LM Sidekick Review

Stuey · **on:** September 16, 2011, 05:05:52 PM

It's been a while since I posted (though I still lurked), but thought you guys might appreciate an early review of the LM Sidekick.

Full Leatherman Sidekick Review via TG (my blog)

This is a short summary review that focuses on a few major points. If you want more, the full review and photos are up on my site, linked above.

Pros:

"value-priced"
spring-action pliers
3D Phillips screwdriver (woohoo!)
solid feel, great build quality
tool "locking" system works reasonably well

Cons:

wire cutters are so-so
one-handed knife opening isn't quick & doesn't feel natural

I can see a few instances where LM simpilified the tool's design, probably for cost-saving measures. Most noticeably, the wire cutters are V-ground and X-shaped. They get the job done, but require more effort and crush smaller wires before cutting through.

I find it difficult to open the knife with one hand. It may just be that I need to get used to the tool's geometry, but I don't think so.

I wasn't sure what to expect, with this being an "entry-level" offering and all, but it seems like a very nice multi-tool, and I'm quite impressed with the level of quality.

The Sidekick is priced at ~$40. The Wingman is similar but w/ a combo blade, and is priced at $30. I'll probably buy 1 of each when they're released.

For photos and more details, the link at the top of the post points to my blog review. If you guys have any specific Q's, let me know. I have a couple of LMs in my personal rotation that I can compare the Sidekick to.

Disclosure: sample was provided at no-cost unconditionally.

Metropolicity · **Reply #1 on:** September 16, 2011, 05:31:15 PM

Interesting.

Personally, and this is personal, I would love to have the Wingman with the Sidekick's PE blade. I have no use for the serrated blade and have replaced mine on my larger tools with other more, personally, useful items.

I can't wait to handle one of these.

Am I right to assume that the interior tools do NOT lock, but are more of a slip-joint design?

Stuey · **Reply #2 on:** September 16, 2011, 05:48:44 PM

That is correct, the passive lock is a slip-joint one. I could not for the life of me remember how to describe it, thanks for the correction!

I think LM recognized that some users prefer the PE blade, which is why the stick it on the pricier models. The original Skeletool had a PE blade while the CX had a combo blade. Sometime since then, LM swapped the blade configuration. Just a theory.

I use scissors more often than I use a MT saw blade, and assume that's the reason you'd prefer the Wingman as well. In addition to the PE blade and saw blade, the extra $10 for the Sidekick also gets one a simple but nice leather pouch and a mini carabiner accessory.

Metropolicity · **Reply #3 on:** September 16, 2011, 07:32:41 PM

oh hell.

For the price of both, it would be cheaper than buying a TTi or AL (which sadly, I have both of, and the TTI, well 15 of them just isn't enough). I could just swap edges and keep the modded Sidekick in my scooter for those mobile scooter fights/jousts I always seem to get myself into.

Can't wait will MEC here in Canada gets them, I'll be buying both likely.

ironraven · **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2011, 02:27:19 AM

ARe those pivot bolts standard Torx?

I hope they don't change them. I saw thing I liked, things I didn't, but if I can pull them apart easily... mwahahaha

Metropolicity · **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2011, 05:30:55 AM

They ARE standard hex bolts

Stuey · **Reply #6 on:** September 19, 2011, 04:32:53 AM

Quote from: Metropolicity on September 16, 2011, 07:32:41 PM

oh hell.

For the price of both, it would be cheaper than buying a TTi or AL (which sadly, I have both of, and the TTI, well 15 of them just isn't enough). I could just swap edges and keep the modded Sidekick in my scooter for those mobile scooter fights/jousts I always seem to get myself into.

Can't wait will MEC here in Canada gets them, I'll be buying both likely.

True. Last I checked, an ALX is about $82-90.

I've been meaning to pick up a TTI one of these days, but can't really justify it. Yet...

Quote from: ironraven on September 17, 2011, 02:27:19 AM

ARe those pivot bolts standard Torx?

I hope they don't change them. I saw thing I liked, things I didn't, but if I can pull them apart easily... mwahahaha

A T10 driver seems to fit in pretty well w/o play.

Accujohn · **Reply #7 on:** September 19, 2011, 04:47:30 AM

I just found the security torx bits in case they have the tamper resistant ones. Ace hardware

Stuey · **Reply #8 on:** September 20, 2011, 01:18:15 AM

I loosened the knife bolt slightly, and it made one-handed opening MUCH easier. I didn't really like the loose feel of the knife, though - it made me feel like it would open accidentally. So I tightened it right back up.

Metropolicity · **Reply #9 on:** September 20, 2011, 02:09:46 AM

There should be a ball bearing detent mechanism that sort of frictions the blade in place until you flick it out a bit. I wouldn't worry too much about it flying out, that being said, better safe than sorry!

Stuey · **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2011, 03:55:23 AM

Quote from: Metropolicity on September 20, 2011, 02:09:46 AM

There should be a ball bearing detent mechanism that sort of frictions the blade in place until you flick it out a bit. I wouldn't worry too much about it flying out, that being said, better safe than sorry!

By "it made me feel like it would open accidentally", I meant that it flipped out twice when I was opening the pliers, but I wasn't sure if I grazed the side of the knife with my finger. Since I wasn't sure, I didn't want to say that it opened on its own. Either way, it was way too loose, so I put it back to what I felt was "factory tightness."

I'm getting used to the feel of the tool a bit more, and so it's opening a bit quicker. I think I'm just spoiled by the more natural feeling of my other LMs.

The Sidekick is still a great multi-tool. I'm just quite nitpicky. Besides, I needed something to complain about, or else it would have been perfect. And everyone on the forum knows there's no such thing as a perfect multi-tool. =)

Metropolicity · **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2011, 04:29:20 AM

Quote from: Stuey on September 20, 2011, 03:55:23 AM

Quote from: Metropolicity on September 20, 2011, 02:09:46 AM
There should be a ball bearing detent mechanism that sort of frictions the blade in place until you flick it out a bit. I wouldn't worry too much about it flying out, that being said, better safe than sorry!
By "it made me feel like it would open accidentally", I meant that it flipped out twice when I was opening the pliers, but I wasn't sure if I grazed the side of the knife with my finger. Since I wasn't sure, I didn't want to say that it opened on its own. Either way, it was way too loose, so I put it back to what I felt was "factory tightness."

I'm getting used to the feel of the tool a bit more, and so it's opening a bit quicker. I think I'm just spoiled by the more natural feeling of my other LMs.

The Sidekick is still a great multi-tool. I'm just quite nitpicky. Besides, I needed something to complain about, or else it would have been perfect. And everyone on the forum knows there's no such thing as a perfect multi-tool. =)

My quest continues for the perfect multi...I think I have one brewing...shhhh secret project.

Stuey · **Reply #12 on:** September 20, 2011, 04:37:46 AM

Quote from: Metropolicity on September 20, 2011, 04:29:20 AM

My quest continues for the perfect multi...I think I have one brewing...shhhh secret project.

Haha, FrankenCharge scissor hands!

Tsquare · **Reply #13 on:** September 23, 2011, 04:33:17 AM

I finally received a sidekick and I am very impressed with the tool. I will probably wait on the wingman till my local home depot gets them in.

Stuey · **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2011, 10:53:04 PM

In case anyone finds it helpful, I made a video that goes over the features and differences between the Sidekick and Wingman.

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