The Gerber Center-Drive Plus is an elevated version of the acclaimed Center-Drive multi-tool, incorporating highly-requested features while maintaining the robust functionality that defines the original. Here’s an in-depth look at what this multi-tool brings to the table, along with personal experiences using it.
The Center-Drive Plus keeps the purposeful one-thumb opening design, ensuring quick access to the tools you use most. The spring-loaded pliers, full-size blade, and center-axis screwdriver remain as the core features, offering reliable performance. The overall build quality is solid, with a sleek, polished aesthetic achieved through tumble finishing of all tools.
One standout feature is the premium leather sheath. In a market dominated by nylon sheaths, this leather version feels special. It’s soft, not stiff like some other sheaths, and it doesn’t ride too high on the hip, making the tool easy to access. The bit compartment in the sheath adds to the convenience, making it easy to grab.
Key Features
- Spring-Loaded Scissors: New to the Plus model, these scissors are a welcome addition, reducing the need for carrying extra tools. They are typical Gerber quality, cutting fine materials with precision and handling tougher jobs like cutting paracord or dense fabrics with ease.
- Partially Serrated Blade: The 3.25-inch blade is full-size and partially serrated, capable of handling a variety of materials and tasks. While combo blades can be a mixed bag, this one strikes a good balance. The serrations are especially useful for cutting fibrous materials.
- Center-Axis Screwdriver: This innovative driver opens to align like a real screwdriver, providing maximum torque and rotation, which is a game-changer for productivity. Unlike most multi-tools that have the driver offset from the handle’s center, the Center-Drive's screwdriver is perfectly aligned, making driving screws much easier.
- Spring-Loaded Needlenose Pliers: Equipped with an X-Channel Rail System, these pliers are easy to deploy and handle. They are beefy and precise enough for grabbing smaller items, while also excelling at handling larger objects. The carbide wire cutters are a great feature, although there are reports of them being brittle. I haven’t experienced any issues, and the three-sided cutters allow for rotation to a fresh edge if needed.
- Additional Tools: Inside the Center-Drive Plus, you’ll find a file, awl, scissors, and a combo prybar/bottle opener. The file has enough bite to deal with metal and plastic effectively, unlike some competitors’ underperforming files. The awl, while functional, isn’t my favorite; it’s rather fat and lacks a true edge, especially when compared to Victorinox awls. The pry opener hybrid is mainly used for its prying capability rather than as a bottle opener. It’s a light-duty tool but stout enough to take quite a bit of abuse, perfect for freeing stuck objects without resorting to other tools.
- Sheath: The American-made, Berry-compliant full leather sheath with a snap closure ensures secure storage and reliable performance.
Specifications
- Closed Length: 4.7 inches
- Open Length: 6.6 inches
- Weight: 9.5 oz
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
The Center-Drive Plus has been my go-to tool for months now. It’s been through various daily tasks and chores, and it’s taken everything I’ve thrown at it, a testament to the quality coming out of Oregon. The larger size makes it suitable for many tasks, and it’s durable enough that you won’t hesitate to put it to the test.
The one-thumb opening system is smooth and reliable, allowing quick deployment of the tools. The addition of spring-loaded scissors is particularly noteworthy, as it enhances the multi-tool’s utility without compromising portability.
The Gerber Center-Drive Plus is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, with the inclusion of spring-loaded scissors, and a premium leather sheath. It offers real, full-size tools in a compact, easy-to-carry format, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable and versatile multi-tool.
Pros:
- Premium leather sheath
- One-thumb opening system
- Full-size, partially serrated blade
- Innovative center-axis screwdriver
- Spring-loaded scissors
- High-quality leather sheath
Cons:
- Heavier than some competitors at 9.5 oz
- Awl could be improved
Overall, the Center-Drive Plus offers a blend of innovation, functionality, and durability, making it a standout choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Proudly made in the USA with a lifetime warranty, it’s a tool you can rely on for both work and everyday tasks. If you’re looking for a well-made American multi-tool, the Center-Drive Plus is a great choice.
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