Requesting a break-down of the Gerber plier MT line-up

[AimlessWanderer]

I never seem to be satisfied about these things until I find out through firsthand experience.

Yup! That's how I ended up snowed under with tools 

I've never used the Diesel driver hard, but I keep my knifeless one with the bit adaptor, plus I have a few donor tools lying about I can pinch a replacement from

[Chako]

I do not wish to dissuade or persuade you either way. I have always felt that one should do the research on their own and come up with their own conclusions. This is why I tend to post plenty of photos...as I feel photos tell the story better than my own personal opinions and biases...even though that hasn't stopped me from espousing them. 

My issue with the MP1 are several. For a tool that is billed as higher quality and hence, higher price, there are some odd design features about the tool.

1. The bit driver is odd as it is off center. There is a little bend that doesn't really get in the way, but does cause some issues when trying to use it to screw things. Not a big deal, but not the best design either. At least it takes regular driver bits and not the Leatherman flat bit drivers. Nothing wrong with the Leatherman flats, but if you lose one, you can't just go to most stores and pick up a replacement...or at lest not in my region.

2. to access the folding tools in the middle, you have to pull one of the outside tools to gain access. I am talking about the two flat drivers in the one handle. No clumping tools on this one.

3. My pry bar/bottle opener has a bit more play when locked open then I would rather wish. So much so that the tool rattles if I shake my MP1.

4. For a premium tool, the MP1 doesn't have exotic steel for the knife blades.

5. I am thinking the MP1 isn't that easily modified if at all. Plenty of folks doing that sort of thing to the MP600 however.

With that said, the handles feel great. Spring loaded pliers are nice (some folks hate them). You get a smaller utility blade...but to make this truly epic...why not incorporate a real utility blade exchange system. The boxy one is thick and not that sharp. It does make a mean box opener though.

I think the MP1's target audience are those in the trades. The Leatherman OHT is more a first responder tool. Both can be used for anything however. Look at me, I use a Leatherman MUT as part of my motorcycle repair kit, and that is a tool aimed at AR weapon maintenance.

[rebel]

Great info, Chako. My Leatherman has the same issue about not being able to open some of the tools singly so I am used to that but I agree it is not that great. Your other points are very important. An off center screwdriver could be extremely annoying.

I tend to do a lot of reading before I buy anything and typically can't handle anything or test it before I buy so the info on here is important to me. However since I have no basis for comparison I'm usually ok with what I end up buying. The MP1 is only 60 bucks at Walmart right now so if I had the money it would be an ok value probably. I guess based on your comments the MP600 is back on the table for me and I'll look at these three and whatever else until I decide to buy something. Thank you.

[Chako]

For 60 bucks...I would buy one at that price. They tend to retail in the 130 dollar range in these parts.

[Smaug]

The Diesel came out after the MP600. I personally do not think it is a higher or lower ranked product, just a different one.

Thanks for that. It's one of those things one just can't tell from pictures or marketing or reviews written by someone who just got it the day before and hasn't used it yet. (re. lots of Amazon reviews)

I think one has to be pragmatic about things. If a tool fails (they all will), usually it is the vocal minority that comes online to write negative reviews of the tool.

There are some gray shades here. I would qualify your statement by adding that "..they will all fail if abused..." Some tools will absolutely not fail unless abused. (ex. Victorinox Pioneer)

If a reviewer/user with good writing skills explains what they were doing, how hard they were pushing, etc. when a tool failed, it is VERY useful data to us over-researchers. For example, the electrician who said the Phillips will strip before the screw does. I know how an electrician is likely to use his tool, and I know the screws he's likely to encounter are not that hard, so my conclusion was that the steel used or the basic design (mostly 2 dimensional = more strain on the two that do most of the work) of the Phillips on the Diesel is not very good.

More than 1 or 2 reviewers who report pivot pins breaking tells me they're not hard enough or big enough for the forces they'll encounter.

On the other hand, these are $35-45 tools, so one should reasonably expect them to be lighter duty than a Leatherman costing $60+. But maybe on par with a Leatherman costing the same. (ex. Wingman)

On a side note Smaug...do you think that is why my standard Diesel came to me with 2 Phillips drivers. 

That's a quality issue/factory second.  The problem with that one is that you really can't prove it came to you from Gerber that way. I'm thinking maybe it was one that was bought by someone else, they used it for a donor, then returned it, and it was resold.

As for the rust issue, that depends. Plenty of Gerbers have bead blasted finishes. These tend to rust in very humid environments. I have yet to see mine rust at all, and I am nestled between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. However, by the salt filled waters of any ocean, and I can imagine many a MT will show rust if not properly taken care of or maintained. Leathermans have a history of rusting as well. I don't think Gerber is any better or worst in that regard.

Good points on the rust. Another thing I thought of is that some guys just have more corrosive sweat than others. For example, whenever my brother gets a watch with a "base metal" case. (= plated pot metal or brass) it corrodes within a year or so. I've never had a problem with them, even when the plating wears off. It might depend on the diet or just how much a guy sweats and whether he cleans his stuff afterwards.


Anyway, that was kind of a long-winded explanation of why I (and rebel) are digging so deeply; asking these probing questions. We're looking for answers that speak to durabiliy in use. I want qualifications of why a guy likes one feature and dislikes another, not just: "This is a crappy sheath." or "OMG, I got this for my brother for his birthday and he LOVES it; carries it all the time!!!"

Sometimes, the reviews from enthusiasts are more useful; the tradesman who buys one MT without the intention of ever buying another unless/until the first one fails. Carries it everyday, uses it every day. He'll often know more about the design and build quality than an enthusiast/collector such as myself. 

[Smaug]

'just traded for a couple MP400s and bought a new MP600 blunty. I'm curious to see how they've changed in the 30 years since I've last handled a Mr. Pinchy. 

[Ombudsman]

Amazing post as always Chako !    and an awe inspiring collection too !!

Just a small addendum to the Gerber Oddball Designs

Gerber Keystyle

A SAK attempt where scissors are the main implement.

[Gareth]

I'd be a little careful about naming the Carolina and Winchester brands as belonging to Gerber.  My understanding is that they are brands owned by Fiskars (just as Gerber is) so while the designs are obviously Gerber's, they have no oversight in the production.

[gregozedobe]

I'd be a little careful about naming the Carolina and Winchester brands as belonging to Gerber.  My understanding is that they are brands owned by Fiskars (just as Gerber is) so while the designs are obviously Gerber's, they have no oversight in the production.

My examples seem to be a lower quality than the Gerber branded "real thing" (but I haven't subjected them to any serious work).

[Chako]

Yes, I could have worded that a lot better. From what I know. Carolina tools was a subsidiary of Fiskars, as is Gerber. Not that it was part of Gerber. Good point.

Gregozedobe, the older ones are of equal quality...or at least I think so. The newer ones are built very cheap.