Gerber Multiplier Review/Comparison

[Roadie]

Gerber Needlenose Multiplier Pocket Survival Tool (in Silver) Vs Gerber MP600 (in black)

Thanks to supratentorial I have an old school Gerber Multiplier so I thought I would compare it to my newer MP600


Upon opening the package the first thing that struck me was how much smaller it appears to be than the MP600. Comparing the two side by side there isn’t much difference around 7 or 8 mm in terms of length (closed) 1 or 2 mm in width (mainly due to the lock release mechanism on the MP600) and the same thickness. But visually it does appear smaller.



Now to the differences between the two in tool load outs. The MP600 has a total of 9 “blades” with 10 different functions (screwdriver and bottle opener combo) the Multiplier has 8 “blades” with 10 functions (can opener/screwdriver and bottle opener/screwdriver combos) The feel of the MP600’s screwdrivers is a lot more positive, the Multipliers seem a bit rounded and not very well defined; except the crosshead which looks to be on par with the MP600’s one.




The plier jaws appear to have the same internal serrations but the outline of the jaws differ slightly, the MP600’s are more angular and wider at the shoulder. The sliding mechanism, in particular the buttons, on the Multiplier are not as good as the MP600’s but are still perfectly adequate for the job, just slightly more awkward to use. There is however less rattle (in fact hardly any) when closed and even when open it in no way feels weak even though it rattles.

A little difference I noticed is this:

The way the two handles are joined is different, the MP600 has one handle “inside” the other where as the Multiplier has them “offset” the pic is better than my description!

I will add more to this when I have had a chance to use the tools and see how they stack up to the new ones.
Ryan

[Grant Lamontagne]

I really enjoy seeing the variations that show up over the lifespan of a line of tools.  J-sews and JoeBW have provided the site with a list of the variations that shows what appeared and when.  As soon as I figure out a good way to post it I will let everyone know.

Def

[supratentorial]

Nice attention to detail Roadie!  I never noticed the difference in size.  My favorite version of the sliding pliers is the original (two hex head screws).  It was simple and it worked.  The pliers slide out easily and could be adjusted or disassembled as needed.

I'm glad the tools survived the long trip! 

[J-sews]

A little difference I noticed is this:
(Image removed from quote.)
The way the two handles are joined is different, the MP600 has one handle “inside” the other where as the Multiplier has them “offset” the pic is better than my description!

Good stuff Roadie! I never noticed the "inside" -vs- "offset" handle assembly difference before.

Bob

[Roadie]

Yeah its a weird difference...I wonder why they switched it, does it offer any performance increase or a stronger tool?

[Grant Lamontagne]

My guess is that it would be more resistant to twisting damage? 

Def