to a less extent

[Chako]

Well, I only have the one. Hopefully the other one will come in this week.

Yes, after reading that review, I will agree with everything written 100%. Mine does have that lock problem.

Mind you, I will never EDC this again without a sheath. After my accident, I have left the Recoil on the shelf to threaten all the other shelf queens into submission. 

[cliosguy]

first: ouch
second: great review
third: (after reading the first part again)ouch
 

[Chako]

Thanks. I must admit, that took me by surprise. I was shifting it in my front pocket to a more comfortable position when I must have pressed on the release lock, unknown to me it had slipped to the activate position. Oh well, some lessons you just have to learn the hard way...sigh. 

[J-sews]

....Another issue and it could also be attributed to my model alone, I have found that the folding tool locking mechanism a bit stiff to use.  Now when you slide it over, it is tied into the main spring in the handle, which is a beast (I am still wincing thank you). This pressure makes moving the oval shaped locks hard to use, especially one handed.  I have found my thumb wanting to slide right off of it while I am trying to unlock a tool and fold it away. I will know more when I get the other Recoil in.....

Hmmm, mine doesn't have that problem Chako. Do you think it was made that way or is something inside worn from too much use, causing the problem?

And thanks for the pics and write-up by the way. It will be interesting to see how the second one compares when it gets in.

[Chako]

Hard to say. I won't know more until I have the other to compare.

[Chako]

Ok, for the record....first one...problem.

Second better shape one, no problem.

It is a hit and miss thing?

[Poncho65]

first: ouch
second: great review
third: (after reading the first part again)ouch
 

+1 

[Goatlord666]

Yes I know I have terrible habit of resurrecting dead old forgotten posts, (and that is uprely my fault for not being around while all the action was taking place) but I have no other place to haunt more comfortably in these hallowed halls with my Gerber Coffee mug on hand while waiting for the last fews hours of my shift at work to end.  Very nice write up and fair warnings indeed. I will give this a definite try.

[Lynn LeFey]

This forum seems pretty cool about folks doing thread necro. i'd never read this one, and can't believe I missed such a harrowing tale of MT use.

The Chako-mangling horror of the Recoil shall never be forgotten.

[gregozedobe]

I was aware of the "forceful deployment" capability of the Gerber Recoil, but after seeing it in action at first hand I would never, ever carry one unsheathed in my trouser pockets (or near anything else that is even slightly delicate for that matter) for fear of the carnage that could ensue.

This tool is definitely one for the collector, and not for EDC 

[Goatlord666]

That forceful spring was a major selling point for me albeit at the expense of a comrade's physical pain =)

My recoil should be here in a few weeks

Sent from my Cruize W280 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

[AimlessWanderer]

I was aware of the "forceful deployment" capability of the Gerber Recoil, but after seeing it in action at first hand I would never, ever carry one unsheathed in my trouser pockets (or near anything else that is even slightly delicate for that matter) for fear of the carnage that could ensue.

This tool is definitely one for the collector, and not for EDC 

I got a Recoil a while back, and I tend to agree with this - but only due to the placement of exterior tools. I found the "back" tool on each handle very hard to get at, and if they had managed to put one of the tools on the other side of the handle (ala Grappler) and still found room for the trigger button, the package would have been a whole lot better. The only other real gripe I have is the diminutive flat driver on the end of the can opener. Maybe it would have been better to have this as a file and driver combo (again, like the Grappler) and ditch the can opener

[Chako]

 

Yes, I have been trying to forget this incident in the last few years.

One thing, I have two of them now and they do look rather nice as shelf queens...albeit a bit menacing as they innocently repose themselves waiting for the unwary. 

[Gareth]

Now here's a question for you Dan; do you keep them "locked and loaded" or do you have them with their "bolt" shot?

[Chako]

Locked and loaded. I figure they were designed to be in such a state for great lengths of time with no damage to the springs. I just checked on them, and yes, deadly as ever.

[Goatlord666]

all this is making me more anxious to receive that package with the recoil in it.

[Grathr]

I just had to necro this one.
The mental image of what happened that fateful day made my eyes water.
(Sorry Chako )

[Poncho65]

Great necro thread

Although painful it was a very great write-up and good to see some of the older posters in this thread as well

[Chako]

 

I can at that now...