New! Gerber Center Drive

[babola]

...the prytool looks investment cast too.

Those first early photos showed the pry bar from the top and my first thought was - finally someone came up with a sturdy, thick, mean-looking pry-bar as a multi-tool implement.

But once I received mine and looked underneath the prybar I started having different ideas, it's a hollowed-out double space filler, potentially replaceable with other two tools of standard thickness...a MT modder's dream situation to be in

[AimlessWanderer]

...the prytool looks investment cast too.

Those first early photos showed the pry bar from the top and my first thought was - finally someone came up with a sturdy, thick, mean-looking pry-bar as a multi-tool implement.

But once I received mine and looked underneath the prybar I started having different ideas, it's a hollowed-out double space filler, potentially replaceable with other two tools of standard thickness...a MT modder's dream situation to be in

 

Well unless the plier head can be easily swapped out too, you can count me out. I just dug out my old MP700 earlier, and the plier head on that I utterly shagged out.... and FAR too quickly. The problem is the spring return pliers, which reduce the internal contact area on the pivot, increasing pivot wear and shortening the full working life ..... and which has been done again here on the Centre Drive. My Strata developed a bit of play quite quickly in that area too, and while it has been used, it hasn't been used enough to justify that much play.

While it was great to see Gerber having another shot at the title, I think that on reflection, I'm going to pass on this one  They got the 400 and 600 line right (the Diesel gets full marks from me too), so I'll be sticking with my modded versions of those as I think they will stand up to hard use a lot better than the Centre Drive, even if the drivers are shorter (I have the bit adaptors for them anyway)

[Etherealicer]

Does anyone here have problems with Gerber's carbide cutters?

I had problems cutting the brakes cable on my bike (but so did the Rebar).

[Grant Lamontagne]

Note,  I REALLY like the tool and design, but I have received another flawed Center Drive.  For those that have one with no issues, I'm super happy for you. 

The tool I received today had the worst edge/grind of any knife I've ever seen brand new, and one of the carbide cutter screws were stripped out.  I've emailed Gerber Customer Service to let them know.

Like I said guys, it's great, just some teething issues with the ones I've received.
(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)

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You really need to change your 'supplier', three unlucky strikes on the same tool all within almost a single week is mind-numbing.

It's surprising that carbide cutter screw past the QC, what a mess that one is. :-(

Two from MidwayUSA and 1 from Gander Mountain.  Two from MidwayUSA came in a box, while the one from Gander came in a blister pack.

Grant, where did you receive your Center Drive from?

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My Center-Drive came straight from Gerber.  No middle man required.

That is interesting about the stamp- I hadn't noticed that myself until you mentioned it.

Def

[Tsquare]

I was thinking about getting a black mp400 and trading either the file or serrated blade out with the scissors from the 400 to match interior tool color.

[Sea Monster]

Those first early photos showed the pry bar from the top and my first thought was - finally someone came up with a sturdy, thick, mean-looking pry-bar as a multi-tool implement.[...]it's a hollowed-out double space filler,

Well, yes and no.

By having it webbed they've potentially maintained most of the strength, but saved a little weight, and perhaps some raw material cost. It gives a bigger leverage angle, and having the tip of the tool narrower is probably more useful.

If it was a single sheet, it would snap the same as every misused slot head driver on multis for generations 

As for the manufacturing process - Some hard use will surely less us know (Failing that, someone send me one, and I'll put it in the torquemeter and let you know when it breaks   )

My Center-Drive came straight from Gerber.  No middle man required.

Ah, big man with a Forum gets the pick of the crop for review aye? I see what's going on here 

[Padre]

I might check out this tool later on. MP1 is the best MT for me, but the weight and carbide cutters just dont do it for me in this one. I hope that CD is better than I think.

[firiki]

Thanks for the pics, gentlemen

[Grant Lamontagne]

Those first early photos showed the pry bar from the top and my first thought was - finally someone came up with a sturdy, thick, mean-looking pry-bar as a multi-tool implement.[...]it's a hollowed-out double space filler,

Well, yes and no.

By having it webbed they've potentially maintained most of the strength, but saved a little weight, and perhaps some raw material cost. It gives a bigger leverage angle, and having the tip of the tool narrower is probably more useful.

If it was a single sheet, it would snap the same as every misused slot head driver on multis for generations 

As for the manufacturing process - Some hard use will surely less us know (Failing that, someone send me one, and I'll put it in the torquemeter and let you know when it breaks   )

My Center-Drive came straight from Gerber.  No middle man required.

Ah, big man with a Forum gets the pick of the crop for review aye? I see what's going on here 

My thoughts exactly on the pry bar.  Gerber has some pry tool experience with the Shard and Artefact so I don't think they would do something as bold as putting something like this pry bar on a tool (which is another first BTW) without doing it properly.

I also want to say that I haven't got any of the "gritty feeling" that was referred to above.  The Center Drive may not be as buttery smooth as a high end tactical folder, but it is every bit as smooth as my Wave, Charge, Surge, Octane, PowerDuo etc.  It doesn't feel any different than any other multitool.

Maybe I did get a special one as it came from Gerber, but I don't think that's the case.  I'm not worth someone going to the effort of picking a special one out of the line.  It is possible that Amazon got a series of earlier tools, and I got one fresh off the line now that the assemblers have hit their stride.

Def

[Grathr]

Amazon just shipped mine.
What worries me is that I got no forewarning that a new shipment was coming in, and they are still not in stock. I hope I dont get one that someone else sendt back 

[bftx]

Amazon just shipped mine.
What worries me is that I got no forewarning that a new shipment was coming in, and they are still not in stock. I hope I dont get one that someone else sendt back 

When did you place your order?

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[Grant Lamontagne]

Center Drive on Multitool Minute:





Def

[Etherealicer]

Center Drive on Multitool Minute:





Def

Thanks

One question: is the extra bit, standard size? It looks smaller.

[parnass]

Center Drive on Multitool Minute:

Def

Good show.   I've enjoyed watching your tool vids on Youtube.

[Grathr]

Amazon just shipped mine.
What worries me is that I got no forewarning that a new shipment was coming in, and they are still not in stock. I hope I dont get one that someone else sendt back 

When did you place your order?

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

On November first, a few hours after they ran out of stock.

[bftx]

Does anyone know what tool to use to tighten the driver/blade 4 pronged screws? I was going to see if tightening these would fix blade/driver wobble.

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[Grant Lamontagne]

Center Drive on Multitool Minute:





Def

Thanks

One question: is the extra bit, standard size? It looks smaller.

It is a standard bit.  I'm going to see if I can find a couple of short double ended bits and possibly ditch the bit set which I am finding a bit bulky in the sheath.

Def

[mikekoz]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

[bftx]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

I've heard 420HC.

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[Sea Monster]

Grant - Is the video quality a factor of your equipment, or do you have to ditch the fidelity to get it onto youtube?

I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

According the the big maple syrup drinking guy, it's 440....

[Etherealicer]

Does anyone know what tool to use to tighten the driver/blade 4 pronged screws? I was going to see if tightening these would fix blade/driver wobble.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

loki-mobile sells keys to take the Gerbers (and others) apart

[irona]

Center Drive on Multitool Minute:





Def

Thanks a bunch! It's a lot bigger than I imagined.


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[Padre]

Thanks a bunch! It's a lot bigger than I imagined.

Must... resist..naah... she would not say it I guess.

[Grant Lamontagne]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

You don't get that with Leatherman.  The Charge AL and ALX are the standard 440.  To get 154cm you need to go to the TTI with an msrp of around $150.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Grant - Is the video quality a factor of your equipment, or do you have to ditch the fidelity to get it onto youtube?

I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

According the the big maple syrup drinking guy, it's 440....

What is wrong with the video quality?  It is filmed in HD?

I don't have a fancy 4k camera if that's what you mean, although I could do it in 3D if you prefer?

Def

[Demel]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

You don't get that with Leatherman.  The Charge AL and ALX are the standard 440.  To get 154cm you need to go to the TTI with an msrp of around $150.

Def

If I'm not mistaken the charge AL and ALX come with 154cm with a price tag of $120+ the charge TTi has the s30v with a price tag of $170+ either way your paying a hefty tag

[Grant Lamontagne]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

You don't get that with Leatherman.  The Charge AL and ALX are the standard 440.  To get 154cm you need to go to the TTI with an msrp of around $150.

Def

If I'm not mistaken the charge AL and ALX come with 154cm with a price tag of $120+ the charge TTi has the s30v with a price tag of $170+ either way your paying a hefty tag

So you are correcting me by agreeing with me....

Def

[Demel]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

You don't get that with Leatherman.  The Charge AL and ALX are the standard 440.  To get 154cm you need to go to the TTI with an msrp of around $150.

Def

If I'm not mistaken the charge AL and ALX come with 154cm with a price tag of $120+ the charge TTi has the s30v with a price tag of $170+ either way your paying a hefty tag

So you are correcting me by agreeing with me....

Def

No

Charge TTi comes with s30v. The charge AL and ALX come with 154cm. Not the standard 440hc.

[Demel]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

You don't get that with Leatherman.  The Charge AL and ALX are the standard 440.  To get 154cm you need to go to the TTI with an msrp of around $150.

Def

If I'm not mistaken the charge AL and ALX come with 154cm with a price tag of $120+ the charge TTi has the s30v with a price tag of $170+ either way your paying a hefty tag

So you are correcting me by agreeing with me....

Def

No

Charge TTi comes with s30v. The charge AL and ALX come with 154cm. Not the standard 440hc.

It's ok boss. I've had a ton of moments this week.

[Grant Lamontagne]

  I do not see this information on  Gerber's web page, but does anybody know what type of steel the blades are made of? For $100.00, I hope it is 154 or S30v!

You don't get that with Leatherman.  The Charge AL and ALX are the standard 440.  To get 154cm you need to go to the TTI with an msrp of around $150.

Def

If I'm not mistaken the charge AL and ALX come with 154cm with a price tag of $120+ the charge TTi has the s30v with a price tag of $170+ either way your paying a hefty tag

So you are correcting me by agreeing with me....

Def

No

Charge TTi comes with s30v. The charge AL and ALX come with 154cm. Not the standard 440hc.

I may have gotten my stats wrong, but my point was that you can't get a premium steel multitool without going over $100.

Def