Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => Gerber Tools => Topic started by: J-sews on February 07, 2010, 04:57:45 AM

Title: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 07, 2010, 04:57:45 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Gerber19921.jpg)


Experience the Multi-Plier Effect!

Gerber introduces the easy solution to every "toolbox" job with the new Gerber Multi-Plier! It's 13 tools in one, all
made of super tough stainless steel. The Gerber Multi-Plier features a (patent pending) slide-out plier head that
quickly locks into place with just the "flick of a wrist!" Available with either a rugged ballistic cloth belt sheath or
innovative leather belt sheath featuring a belt/backpack clip. Proudly made in the U.S.A.....only from Gerber!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Gerber19922.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Gerber19923.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Gerber19924.jpg)


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Gerber19925.jpg)



Watch out Leatherman - your days of multitool domination are over!  :D :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: valvestem125 on February 07, 2010, 05:14:29 AM
I have one of the Gerbers with the metal release buttons and the blunt nose pliers.  It's a tough tool, I've used it to cut through barb wire before.  One of the local EMT's had one at an accident scene I attended, and when he flicked the pliers out, I knew I would have to have one.

I'd date the one I have right around late 1991 or so, maybe earlier, as I left that job that I bought it for in June 1992.

Maybe there is a date code on the piece?
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 07, 2010, 05:16:38 AM
I have one of the Gerbers with the metal release buttons and the blunt nose pliers.  It's a tough tool, I've used it to cut through barb wire before.  One of the local EMT's had one at an accident scene I attended, and when he flicked the pliers out, I knew I would have to have one.

I'd date the one I have right around late 1991 or so, maybe earlier, as I left that job that I bought it for in June 1992.

Maybe there is a date code on the piece?

No date codes on the Gerber tools unfortunately. :(  Do you still have yours?
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: prime77 on February 07, 2010, 05:52:35 AM
Cool pics Bob. :tu: I have to say that I really like my Mulitplier. I would go so far as to say that it's my favorite Gerber mulittool.
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee58/primeLM/011-1.jpg?t=1220391462)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 07, 2010, 06:01:57 AM
Nice one Prime! :tu:

Hmmmm, yours looks to be the final variation before Gerber brought out the Multi-Lock (later called the 600) in the late 1990's. And yet their are about four "generations" between the one in my picture and the one in yours. :think:

Jeez, Gerber must have made changes in the design about every other year there for awhile. :P
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: stack on February 07, 2010, 06:37:06 AM
Wow, I did not see that flier for a long time. :o  I might still have that one around .  Heres mine                                 (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/slippies134.jpg)                           (http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/12overunder/slippies133.jpg)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: MultiMat on February 07, 2010, 12:09:42 PM
Those early Gerbers with the scissors stand out don't they  :D :D.
One day  ::) :D :D :D.

Nice piece(s) Bob  :tu: :tu:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on February 07, 2010, 12:10:30 PM
Yeah I've a soft spot for those as well :)

Shouldn't of sold my one really ::)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Chako on February 07, 2010, 02:26:35 PM
I happen to have one with the scissors. It is an odd one though, as it seems to have been half thought out, with the nail nicks all messed up etc. It also has "First Production Run" stamped on the handles. It is the only one that I have with scissors though.

Here is a group shot of all the Gerbers that I have with the old style locking mechanism. Note that a Carolina and Winchester tools are included as they both have the same locking style. Not sure if Gerber made them or just licensed it out, but I have a suspicion that Gerber made them and just stamped their customer's name on the tools. I can be wrong though.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3529small.jpg)


Here, I played with the lighting to highlight the wording. Not that great of a photograph though.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3531small.jpg)


I quickly moved to a black background due to the results from above to show the details on the back of the handles.

Here we have the First Edition Run.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3541small.jpg)


And the later model (Second in the first group shot).
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3539small.jpg)

Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 07, 2010, 04:20:24 PM
Good pics guys! :tu:


Stack, your old one there is a 4th generation (still has screws on the sliders, middle era plier head, but round nut on the blade pivot) :)

Chako, your second one there is 5th generation like Prime77's. They went to solid post sliders and updated the plier head. It was made in either blunt or needlenose. (the first needlenose multi-plier offered from Gerber)  :)


The generation after that became the 600
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Chako on February 07, 2010, 05:01:48 PM
I wish I knew more about Gerber MTs.

Thanks for the info Bob.  :salute:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: valvestem125 on February 08, 2010, 02:20:45 PM
"No date codes on the Gerber tools unfortunately.   Do you still have yours?"

Yes, I still have it.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: glorn on February 08, 2010, 08:15:42 PM
Hmmm... mine was one of the earliest ones as well. But it had no scissors, and instead it had a sort of thick X-acto blade.

Wish I still had it. Excellent tool. It now resides somewhere on the bottom of Cruz Bay.

Any clue when that model came out?
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 09, 2010, 03:06:12 AM
Hmmm... mine was one of the earliest ones as well. But it had no scissors, and instead it had a sort of thick X-acto blade.

Wish I still had it. Excellent tool. It now resides somewhere on the bottom of Cruz Bay.

Any clue when that model came out?

The X-acto blade was Gerber's idea of an awl. :-\ Near as I can figure, this variation was sold around 1995.


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/GerberMulti-Plier2matteoriginalwith.jpg)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: glorn on February 09, 2010, 03:46:05 AM
If I suggested that I got mine around 92 or maybe 93 would that sound impossible?


Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 09, 2010, 03:53:47 AM
If I suggested that I got mine around 92 or maybe 93 would that sound impossible?


Not at all. Actually, that helps. :salute: The first version Multi-Plier (first post in this thread) was sold in 1992. The second version, with no scissors and a bead-blast finish, came out shortly thereafter. I was guessing 1995, but 1993 seems reasonable. :)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: glorn on February 09, 2010, 04:11:36 AM
I am fairly certain of that then.. I can remember opening some of my first legal beers with it. I turned 21 in 03.

Of course my memory of those days is rather hazy...
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 09, 2010, 03:49:14 AM
I am fairly certain of that then.. I can remember opening some of my first legal beers with it. I turned 21 in 03.

Of course my memory of those days is rather hazy...

I can only imagine why.... ::) :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: stack on February 10, 2010, 03:37:48 AM
J-sews, Thanks for your info. This tread will probably spark a new interest in gerber tools. :P I was going to trade these but now I dont think so. :)  Maybe buy some new ones ???
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Poncho65 on February 10, 2010, 10:58:39 PM
Great thread Bob :cheers: It's always neat to see stuff like that :tu: Those were  good days for Gerber back then :)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jim guy on February 10, 2010, 11:17:28 PM
dang I had that exact same tool and that flier in the early 90s, good find! :tu:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Gareth on February 19, 2012, 10:42:18 AM
Being on a Multi-Plier kick ATM I went a searching for some info on the forum.  It's likely no big surprise that it was Bob who had already come up with the goods. :D  I remember reading this thread when it was new and actually thought I'd already posted on it, but it seems I didn't. :think:  So I'll offer a very belated: thanks for the info Bob. :cheers:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 19, 2012, 06:30:27 PM
Cheers Gareth! :cheers:

Coincidentally, I just happen to be doing a little spit and polish on an old Multi-Plier this morning. :) The tool itself doesn't appear to have been used much, but someone ran her hard and put her away wet. :( There was rust blobs and sand on all the internal surfaces. No way to clean that up from the outside, so a complete tear down was the first order of business.

(of course, this not being my first multitool dissection, I made sure to snap a picture of the blade arrangement in both handles before taking it apart) :D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Multi-Pliercleanup1.jpg)



A look inside the handle channels. Plenty of rust and sand, the evil twin demons of multitools everywhere. :twak:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Multi-Pliercleanup2.jpg)



It was a bit of a struggle overcoming the 20-year old locktite on all the screws, but I finally got it apart! :cheers:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Multi-Pliercleanup3.jpg)



A close-up of this earliest style Gerber plier head, complete with massive pivot nut. Unfortunately I did not have a pin spanner wrench the right size, or I would have taken it apart too.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Multi-Pliercleanup5.jpg)



Grant's favorite Multi-Plier implement of all, the massively oversize lanyard attachment :D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Multi-Pliercleanup4.jpg)



After lots of elbow grease, along with a generous helping of mini-wire-wheel-and-Dremel, then a touch of Rem Oil, this old girl is (almost) as good as new. :multi:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/jooliesews/Bobbys/Multi-Pliercleanup6.jpg)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Gareth on February 19, 2012, 06:48:09 PM
Great pics mate. :cheers:  What are those old scissor like?  Do they perhaps pre-date the Fiskars buy out of Gerber?

Oddly enough I was just having a look at my PM600 and wishing they'd given me anything other than one of those over-sized lanyard attachments.  ::)  I do wish I'd been into MT's when Gerber were doing their 'design your own' service. :dd:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 19, 2012, 06:57:17 PM
Those first scissors are perhaps the worst ones ever found on a multitool Gareth :D  I'm not sure when Fiskars acquired Gerber. :think:  I do know that after this first Multi-Plier, Gerber waited many years (until the MP600 Pro Scout model came out around 2000) before offering scissors on a multitool again.  :-\

Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Gareth on February 19, 2012, 07:03:51 PM
So, as a user, you'd not recommend them eh? :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 19, 2012, 07:08:19 PM
So, as a user, you'd not recommend them eh? :D

I'd not indeed :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: MultiMat on February 20, 2012, 01:49:11 PM
Really enjoyed those photos Bob  8) 8) 8) 8). Ya gotta love digital cameras, very handy for reassembly purposes  ::) :D :D :D.
Bob do you heat fasteners on MTs to help weaken the loctite's hold before cracking them open :think: :think:.
Lanyard attachment or tool spacer  :think: :think: :D :D :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 21, 2012, 02:52:08 AM
Really enjoyed those photos Bob  8) 8) 8) 8). Ya gotta love digital cameras, very handy for reassembly purposes  ::) :D :D :D.

I cam just imagine Bob ten years ago having to wait a week for the photos to develop so he could re assemble a tool!  :D

Def
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 22, 2012, 02:22:57 AM
Really enjoyed those photos Bob  8) 8) 8) 8). Ya gotta love digital cameras, very handy for reassembly purposes  ::) :D :D :D.

I cam just imagine Bob ten years ago having to wait a week for the photos to develop so he could re assemble a tool!  :D

Def

Ten years ago (before my early alzheimers set in) I didn't need the photos :P :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 22, 2012, 03:07:56 AM
I'm not sure it was Alzheimers, it was probably joining Multitool.org that started the mental deterioration!   :think:

Def
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on February 23, 2012, 02:50:04 AM
I'm not sure it was Alzheimers, it was probably joining Multitool.org that started the mental deterioration!   :think:

Def

Or was it my mental derangement that led me to join Multitool.org? :think: 

Sounds like another one of those chicken-or-the-egg questions :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 24, 2012, 12:08:54 AM
Dinosaurs and insects were laying eggs long before anything even remotely resembling a chicken existed.

You know, just in case you were wondering....

Def
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: scrappy on February 24, 2012, 06:25:34 AM
Fiskars purchased Gerber in 87. Nice tools Bob!
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Gareth on February 24, 2012, 08:14:30 AM
Fiskars purchased Gerber in 87. Nice tools Bob!
So, with that in mind, these must be the worst scissors Fiskars ever sold. :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on February 24, 2012, 05:03:42 PM
At the time Fiskars probably hadn't planned to include their scissors into Gerber tools.  They were probably more interested in the knife side of things since there really wasn't much of a multitool market at the time.  I imagine many multitools being released at the time were low cost, low development budget offerings to test the waters on a new fad.

Def
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Ione on August 23, 2013, 01:24:08 AM
If I suggested that I got mine around 92 or maybe 93 would that sound impossible?

I would guess 1992-93 would probably be correct.  My company made quite a few Multi-plier parts for Gerber before I sold them the equipment to machine the jaws and set it up in a small shop for Gerber to run before they took it in house which I believe was sometime in 1995.  As for the sissors you everyone is correct they looked like something that would be on a Fisher Price toy.  For that we built the little SS stud that was ment to hold the spring in the sissor spring in.  Somone took pictures where they took one apart for cleaning but I did not see the stud.  Almost all the jaws we machined for them was made out of SS stampings.  Parts had a hole punched where the part would fit together at final fit and the part was left for lots of machineing completely around the outside edges.  Wire cuter had to be machined as well as all serrations in pliers, all screw holes had to be drilled and tapped.  Spring button holes had to be drilled and reamed.  Blade rivets were run on a screw machine, tapped on one end, parted off and other end taped and champered in second opt.  I believe the sissors and awl was rotated in production when they did not have the sissors figured out.  Like most have posted the sissors would probably have been better left out.  We also machined the pillips part of the phillips screw driver.  Like I stated earlier I think Gerber took job in house in 1995.  During our time of production we ran 24/7.  At the same time they had other companines making jaws out of Forgings and Castings.  I can tell you that it took thousands of 6-32 taps to tap that many stainless holes.  After almost 20 years I do not remember the exact alloy but I am sure it was some 400 series.  I am not sure anyone will read this post because this form is old but in case I though I would ass my .02.  It brings back some interesting memories.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Mr. Whippy on August 23, 2013, 02:03:47 AM
If I suggested that I got mine around 92 or maybe 93 would that sound impossible?

I would guess 1992-93 would probably be correct.  My company made quite a few Multi-plier parts for Gerber before I sold them the equipment to machine the jaws and set it up in a small shop for Gerber to run before they took it in house which I believe was sometime in 1995.  As for the sissors you everyone is correct they looked like something that would be on a Fisher Price toy.  For that we built the little SS stud that was ment to hold the spring in the sissor spring in.  Somone took pictures where they took one apart for cleaning but I did not see the stud.  Almost all the jaws we machined for them was made out of SS stampings.  Parts had a hole punched where the part would fit together at final fit and the part was left for lots of machineing completely around the outside edges.  Wire cuter had to be machined as well as all serrations in pliers, all screw holes had to be drilled and tapped.  Spring button holes had to be drilled and reamed.  Blade rivets were run on a screw machine, tapped on one end, parted off and other end taped and champered in second opt.  I believe the sissors and awl was rotated in production when they did not have the sissors figured out.  Like most have posted the sissors would probably have been better left out.  We also machined the pillips part of the phillips screw driver.  Like I stated earlier I think Gerber took job in house in 1995.  During our time of production we ran 24/7.  At the same time they had other companines making jaws out of Forgings and Castings.  I can tell you that it took thousands of 6-32 taps to tap that many stainless holes.  After almost 20 years I do not remember the exact alloy but I am sure it was some 400 series.  I am not sure anyone will read this post because this form is old but in case I though I would ass my .02.  It brings back some interesting memories.

lone,

That's a great story!  I love learning the history behind these tools.  My brother worked at a casting company in CT in that time period that cast the prototype pliers heads for the Leatherman Juice (at a newly built Mexican plant ::))

Fascinating stuff!
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Chako on August 23, 2013, 03:04:58 AM
No worries. Whenever someone does a thread resurrection, it goes right to the top of the listings...so everyone will see it if they so chose to do so.

Thanks for your information. I found it rather helpful and interesting.  :salute:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: thebullfrog on August 23, 2013, 04:06:44 AM
VERY cool story and info.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Goatlord666 on August 23, 2013, 04:10:12 AM
and for th 200,000th time...i never knew this thread even existed! cheers to all
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Nhoj on August 23, 2013, 05:57:16 AM
That is a cool story.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Gareth on August 23, 2013, 06:14:50 PM
If I suggested that I got mine around 92 or maybe 93 would that sound impossible?

I would guess 1992-93 would probably be correct.  My company made quite a few Multi-plier parts for Gerber before I sold them the equipment to machine the jaws and set it up in a small shop for Gerber to run before they took it in house which I believe was sometime in 1995.  As for the sissors you everyone is correct they looked like something that would be on a Fisher Price toy.  For that we built the little SS stud that was ment to hold the spring in the sissor spring in.  Somone took pictures where they took one apart for cleaning but I did not see the stud.  Almost all the jaws we machined for them was made out of SS stampings.  Parts had a hole punched where the part would fit together at final fit and the part was left for lots of machineing completely around the outside edges.  Wire cuter had to be machined as well as all serrations in pliers, all screw holes had to be drilled and tapped.  Spring button holes had to be drilled and reamed.  Blade rivets were run on a screw machine, tapped on one end, parted off and other end taped and champered in second opt.  I believe the sissors and awl was rotated in production when they did not have the sissors figured out.  Like most have posted the sissors would probably have been better left out.  We also machined the pillips part of the phillips screw driver.  Like I stated earlier I think Gerber took job in house in 1995.  During our time of production we ran 24/7.  At the same time they had other companines making jaws out of Forgings and Castings.  I can tell you that it took thousands of 6-32 taps to tap that many stainless holes.  After almost 20 years I do not remember the exact alloy but I am sure it was some 400 series.  I am not sure anyone will read this post because this form is old but in case I though I would ass my .02.  It brings back some interesting memories.

thanks for that Ione, we always love a bit more information here.  Welcome to the forum. :cheers:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on August 28, 2013, 02:28:47 AM
Yes, thank you Ione! I'm hoping you will have some more stories to tell us from back then. :)

On a related note, a couple years ago I ran into the fellow who has his name on the original Gerber sliding-jaws patent. He told me that the retailers who sold Gerber products were so excited about the new Multi-Plier when it first came out, that Gerber received orders for over 100,000 tools in the first few months after it was introduced! :o Wow, talk about success beyond their wildest dreams! He said it was absolute insanity for the first few years just trying to get caught up to the backlog of orders. :ahhh
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Ione on August 29, 2013, 10:54:44 AM
I have thought of a couple of things.
When I did my earlier post I had looked up the patent No. that is stamped on one of my Multi-Pliers and I recognized two of the engineers that we worked with when we started working on that job.
I thought some of the readers might be interested in how we machined the jaws for them.
The parts we made were made from stampings like I had said before they come from the stamping shop with a hole in the center where the jaws pivot.  The first thing we did was to ream the hole to size and use it for a tooling hole.  We then milled the flat part of each jaw where them mate and rotate together.
I went to Detroit Michigan and purchased 2 Cincinnati Horizontal milling machines.  We built a holding fixture that we could hold in a vice and load with 12 individual jaws.  We had a tool grinder shop that ground the shape of the outside edge of the jaw.    We then machine the outside top of one set of 12 jaws on one machine and then moved the fixture on the other horizontal and machined the other edge of the jaw minus the groves.  After that we took the jaw to another smaller horizontal and machined the groves in the pliers.   The groves were also machined with carbide but this was inserted cutters.
I had a great partner and he found an old 8 station rotary table that we could do milling, reaming and tapping.  He built a magazine on the loading station of the rotary table and designed all of the operations to drill and ream the spring button holes and drill and tap the two 6-32 screw holes. It loaded the table and kicked out the parts at the end of the operations
After the rotary table operation we milled the angle on the back of the wire cutter.
There was normal de-burr work to be done and the jaw was pretty much complete.
In closing I have no Idea why I looked up this blog but I guess it was because I met up with my old partner in May and we spent most of the evening laughing and recalling stories about Gerber’s Multi-Pliers. The Multi-Pliers have been move in house since 1995.  When we started we did not have 2 nickels to rub together but we thought we were invincible and just knew if we would let nothing stand in our way that some good things just had to happen.  So we survived this absolute insane job and grew the company. The shop that my partner started together is still alive and well today.   He sold his interest in the company in 1998 and I retired in 2004.  My two sons now own and run the company. 
I would say my most proud moment about Multi-pliers Jaws is that 2 simple guys were able to help Gerber bring that job back to the US from Taiwan.
I hope I did not babble too much and go into too much detail.  If any of you folks would like to ask any questions I will try to help you. 
 
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Ione on August 29, 2013, 10:57:01 AM
I hope I did not mess up my post above.  I had brain fade and lost my first typed out post.  It is late and I got to shut down for tonight.  I will read it in the morning and if does not make sense I will repost.  Sorry if it is not readable.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: enki_ck on August 29, 2013, 06:13:36 PM
It was very much readable. :tu: Thanks for all the info. You are very welcome to share any more stories you have from the times. We love multitool stories. :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: thebullfrog on August 30, 2013, 12:53:57 AM
Again, that is such an awesome bit of history lesson.
Thank's so much for sharing it with us.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on August 30, 2013, 02:04:01 PM
I don't think you'll ever get any trouble from this forum for providing too many details or telling too many old stories!  We love that kind of thing here!  :D

It's stories like this one that make me believe there can be a future for manufacturing on this side of the world.  Each day we hear more about plants that close in the US, Canada and Europe and move to Asia.  It's cool to see the US taking some back because two guys decided to go to work.

Good to have you on board!   :tu:

Def
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Goatlord666 on September 01, 2013, 07:06:01 AM
Great stories will have eager ears and attentive eyes here

Sent from my Cruize W280 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jim guy on October 21, 2013, 01:37:31 AM
Seeing this post again made me dig old mr pinchey out. Now i remember why it still looks like new!
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jim guy on January 11, 2014, 10:57:55 PM
Heres mine :tu:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on January 12, 2014, 04:11:09 AM
Hi Mr. Pinchy! :D Ooh, and check out that original leather pouch too! I swear they must have used half a cow each on those things :o :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jim guy on January 12, 2014, 04:16:37 AM
I have boots thats not as thick as that sheath?
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on January 12, 2014, 04:20:39 AM
I have boots thats not as thick as that sheath?

Same here! :D Nothing at all like the cheapo vinyl or "pleather" sheaths that a lot of tools come with nowadays. ::)

Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: scrappy on January 12, 2014, 05:28:06 AM
Heres mine :tu:
Thanks for sharing the pic. I had never seen what the early leather sheaths looked like.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jim guy on January 12, 2014, 06:43:46 AM
They are very nice. The leather and stitching are saddle quality
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Bibliojim on September 25, 2014, 04:35:50 PM
If she wasn't so fine, she would make the carry rotation. Almost perfect. Any idea which generation build, or when.
It appears the handles are identical, interchangeable. Clever Gerber. Serrated blade marked Gerber USA. Simonds file. Plain blade marked Gerber USA. 2 patent numbers.

Jim
“anyone who considers arithmetical methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin.” John von Neumann
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: ducttapetech on September 25, 2014, 05:09:02 PM
That looks like the earlier mister pinchy.

Nate
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: symphonyincminor on September 25, 2014, 05:17:50 PM
Looks like a 4th generation Multi-Plier (button-head screws on plier sliding mechanism, serrated blade instead of awl, round nut tool pivot). Not sure about the plier head - can't tell if it was the new or old style introduced in the 5th generation. Was there a 4.5 generation version with an updated plier head and without the rivet plier sliding mechanism?
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: gregozedobe on September 25, 2014, 06:31:31 PM
Looks like a 4th generation Multi-Plier (button-head screws on plier sliding mechanism, serrated blade instead of awl, round nut tool pivot). Not sure about the plier head - can't tell if it was the new or old style introduced in the 5th generation. Was there a 4.5 generation version with an updated plier head and without the rivet plier sliding mechanism?

Looks like a version 4 Mr Pinchy to me also (as it has Pat # 5212844 then it is the later 4.1 variant).  The pliers were significantly beefier in version 5.  I haven't ever noticed a version 4.5 Mr Pinchy (but that doesn't mean Gerber didn't make any, or that somebody didn't construct their own)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: neillcurrie on November 12, 2014, 04:17:34 PM
Found this old girl Monday. A little work with a toothbrush and dish soap, a little wire wool, and a shot of WD-40, and she looks almost like new. Very similar to the model I gifted to a friend several years ago.
Any ideas as to the production date and unofficial "series x, y, z" on this?
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: symphonyincminor on November 13, 2014, 03:54:09 PM
That's a 4th generation Multi-Plier. Nice clean example, too!

(button head screws on sliding mechanism, round nut pivot screws, previous generation blunt nose plier head)

Late 90's, maybe? I wish Gerber would have stamped production dates like Leatherman does....
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: pfrsantos on November 13, 2014, 04:06:59 PM
Found this old girl Monday. A little work with a toothbrush and dish soap, a little wire wool, and a shot of WD-40, and she looks almost like new. Very similar to the model I gifted to a friend several years ago.
Any ideas as to the production date and unofficial "series x, y, z" on this?

You dirty, dirty, dirty boy...

 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: neillcurrie on November 13, 2014, 05:03:15 PM
Found this old girl Monday. A little work with a toothbrush and dish soap, a little wire wool, and a shot of WD-40, and she looks almost like new. Very similar to the model I gifted to a friend several years ago.
Any ideas as to the production date and unofficial "series x, y, z" on this?

You dirty, dirty, dirty boy...

 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I wish I knew what you are so smuttily referring to :o
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: pfrsantos on November 13, 2014, 05:14:42 PM
Found this old girl Monday. A little work with a toothbrush and dish soap, a little wire wool, and a shot of WD-40, and she looks almost like new. Very similar to the model I gifted to a friend several years ago.
Any ideas as to the production date and unofficial "series x, y, z" on this?

You dirty, dirty, dirty boy...

 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I wish I knew what you are so smuttily referring to :o

Well, it's just my filthy mind. I was picturing an old girl being put through all that. A real girl...
 :facepalm:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: dipti on April 21, 2015, 08:46:14 AM
Great one for sure will make it mine.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jakobym on May 16, 2015, 08:20:11 PM
I just bought used Mr Pinchy, 2nd generation. It probably had not seen any lubrication since early 90's.
What size of hex driver should I get to unscrew it?
(http://s25.postimg.org/dfhkkqa8v/DSCN1025.jpg)
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: zoidberg on May 17, 2015, 12:13:04 AM
I just bought used Mr Pinchy, 2nd generation. It probably had not seen any lubrication since early 90's.
What size of hex driver should I get to unscrew it?
(http://s25.postimg.org/dfhkkqa8v/DSCN1025.jpg)
If needed use the hex driver that fits. Otherwise just apply the oil on the washers from the end and open / close the tools to work it in.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: neillcurrie on May 17, 2015, 02:55:23 AM
It's a weird American size,  not metric. 2 sizes required, one for the tools, the other for the plier head mechanism.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jakobym on May 17, 2015, 11:33:41 AM
It's a weird American size,  not metric.
That's why I'm asking. It's not easy thing to find American-size hex drivers right in the middle of Europe.

Cleaning and lubrication were the first things I did after opening the package. It looks like the only tool used, was a plain edge blade.  On the other tools BO looks untouched.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jakobym on May 17, 2015, 10:46:54 PM
Okay, one more question: is it normal for Mr Pinchy's wire cutters to grind on each other?
Otherwise, how can I stop that?
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: captain spaulding on May 17, 2015, 10:59:28 PM
Okay, one more question: is it normal for Mr Pinchy's wire cutters to grind on each other?
Otherwise, how can I stop that?


What do you mean exactly? They have to touch when closing to be functional as a wire cutter. That is unless it is a anvil style wire cutter which the Mr. Pinchy is not. Is it causing the pliers to be hard to open?
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: jakobym on May 17, 2015, 11:08:35 PM
I know, I know.  I just thought that the friction is too strong, that the ends of the pliers don't meet each other (or maybe I'm too used to Leatherman's needlenose pliers). The gap is not large, maybe not even half a milimeter. It just is.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: zoidberg on May 18, 2015, 04:17:13 AM
Okay, one more question: is it normal for Mr Pinchy's wire cutters to grind on each other?
Otherwise, how can I stop that?

I'm not completely certain, but I think on that model the plier head tension is adjustable with a pin spanner.

You could always file or dremel the cutters to get the clearance.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: gregozedobe on May 18, 2015, 05:13:05 AM
I'm not completely certain, but I think on that model the plier head tension is adjustable with a pin spanner.
It is on the one in the photo, so you could pull it apart, clean and lubricate the pivot, and clean up burrs (if any) on the inside (cutting edge) of the wire cutters while you've got it apart.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: J-sews on May 19, 2015, 01:14:46 AM
I'm not completely certain, but I think on that model the plier head tension is adjustable with a pin spanner.
It is on the one in the photo, so you could pull it apart, clean and lubricate the pivot, and clean up burrs (if any) on the inside (cutting edge) of the wire cutters while you've got it apart.

What he said. :salute:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: survivaledge on October 11, 2015, 11:28:49 PM
Hi I am new to the posting and a few Gerber questions
In a couple of posts reference is made to early Gerber  generations (1st-4th etc)
are there articles and information on the site giving details and history( differences etc)
Thanks
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: gregozedobe on October 12, 2015, 07:35:07 AM
Hi I am new to the posting and a few Gerber questions
In a couple of posts reference is made to early Gerber  generations (1st-4th etc)
are there articles and information on the site giving details and history( differences etc)
Thanks
Firstly welcome to MTo.   :cheers:

Lots of useful info here, try out the Search button up the top left of the screen (near the HOME button), and if that doesn't get you what you want, just ask.  There are quite a few Gerber enthusiasts on this forum (as well as other brands).

Try these as a primer to get you going on the early "Mr Pinchies" (Multi-Pliers):

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,2792.0.html

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,48158.msg928733.html#msg928733


The MPT was another early multitool made by Gerber.
http://wiki.multitool.org/tiki-index.php?page=MPT
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: zoidberg on October 21, 2015, 01:45:45 PM
Welcome to the forum survivaledge.  :cheers:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Joshua Smith on December 17, 2015, 05:02:29 PM
I happen to have one with the scissors. It is an odd one though, as it seems to have been half thought out, with the nail nicks all messed up etc. It also has "First Production Run" stamped on the handles. It is the only one that I have with scissors though.

Here is a group shot of all the Gerbers that I have with the old style locking mechanism. Note that a Carolina and Winchester tools are included as they both have the same locking style. Not sure if Gerber made them or just licensed it out, but I have a suspicion that Gerber made them and just stamped their customer's name on the tools. I can be wrong though.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3529small.jpg)


Here, I played with the lighting to highlight the wording. Not that great of a photograph though.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3531small.jpg)


I quickly moved to a black background due to the results from above to show the details on the back of the handles.

Here we have the First Edition Run.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3541small.jpg)


And the later model (Second in the first group shot).
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3539small.jpg)
I think I have the second one can u help me out

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Joshua Smith on December 17, 2015, 05:02:53 PM
I happen to have one with the scissors. It is an odd one though, as it seems to have been half thought out, with the nail nicks all messed up etc. It also has "First Production Run" stamped on the handles. It is the only one that I have with scissors though.

Here is a group shot of all the Gerbers that I have with the old style locking mechanism. Note that a Carolina and Winchester tools are included as they both have the same locking style. Not sure if Gerber made them or just licensed it out, but I have a suspicion that Gerber made them and just stamped their customer's name on the tools. I can be wrong though.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3529small.jpg)


Here, I played with the lighting to highlight the wording. Not that great of a photograph though.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3531small.jpg)


I quickly moved to a black background due to the results from above to show the details on the back of the handles.

Here we have the First Edition Run.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3541small.jpg)


And the later model (Second in the first group shot).
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3539small.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20151217/716fe05b0548eb16966dbaef0dcc24df.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Joshua Smith on December 17, 2015, 05:03:18 PM
I happen to have one with the scissors. It is an odd one though, as it seems to have been half thought out, with the nail nicks all messed up etc. It also has "First Production Run" stamped on the handles. It is the only one that I have with scissors though.

Here is a group shot of all the Gerbers that I have with the old style locking mechanism. Note that a Carolina and Winchester tools are included as they both have the same locking style. Not sure if Gerber made them or just licensed it out, but I have a suspicion that Gerber made them and just stamped their customer's name on the tools. I can be wrong though.

(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3529small.jpg)


Here, I played with the lighting to highlight the wording. Not that great of a photograph though.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3531small.jpg)


I quickly moved to a black background due to the results from above to show the details on the back of the handles.

Here we have the First Edition Run.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3541small.jpg)


And the later model (Second in the first group shot).
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r207/Chako_photo/IMG_3539small.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20151217/716fe05b0548eb16966dbaef0dcc24df.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20151217/276fd1a25e69e793ba5bf10beca5971e.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: gregozedobe on December 17, 2015, 11:14:29 PM
I think I have the second one can u help me out

Based on your photos it looks to be the same as Chako's second one, which is a version 5 with needle nose pliers.

See this post for more detail on the difference between the various versions:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,48158.msg928733.html#msg928733
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: hiraboo on January 25, 2020, 03:22:42 PM
It may be temporary, but you can download his photo for now.
I make a backup just in case.

Original posted by J-sews;
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,17190.msg325486.html#msg325486

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wluX5GKYWqr5pQ-SQCVMXvqzY2RFikA4M5j2rQuzDTCpFnw7BLLrHUojR5Q5PITly14-YrWB3FRDsAGSjrMko8hgMusG0GVcPx0a95tp7b4kpSFpknA0fBSfqHm7UkdcOk9tLAiG2Q=w750-h549-no?.jpg)


Experience the Multi-Plier Effect!

Gerber introduces the easy solution to every "toolbox" job with the new Gerber Multi-Plier! It's 13 tools in one, all
made of super tough stainless steel. The Gerber Multi-Plier features a (patent pending) slide-out plier head that
quickly locks into place with just the "flick of a wrist!" Available with either a rugged ballistic cloth belt sheath or
innovative leather belt sheath featuring a belt/backpack clip. Proudly made in the U.S.A.....only from Gerber!

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/moKPJbnWQ_ohJ6edX3M4vJIQ77wwyYfR4hpHlh0d3TTeTjGeW7RMepIXu2sTSGme0yUMnMY5FAU2PdOCvjjOb2g-94GGga-t8zHewFt0D107srNInJdxwBzCq0UJzGbfYKy69AuM1Q=w750-h553-no?.jpg)


(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XY36ds-xwq3_ZCYqWGNbMp06n67wjU36w-ZpzOgdL9rM7IkAF38Ubs6lobOaBjh_eDNxOpCoH3O8S_PqbrZG9pnyCO89etvF-qh42wZe2wmSoQjZGzPQylC4P59SzV8X5KvrCgFyg=w750-h566-no?.jpg)


(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a52eHS2UHs0GLmxkhEXGbuVXd5D5rBG8xd3IyeBYlZn6z8mo0wg6ugItvnaymxpKes0JBakVeX4oujirugU5Wki_vJ7JG78Mls1FftIWs7x_pBtg-HRA_cwWPsUJMfYbFhb-8Ejjbw=w750-h562-no?.jpg)


(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8Drd41nOEjPwyDJk3oMAUf0Oh10WzJ_tOb-tSc54V9HLi8_RbVxSTpNfbcz_LWI_fTa4l1QyIifK_MJSIWtnU2XX3hOPN5vxjst3z2LYzYFhdeN99q6m_psEIUFX1SVoeZeH2UISOg=w750-h590-no?.jpg)



Watch out Leatherman - your days of multitool domination are over!  :D :D
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: McStitchy on February 16, 2020, 08:35:35 AM
Good thinking hiraboo, thanks  :like:
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: 7PsofLife on November 18, 2020, 11:46:30 AM
Hello, I just recently picked up this Multi-plier from a local thrift shop and out of curiosity was trying to figure out the history of it. So I did a little bit of research and I discovered that it was going to be a bit more difficult than first I assumed haha. After I discovered this forum I came up with my best-educated guess that it is a Version 2 but I could also be way off. Any insight on when this guy was made or the Version it's apart of would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance. 
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: gregozedobe on November 18, 2020, 12:59:26 PM
Hello, I just recently picked up this Multi-plier from a local thrift shop and out of curiosity was trying to figure out the history of it. So I did a little bit of research and I discovered that it was going to be a bit more difficult than first I assumed haha. After I discovered this forum I came up with my best-educated guess that it is a Version 2 but I could also be way off. Any insight on when this guy was made or the Version it's apart of would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

Can you take another photo with all the internal tools opened out so you can see each tool ?

I'm wondering whether it has scissors or big awl, how thick the lanyard ring is, and whether the nail nicks line up with the handle cut-outs or not. 

This particular MT is a bit of an oddity in that one handle has two cutouts, while the other handle has only one cut-out. I can't recall ever seeing that combination before, and I have nearly 40 of these very early Mr pinchies.  I guess it might have been a repair job with a replacement handle, but it could also have come from the Gerber factory like that.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: 7PsofLife on November 18, 2020, 05:02:15 PM
I hope I captured everything you wanted to check out. If not feel free to point out what I missed and ill post what you need.
Unfortunately, it seems that two of the tools were broken when I bought it but I can't complain for what I picked it up for haha.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: gregozedobe on November 19, 2020, 02:03:42 AM
I hope I captured everything you wanted to check out. If not feel free to point out what I missed and ill post what you need.
Unfortunately, it seems that two of the tools were broken when I bought it but I can't complain for what I picked it up for haha.

Thanks, by my numbering system I'd classify that as a Version 2.0 (patent pending handle stamp), with a note that it seems to have one v1.2 handle (as the nail nick on the serrated knife blade matches the handle cut-out).

I think the broken tools are probably the can opener and the big triangular awl ( I suspect a previous owner was very heavy handed, if not downright abusive).

If you are using the pliers beware the "Pinch" (these truly deserve their reputation as "Mr Pinchy" )

The BO version of these old Mr Pinchies were never very common.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: 7PsofLife on November 19, 2020, 03:40:09 AM
Thats more of an interesting back story than I was expecting. I don't know if I would of ever thought of the multiple versions that would have had me going back and forth haha. Thanks again for all your insight ill be sure to keep in mind your pinch warning as I put these back into a not so abusive service haha.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Gareth on July 13, 2021, 08:02:38 PM
Someone posted this photo on the Facebook page and perhaps I'm being dim but I can't think I have seen the long tool on the left before.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: gregozedobe on July 14, 2021, 02:10:51 PM
Someone posted this photo on the Facebook page and perhaps I'm being dim but I can't think I have seen the long tool on the left before.

I wonder if it a custom made component (possibly ground down from another larger component) ?

I have a prototype Mr Pinchy with a file ground down into a really long "awl".  It also has pliers with no teeth in the jaws, a real weirdo.
Title: Re: New for 1992
Post by: Gareth on July 14, 2021, 02:19:20 PM
That's a good though.  I think you might be right too.  Pretty good job they made of it