selection Help

[Kidder]

Hi All,

I’m a maintenance electrician and I’ve had the same Gerber 600 by my side for well over 10 years. I use it mostly when I get a call to fix something and either I’m too lazy to carry my tool pouch, or didn’t anticipate needing it.

Last week I was trying to open a motor control cabinet and snapped about a ¼ inch of one side of the needle nose off. After wiping the tears from my eyes I decided there were four options. 1, Cut ¼ inch off the other side and make it a blunt nose, 2, send it in and see if they’ll replace one side of the pliers,  3, buy another one, 4, but a different one.

I really like the one hand operation so I can open it without taking my other hand of the wires or whatever I’m holding, otherwise I’d buy a Leatherman. I use both blades and both the Phillips and straight edge screwdriver a lot. I use the crimper every once in a while. I use the wire cutters a lot. I use the actual pliers occasionally, but as with all the multi tools I’ve seen, the pliers hole seems to be too small which causes the handles to be uncomfortable to far apart when your working with anything over 7/16”. They also don’t seem to grasp very well. To deal with that, I also carry a Letherman Crunch also, which is very handy, but I don’t like the tool setup and never use it.

I sort of narrowed it down to a SOG S62 or a Gerber Freehand. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Steve

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Hi All,

I’m a maintenance electrician and I’ve had the same Gerber 600 by my side for well over 10 years. I use it mostly when I get a call to fix something and either I’m too lazy to carry my tool pouch, or didn’t anticipate needing it.

Last week I was trying to open a motor control cabinet and snapped about a ¼ inch of one side of the needle nose off. After wiping the tears from my eyes I decided there were four options. 1, Cut ¼ inch off the other side and make it a blunt nose, 2, send it in and see if they’ll replace one side of the pliers,  3, buy another one, 4, but a different one.

I really like the one hand operation so I can open it without taking my other hand of the wires or whatever I’m holding, otherwise I’d buy a Leatherman. I use both blades and both the Phillips and straight edge screwdriver a lot. I use the crimper every once in a while. I use the wire cutters a lot. I use the actual pliers occasionally, but as with all the multi tools I’ve seen, the pliers hole seems to be too small which causes the handles to be uncomfortable to far apart when your working with anything over 7/16”. They also don’t seem to grasp very well. To deal with that, I also carry a Letherman Crunch also, which is very handy, but I don’t like the tool setup and never use it.

I sort of narrowed it down to a SOG S62 or a Gerber Freehand. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Steve

Welcome to the forum and sorry for your loss

I'd send it back and try and get it replaced under warrenty personally

As you've said you've had the 600 ten years now so maybe now's the time for a change, how about a swisstool maybe especially if your tool's have to take a bit of abuse from time to time

[Anthony]

I also carry a Letherman Crunch also, which is very handy, but I don’t like the tool setup and never use it.

I'm looking for one, check the trade forum if you'd like to exchange it for one of my tools ;D

The SOG tools have one hand opening pliers, although it's not as fast as the Gerbers.  It's usually two "steps" to flip the handles around...but you can tighten and loosen the bolts so it can flip open and closed in one shot.  

Some Leatherman tools can open the same way after using them a bit (or loosening the bolts with special bits), but the SOG tools have gears on each handle that help opening with one hand.

Both Leatherman and SOG have really good Phillips and flatheads, with way better reach than Gerber which comes in handy when you come across recessed screws the Gerber can't get to.

As for your broken Gerber; send it back, they should replace it no problem!

[CQC-7]

I'd get a leatherman or a swisstool.  I think that you will be better served in the long run.  Not that Gerbers are not any good but I believe that the above mentioned tools tend to last longer.

[Grant Lamontagne]

As an electrician who is considering a SOG, might I also suggest looking at one of the Paladin tools?  They are re-badged SOG tools and so have all the features (geared one handed pliers with compound leverage, Customizable tool selection etc) but also have some components like wire stripping heads and/or punchdown tools that may be more suited to your daily activities.
http://www.powerplaytools.com/home.html

In addition, you could look at the Electrician's version of the Bear Jaws from Bear Cutlery, but I'm not certain that's as easy to open one handed.  And, while I do think highly of the SwissTool and Spirit, they most definitely are not convenient to try and open one handed, although it can be done.

Here is Gerber's Warranty info:
http://www.gerbergear.com/warranty.php

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
This product is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for as long as the consumer owns the product. At Gerber Legendary Blades' option, defective product will be repaired, replaced or substituted with a product of equal value. For warranty service, call Gerber Legendary Blades at (800) 950-6161 [Or Contact Gerber Legendary Blades at 14200 SW 72nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97224]. GERBER LEGENDARY BLADES SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which may vary from state to state.

It looks to me like it will be covered under warranty, which is fantastic, but I'd call first and make arrangements for it and find out what's involved before doing anything at all.

The other problem is what to do in the meantime.  There is going to be at least several weeks where you are without your tool, and while I am certain you will manage without it, no professional user should be without a backup tool.  Don't believe me?  How many drills do you own?  

Get a backup tool.  Think about the things you like and the things you don't like about the Gerber and try to base your interest in other tools on that criteria.  If you like the one handed opening, I'd rank Gerber and SOG higher than Leatherman or Victorinox based on the ease with which the pliers are opened.  Since you mentioned cutting lots of wire, the Gerber carbide cutter may be a good idea since it can be rotated or replaced easily enough when it wears out.

Basically, it looks like your instincts on the S62 and Freehand are pretty well right, but I'd seriously look at the Paladin tools as well if I were you since it's basically a SOG, optimized for the type of work you do.

Welcome to Multitool.org, and make sure to let us know what route(s) you decided to take!

Def

[Viper]

Yes, a Paladin, and a Squirt for your keychain!

http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/e4/default.asp

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=blended&field-keywords=paladin%20powerplay&results-process=default&dispatch=search/ref=pd_sl_aw_tops-1_blended_28047857_2&results-process=default

[CQC-7]

Paladin and a squirt?  Seems to be a good choice to take care of electrical work.

[Kidder]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies. The Powereplay tool that I never heard of before looks interesting, but I’d never use the data com or phone/Cat 5 tools unless I could figure out an alternate use.

Waiting for my carpool I decided to walk into Dicks Sporting Goods. They had the Diesel on sale for $39.99. I asked the guy to take it out from the display counter to check it out. As much as I read about it being “beefier” then my 600, it sure didn’t seem that way to me. The needle nose seemed much thinner, and the tool seemed lighter and flimsier then my 600. Could it be because my 600 is over 10 years old?  BTW, I am going to take your advice and have it repaired.

I then walked over to Lowes. They had the SOG S62 there for $59.99 + tax and no shipping which seemed like a good deal so I bought it. Other then playing with it, I haven’t really used it yet. It sure seems solid, and I can attest that the blades are extremely sharp. The only disappointment I can see so far is that I wish the V cutter had a point on the end so I can jab it into a cable. I think it would make a good cable stripper. The other problem is that it can’t really be sharpened so when it dulls I guess it will need to be replaced.

If there are any Multi tool engineers out there, this would be my (and yours) ultimate tool for industrial use. Some of this may be impossible.

1, Most of the time my needle nose is preventing me from turning a nut because of clearance, but I still need the needle nose for pulling wires. I know Gerber has a two head attachment, but would it be nice to have a way to extend a blunt nose into a needle nose when needed? Or better yet, have two heads in one tool and depending on which way you open the handles will decided which head comes out..

2, Most of the time a bolt will be flush against a box, or a piece of steel. This means putting the tool up flush and trying to squeeze it with your finger tips because if you try to get your hand around the tool, you’ll lose the bolt. Put a hinge on the pliers so they can offset about 10 to 20 degrees from the handle after deployed. This is how most wrenches are made these days.

3, Make the pliers with a fatter opening and tapered so that a nut from 1/8 to ½ inch will cause the handle to open approximately the same.

4, Put the crimper on top of the pliers directly above the pivot like a Kline crimper. It’s a pain having it in the handle like my Gerber.

5, I need a decent wire stripper, I don’t really need a scissor. When you go to Home Depot and look at wire strippers, what are they shaped like?  Scissors. So fatten up the scissors, and put three or four holes in it so I can strip #20 to #12 ga. wire.

6, I need a decent electricians knife for stripping cable. They are sorta curved like a carpet knife.

7, Put the tools on one side, and the sharp stuff on the other. If I need a screwdriver in a hurry, I don’t need to be thinking or worrying about slicing my finger open. When I need a blade, then I’ll worry about it.

Thanks,

Steve

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I hope you get at least another ten years out of the replacement gerber, I suprised you didn't go for the diesel though  everyone here seem's to have a pretty high opinion of them

Good luck with the sog mate, and let us know how you get on with it once it's done a few ''miles''

[J-sews]

If there are any Multi tool engineers out there, this would be my (and yours) ultimate tool for industrial use. Some of this may be impossible.

1, Most of the time my needle nose is preventing me from turning a nut because of clearance, but I still need the needle nose for pulling wires. I know Gerber has a two head attachment, but would it be nice to have a way to extend a blunt nose into a needle nose when needed? Or better yet, have two heads in one tool and depending on which way you open the handles will decided which head comes out..

2, Most of the time a bolt will be flush against a box, or a piece of steel. This means putting the tool up flush and trying to squeeze it with your finger tips because if you try to get your hand around the tool, you’ll lose the bolt. Put a hinge on the pliers so they can offset about 10 to 20 degrees from the handle after deployed. This is how most wrenches are made these days.

3, Make the pliers with a fatter opening and tapered so that a nut from 1/8 to ½ inch will cause the handle to open approximately the same.

4, Put the crimper on top of the pliers directly above the pivot like a Kline crimper. It’s a pain having it in the handle like my Gerber.

5, I need a decent wire stripper, I don’t really need a scissor. When you go to Home Depot and look at wire strippers, what are they shaped like?  Scissors. So fatten up the scissors, and put three or four holes in it so I can strip #20 to #12 ga. wire.

6, I need a decent electricians knife for stripping cable. They are sorta curved like a carpet knife.

7, Put the tools on one side, and the sharp stuff on the other. If I need a screwdriver in a hurry, I don’t need to be thinking or worrying about slicing my finger open. When I need a blade, then I’ll worry about it.

Thanks,

Steve

Holy Moly, them are some interesting suggestions! 

Too many to reply to all at once though, so how about we address them one at a time.

[J-sews]

1, Most of the time my needle nose is preventing me from turning a nut because of clearance, but I still need the needle nose for pulling wires. I know Gerber has a two head attachment, but would it be nice to have a way to extend a blunt nose into a needle nose when needed? Or better yet, have two heads in one tool and depending on which way you open the handles will decided which head comes out..

The only working example of a multitool that can switch from needlenose to blunt nose pliers (that I can think of) is the Flip-Grip. They were made in China, but are of much better quality than the usual Chinese garbage.

[J-sews]

2, Most of the time a bolt will be flush against a box, or a piece of steel. This means putting the tool up flush and trying to squeeze it with your finger tips because if you try to get your hand around the tool, you’ll lose the bolt. Put a hinge on the pliers so they can offset about 10 to 20 degrees from the handle after deployed. This is how most wrenches are made these days.

The only multitool with hinged pliers was the SOG Paratool. They are still a current item with SOG. The pivoting head is their biggest claim to fame.

[J-sews]

3, Make the pliers with a fatter opening and tapered so that a nut from 1/8 to ½ inch will cause the handle to open approximately the same.

Hmmmm. Couple examples come to mind. The first is the "flat nose" pliers that were on the original SOG PowerPlier. They had a bigger, tapered opening for grabbing nuts like you describe. (top picture)

Another thought would be slip-joint pliers, like the Schrade ST5 had. (bottom picture)  The photo doesn't show it well, but the jaw pivot has two positions, one narrow and one wide, just like ordinary pliers often do.

[Viper]

For #5, did you look at the Squirt?

Also, I believe SOG makes a model with a similar head.

Well I looked, and the model is the PowerCut, coming out in October. The price from SOG is 100 dollars (American), but they will probably retail for 60-70 American.

[NeitherExtreme]

5, I need a decent wire stripper, I don’t really need a scissor. When you go to Home Depot and look at wire strippers, what are they shaped like?  Scissors. So fatten up the scissors, and put three or four holes in it so I can strip #20 to #12 ga. wire.

I've been saying the same thing for quite a while now. I spent about 3 years doing electric work (residential), and I noticed that most guys (not just sparkys) don't have a pair of scissors anywhere in their tool box or belt, but most do have a wirestripper. I think the Leatherman needs to make a Surge model were the scissors are wirestrippers instead. They have just the right kind of beefy scissors for the job.

Welcome to the forum by the way!

[Viper]

I almost forgot about the Kilowatt!
http://sogknives.com/store/EL-01.html
Also, for #6, some Victorinox knives have electrician's blades, and pruning blades (which fit your discription better).

Lastly, for #7, you shouldn't have any problem, because, as far as I know, no multitool company puts the cutting edge of the blade facing out.

[Kidder]

Hi,

Wow, it seems like my wish list has been addressed at one time or another by different companies. Now, if they can put it all together. <gg>

What I meant by keeping the sharp stuff on one side (#7), is that on this new (and allot of fun) S62 there is and extremely pointed tool (awl?) right next to the screwdriver and they seem to come out together. And the awl is longer! There is no need for that. Keep pointy tools in one handle, and tools in the other.

Steve

[NeitherExtreme]

What I meant by keeping the sharp stuff on one side (#7), is that on this new (and allot of fun) S62 there is and extremely pointed tool (awl?) right next to the screwdriver and they seem to come out together. And the awl is longer! There is no need for that. Keep pointy tools in one handle, and tools in the other.

SOG's should be user-serviceable. Can you take it apart and switch the implements to where you want them?

[Anthony]

Yep that's an awl.  One of the best ones I've used also.

You should be able to switch some tools around to your liking.

[Viper]

Oh yeah, forgot about the awl. I have the tools I use most on one side (phillips, flathead, plain and serrated blades, and washers to minimise clumping.)

[Roadie]

The thing with having them all on one side is the long tools need to be at the egdes to avoid interfering with the plier jaws when the tool is closed. So unless you only have 2 long tools in the selection you wouldn't be able to do this. (unless i'm mistaken of course!)

[CQC-7]

It is definately great to be able to "tweak" the tool to your liking isnt it.