I do not know much about Serber tools. I only came across them when I started looking into a similar type keychain multi-tool produced by Swiss+Tech. I know after searching a little on this forum after discovery, that they have been mentioned quite a few times on Multi-tool.org. What little I know is that Serber was the first, and then they got bought out by IDL Tools International. I also knew that I would focus on them after I got a nice collection of Swiss+Tech models.
My first model acquired was an IDL tool T5. I like how the pliers were more useful then those found on similar featured Swiss+Tech models. I also liked how the handles folded out as opposed to the rotation featured in the Swiss+Tech. It also had a nice overall feel to the tool, primarily from the nice ergonomic handles. It just felt a lot more comfortable than some of the Swiss+Tech tools.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to get both a Sears Craftsman 45505 along with an identical Serber M4. Today, came and IDL T7 and T10. I was a bit chagrined to see that the IDL T10 is basically a Serber M4. Logic would dictate that Serber also had models that looked like the T5 and T7, probably under the M designation. I will have to do a bit more digging on this site to find that information as surprisingly enough, I couldn’t find much on the net about Serber or IDL for that matter.
(from left to right: Craftsman 45505, Serber M4, IDL T10, IDL T7, IDL T5. The Serber tools seem to be made from a more polished steel. Either that or the IDL tools are somewhat bead blasted. Either way, both sport a different finish.)
(The IDL T7 and T5 are much smaller than the 45505/M4/T10. Of interest, the IDL T10 is numbered 809, the T7 is 805, and the T5 is 902. I am uncertain if these are model numbers or lot designations.)
(as you can see from this side profile photo, all 3 tools appear identical…but there are minor variations, especially between the older Serber models (The Craftsman is included), and the current model IDL T10.)
(From left to right: 45505, M4, T10. Minor differences are:
1. Nail nick on main blade.
2. Flathead screwdriver grind has a rounded base on the T10. Flat finish on the Serbers.
3. Philips screw driver not as well finished on the newer T10.
4. Plier pivot point is different between old and new.
The older Serber gives off a bit more quality then the newer IDL T10. Not sure if it is the overall finish of the tool, or if it is the minor small quality niggles that I see when I have both to compare side by side. This is not to say that the IDL tools are junk. The differences are actually quite minor…but noticeable when you have both to compare directly.
(The IDL T7 and T5. 7 functions versus 5. Not much to add other then I do like these better than some of the Swiss+Tech models out there.)
There you have it. If anyone has some good information on these tools, I would love to hear it, I do know I will have to dig further into the rich information that Multi-tool.org has to offer, as I am curious to find out the story behind Serber and why they sold or were taken over by IDL Tools International. What I am thankful for, is that IDL is producing these nice alternatives to Swiss+Tech, which in my mind, seems like their direct competitor as they produce similar class of keychain multi-tools. If you don’t have one, I would suggest you give these a spin. What is more, if you are looking for this type of keychain tool, and want locking tools as a must, the discontinued M4 and Craftsman model along with the IDL T10 fit the bill perfectly. Swiss+Tech does not offer locking tools.
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