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Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?

Hobit · 130 · 11408

Offline Hobit

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Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
on: November 22, 2009, 10:25:24 PM
Hi :)

I'm soon to turn 18 and am going to get a multitool. I do live events work such as theatre, mainly on lighting, though also other things like crew.

I'm mainly looking into a Leatherman Wave, as I know a lot of people who use them and they seem a great tool, though I was shown a Gerber the other day, and liked the flick action of opening the pliers, as opposed to unfolding the leatherman. However, it seems a lot easier to open the blades on the Wave than on the Gerber.

What would you recommend I get, from personal experiance? A Leatherman Wave, or a Gerber of a similar price?

Thanks in advanced,
Hobit


gb Offline Mike, Lord of the Spammers!

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #1 on: November 22, 2009, 10:28:31 PM
Welcome to the forum mate :)

Either tool would serve you well :), but personally I'd go for a Victorinox Swisstool :)
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us Offline Pacu

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #2 on: November 22, 2009, 10:32:51 PM
My vote is a Wave. It's the perfect size..not too big not too wimpy.
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00 Offline Freudian Frog

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #3 on: November 22, 2009, 10:34:59 PM
I hear from most stage crewbies the one-hand opening pliers on the Gerbers are best.
Otherwise I recommend a swisstool, or depending on what you deal with day to day, a Leatherman with bit capabilities. =o
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gb Offline Screwtape

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #4 on: November 22, 2009, 10:49:11 PM
The wave is probably king of the hill for a Lampie, with the Charge coming a close second. But I  bought a MP600 first and it did me no wrong for about 8 years and now I use a Vic Spirit.

However in the UK for crewing I'd buy a Kick, it's cheap if you lose it, UK legal for when your going to a gig and light on your belt.
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england Offline DaveK

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #5 on: November 22, 2009, 10:49:34 PM
You'll like fall off a ladder trying to get the tools open on a Swisstool or Spirt ;)

To answer your question.....

I guess it was the Gerber Flik you saw? If quick deploying pliers is your main requirement, then Gerber is the way to go, although I might look at the MP600 or MP400 rather than the Flik itself, as the drivers and tools are far superior. I also think that MP600 and MP400 feel more solid, but that could be in my head!

If it's the one-hand opening of the Wave that would be more important to you, you'll struggle to find much comparable (apart from more expensive or bigger Leatherman tools).

Tbh, whichever you get, you'll learn to get on with - that's the way it tends to go.

Me - I'm quite partial to the Leatherman stuff ;)
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us Offline Smitty44

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #6 on: November 22, 2009, 10:51:38 PM
Welcome to the forums Hobit,for elect. work I'd go with the Paladin PT-510 first,if you want dedicated screwdrivers the Core or Fuse,if you want a selection of bits,the wave with a bit kit,they are all good starter tools,good luck,and hope to hear what you finally decide.
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england Offline DaveK

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #7 on: November 22, 2009, 10:52:17 PM
Oh and btw - Welcome  :cheers:
I used to come here a lot.


gb Offline Screwtape

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #8 on: November 22, 2009, 10:53:11 PM
Oh and btw - Welcome  :cheers:

Oh yeh, that too  :drink:
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england Offline Benner

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #9 on: November 22, 2009, 10:55:29 PM
Welcome to the forum.  :cheers:

In your field, what tool will see most use do you think?
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us Offline turnsouth

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #10 on: November 22, 2009, 11:09:07 PM
However in the UK for crewing I'd buy a Kick, it's cheap if you lose it, UK legal for when your going to a gig and light on your belt.

Would not the Wave be legal carry in the UK, because he would be using in his trade?
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england Offline DaveK

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #11 on: November 22, 2009, 11:11:24 PM
However in the UK for crewing I'd buy a Kick, it's cheap if you lose it, UK legal for when your going to a gig and light on your belt.

Would not the Wave be legal carry in the UK, because he would be using in his trade?


I would think that was the very definition of "good reason".

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us Offline turnsouth

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #12 on: November 22, 2009, 11:12:46 PM
Thanks in advanced,
Hobit

Welcome to the forum.

Benner and DaveK make a good point, what do you need?

  • Easy access pliers, or
  • Easy access blades
« Last Edit: November 22, 2009, 11:17:32 PM by turnsouth »
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england Offline DaveK

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #13 on: November 22, 2009, 11:13:43 PM
Thanks in advanced,
Hobit

Welcome to the forum.

Benner makes a good point, what do you need?

  • Easy access pliers, or
  • Easy access blades

Oi - that was my point  :twak:
I used to come here a lot.


Offline Hobit

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #14 on: November 22, 2009, 11:14:00 PM
Thanks for all the replies guys :)

Whenever I use one, it's generally been pliers, the blades and screwdrivers on the wave :) Can't comment on the Gerber as I only used it the other day as a screwdriver, though it did seem like the two halves opened apart a little. If I had a multitool, I know I'd have it with me most of the time and consequently would probably use more of the featres if I had them.

At the moment I'm thinking Leatherman Wave, though does anyone think that a Gerber would do nicely? Most of the people I work with have Leathermans, though one person (usually the Stage Manager) uses a Gerber :)

Thanks again,
Hobit :)


us Offline turnsouth

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #15 on: November 22, 2009, 11:19:01 PM


Welcome to the forum.

Benner and DaveK make a good point, what do you need?

  • Easy access pliers, or
  • Easy access blades


Oi - that was my point  :twak:

Dave, you must have misread my post... :D

(my bad for not reading...)
« Last Edit: November 22, 2009, 11:23:13 PM by turnsouth »
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england Offline Benner

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #16 on: November 22, 2009, 11:24:50 PM
I am sure to get some stick for this, but if you are wanting a decent phillips you can forget any Gerber with the flat phillips as IMO they are just not good enough.  :P  :D  If you need decent drivers Leatherman are the way to go IMO as there drivers are superior to most others (again IMO  :D).
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england Offline DaveK

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #17 on: November 22, 2009, 11:27:35 PM
I am sure to get some stick for this, but if you are wanting a decent phillips you can forget any Gerber with the flat phillips as IMO they are just not good enough.  :P  :D  If you need decent drivers Leatherman are the way to go IMO as there drivers are superior to most others (again IMO  :D).

That too is my opinion, although the Gerber MP600's drivers are pretty good. They are also on special offer at Heinnie's, making them about the best deal I've seen lately!

http://www.heinnie.com/product.asp?s=ygp7i2750683&strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=4605&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1
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us Offline turnsouth

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #18 on: November 22, 2009, 11:28:16 PM
I am sure to get some stick for this, but if you are wanting a decent phillips you can forget any Gerber with the flat phillips as IMO they are just not good enough.  :P  :D  If you need decent drivers Leatherman are the way to go IMO as there drivers are superior to most others (again IMO  :D).

Another consideration Hobit, is if you work with different types of odd fasteners, the Wave has the advantage with the changeable bit driver.
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england Offline DaveK

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #19 on: November 22, 2009, 11:31:40 PM
That's a damn good point.
I used to come here a lot.


Offline Hobit

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #20 on: November 22, 2009, 11:41:42 PM
That's a good point :)

Does anyone know how easy it is to get out the tools of a Gerber one handed? In particular the blade? :)

Thanks,
Hobit


gb Offline Screwtape

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #21 on: November 22, 2009, 11:43:01 PM
However in the UK for crewing I'd buy a Kick, it's cheap if you lose it, UK legal for when your going to a gig and light on your belt.

Would not the Wave be legal carry in the UK, because he would be using in his trade?


I would think that was the very definition of "good reason".



Indeed a wave is a good choice, ( I did open my post saying a much  ;))

But most crew I know will end up in the pub or somewhere else after a days work, most of us theatre types get into the trade because of the social life that goes with it and are prone to carrying a tool straight from work off into the streets on our belts.  

To be frank, any of the tools mentioned here will be good for a theatre Tech, get what you like best and then you'll be happy with it not wishing you had got something else.  If you like the Gerber, and you seem to be talking you're self into it, then get it  :tu: some days you'll love the flick pliers when your're up a ladder other days you'll hate the blade for needing two hand to open.

Same for the wave but the other way round,  :D
« Last Edit: November 22, 2009, 11:49:41 PM by Screwtape »
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Offline Hobit

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #22 on: November 22, 2009, 11:52:15 PM
Thanks for your reply :)

I've used Waves before, and they seem to be very good :) The Gerber I've looked at is the Gerber Compact Sport 400. Does anyone have any pros/cons for this product from personal experiace? :)

Thanks,
Hobit :)


us Offline turnsouth

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #23 on: November 22, 2009, 11:57:30 PM

But most crew I know will end up in the pub or somewhere else after a days work, most of us theatre types get into the trade because of the social life that goes with it and are prone to carrying a tool straight from work off into the streets on our belts.  


Since the Wave blade is under 3 inches, it should be legal length for the pub.

Wouldn't coming from work count as "good reason" for having a lock blade in possession?

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england Offline Benner

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #24 on: November 22, 2009, 11:59:59 PM

But most crew I know will end up in the pub or somewhere else after a days work, most of us theatre types get into the trade because of the social life that goes with it and are prone to carrying a tool straight from work off into the streets on our belts.  


Since the Wave blade is under 3 inches, it should be legal length for the pub.

Wouldn't coming from work count as "good reason" for having a lock blade in possession?



Not in a pub or bar no.
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us Offline turnsouth

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #25 on: November 23, 2009, 12:04:07 AM

Not in a pub or bar no.

Makes sense, I would imagine that the authorities would expect you to leave it in your car...


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ph Offline edap617

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #26 on: November 23, 2009, 12:07:53 AM
I will vote for the Leatherman Wave.


Offline Hobit

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #27 on: November 23, 2009, 12:10:05 AM
Hi :)

Any reasons in particular? :)

Thanks,
Hobit :)


england Offline DaveK

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #28 on: November 23, 2009, 12:11:16 AM
I quite like the MP400s, I have a couple, but the Wave is a better tool IMO. Hopefully these rapidly taken pics will help!

Even though the Wave is more compact when closed, they form a more substantial pair of pliers when opened. The MP400 however does let you deploy them quicker:



As well as having bigger pliers, the Wave has bigger, stronger (and OHO) blades, file and the ever-useful bit driver "on-board".



The MP600 however has the biggest pliers of the three tools in these pics, although not by much, and personally I don't think they are worth the extra bulk!





All three of these tools have locking blades, so Screwtape's point is one you should definitely take into account!

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us Offline Pacu

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Re: Getting a multitool: Leatherman or Gerber?
Reply #29 on: November 23, 2009, 12:11:35 AM
Thanks for your reply :)

I've used Waves before, and they seem to be very good :) The Gerber I've looked at is the Gerber Compact Sport 400. Does anyone have any pros/cons for this product from personal experiace? :)

Thanks,
Hobit :)


Ive carried that for a few years before i even knew about leatherman. Good choice for one handed plier opening. The 600 is not much bigger and is a good choice too. Great quality imo
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