Gerber Mr. Pinchy Multi Plier Club

[McStitchy]

Thank you warm words. ( ´͈ ᵕ `͈ )
But my work relies on the great achievement of J-sews and gregozedobe. What I did is just to visualize them.

As you said, it is hard to determine the timeline. I think I can only guess when the particular model has appeared looking closely to pictures on Gerber catalogs, or sellers advertisement on magazines. But I don't have catalogs from that time at all. ┏(-_-;)┓

Of course, Professor Greg knows all the timelines as usual.
But he just forgets where his notes are. (ﾉД`)
 ( ´ー`)。о (Sorry Greg, I'm just kidding.)



UPO 1 / 20
Black FISKARS with P-8n pliers

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)


Almost  all FISKARS models have a utility blade instead of a can opener.


(Image removed from quote.)


P-8n pliers is shorter than normal(P-8N) needle nose pliers.


(Image removed from quote.)


So P-8n pliers is not overhang when sliding to inside.

Thank you Hiraboo 
And that's a very cool iteration of a needle nose Pinchy 

[McStitchy]

...
Some of the catalogues I've seen pictures of haven't been very helpful in establishing timelines, as the actual production tools had significant differences to some of the ones pictured in the catalogues.  I think they were most likely pre-production mock-ups built just for the catalogues.

A common problem on packaging too saving the costs for taking new pictures and making prints etc.

[hiraboo]

Hearing discussion, I learned a lot. Thank you very much. (*´∇`*)
I hope someone will make breakthrough about timeline !



UPO 2 / 20
V5 FISKARS with P-8B Pliers






I think this model is the same as m47mu74nt reported in that thread earlier.
[HELP] Identification : Fiskars Pliers





M  P  E
Small letters are engraved. The name of the screw manufacturer ?

[Max Stone]

Maybe it could be EMP 
They specialize in fasteners, studs, pins, rivets & bolts...established in 1981
https://www.industrynet.com/listing/339652/emp-manufacturing-corp
They don't have a web site, but they have a respectable facility: https://bit.ly/3hvBN3s

[hiraboo]

> Max Stone


I've been wondering about that for a long time. (´⌒｀;)
I am very happy to know EMP. Σ(ﾟ∇ﾟ;)!!
Thank you very much !



UPO 3 / 20
P-6 Pliers Black Model







P-6 and P-7 pliers have quite similar shapes. Please see the catalog above.
I named those as if P-6 was earlier model than P-7. But I'm not sure if that's correct. I may change this order if I have new discoveries.





They had eliminated the constriction from the pliers since P-6 / P-7 pliers.
So P-6 and P-7 pliers are also quite similar in shape to P-8B pliers.





To distinguish P-6 / P-7 pliers from P-8B pliers easly, you may attention the button head screws on the slider.
All P-8B pliers models have round-headed rivets on the slider. There are no exceptions so far. 

I have never seen a P-7 pliers BLACK model. I'm looking for it !

[McStitchy]

Nice 

I have a BO P6er too 

[hiraboo]

> McStitchy


Thank you for the cool photo. (ﾟoﾟ*)
Let's organize "P-6 BO owners club" ! (￣∇+￣)v



UPO 4 / 20
Black FISKARS with P-4 Pliers







The previous owner wrote "FKF" on the handle. It was engraved. I am sad because I can't erase it.





An isomorphic SS FISKARS model was reported by gerleatherberman before.

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,74830.msg1887382.html#msg1887382
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,74830.msg2003730.html#msg2003730

[hiraboo]

UPO 5 / 20
P-5 Pliers Black model with File








Oh... The can opener and the large flat-head screwdriver are broken. 





P-5 pliers are very similar to P-4. They are same shape except the pivot bushing.
I made the chart, attentioning when they changed the alternate component (utility blade/file).
I thought that they changed the utility blade to the file while they were making P-5 pliers models.
So looking the chart, it seemed that they repealed the pivot bushing once (since P-3 pliers), then they suddenly and temporary revival it.


SteveC reported P-5 pliers black model with the utility blade before.
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,74830.msg2091084.html#msg2091084





But about the utility blade / file, it seems not to be a simple story.
I will mention it after.

[Max Stone]

Hello hiraboo, very nice BO Multi-Plier 

I only have one BO model, which looks like the same model as yours:





I am fortunate that the tools are still OK 





I am not the original owner, but I expect that the tools are all original. 

[hiraboo]

> Max Stone


I was pretty surprised more than you expected. (￣□￣;)!!
Wow quite same situation, same angle !

Whenever I got a new unknown model of Mr. Pinchy, I always wondered if it was modified by previous owner. I am very happy you have the same model. It is evidence this model was sold as it was.

And now I can confirm the can opener of this model have the flat craw.
Thank you very much ! ヾ(☆´3｀)ﾉｼ



UPO 6 / 20
Reconditioned Model








This model was based on V5.
There may be other models based on other version.





"Reconditioned" was printed on the serrated blade side.





V5 models usually have the M-4 type patent marking. But this model have M-2.
This is clearly an irregular model. So I will not put it in the next chart.




I picked up this image from ebay. It is probably not NIB. May I call it RIB ?

[Gareth]

Thank you for all the work Hiraboo.    I wasn't really aware of the Fisker branded versions.  I do have a "Carolina Knife and Tool" version of the Multiplier somewhere, but that is made to a very different (lower) quality than the Gerbers.

[hiraboo]

>Gareth


Thank you for information about Carolona Knife & Tool.
Wow you have very unique tool ! 
In this thread, gerleatherberman reported these tools before.
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,74830.msg1948957.html#msg1948957

Also there are some threads about these tools.

・Carolina Knife and Tool find.
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=23946.0

・What...? Carolina Knife and Tool - Gerber looking Multi-tool
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=48441.0

I posted this note in other thread. About relation between Gerber, Carolina Knife & Tool, and Blackie collins. Please right click to download.



Today I am so tired.
I will introduce UPO tomorrow.

[hiraboo]

UPO 7 / 20
P-3 and P-4 mixed pliers








I have seen some mixed models, such as M-3 patent marking on one handle and M-4 on the other. Or one handle has double lined font "GERBER", the other has single lined.
Now I find P-3 and P-4 mixed pliers. Wow...





All P-3 pliers models have M-2 patent marking, instead early P-4 have M-3 so far. 
This model has M-3 patent marking.
So it is certain that this model stands by the double border (P-3 to P-4 pliers / M-2 to M-3 marking).





All P-3 and early P-4 pliers models have the utility blade instead of the file.
But this model has the file. I think it is slightly early event in timeline. A mysterious point.

[Max Stone]

A very good looking Multi-Plier hiraboo 
I think it is normal to see overlap between tool and design changes, maybe up to a year or longer, as they use up production stock and phase in changes. 
It is a shame that there are no date codes to help put a timeline to each change, but with all the examples you are finding, and the progression (order) of each change mapped, it may be possible to create a master reference table based on your excellent diagrams, to help show what combination of tools and features are possible?

[hiraboo]

> Max Stone


Thank you for your thought-provoking opinions.
I was very encouraged.

Please go out with a little play. (o≧▽ﾟ)o
I think, so far, there are these subtypes of each component.

• Surface finish 3types.
• Pliers 10types.
• Nail nick position 2types x 2handles.
• Handle cut-out 2types x 2handles.
• Lanyard 3types.
• Alternate component 3types.
• Patent marking 4types.
• Font of GERBER 2types x 2handles.
• Can opener craw 2types.
• Joining method 3types.
• Scale 2types.

The number of combinations is the product of all of these.
There are some combinations that are not possible in practice, but let's simply calculate.

3 x 10 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 4 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 2
= 829,440

In calculation, there may be 829,440 models ! Σ(ОД○*).
I regret having calculated. (ﾉﾟοﾟ)ﾉ



UPO 8 / 20
P-3 Pliers and M-3 Patent Marking









This is P-3 pliers. The pliers of this model has rough surface.
I have other P-3 models that have more smooth surface.
It may be possible that pliers can be subdivided to more detailed versions. But I will not consider it this time...
Maybe someday.





I wrote "All P-3 pliers models have M-2 patent marking..." in previous post yesterday.
But I find the unusual model that has P-3 pliers and M-3 patent marking.
That's one small step for man, one giant leap for Pinchology.

[Max Stone]

Hello hiraboo, that is a lot of combinations!

I was thinking a table like this?

Still incomplete, but you can add each feature that is found for each Plier type.

With this table, you will be able to see how each feature develops and maps to each Plier type.

I will PM you to send the spreadsheet (too large to attach here) that you are welcome to use. It does have your excellent pictures 

[hiraboo]

> Max Stone


I can't believe you create this amazing chart in such a short amount of time. 
Thank you for your hard work, spending time to do that.
I am very impressed this "International cooperation project".

But I apologize to you that I should have explained more.
I also created my chart before. And my explanation about "Unidentified Pinchy Objects" was dependent on this↓ chart.



Pinchology rev5
Please right click to download.


The reason for "Unidentified" is they are not included in this chart.
Without this chart and explanation, I think my post didn't make sense to many members. I am sorry. 

Now I am preparing to revision my 5th edition chart to 6th, including them.
The easy-to-understand table you made was very helpful.
Thank you very much !


This is 5th edition chart PDF version same as above.
↓

[Max Stone]

This chart is excellent hiraboo 
And it shows how the Multi-Plier developed over time, with the different features and design elements. 

[hiraboo]

> Max Stone


( *´ω`* )



UPO 9 / 20
P-3 pliers FISKARS 







Are you tired of FISKARS ?
Rest assured. This is the last FISKARS model I will introduce in UPO series.





The P-3 pliers model is earliest FISKARS model I own.





M-2 patent marking is same as normal P-3 GERBER models.
But as I mentioned before, normal P-3 GERBER models don't have the file.

[hiraboo]

UPO 10 / 20
Black P-2 Pliers M-2 Patent Marking

UPO 11 / 20
Black P-2 Pliers M-2 and M-2L Patent Marking Mixed



Upper: M-2 and M-2L mixed model
Lower: M-2 patent marking on the both handles


These two models have quite same component except the patent marking.
The mixed model has M-2L patent marking on the serrated blade side.
 




Gap between handles: Extreme pinchy !

The mixed model is similar to what scrounger previously reported.
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,74830.msg2177026.html#msg2177026





Upper: M-2L patent marking
Lower: M-2 patent marking

The font of M-2L seems to be the same size as M-1.
So it is possible that M-2L was earlier than M-2.





I described the shape of these lanyard ring as "Thin, grinded". Please let me know if you have a more accurate expression.

The grinded lanyard ring sticks out a little when folded inside the handle.

[Max Stone]

Nice to see more of your collection hiraboo 

I think your description of the lanyard types is OK. It will be difficult to offer a more detailed description without pictures. Having the comparison pictures is always the best to make a selection, unless you are already an expert 

[hiraboo]

> Max Stone


Thank you for your confirmation. I feel relief. \( ˆoˆ )/

Even in Japanese, it is difficult for me to explain the shape of a component.
And I am worried that I may inadvertently use nasty slang, even though I am explaining it seriously. （；´д｀）
Just like "May I cut the cheese ?" ＝３



UPO 12 / 20
M-2L on Both Handles







This model is V2.1.





In the last post, I mentioned M-2L patent marking(larger font) seemed earlier than M-2(smaller font). The number of models with M-2L seems to be less than M-2. I saw a model with M-2L patent marking on both handles for the first time.





But, ah... When I got it, one slide unlock button was gone.

[hiraboo]

UPO 13 / 20
Break Time







When I saw it at first, I thought it must be a new discovery.
Oh yeah I got an unknown model with a cable cutter !





But it is not a cable cutter.
Somebody processed the original pliers.





Apparently the original pliers is the P-4 type.

If someone needs a tool like this, something like a nippers, it is easier to buy a nippers than to make it.
So I thik someone cut the broken pliers.

If it is a prototype, I am very happy.

[Max Stone]

I agree with your suggestion that the tip was broken and then reshaped. This is the most plausible explanation. 

[hiraboo]

> Max Stone


Thank you for your reply.
It's fun to imagine a lot about Mr. Pinchy ! (*´∇`*)



UPO 14 / 20
V2.0 with File







As I mentioned before, the file have appeared instead of the utility blade since P-4 type pliers era.
So combination of P-2 pliers and the file is too early event. I am very surprised to find this one.





The double lined font of GERBER, the thin grinded lanyard ring, the angled can opener craw and M-1 type patent marking are all early features, except the file.
Has anyone modified this?



Patent markings
Right to left: M-2, M-2L, M-1


Oh I also talked about the size of patent markings before.
I think they made M-2L marking with same font as M-1 at first, then they changed it to a smaller font and made M-2 marking.

[hiraboo]

UPO 15 / 20
Black Pre-production Utility Blade







This is black V2.0, early model with P-2 pliers.





If you look closely, you can see that the nail nick on the utility blade is not in the correct position.
I think this is pre-production utility blade.





Upper: pre-production utility blade
lower: normal utility blade


One difference between them is the location of the nail nick. Another difference is the presence/absence of the "GERBER" mark.
I suspect that the pre-production utility blade had the same manufacturing process as a regular blade, until engraving "GERBER".

[Max Stone]

Very nice to see the pre-production model 

[McStitchy]

 

[hiraboo]

> all


Thank you very much ! ( ˘ ³˘)


About the pre-production utility blade;

Until recently, I decided it was a prototype because I found only SS one.
But now I have a total of three. I introduced BO one in last post, I will mention another SS one after.
So it may not proper that I call them "pre-production". They may be just a "early model". （´～｀)
I welcome new discoveries and new opinions!



UPO 16 / 20
V2.0 Black One/Two Handle Cut-outs Mixed







This is a V2.0 model.





As you see, the handle of serrated blade side has only one cut-out. The other handle has two cut-outs.
One cut-out handle was a feature of the early V1(mirror finish) models. So I am surprised the combination of P-2 pliers, one cut-out handle and black oxide finish.
The black color of the one cut-out handle seems pale. It may have something to do with its origin(mirror finish parts).


By the way, this utility blade is a normal type. The nail nick is useless because it is behind the handle when folded.

...Oh, wait !

Is this the answer to why the nail nick of pre-production utility blade was placed inside ?





And the thick and grinded lanyard ring is also a feature of V1 models... C'mon !

[Max Stone]

I think you have the answer why the nail nick was on the inside. Good discovery! 

It seems that Gerber was fine-tuning the design during early production and there were examples of parts being mixed up as design features changed.