New! Gerber Center Drive

[kaput]

So... I got my hands on the center drive at my local hunting shop. I was excited to see it available to take a hands on look at it  . I played with it for a few minutes checking out the tool and features. This was my first hands on with the Gerber sliding plier type designs. I have a Gerber crucial that I used daily for about 2 years, but quite different design, which seems to be gerbers modus operendi. And I like the sound of that, in theory  They don't seem to conform to the somewhat normal linear design that share commonalities between Leatherman, Victorinox and SOG. So with that said the GCD felt very different in MY hands. So onto my first impressions.

Review; If you are a pliers based multitool guy the implementation of the quick slide pliers are first and foremost on this tool being easy to quickly deploy and use. I do like that a heavy duty tool is using spring loaded pliers. I am ok with either spring loaded or non, I appreciate both. I do like the shape of the pliers being more of a needle nose at the end, could come in handy. To get the pliers in and out is much quicker deployment than standard Leatherman type pliers where they are all on the inside, sans OHT.

Starting with the outer tools, the knife is fine and the shape is good. It didn't feel inherintley BIG as it's been pushed by the advertising. The namesake center-drive bit driver is nice it's extended and centered on the tool, and although I didn't get to put it to use it seemed nice and super durable. Soooo  I love me an awl. I use an awl frequently. And I think every multitool from midsize to large should without a doubt posses an awl, no questions asked  . Although this awl is very nice and pointy sharp it is extremely unfortunately short  ! As was the prybar/can opener. If I'm prying almost anything I should really be reaching for hammer/chisel/prybar, but it did seem to be stout and could pry a small nail or something stuck possibly. And although short, which is probably a benefit to not extending the leverage from the body of the tool? The other two tools the serrated and file seemed just fine.

I just don't think I jive with the Gerber design overall, but could completely see how groups of people would and could. I personally didn't care for the way it looked, and although I use my tools and like them to get scratched and am ok with them showing wear and tear, I like them to look cool  . Also the cutouts in the frame, I know this is a Gerber thing but I think im just so conditioned and in tune with Leatherman and smooth clean lines that it prevented me from liking the looks. Not to mention the size, it is a big awkward feeling tool. Even the LM 300 feels more sleek. I also don't like all the steps required to access the inner tools and use them. The GCD center drive driver was uncomfortable in my hands, and unlike Leathermans tools where using the pliers are ambidextrous, the GCD seems to have a certain grip using the pliers to be comforatable in regards to that rounded non flush center drive driver (and I don't necessarily hate the idea, my Gerber crucial is the same way, except it is extremely comforatable using it as designed).

I don't know. After actually getting my hands on this tool I still have mixed feelings on the tool. Some great features and some that would take some getting used too. I still like Gerber and appreciate everything they do. I really admire them for this out of the box thinking!    I have no doubt some people who take the chance and pocket this tool will find it extremely useful and have allot of nice features at hand. 

[Grathr]

Mine just arrived in the mail.
Havent had much time to play with it yet.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Def

[Monrogue]

Me too.  So far what I've read here though, has confirmed that it's not for me.  Too big and heavy, and possibly awkward in hand.  If there were a smaller version though, I'd probably get one.

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[sawman]

I said from the beginning there may be bugs to iron out. Give it its due credit. Remember the evolution and little enhancements to the Wave or even the Surge up till now.

I'm holding off but I hope this tool sells a billion copies.

[Etherealicer]

Another comparison, this time vs the MP1 (to me, the real Heavy-Duty MT from Gerber)... I dunno, the price point is a tad too high for me, I don't think I'll give it a try

I'll stay with the Legend and MP600s...

The reviewer was upset that he broke the carbide inserts on the Center Drive when he attempted to cut a stainless steel rod.   I would never try that with a multitool and use a Dremel tool with cutting wheel or a bolt cutter instead.

Well, they cut a LM eye-glass bit in their promo video... that should be a pretty tough task right up there with stainless steel rod. Anyone did a reality check on that one

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don't have a spare eyeglass screwdriver to test it on.

Def

[Padre]

I will test and video that when I get my hands on Center-Drive

[AimlessWanderer]

Order some spare cutters in advance

[rdub934]

Order some spare cutters in advance

So Much this. It's almost like those cutters are made of glass

 

Seriously, the cutters are the only thing I dislike about the GCD

[Tsquare]

I really like the color contrast of BO implements with a bead blast handle. Thinking about putting BO mp400 implements in a bead blast mp400 handle.

[Etherealicer]

I really like the color contrast of BO implements with a bead blast handle. Thinking about putting BO mp400 implements in a bead blast mp400 handle.

I'm a big fan of the other way round... BO frame with stainless tools

Tough the opposite has its appeal too.

[Monrogue]

I really like the color contrast of BO implements with a bead blast handle. Thinking about putting BO mp400 implements in a bead blast mp400 handle.

Same here


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[clown]

I don't have a spare eyeglass screwdriver to test it on.

Def

I'd give you mine!  IMHO it's the most worthless tool and the biggest waste of space I've ever seen on an MT.  Although I don't wear glasses    It's my biggest pet peeve with LM.

[kaput]

I don't have a spare eyeglass screwdriver to test it on.

Def

I'd give you mine!  IMHO it's the most worthless tool and the biggest waste of space I've ever seen on an MT.  Although I don't wear glasses    It's my biggest pet peeve with LM.

Agree 100%.   

[Etherealicer]

I don't have a spare eyeglass screwdriver to test it on.

Def

I'd give you mine!  IMHO it's the most worthless tool and the biggest waste of space I've ever seen on an MT.  Although I don't wear glasses    It's my biggest pet peeve with LM.

Agree 100%.   

I agree, especially such a bulky one. I do like the eye-glass screwdriver on a SAK.
However, anyone remember the uproar when they dropped the eye-glass screwdriver on the Surge?

[Padre]

I agree that the EG-screwdriver is waste of space for many, but I use it frequently and really like it. I need to pry open small electronics and also have multiple glasses and sunglasses. I have maybe twenty stubs around.
Hint: Offer to tighten up your friends/relatives glasses with the tool to spread up joy.

[kaput]

I've worn sunglasses my entire life, since a baby  and I have never once had to tighten the screws on them! Am I doing something wrong here?!   

[babola]

I agree that the EG-screwdriver is waste of space for many, but I use it frequently and really like it. I need to pry open small electronics and also have multiple glasses and sunglasses. I have maybe twenty stubs around.
Hint: Offer to tighten up your friends/relatives glasses with the tool to spread up joy.

Same here.

[sawman]

I used to gripe about the small driver too but I use it a lot these days. And yes, I have tightened mine and other eyeglasses with it.

[Etherealicer]

I've worn sunglasses my entire life, since a baby  and I have never once had to tighten the screws on them! Am I doing something wrong here?!   

I have never used it / never needed to use them on my own glasses (wearing them now for 32 years). I usually switch glasses about every 4-6 years (my correction has been the same for all those years ).
I had to fix my wifes glasses once, but mostly it is children toys and glasses that need my attention.

[Grant Lamontagne]

As I was the only member of my family who didn't wear glasses, I was nominated to fix everyone else's glasses whenever screws came loose.  It was something that happened, although not often.  I'm not sure I would really go out of my way to buy a tool with an eyeglass screwdriver on it, due to the infrequency in which I used it.  We had a set of precision screwdrivers growing up, and they were always kept in the desk drawer for whenever the need struck.

On the other hand, it is one of those things that when you need it, you need it, and there really is no substitute, so maybe having one isn't a bad thing after all.

Def

[Etherealicer]

As I was the only member of my family who didn't wear glasses, I was nominated to fix everyone else's glasses whenever screws came loose.  It was something that happened, although not often.  I'm not sure I would really go out of my way to buy a tool with an eyeglass screwdriver on it, due to the infrequency in which I used it.  We had a set of precision screwdrivers growing up, and they were always kept in the desk drawer for whenever the need struck.

On the other hand, it is one of those things that when you need it, you need it, and there really is no substitute, so maybe having one isn't a bad thing after all.

Def

Wrong! The blade of the Classic does pretty well as eye-glass-screwdriver

[David Bowen]

I have used the eyeglass screwdriver on the Wave/Charge quite frequently. Sometimes it's for turning extremely small screws and others it's for purposes it's not intended.  I work with a lot of electronics and they take extremely small screws and the drivers on the aforementioned tools becomes invaluable to me. I've defiantly done stupid things with them too and snapped the driver in two.

I want to also add, I've becomes a member of the Center Drive club and putting it through its paces as we speak. Initial impression is good and the quality is definitely there.  Pliers don't slide out like I wish they would with a flick but maybe that will come with time. The driver feels real good when being used but the extra bit holder feels odd, like it's unfinished. I'll keep testing it and let you guys know what I think.



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[Grant Lamontagne]

As I was the only member of my family who didn't wear glasses, I was nominated to fix everyone else's glasses whenever screws came loose.  It was something that happened, although not often.  I'm not sure I would really go out of my way to buy a tool with an eyeglass screwdriver on it, due to the infrequency in which I used it.  We had a set of precision screwdrivers growing up, and they were always kept in the desk drawer for whenever the need struck.

On the other hand, it is one of those things that when you need it, you need it, and there really is no substitute, so maybe having one isn't a bad thing after all.

Def

Wrong! The blade of the Classic does pretty well as eye-glass-screwdriver

Use a blade as a screwdriver?   

Def

[Etherealicer]

As I was the only member of my family who didn't wear glasses, I was nominated to fix everyone else's glasses whenever screws came loose.  It was something that happened, although not often.  I'm not sure I would really go out of my way to buy a tool with an eyeglass screwdriver on it, due to the infrequency in which I used it.  We had a set of precision screwdrivers growing up, and they were always kept in the desk drawer for whenever the need struck.

On the other hand, it is one of those things that when you need it, you need it, and there really is no substitute, so maybe having one isn't a bad thing after all.

Def

Wrong! The blade of the Classic does pretty well as eye-glass-screwdriver

Use a blade as a screwdriver?   

Def

Always, that is what blades are for... solve your problems.

[Grant Lamontagne]

You mean to stab someone so you can take their screwdrivers?   

Def

[cooter32]

I just ordered it.  Looks bad ass but I am a bit skeptical due to my experience with the MP1.  I really hope it is as tough as they say it is.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I just ordered it.  Looks bad ass but I am a bit skeptical due to my experience with the MP1.  I really hope it is as tough as they say it is.

What was your experience with the MP1?

Welcome to the forum! 

Def

[cooter32]

Thanks! I've had to return it 4 times due to various failures that should not have happened.  I repair and maintain medical equipment so the environment is not hardcore like a machine shop or construction site.  My first unit the tip broke off of the knife quite easily.  Then the driver arm snapped in half while in use and again with not much force.  I had the flat screw driver tip break and now its on its way back due to the hardware that holds the hand grips on just simply backed out and fell off.  Also the pliers are very flexible when a small amount of force is applied.  Still I do like the tool and rely on it more so than my tool case.  It's obvious that the materials that make this tool are of low quality.  The plus side is that the warranty coverage is awesome.  Just send the broken unit back and they send me a new one.