New! Gerber Center Drive

[kaput]

I received the Center Drive today, a bit of good, and a bit of bad.

I didn't receive the bit set, even though I ordered the model that included the bit set.

I can tell this tool is tough, but IMO the sliding plier feature isn't as good as seen on the MP400 and 600. On the Center Drive, the unlock/slide mechanism is on one side of the tool, and doesn't seem quite as smooth.  I may get use to this.

A few negatives, the blade is slightly bent and rubs on the frame when closed, the bit driver when extended has a bit of vertical and horizontal play.

I'm going to exchange this one for another Center Drive and see if I have any better luck.

Quick impressions, great design, but the build quality, and precision isn't quite there on my model.  The knife blade is fantastic, and sturdy!  The bit driver feels fantastic, best driver on any multi tool.  The tools inside the handle have a bit of play when out/locked, but I remember the MP400/600 didn't have super sturdy lockup.  Also, the file is 2 sided, I was sure hoping to see the bottom edge have a filing portion.  The awl is super sharp and will be a good marking tool. 

Just throwing my thoughts out there and first impressions.  Any questions, ask away.

that took a little wind out of the sails. Thanks for the honest first impressions though. Too bad you have to exchange it already, but hope the quality on the next one is better than a Wave™ 

[Monrogue]

Interesting.  I hope the next one is a better one.  I hope the pliers flick as smoothly as the MP600's.

[AimlessWanderer]

Sounds and looks similar to the head deployment on the Grappler. I hope they get the tolerances refined better as production progresses

[metasyntax]

Quick impressions, great design, but the build quality, and precision isn't quite there on my model.

Sounds exactly like my early production MP1. Hopefully your next one is better.

[bftx]

Just to note, I'm a bit pickier than the average guy, some of these issues may not bother some. Also, no pictures, it's boxed up and headed back tomorrow.  Eagerly awaiting the replacement.

I sure wish this thing had a saw over the serrated blade. Also, the nail puller/pry bar/can opener sure is beefy.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[bftx]

Quick impressions, great design, but the build quality, and precision isn't quite there on my model.

Sounds exactly like my early production MP1. Hopefully your next one is better.

I really really wanted to like the MP1, but all of the plastic trim on it really turned me off.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[kaput]

Just to note, I'm a bit pickier than the average guy, some of these issues may not bother some. Also, no pictures, it's boxed up and headed back tomorrow.  Eagerly awaiting the replacement.

I sure wish this thing had a saw over the serrated blade. Also, the nail puller/pry bar/can opener sure is beefy.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I don't think that's picky per se. Especially when you pay $100 for a pocket tool.

[babola]

Just to note, I'm a bit pickier than the average guy, some of these issues may not bother some. Also, no pictures, it's boxed up and headed back tomorrow.  Eagerly awaiting the replacement.

I sure wish this thing had a saw over the serrated blade. Also, the nail puller/pry bar/can opener sure is beefy.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I don't think that's picky per se. Especially when you pay $100 for a pocket tool.

I tend to agree with your statement.

That said, similar if not the same is expected of $100+ Leatherman multis.

[Grant Lamontagne]

The diamond file on every Charge I own rubs the scale, so these things happen.  And I own many Charges.

That isn't a strike against just Gerber IMHO.

Def

[babola]

The diamond file on every Charge I own rubs the scale, so these things happen.  And I own many Charges.

That isn't a strike against just Gerber IMHO.

Def

True, happened with two of my Charges too. However I wouldn't put this in the same category with Gerber. Charge file misalignment issue is reasonably easy fixable by re-adjusting the main handle screws, while in Gerber's Multiplier case you are pretty much helpless - unless you manage to deal with the 4-point proprietary handle screws, as an example.

I still believe Gerber will come thru good on this tool in the end, it's a great tool and the one I'd like to own myself.

[Sea Monster]

Gerber serves....


And Bftx returns on the backhand!

The ball is in the tool makers court, can their new round the clock shifts meet the challenge?

[Gerhard Gerber]

Well fingers crossed, I hope it's good enough to give me an excuse to buy only my second Gerber product.........would seem logical that I'd have more 

[Grant Lamontagne]

The diamond file on every Charge I own rubs the scale, so these things happen.  And I own many Charges.

That isn't a strike against just Gerber IMHO.

Def

True, happened with two of my Charges too. However I wouldn't put this in the same category with Gerber. Charge file misalignment issue is reasonably easy fixable by re-adjusting the main handle screws, while in Gerber's Multiplier case you are pretty much helpless - unless you manage to deal with the 4-point proprietary handle screws, as an example.

I still believe Gerber will come thru good on this tool in the end, it's a great tool and the one I'd like to own myself.

I don't think Gerber's use of security screws is any different from Leatherman's use of security screws is it?

Def

[Sea Monster]

I've been wondering, Will an M16 sight adjusting tool fit the gerber screws?

[Etherealicer]

I've been wondering, Will an M16 sight adjusting tool fit the gerber screws?

You can always get the keys from loki-mobile

[sLaughterMed]

I always just used the bolt gripping channel on my PowerAssist to undo those gerber screws...

[bftx]

I received a new Gerber Center Drive today, this one is A LOT better, a few flaws, but nothing as major.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[babola]

I don't think Gerber's use of security screws is any different from Leatherman's use of security screws is it?

Def

I can readily get the security hex bits that fit Leatherman screws (even those pesky pentalobes on OG Wave) down in my local hardware store, but so far have been unable to find one for Gerber's.
Maybe where you live that ins't an issue, but here it is.

To work on Gerbers I so far used number off different tools but zeroed in in the end onto the round nose pliers, they're still not a perfect solution but if you go careful about it they do the job.


Edit: Loki's Gerber tool is inbound...quite a God send for us MT fiddlers and modders. 

[babola]

I received a new Gerber Center Drive today, this one is A LOT better, a few flaws, but nothing as major.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Do tell more and of course include some photos, please.

Let the discussion continue...

 

[Etherealicer]

I don't think Gerber's use of security screws is any different from Leatherman's use of security screws is it?

Def

I can readily get the security hex bits that fit Leatherman screws (even those pesky pentalobes on OG Wave) down in my local hardware store, but so far have been unable to find one for Gerber's.
Maybe where you live that ins't an issue, but here it is.

To work on Gerbers I so far used number off different tools but zeroed in in the end onto the round nose pliers, they're still not a perfect solution but if you go careful about it they do the job.

loki mobile sells wrenches for the Gerber

[WoodsDuck]

I received a new Gerber Center Drive today, this one is A LOT better, a few flaws, but nothing as major.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

That was fast...

I received a new Gerber Center Drive today, this one is A LOT better, a few flaws, but nothing as major.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Do tell more and of course include some photos, please.

Let the discussion continue...

 

This, please.

[babola]

I've been wondering, Will an M16 sight adjusting tool fit the gerber screws?

You can always get the keys from loki-mobile

Thanks, will ping Loki.

Cheers

[WoodsDuck]

I don't think Gerber's use of security screws is any different from Leatherman's use of security screws is it?

Def

I can readily get the security hex bits that fit Leatherman screws (even those pesky pentalobes on OG Wave) down in my local hardware store, but so far have been unable to find one for Gerber's.
Maybe where you live that ins't an issue, but here it is.

To work on Gerbers I so far used number off different tools but zeroed in in the end onto the round nose pliers, they're still not a perfect solution but if you go careful about it they do the job.

loki mobile sells wrenches for the Gerber

Gerber sells them too 

[bftx]

Hey fellas, after messing with the new tool again, I think I'm going to send it back and get a refund.  The tip of the pliers don't align perfectly and have some wiggle.

To those doubting this tool because of me, don't!  The design is good, I've just had acouple that are off a bit.

I'm going to give them another go when I can inspect them in store.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[Etherealicer]

Hey fellas, after messing with the new tool again, I think I'm going to send it back and get a refund.  The tip of the pliers don't align perfectly and have some wiggle.

To those doubting this tool because of me, don't!  The design is good, I've just had acouple that are off a bit.

I'm going to give them another go when I can inspect them in store.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Did you take any picture this time?

[WoodsDuck]

Hey fellas, after messing with the new tool again, I think I'm going to send it back and get a refund.  The tip of the pliers don't align perfectly and have some wiggle.

To those doubting this tool because of me, don't!  The design is good, I've just had acouple that are off a bit.

I'm going to give them another go when I can inspect them in store.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

How about a couple pictures of the alignment issue?

[bftx]

Also, one of the little metal tabs that holds the extra bit device in place is broken.  It snapped off after the first times I moved the bit around.


Fellas, I like the tool, but I'm not going to accept it if it's not damn near perfect, especially for $100.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[dks]

It reminds me of the Gerber Dime, SOG powerduo stories......

[Monrogue]

I'm thinking about ordering one later, but I'm a bit worried after two duds to the same person

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

[bftx]

I'm thinking about ordering one later, but I'm a bit worried after two duds to the same person

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

No doubt I'll try another down the line, I just want to inspect in the store before the purchase.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk