New! Gerber Center Drive

[kaput]

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.

[WoodsDuck]

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.

I have to ask- what were you doing when the knife tip broke off?

[Etherealicer]

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.

Do you have pictures???

It's just that on the 5th you wrote you have ordered one and on the 6th you already have returned it 4 times.

[Gareth]

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.

Do you have pictures???

It's just that on the 5th you wrote you have ordered one and on the 6th you already have returned it 4 times.

I think that's ordered a Center Drive on the 5th, but has been returning his MP1 multiple times.

[Etherealicer]

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.

Do you have pictures???

It's just that on the 5th you wrote you have ordered one and on the 6th you already have returned it 4 times.

I think that's ordered a Center Drive on the 5th, but has been returning his MP1 multiple times.

Ahh, that makes so much more sense.

[Gareth]

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.

Do you have pictures???

It's just that on the 5th you wrote you have ordered one and on the 6th you already have returned it 4 times.

I think that's ordered a Center Drive on the 5th, but has been returning his MP1 multiple times.

Ahh, that makes so much more sense.

[Etherealicer]

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.

Do you have pictures???

It's just that on the 5th you wrote you have ordered one and on the 6th you already have returned it 4 times.

I think that's ordered a Center Drive on the 5th, but has been returning his MP1 multiple times.

Ahh, that makes so much more sense.

(Image removed from quote.)

[parnass]

Have you ever dropped a multitool by accident?  I have.

Objects dropped are most likely to fall on a corner.  If the lanyard attachment point on the Center Drive is plastic, I hope it is strong enough to survive a drop on a hard surface.

[AimlessWanderer]

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.

(Image removed from quote.)

That's a worrying amount of returns for a supposedly heavy duty tool that isn't being used heavily. I'm glad I decided not to bother with this one.

You say the pliers are flexible with low force.... I have been making the point recently that sprung pliers don't last as long due to their hollow construction causing wear around the pivot far quicker than other pliers. Do you think this is what may be causing the flex, or is there something else which seems to cause it?

[WiseDuck]

Another review, plenty of shots of the tool and the review is very positive.

[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.

I have to ask- what were you doing when the knife tip broke off?

picking a piece of paper up off the floor.  Not the smartest thing to do but shouldn't have snapped the tip off.

[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.

(Image removed from quote.)

That's a worrying amount of returns for a supposedly heavy duty tool that isn't being used heavily. I'm glad I decided not to bother with this one.

You say the pliers are flexible with low force.... I have been making the point recently that sprung pliers don't last as long due to their hollow construction causing wear around the pivot far quicker than other pliers. Do you think this is what may be causing the flex, or is there something else which seems to cause it?

I think it is just weak material. The plier jaws just twist under force.

[WoodsDuck]

Knife blades don't respond well to attempts to stab the floor, and every set of MT pliers I've ever seen will flex under twisting. Never twist with a MT if you can avoid it.

[Grathr]

I have carried my center drive a little, and to be honest we dont get along very well.
There is nothing wrong with the tool, its just so smurfing big. Even when belt carrying I feel it sticks out so much its in the way for normal edc carry. Its a somewhat cumbersome design IMO with the huge driver sticking out and the lip on the lock release.
Ill put it on the belt of my "project pants" and see if it fits better there. (The surge has been occupiying that spot for some time)

[AimlessWanderer]

I have carried my center drive a little, and to be honest we dont get along very well.
There is nothing wrong with the tool, its just so smurfing big. Even when belt carrying I feel it sticks out so much its in the way for normal edc carry. Its a somewhat cumbersome design IMO with the huge driver sticking out and the lip on the lock release.
Ill put it on the belt of my "project pants" and see if it fits better there. (The surge has been occupiying that spot for some time)

Too big for EDC, and taking on the Surge head-to-head.
Should be interesting 

[cooter32]

Knife blades don't respond well to attempts to stab the floor, and every set of MT pliers I've ever seen will flex under twisting. Never twist with a MT if you can avoid it.

Lol!! But still it shoudn't have broken off so easily IMO

[ThePeacent]

comparison vid

[kaput]

Surge...

[Aloha]

I am biased.  Looks to me the Surge head to head on paper IMO wins.  Adding in the bit card and extender open up so much versatility plus the blade exchanger.  I realize this tool is big and heavy for some but for others including myself I good with that. 

Center drive does look pretty awesome tho.  I dig the black and silver. 

[derekmac]

Well I just read through this thread, and I'm very intrigued by the CD.  For how and what I use an MT for, I think this could really fit the bill.  I'd love to try one out before I try and sell some gear off, or trade for one though.

[kaput]

Well I just read through this thread, and I'm very intrigued by the CD.  For how and what I use an MT for, I think this could really fit the bill.  I'd love to try one out before I try and sell some gear off, or trade for one though.

Well, if youre a Gerber multi fan it looks like they did a pretty good job and held true to their modus operendi. Lots of reviews out there now too since it's been a minute.

And, it got runner up for multi tool of the year, which adds some solid  backing to the tool (assuming that people who voted for it actually had one?)

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don't usually like to spill the beans in advance, but there may be a way you can get a Center Drive for as little as $10 in January.... 

Def

[Etherealicer]

I don't usually like to spill the beans in advance, but there may be a way you can get a Center Drive for as little as $10 in January.... 

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yup.... I have a spare, brand new in box, never even opened Gerber Center Drive ready to find a new home. 

Def

[yourbadneighbor]

I don't usually like to spill the beans in advance, but there may be a way you can get a Center Drive for as little as $10 in January.... 

Def

That would be great if it doesn't require me trading in my Wave! Lol
I would like to try their system out,  I have not cared for the way their tools have been made for a while. 
I may have to try a CD before I get my next LM which will be a Surge to mod or  crunch to mod?🤔? 

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[kaput]

Make it a loaner, so we can all have a few days with it. That'd be pretty great!

[chrono]

I don't usually like to spill the beans in advance, but there may be a way you can get a Center Drive for as little as $10 in January.... 

Def

Boss, that is more a probability than a way 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Make it a loaner, so we can all have a few days with it. That'd be pretty great!

If I can find another Donation Draw prize in the next 48 hours that might be an option. 

Def

[kaput]

Make it a loaner, so we can all have a few days with it. That'd be pretty great!

If I can find another Donation Draw prize in the next 48 hours that might be an option. 

Def

Oh i see that'll be the donation prize! Gotcha. That's actually a great prize and would be great gift and good for the site funds. Cheers to that 

[leathermon]

So unfortunately after less then two weeks of use my center drive broke. The F&F on mine was poor to say the least, but very usable. When cutting sone soft small diameter wire, the plier spring failed.  They are very hard to open and close.

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