LEATHERMAN TOOLS : Not Just For The Outdoorsman
Written: Oct 20 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: multipurpose tool; perfect gift for anyone; great for camping
Cons: no scissors but doesn't take away from the product that much.
The Bottom Line: is that the Leatherman Supertool is great to have as an alternative to standard sized tools when away from home.
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| phineaskc's Full Review: Leatherman Sideclip |
The Leatherman Tool was not high on my wish list for holidays or any other reason. I stopped into a local outfitter to purchase some heavy boot socks before the weather takes a turn for the worse and noticed several men standing around a counter talking about the Leatherman. I could overhear them discussing how handy this product was in various situations and how they were glad they purchased one. One man commented that he wished he could have gotten it at that price so of course my curiosity was up. As soon as the men cleared the area, I decided to check it out. The shiny steel tool had a sale sticker of $35.00 and that seemed quite expensive to me but I don't purchase they types of items a lot. This tool had been reduced from $59.00.
The salesman stepped over and took one out of the case to demonstrate the capabilities in order to make the sale. He commented that they had sold more since the attacks than he had in the entire year. When I questioned what the big draw was, he stated that guys were snatching them up as part of their survival gear in preparation for disaster. Now I was certainly curious what this tool could possibly lend in the face of a disaster.
The Leatherman Tool has several models to choose from that range in price from $20.00 and up. Each one having a slight variation or the newest models have color shells similar to the Swiss Army knives.
About The Tool
The Leatherman is made of 100% steel and is lightweight. The tool measures approximately 4.5 inches in length so it stores easily in the glove compartment of your vehicle, coat pocket, or purse.
The tools included in this model are pliers with needlenose tips and a wider base for larger items, a file, a saw, wire cutter, knife blades, bottle opener, crimper, and screwdrivers.
The blades for the knife include a straight blade and a serrated edge blade. They are handy for stripping, slicing apples, and any cutting needs. The blades are relatively sharp and perform quite well for such a small tool.
The saw is also quite handy although I must admit the only thing I have tested it on was cutting thicks stems from bushes and shortening fresh flower stems to place in water. I haven't had a need to test it on anything else but it cut through small branches and stems without difficulty.
The screwdrivers include a Phillips screwdriver (#1-#2) and also a S/M/L screwdriver. Okay folks, in all honesty these are good for a pinch but don't plan on using them for every day projects around the house. Although the multi-tool is definitely sturdy, the attachments are most useful when you don't have standard sized tools available. However, these little screwdrivers are quite handy to mess around with the inside junk of your computer. I have used mine to unscrew, screw, and unscrew again every little nook and cranny on my PC. Excellent for squeezing in tight corners that a standard screwdriver can't reach.
Complaints?
My only complaint with this particular model is that the lock feature is somewhat difficult to lock/unlock. In fact, I have so much trouble with getting the tools to unlock that I have to get my partner to do it for me.
It is my understanding that they have improved this feature with the newer versions but I can't comment on the differences since I don't own one.
Overall Thoughts
So you get the general idea about the product. The multiple tools are fantastic for camping, minor fixes, road trips, and just to have on hand in a pinch.
This is not something that I would use when having access to standard sized tools. I am impatient when it comes to "fixing" things anyway and using these small tools often makes the job take even longer and more frustrating. However, if I were stranded somewhere or on a camping trip, you can bet this is the one thing I would make sure I had on hand. Heck the bottle opener alone is a lifesaver when you bought beer only to find that they aren't twist tops.
Some of the tools are simply useless or at least ones that I don't have a need for (at this time). But you never know when the need for a crimper or awl punch might come up.
For the price, I think it was a great investment. Even if the need for "survival tools" doesn't arise, I will be prepared to cut an apple on demand or cut through thin fences. This would make an excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in the family.
Recommended:
Yes
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phineaskc
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Member: Pamela
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Reviews written: 211
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