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Tool Talk => Reviews => Topic started by: claws42 on June 16, 2015, 01:43:27 PM

Title: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: claws42 on June 16, 2015, 01:43:27 PM
My first ever review, so critiques/suggestions welcome!

The Gerber Dime is a small, pliers based, keychain Multitool – 2.75” (7cm) long, and weighing just over 62 grams. It’s small and light, and is just about unnoticeable in a pocket. With a keyring, and, even better, the external bottle opener, it’s also easy to clip onto a keyring.

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/7a542a6d1c92871319ea1b425ce1f0e7.jpg)

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/7eec5b74240c84eacd922b9b34c57ed0.jpg)

The Dime has angled corners, rather than the rounded corners common on most Leathermans. When opening the pliers, the ends push into one another, creating a slightly jerky and rough opening, in comparison to the rounded corners on the Style CS, which open smoothly. The spring loading method used on the Dime’s pliers is inferior to the one on Leathermans such as the Style CS. The Dime opens part way, and then ‘snaps’ the rest of the way into place, whereas the Style CS’s spring feels smoother and more reliable to me. In addition, except for the blade, the Dime's tools are real nail breakers. They don't open easily!

The pliers on the Dime are quite nice – small obviously, and only for light duties, but the ends meet precisely and there is very little play. I also quite like the external bottle opener – it doesn’t poke into my leg at all when carrying, and it offers a great attachment point for my keys. It also opens bottles quite well, if that matters to you (it doesn’t really to me).
The blade on the Dime is a decent length considering the size of the tool itself. It works competently, although being of mystery steel, probably won’t hold its sharpness as well as it the Squirt PS4 or Style CS. However, unlike some, it is not chisel ground, which is a definite plus.

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/b9fe963af5554b73f1df1e6fc6d22470.jpg)

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/8c8c8966dd370120a788f54a5c28e1b7.jpg)

The package opener works well, but I’m not sure if it was a wise inclusion.

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/ee8c2d168b1a78e0a75f5ce30c74ef45.jpg)

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/74be3f754d6818df286d2f0c068d9774.jpg)

Both the drivers are short and stubby, with very little reach. The smaller of the two drivers (also the file) is impeded by the bottle opener. The file is almost totally useless – short, impeded by the bottle opener, and also a bad file. It didn’t make a noticeable difference to my nails, whereas the file on the Style CS was both longer and more effective.

(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/71de623a680295b821b31bec00075a04.jpg)
(Compared to the scissors on the Wave)

The scissors are also quite bad – they don’t open very far, or cut very well. Finally, the tweezers the Dime work fine, and stow away nicely.

Overall, I'm in two minds about the Dime. Despite the roughness in opening the pliers and my dislike of the spring loading system used, it's fairly well built. The pliers are precise, the blade useful, and the tool feels solid, while still being extremely light. However, I think it could be improved a lot.The scissors are pretty bad. I'm sure Gerber could have made a better pair of scissors, without making them any larger. Victorinox small scissors are great, while these aren't. If Gerber had removed the package opener, they could have put a larger file in (hopefully one that didn't suck, something like the file + driver of the Style CS), where the package opener went. It would have also given the driver more reach, and it would have stopped the bottle opener from getting in the road. Then Gerber would have made the medium flathead full length as well. There would have been one less function, but both drivers, and the file, would have been greatly improved - I think that's a small price to pay for the loss of the package opener.

If you want a keychain multitool which is pretty cheap, and care mostly about the pliers and blade - or the bottle opener - the Dime is a good buy. If good scissors or a file are important, something like the Style CS would be a better choice.



Random thought - the Dime, with its currently tool selection and layout, would make an amazing Juice sized multitool in my opinion. Give it a go Gerber!






Sent from my XT1068 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Lynn LeFey on June 17, 2015, 06:47:53 AM
Good first review, claws.

And good photos to accompany.

I think most of us who've owned Dimes have had similar nail-breaking experience with opening implements when the tool is new. Hopefully yours will break in some and become smoother.

I personally thought that for the price, it was a decent tool, but as I also had a Leatherman Squirt PS4, I gave my Dime to my brother.

I've been a bit perplexed by the less than stellar scissors on it, since Gerber is owned by Fiskars, who KNOW how to make scissors.

Mine also had bad wire cutters, which i discuss here...
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,42504.0.html
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: claws42 on June 17, 2015, 07:00:31 AM
Hadn't thought to test the wire cutters - on a small tool like this, I don't expect much out of them.

Just tried a paperclip, and I'd agree - they're bad. In fact, they don't cut the paperclip, and the pliers instead push it onto an angle, lock up, and refuse to budge. Expect nothing from the wire cutters, and you'll still be somewhat disappointed.  :facepalm:


(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/16/48db5d7a78ac242e8037aab50c652223.jpg)

This shouldn't happen. The paperclip I tried it on is not a tough wire by any means. Taking a guess, the spring loading method Gerber used on the pliers has something to do with it not springing open.

In terms of the value, I'm a bit undecided. In NZ at least, it competes pricewise with the Style CS/PS, and the Squirt PS4 is around double the price. The Dime definitely has more functions, but most of them aren't that good. Maybe I need a Style PS to compare it against!
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Corwyn on June 17, 2015, 07:41:35 AM
Nice review mate. It put to words my thoughts on the Dime as well..
However... it's sooo perty... To me it looks like the best-looking keychain multitool around.

Got it for the cool factor, keeping it for the cool factor.. using Style/Rambler for usefulness  :P
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: TazzieRob on June 18, 2015, 08:53:57 AM
I think the scissors are the biggest let down on the Dime.  I'm very tempted to try and mod some Vic 58mm scissors in there.

My tweezers are fairly useless, and the file doesn't work.  I think it is a good tool that could be a great tool
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Gareth on June 18, 2015, 09:41:37 AM
Good review mate. :salute:

For those having scissor problems; have you noticed that they are "left handed"?  It could be that, without realising it, you are pushing the blades apart rather than together.  Or, of course, they might just be bad scissors. :D
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: N_N_R on June 18, 2015, 09:41:57 AM
Thanks for the pictures! I've wanted one Dime for a while, but never got to actually buying one.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: claws42 on June 18, 2015, 11:33:01 AM
Good review mate. :salute:

For those having scissor problems; have you noticed that they are "left handed"?  It could be that, without realising it, you are pushing the blades apart rather than together.  Or, of course, they might just be bad scissors. :D

I'm left handed  :D
They're just bad  ;)
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: TazzieRob on June 18, 2015, 12:03:22 PM
Good review mate. :salute:

For those having scissor problems; have you noticed that they are "left handed"?  It could be that, without realising it, you are pushing the blades apart rather than together.  Or, of course, they might just be bad scissors. :D

Yep, knew they were left handed, still hate them. They are too thick and square edged at the cutting edge, which makes them harder to use. And they don't open far enough, and the spring is too strong - you shouldn't have to push so hard to cut through things. I also don't like the scissors on the squirt. 58mm is king
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: buck on June 18, 2015, 02:24:39 PM
Speaking of 58mm, how does it compare overall with the rambler or minichamp as a keychain tool?

SOG CrossCut (new or old)?
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Lynn LeFey on June 18, 2015, 07:54:29 PM
I'm left handed  :D
They're just bad  ;)

I'm also left handed, and they're still bad. Also, when i do scissor testing, I usually say if they perform differently left or right handed.

Buck: If you need pliers, they obviously beat the 58mm SAKs and Crosscut. The Crosscut's scissors are pretty good, and excellent on heavy material. The 58mm SAK's scissors are AMAZING for their size, but suffer against heavy materials. They are light years better than the Dime.

It might sound dumb, but if it's a cap lifter you want, the Dime is just about industry leading. The Next best, IMO, is the Leatherman Style.

Too many differences between those three to make a good comparison, IMO.

Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Demel on June 18, 2015, 11:21:36 PM
I'm left handed  :D
They're just bad  ;)

I'm also left handed, and they're still bad. Also, when i do scissor testing, I usually say if they perform differently left or right handed.

Buck: If you need pliers, they obviously beat the 58mm SAKs and Crosscut. The Crosscut's scissors are pretty good, and excellent on heavy material. The 58mm SAK's scissors are AMAZING for their size, but suffer against heavy materials. They are light years better than the Dime.

It might sound dumb, but if it's a cap lifter you want, the Dime is just about industry leading. The Next best, IMO, is the Leatherman Style.

Too many differences between those three to make a good comparison, IMO.
Agreed. The dime scissors suck compared to the 58's but are much better than nothing. Even tho the dime is a keychain tool I much prefer it in the pocket. It's personally to bulky for me on the keychain. It would be nice if they had a larger version (juice or skeletool size) but Gerber definatly has a win with the Dime. How do the pliers compare to the vic 91mm pliers?
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Lynn LeFey on June 19, 2015, 02:29:54 AM
I think it's pretty well known that I'm 'not a fan' of the Vic 91 pliers.

I honestly can't do a comparison of the two because I don't own a Dime anymore, but my general impression is that the Dime's would be capable of somewhat heavier duty tasks. They are nowhere near as stout as the pliers on the Leatherman keychain size tools (Squirt, Style PS), but you CAN use most of your hand to squeeze, instead of just the strength of your thumb for the Vic 91s.

One really GOOD thing about the Vic pliers is that they had insanely precise tips, but as i recall, that was also one of the things I liked about the Dime.

If I had to put money on quality of material, I'd go with the Vic.

In practice, I prefer a Leatherman Keychain size tool for pliers, OR, even better, the IDL T10. Not as tiny precise head, but incredibly robust for the size. If you get a Leatherman Style PS, the difference in weight between that entire tool and the plier layer on a Vic 91, is, if I remember correctly, 1/6 of an ounce. That is, IMO, one of the best solutions, and it can be paired nicely with a 91mm vic to great effect.

Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Demel on June 19, 2015, 02:32:42 AM
I think it's pretty well known that I'm 'not a fan' of the Vic 91 pliers.

I honestly can't do a comparison of the two because I don't own a Dime anymore, but my general impression is that the Dime's would be capable of somewhat heavier duty tasks. They are nowhere near as stout as the pliers on the Leatherman keychain size tools (Squirt, Style PS), but you CAN use most of your hand to squeeze, instead of just the strength of your thumb for the Vic 91s.

One really GOOD thing about the Vic pliers is that they had insanely precise tips, but as i recall, that was also one of the things I liked about the Dime.

If I had to put money on quality of material, I'd go with the Vic.

In practice, I prefer a Leatherman Keychain size tool for pliers, OR, even better, the IDL T10. Not as tiny precise head, but incredibly robust for the size. If you get a Leatherman Style PS, the difference in weight between that entire tool and the plier layer on a Vic 91, is, if I remember correctly, 1/6 of an ounce. That is, IMO, one of the best solutions, and it can be paired nicely with a 91mm vic to great effect.
Thanks for the input. I haven't handled vic pliers yet so I can only guess how they "feel" honestly if I need pliers I will be carrying my rebar or 600.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: haja.maideen.988 on August 26, 2015, 09:02:27 AM
My Gerber Dime scissor broke without using it. I take out to admire it. I flip up the scissor and it broke. A metal just broke, Luckily the shop accept to send for repair free of charge. 
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Gareth on August 26, 2015, 10:31:16 AM
That's a shame.  Not the first time I've heard of it happening either.  Leatherman seem to have the same issue with the scissors on the Style as well.  My guess is that trying to get such a short piece of metal to just the right temper isn't all that easy.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Smaug on August 28, 2015, 05:47:42 AM
I just got a Dime Travel a week or so ago.

Lots of the same impressions. No useless file, but a hook of questionable usefulness. They say it is for broken scissors on luggage, but think of it for a minute: Is a guy or gal who's into MTs going to own luggage with cheap zippers? Doubtful. However, it is a fair replacement for the blade. (what else are they going to put there?)

The opener is replaced with a decently-useful file. Only problem is that the serrations are cut such that you have to push WITH the hinge, so filing something is going to tend to close the file. FAIL Gerber, FAIL.

The other implements are nail-breakers out of the box. However... if your nails are strong enough to cycle them several hundred times to finish polishing the internal mating surfaces, you'll be rewarded by a much smoother action. After you've ground them together enough, then put a drop of oil on each pivot, and cycle them some more. Surprisingly better. (but still a bit tough)

I can't give this to my 5 year-old niece, as I'd planned to. But I CAN keep it for myself for a travel MT, and give her a Wenger AT I ordered, hehehe.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Rathbone on December 19, 2016, 04:01:32 PM
I just unpacked a red Dime i've had for a couple of years. My edc small MT has always been my beloved Clutch.
I think it's a little unfair to compare mts of differing specs, but I was surprised at the small size of the Dime and the choice of tools.
Blade and cap lifter look okay. I can't make my mind up about box cutter.

Any tool will largely succeed or fail due to the user's expectations. I think the file, scissors and tweezers could handle fingernail care.
But expecting them to handle much more would be problematic. However, I read the more positive reviews and will give the Dime
every opportunity to surprise me.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Gareth on December 19, 2016, 06:37:39 PM
It'll be interesting to hear how you get along with it Rathbone. :tu:  It's funny, I really don't dislike the Dime at all (and actively like the bottle opener) but I've not carried it in a long time, with the PS4 and P4 taking front stage when it comes to keyring carry.  Might have to change things up and dig out the old Dime.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Corwyn on December 21, 2016, 08:12:52 AM
Nice review mate. It put to words my thoughts on the Dime as well..
However... it's sooo perty... To me it looks like the best-looking keychain multitool around.

Got it for the cool factor, keeping it for the cool factor.. using Style/Rambler for usefulness  :P

Update on this:

My first Dime was pretty, but tools were nailbreakers and pliers were twisty.
My second Dimecame with scrathes from the factory and casting errors.

I now got a Style PS... so much lighter, stronger and it oozes quality... still love the design of the Dime but the quality is miles below the competition...
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Old Boy on December 21, 2016, 09:12:47 AM
Great review👍
I don't own one, may need to rethink that. From what I've read lurking in different forums when you love it you love it, if you don't like it it's not meant to be.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 21, 2016, 02:59:21 PM
That does seem to be the case.  If you use a bottle opener a lot though, this is an almost impossible tool to beat, especially when it comes to keychain sized tools.

Def
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: 4everYoung on December 21, 2016, 03:32:22 PM
I bought get the dime bc it was only $12 at my local sports store. I have been wanting a squirt for a while (since I bought one for my dad). I decided at $12 it was worth a shot.
Compared to the leatherman, you can see the lack of quality.
All the tools were very stiff and the screw drivers too short.
How're on the plus side. The little clad e was fairly sharp and the scissors and pliers worked well.
It was nice to have 2 pair of pliers on a couple occasions. I did pair it with a "S biner" and it hangs in my pocket nicely. I did have to figure out the screwdriver usage. It really needs to be used opened up to be effective imo.
So overall the Dime is growing on me. I mean I wouldn't pay $25 for it but at $12. I'm satisfied with it.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161221/f61aa7085b4dab4f8e4cc24b911f0c5f.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161221/731de3d8e968f85b50ffa9abc6e0f172.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161221/baeed5a7eb3794ef81795220d7777c5d.jpg)
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Gareth on December 21, 2016, 07:45:11 PM
Looks good 4ever. :tu:  If you're wanting longer screwdrivers though the Squirt will disappoint, they're no longer than the Dime's. :-\  If you're willing to overlook the lack of pliers then the LM Micra might be a good option.  Good scissors and excellent screwdrivers for a keyring MT. :tu:
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 21, 2016, 08:14:42 PM
There are a bunch of Squire and Dime comparison photos here:

http://gallery.multitool.org/index.php/Gerber/Dime-Comparison

Ordinarily I'd link them to this post for you but I'm on my phone right now...

Def
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Gareth on December 21, 2016, 10:32:25 PM
Here's a relevant one from the MTO gallery:

(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Gerber/Dime-Comparison/103_4177.JPG?m=1330546900)
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: 4everYoung on December 21, 2016, 11:20:32 PM
Well I wasn't really comparing the dime to the squirts screwdrivers. Just pointing out that I figured out that due to the bottle opener you have to open the tool to really use the full length of the driver.

But I'm good with a screwdriver on a key ring tool. My CS gets used quite a bit due to its reach.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161221/15376d568c16ebd139bbe9c5b795efed.jpg)
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Scorpion Regent on December 27, 2016, 01:56:35 PM
I have had Micra and got a Dime and in spite of liking the Micra I gave it to a relative and kept the Dime.   Right off the bat what should you expect from something that costs this little? I didn't expect too much and I was never disappointed.  When it comes to tools size really can matter.  There is a reason I don't go in for mini pry bars.  I used to keep the dime as second set of smaller pliers to my full sized MT.  I know have a Victorinox Skipper, so I'll be passing my Dime on to yet another relative.
  The dime will never be a EDC standard.  It is a good gift for a responsible child or a friend who always keeps asking to borrow your MT, but can't be bothered to get their own.  I imagine some one who builds small models might appreciate the Dime.  In workplaces that are not quite zero tolerance on blades the Dime is the sort of MT that only the most fanatic could view as a weapon. 
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 31, 2016, 10:06:29 PM
I like the Dime for all of the above, plus it is the best keychain bottle opener out there, bar none.

Def
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: rube on July 08, 2017, 05:54:37 AM
Tried the Gerber Dime recently and was not impressed.
As others have posted the scissors were poor, the file almost completely useless, and the overall quality felt poor.

-rube
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: haja.maideen.988 on August 18, 2017, 07:20:40 AM
my Gerber Dime broke twice. first when I slowly pull out the scissors, it broke off.  second the plier broke off, I never even use it.
now replace it with Leatherman PS4.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: ThePeacent on August 18, 2017, 02:11:12 PM
well I've broken 3 of them in one way or another.
My 5 LM (2 Micra, 3 Squirts) are doing fine and are even older
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Jors on October 08, 2017, 09:57:13 PM
I bought the Dime and edc it for about a week. It is something that I woukdn't care if I loose it.
It is not even 5% the quality of the Leatherman P4. I was very disappointed.
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Marcellus on September 23, 2018, 04:56:25 AM
I know this thread is almost a year old, but who doesn't want to read one one quick reply ?

I tested the Dime  for 5 months in hopes of it being another small plier based tool to carry, just to have another option if I wanted.

I only carry the small " keychain" sized multitools along with a knife , either a traditional or SAK for EDC. ( Occasionally a Kershaw Leek)

Anyway, the cutters on the pliers proved to be totally unacceptable for my  purposes.

As mentioned, the cutters push plastic jacketed wire ( 18 guage ) and cable ties away from the cutters when handle pressure is applied and don't cut.

I have a couple more minor complaints, but the pliers function is the main one and a deal breaker.

If the pliers are substandard, what's the point in even carrying the Dime?

My LM PS4 is the clear choice over the Dime which was found wanting.

Thanks

Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: TazzieRob on September 23, 2018, 12:22:55 PM
Don't disagree with you, it could be made so much better. However it is half to one third the price of the Squirt. Given that it probably isn't completely fair to judge it directly on par with the LM. If Victorinox ever made a keychain plier based multi based on the Classic it would be all I needed in my pocket
Title: Re: Gerber Dime Review
Post by: Marcellus on September 23, 2018, 03:13:34 PM
Don't disagree with you, it could be made so much better. However it is half to one third the price of the Squirt. Given that it probably isn't completely fair to judge it directly on par with the LM. If Victorinox ever made a keychain plier based multi based on the Classic it would be all I needed in my pocket

Appreciate the view TazziRob.
Yes, it was only $12, but the lack of performance cancels the cost advantage of the Dime.
I personally wouldn't carry it if I had paid $6 for it.
But that's just me, others may feel differently.

I agree, the Vic Classic/Rambler form and function belongs in the Hall of Fame for superior  utility.

Thanks