Gerber Center Drive Club

magentus · **Reply #30 on:** May 19, 2017, 02:10:00 PM

Kev D · **Reply #31 on:** May 19, 2017, 04:25:43 PM

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #32 on:** May 19, 2017, 08:05:37 PM

Sorry to hear you had a rough time with it Kevin. It is a shame these issues were predictable from the moment these tools were released, without even needing to handle them.

I'm sticking with my prediction that these will be discontinued by 2019 at the very latest. However, I do hope you get a serviceable tool back, and you do manage to get some decent use out of it before the pivot wear renders it unusable again, or the investment cast parts fail.

Kev D · **Reply #33 on:** May 19, 2017, 10:16:45 PM

Quote from: 50ft-trad on May 19, 2017, 08:05:37 PM

Sorry to hear you had a rough time with it Kevin. It is a shame these issues were predictable from the moment these tools were released, without even needing to handle them.

I'm sticking with my prediction that these will be discontinued by 2019 at the very latest. However, I do hope you get a serviceable tool back, and you do manage to get some decent use out of it before the pivot wear renders it unusable again, or the investment cast parts fail.

Thank you

I'm guessing you're not a gerber fan

mikekoz · **Reply #34 on:** May 20, 2017, 01:19:28 AM

Quote from: 50ft-trad on May 19, 2017, 08:05:37 PM

Sorry to hear you had a rough time with it Kevin. It is a shame these issues were predictable from the moment these tools were released, without even needing to handle them.

I'm sticking with my prediction that these will be discontinued by 2019 at the very latest. However, I do hope you get a serviceable tool back, and you do manage to get some decent use out of it before the pivot wear renders it unusable again, or the investment cast parts fail.

I just got one one of these, and it appears very solid. What are you basing this on?

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #35 on:** May 20, 2017, 12:22:41 PM

Quote from: Kevin Davey on May 19, 2017, 10:16:45 PM

Thank you

I'm guessing you're not a gerber fan

I am actually. I think I might still have more Gerbers than Leatherman. Big fan of the MP400, MP600, Diesel and even the much maligned Dime.

Quote from: mikekoz on May 20, 2017, 01:19:28 AM

I just got one one of these, and it appears very solid. What are you basing this on?

25 years in mechanical engineering, and a lot of experience with the Gerber MP700. I have a thread somewhere highlighting the wear that occurs on spring plier heads, showing photos of my own MP700s - one that is essentially unused, and another that wore out very quickly. You can see side by side shots of the effects of the wear. The play that develops means the cutters can clash and disintegrate if used right handed, and have a substantial air gap if used left handed.

As for the investment cast parts, castings are strong under compression, not tension or torsion - although I must admit, I am still waiting for my first pics of the failed driver arm and pry tool.

Ironically, I still like the MP700, but it wears out significantly faster than other tools

Kev D · **Reply #36 on:** May 20, 2017, 05:10:30 PM

If mine wears out it will be a really crappy tool, I doubt it will see much heavy duty use, I use a Surge for that.

ThePeacent · **Reply #37 on:** May 20, 2017, 05:59:51 PM

Quote from: 50ft-trad on May 20, 2017, 12:22:41 PM

Quote from: Kevin Davey on May 19, 2017, 10:16:45 PM

Thank you

I'm guessing you're not a gerber fan

I am actually. I think I might still have more Gerbers than Leatherman. Big fan of the MP400, MP600, Diesel and even the much maligned Dime.

Quote from: mikekoz on May 20, 2017, 01:19:28 AM
I just got one one of these, and it appears very solid. What are you basing this on?

25 years in mechanical engineering, and a lot of experience with the Gerber MP700. I have a thread somewhere highlighting the wear that occurs on spring plier heads, showing photos of my own MP700s - one that is essentially unused, and another that wore out very quickly. You can see side by side shots of the effects of the wear. The play that develops means the cutters can clash and disintegrate if used right handed, and have a substantial air gap if used left handed.

As for the investment cast parts, castings are strong under compression, not tension or torsion - although I must admit, I am still waiting for my first pics of the failed driver arm and pry tool.

Ironically, I still like the MP700, but it wears out significantly faster than other tools

Could we have a link for that thread, please?

The MP700 is an absolute favorite of mine, and my favorite "fits in the coin pocket" MT.

I'd be so sad if it lost its "springyness" and it became worn out so quick.

Such a nice tool, compact and with a complete toolset, it's not good news to hear that this issue affects the MP700/800 series!

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #38 on:** May 20, 2017, 06:05:10 PM

Quote from: ThePeacent on May 20, 2017, 05:59:51 PM

Could we have a link for that thread, please?

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,69464.0.html

Barry Rowland · **Reply #39 on:** May 31, 2017, 09:45:36 PM

I just ordered one and can hardly wait for it to arrive! If it works out, my son is going to order one too.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #40 on:** June 01, 2017, 01:07:26 AM

Kevin, I am sorry I missed this earlier. Crap, if I'd have known that it was messed up I wouldn't have sent it. I'm sorry and quite horrified by this.

I really like the Center Drive myself, but if I had those issues with mine I'd have been super pissed too.

If there's anything I can do to help you out with this just let me know.

Def

kaput · **Reply #41 on:** June 01, 2017, 01:27:16 AM

Quote from: Kevin Davey on May 19, 2017, 08:55:14 AM

Mines winging it's way back to Gerber now. They will only do the repair/replace from their factory in Portland. If it was a leatherman I could have sent it to their UK main distributor, another black mark for Gerber.

I had a good look at it before I parceled up, you'd have thought they would have had a U shank saw adapter instead of the serrated blade. When it gets back to me in 6 to 8 weeks time it will be a mod to do. I could also mod some scissors from a SAK to fit in a U shank adapter.

Being "made in the USA" is a strong selling feature (usually meaning much higher qualities) for companies in the US and a point of pride for the citizens too.

It's all good unless that Gerber employees been boozing it on the job like the fella who put together your CD... lol

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #42 on:** June 01, 2017, 02:13:57 AM

Not trying to blindly defend Gerber, but most manufacturers have had issues with first run tools and the quality thereof.

It's frustrating that this happened, but Gerber is hardly the first or only one these issues have showed up in.

Def

Kev D · **Reply #43 on:** June 02, 2017, 11:58:33 AM

Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on June 01, 2017, 01:07:26 AM

Kevin, I am sorry I missed this earlier. Crap, if I'd have known that it was messed up I wouldn't have sent it. I'm sorry and quite horrified by this.

I really like the Center Drive myself, but if I had those issues with mine I'd have been super pissed too.

If there's anything I can do to help you out with this just let me know.

Def

I knew you wouldn't be happy that it wasn't right, but these things happen. It was as easy to send direct to Gerber as it was to you so I just sent it to them. I figured you had your hands full with the new store so didn't bother you with it.

I'm disappointed in Gerber as there will most likely be a batch with the same defect, and they haven't got my country spelled correctly on their warranty page which should have been an easy one to get right.

It's already on the way back to me, or rather the replacement is, so I certainly have no complaints about their warranty service.

A local store has them on sale over here. When you take the exchange rate into account, it is still cheaper to buy them from the MTO store, and the ones on sale here don't come with the bit kit like the one I got from you has. So they are a bargain for us Brits.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #44 on:** June 02, 2017, 12:44:36 PM

Well that's good at least. I'm glad that Gerber is going the distance to look after you. Their customer service is excellent.

Def

Barry Rowland · **Reply #45 on:** June 03, 2017, 08:32:47 PM

What a beast!!! I got the bit kit and the MOLLE sheath with it, and I think it made the land speed record from Oregon to Pennsylvania getting here. I was really taken back by its heft...this is not a pocket carry (at least in my pocket). I'm looking forward to seeing what it's got!

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #46 on:** June 03, 2017, 10:15:54 PM

It is definitely a handful all right! I like it, but then I have been known to carry a Surge as well, so I guess just about anything seems light and breezy by comparison.

I know the Center-Drive has had some quality issues, but I have to say, mine has been solid and I like it a lot.

Def

mikekoz · **Reply #47 on:** June 04, 2017, 12:28:02 AM

Quote from: ThePeacent on May 20, 2017, 05:59:51 PM

Quote from: 50ft-trad on May 20, 2017, 12:22:41 PM
Quote from: Kevin Davey on May 19, 2017, 10:16:45 PM

Thank you

I'm guessing you're not a gerber fan

I am actually. I think I might still have more Gerbers than Leatherman. Big fan of the MP400, MP600, Diesel and even the much maligned Dime.

Quote from: mikekoz on May 20, 2017, 01:19:28 AM
I just got one one of these, and it appears very solid. What are you basing this on?

25 years in mechanical engineering, and a lot of experience with the Gerber MP700. I have a thread somewhere highlighting the wear that occurs on spring plier heads, showing photos of my own MP700s - one that is essentially unused, and another that wore out very quickly. You can see side by side shots of the effects of the wear. The play that develops means the cutters can clash and disintegrate if used right handed, and have a substantial air gap if used left handed.

As for the investment cast parts, castings are strong under compression, not tension or torsion - although I must admit, I am still waiting for my first pics of the failed driver arm and pry tool.

Ironically, I still like the MP700, but it wears out significantly faster than other tools

Could we have a link for that thread, please?
The MP700 is an absolute favorite of mine, and my favorite "fits in the coin pocket" MT.

(Image removed from quote.)

I'd be so sad if it lost its "springyness" and it became worn out so quick.

(Image removed from quote.)

Such a nice tool, compact and with a complete toolset, it's not good news to hear that this issue affects the MP700/800 series!

ThePeacent......How long have you had your MP700/800? How much have you used them? If they are holding up and are more than a few years old, yours do not have the problem! I only use my multi's for low abuse, everyday mundane things like opening boxes, cutting string, small wires, opening blister packs, etc, so I am not concerned about ANY of mine wearing out! I have a multitool in front of me that is over 20 years old, was a cheap no name brand Leatherman Supertool sized device, and was used pretty heavily shortly after I bought it, and it is still going strong! The only test for any of these tools is usage!

ThePeacent · **Reply #48 on:** June 04, 2017, 04:47:11 PM

Quote from: mikekoz on June 04, 2017, 12:28:02 AM

Quote from: ThePeacent on May 20, 2017, 05:59:51 PM
Quote from: 50ft-trad on May 20, 2017, 12:22:41 PM
Quote from: Kevin Davey on May 19, 2017, 10:16:45 PM

Thank you

I'm guessing you're not a gerber fan

I am actually. I think I might still have more Gerbers than Leatherman. Big fan of the MP400, MP600, Diesel and even the much maligned Dime.

Quote from: mikekoz on May 20, 2017, 01:19:28 AM
I just got one one of these, and it appears very solid. What are you basing this on?

25 years in mechanical engineering, and a lot of experience with the Gerber MP700. I have a thread somewhere highlighting the wear that occurs on spring plier heads, showing photos of my own MP700s - one that is essentially unused, and another that wore out very quickly. You can see side by side shots of the effects of the wear. The play that develops means the cutters can clash and disintegrate if used right handed, and have a substantial air gap if used left handed.

As for the investment cast parts, castings are strong under compression, not tension or torsion - although I must admit, I am still waiting for my first pics of the failed driver arm and pry tool.

Ironically, I still like the MP700, but it wears out significantly faster than other tools

Could we have a link for that thread, please?
The MP700 is an absolute favorite of mine, and my favorite "fits in the coin pocket" MT.

(Image removed from quote.)

I'd be so sad if it lost its "springyness" and it became worn out so quick.

(Image removed from quote.)

Such a nice tool, compact and with a complete toolset, it's not good news to hear that this issue affects the MP700/800 series!

ThePeacent......How long have you had your MP700/800? How much have you used them? If they are holding up and are more than a few years old, yours do not have the problem! I only use my multi's for low abuse, everyday mundane things like opening boxes, cutting string, small wires, opening blister packs, etc, so I am not concerned about ANY of mine wearing out! I have a multitool in front of me that is over 20 years old, was a cheap no name brand Leatherman Supertool sized device, and was used pretty heavily shortly after I bought it, and it is still going strong! The only test for any of these tools is usage!

Well, my MP700 is just over half a year old in my collection, but I got it used already by a previous owner

the MP800 was bought years ago, but even then it was also used when I bought it

I haven't abused them, but used the Legend extensively especially last summer where the MP800 was my most carried MT.

The blade, saw, scissors and drivers were all useful and came handy on occasion, but I never forced it.
What worries me is that the tool becomes non-functional because of time, independently of the use and work it is put against

At least that's the idea I got from your post

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #49 on:** June 04, 2017, 09:24:35 PM

I met Kev Davey here today, and showed him the two tools I used in the comparison. At first he didn't spot the issue, but then I became quite apparent. Hopefully Kev can confirm what I was saying.

The wear only occurs from real usage. If you only use then lightly and occasionally, the effect for you will be negligible. I used mine quite heavily, and the pivot had worn heavily within less than two years. To some people it won't be an issue - to others it will

Kev D · **Reply #50 on:** June 04, 2017, 10:27:12 PM

Quote from: 50ft-trad on June 04, 2017, 09:24:35 PM

I met Kev Davey here today, and showed him the two tools I used in the comparison. At first he didn't spot the issue, but then I became quite apparent. Hopefully Kev can confirm what I was saying.

The wear only occurs from real usage. If you only use then lightly and occasionally, the effect for you will be negligible. I used mine quite heavily, and the pivot had worn heavily within less than two years. To some people it won't be an issue - to others it will

Yep I can confirm what 50ft-trad is saying.

I didn't spot it till I closed the plier jaws then the wear became very apparent. The worn one had a lot of play in it compared to the good one.

Barry Rowland · **Reply #51 on:** June 05, 2017, 03:24:45 AM

I put mine to use cutting open a bag of dog food. Mine seems tight and the fit and finish seems really good.

Barry Rowland · **Reply #52 on:** June 05, 2017, 02:24:46 PM

Get to ready to do some house work!

MusicMen · **Reply #53 on:** June 05, 2017, 05:21:53 PM

Used my CenterDrive over the wekend, along with my Grappler, PowerAcess, and my DimE. I asked the wife, " Small, medium or large". Thinking the I would carry one (or two) tool of that size. Well she says, "extra large". That is why I had a large carry over the weekend.