A multi-tool is the perfect solution for you if you are looking for a practical tool that can do a little bit of everything! Whether you are wanting to open a bottle of beer, put up a picture or cut through branches – a multi-tool is going to have all your needs covered. The Leatherman multi-tool is the original model with their multi-tools originating in the 1980s.
All of the Leatherman multi-tools offer good quality, durable materials and a wide range of uses – so that is something that you are guaranteed. However, there are loads of different models to choose from depending on the number of features that you are looking for.
This is where we come in – having researched all of the Leatherman Multi-tools available on the market, our aim is to help you find the best Leatherman Multi-tool for you.
Best Pick – Leatherman Surge 830159 Multi-Tool
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There is no question that a Leatherman Multi-tool will make your life easier in many ways. However, first, you have to get through the process of actually purchasing a Leatherman Multi-tool! There are so many available on the market it can be confusing knowing where to get started! This section of the article aims to remove all of that stress – so you can just get on with purchasing your Leatherman Multi-tool.
Why buy a Leatherman Multi-tool?
Leatherman is well known for their popularity in the multi-tool market! In fact, the two names tend to go hand in hand. But, why are they the best multi-tools to buy on the market?
More than anything, it really is down to the high quality that is provided with the brand. The tools can be trusted and relied upon to last for a long time and be up to the task, regardless of what is asked of them. Not just this, but their versatility in the number of jobs that they can complete means that purchasing a Leatherman Multi-tool can actually save you from having to purchase other tools at a later date! The variety of different Leatherman Multi-tools that are available on the market at any one time, also means that you are almost guaranteed to find a tool that is exactly right for you. It is rare to feel dissatisfied with the number of features that come with each tool.
Not only this, but the general “workability” of Leatherman Multi-tools really is just second to none. The tools have all been crafted with genuine work in mind and aim to make that as easy as possible for the user. So no spending 10 minutes trying to get access to one of the tools, or another 10 minutes trying to lock it in place so you can actually use it!
Best Budget – Leatherman LT200 Sidekick Multi Tool
- Designed for maximum functionality, the Sidekick is your go-to multi-tool for all situations, long-lasting design with a strong, powerful knife allows you to do any job at home or while camping
- Featuring 14 tools crafted with excellence, including needlenose pliers combined with regular pliers and a replaceable wire cutter, the sharp stainless steel 420HC Combo Knife blade resists corrosion
- Leatherman multi-tools come with everything you need for all jobs around the house or for setting a campsite; including can and bottle openers, wood and metal files and large and screwdrivers
- The Sidekick is small enough to fit in your pocket, work belt, or lanyard, and all features can be operated with one have, so you have the tools you need exactly when you need them
- Items delivered: 1 x Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool for explorers and survivalists, 14 different tools and accessories including pliers and screwdrivers, with a nylon sheath, in stainless steel
Last update on 2024-04-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Different Types of Leatherman Multi-tools
There are so many Leatherman Multi-tools available that it can be difficult to know which is right for you. With over 40 in production at any one time, it can be challenging to even know which category is right for you! Let alone exactly which tool! To help, Leatherman multi-tools are broken down into two main categories – collections (Wave, Charge, Juice and Surge) and size (Pocket Tools, Keychain Tools, Pocketsize Tools, Full-Size Tools and Heavy Duty Tools).
Collections
The four collections – Wave, Charge, Juice and Surge – have many similarities but enough differences for it to matter that you know the difference between them! The Surge collection is probably the most technical multi-tool offered by Leatherman, with around 21 tools, in a very complex design! Next, are the Wave and Charge collections, which are slightly smaller (but still have as many as 19 tools in some models). Finally comes the Juice collection – considerably smaller and more compact, these models also tend to come in different colours, with around 12 tools on each model.
There are other individual models of Leatherman Multi-tools that may be more suitable for you than these main collections, so consider choosing a stand-alone model if none of these collections is right for what you are looking for.
Size
- Keychain tools – These tools are by far the smallest available on the market and are made to be hooked onto your keys (as the name suggests). They will also come with tools that fold away, meaning that they cannot cause damage during the time that they are attached to your keys.
- Pocket size tools – The tools are slightly bigger than the keychain tools but are still designed so that they can fit in your pocket. They are smaller than the pocket tool models. Most of these models will also come with a pocket clip so that you can be sure to not lose your new tool any time soon!
- Pocket tools – Some of the smaller tools on the market (although definitely not the smallest) and tend to have a keychain attached meaning that you can hook them onto your keys. However, not all of the tools will fold away on these models so it isn’t always best to actually keep them in your pocket!
- Full-size tools – Full-size tools are considerably larger than their pocket-sized counterparts and therefore will allow you to complete a lot more jobs easily! Many will have fold-away tools but this will still make them too big for normal pockets – however, they could still fit in overalls or workwear.
- Heavy-duty tools – These are the largest types of multi-tools that are created by Leatherman. They are designed specifically for professionals or anyone wanting a considerably more high-quality tool that is going to be up to any task asked of it! However, it is important to consider that these tools are considerably larger so you will need to think of another way to carry it around, such as a belt holder!
Things to Consider
We understand that choosing the right Leatherman Multi-tool for you can be a bit of a minefield, with so many available on the market! There are a number of things that are important to consider before making your purchase. We have gone into detail on these below to help make your purchase even easier!
- Build quality – All Leatherman Multi-tools are built with a certain quality in mind. However, it is important to check the materials that your tool has been made with, to be sure that it is going to be durable and able to withstand the heavy use that it may receive!
- Design – As mentioned above, there are four main designs of Leatherman Multi-tools and then many sub-groups underneath this depending on exactly what you are looking for. Choose a design that is going to be right for you, with the tools that you are most frequently going to use is the most easily accessible etc.
- Weight and size – Weight and size are incredibly important when purchasing a Leatherman Multi-tool, as most people will want their tool to be portable (that is the main point of them after all!). Consider how you are planning on moving your tool (in your pocket, in a bag, in overalls etc) as this will affect the weight and size of the tool that you can consider purchasing. However, it is also important to think about your hand size! A particularly small tool may be beneficial in terms of portability, but is of no use if you can’t access the features on the multi-tool!
- Portability – Following on from weight and size it is important to consider the actual portability of your Leatherman Multi-tool. Do you need one that can be clipped on your belt? Or on your keys? Or is a model that slips into your pocket easily more important to you?
- Purpose and Suitability – The main thing that you need to consider is exactly what you are going to be using your Leatherman Multi-tool for and then the different model’s suitability to complete these jobs!
- Price – The price range in Leatherman Multi-tools really does range quite dramatically. From as little as £35 to as much as £300 (sometimes more for limited edition models). It is important to consider exactly what you need your tool for – it can be very tempting to go for a tool with lots of exciting features, however, if you are only going to use 3 of them, you might as well save yourself some money and go for a cheaper model!
What tools are offered with Leatherman Multi-tools?
There are many different tools that come with Leatherman Multi-tools, so you need to think about what it is that you are going to use the most, and the other most important tools for you. You may get lucky and find a Multi-tool that has everything that you need, or you may have to compromise for one with just those most important tools (or buy two so that you have the best of both worlds!). We have listed some of the tools that come with Leatherman Multi-tools to help you consider what it is that you are going to be looking for. Obviously these tools themselves come in different variations and styles, so be sure to check in plenty of detail before making your purchase.
- Knife
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Wirecutter
- Wire stripper
- Scissors
- Package Opener
- Bottle and can openers
- File
- Ruler
- Bit driver
- Carabiner
- Electrical crimper
- Saw
- Awl
Specialist Purpose Multi-Tools
As we discussed above, there are many different Leatherman Multi-tools that are available on the market, so sometimes it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. We mentioned before about considering what you are going to be using your tool for. This also applies to if you are considering purchasing a specialist purpose multi-tool. These tools will have many of the “general” tools, such as blades and pliers, but then will have additional tools that are targeted at a particular job/person.
For example, the Leatherman Wave Multitool may be better suited to someone wanting to do electrical work, due to the wire cutters and tougher pliers that come as standard with this tool. Whereas, if you are someone wanting to go hiking or camping then the Leatherman Signal may be better suited to you, as this has can openers, bottle openers and other tools designed to make your camping experience easier!
Best of the Rest
- Limited Edition
- Includes vintage leather sheath
- 25 year Warranty
Last update on 2024-04-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Last update on 2024-04-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- The Wave Plus is the only multi-tool you will need, filled with the essential tools for any task, be that car work or home improvements, the Wave Plus is easy-to-use with outside-accessible
- This durable multi-tool features replaceable wire cutters, regular and needlenose pliers, a powerful 7.37 cm lockable 420HC stainless steel blade and a 420HC serrated knife
- Leatherman multi-tools come with everything you need for all jobs around the house or for setting a campsite; including can and bottle openers, wood
- Whether at home or out and about, the Leatherman Wave Plus has all the tools you need for a day of hard labour, exploring the wild and then relaxing by a fire with a well-deserved drink
- Items delivered: 1 x Leatherman Wave Plus multi-tool, stainless steel multifunctional tool with 18 tools built-in, one hand operable for indoors and outdoors, in black with a Molle holster
Last update on 2024-04-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Leatherman History
The history of the Leatherman brand really is quite a fantastic one! During the 1970s and 1980s, Tim Leatherman was travelling through Europe with his wife. As he was driving a rather unreliable, old Fiat he carried a pocket knife with him to help fix anything that went wrong with the car or needed repairs on his travels. He became frustrated with the fact that the pocket knife did not have pliers so invented a design that was basically a simpler version of the multi-tool that they still create today!
Ironically, no one wanted to purchase the idea for the multi-tool, so Tim Leatherman decided to continue with the creation and production of the tool himself – along with his brother-in-law for support. The company as we know it was founded in 1983, selling their first multi-tool – the Pocket Survival Tool. He sold 30,000 during the following year and the business continued to boom from there, to the well-known brand that we all know today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Leatherman Multi-tools come with a warranty?
All Leatherman Multi-tools comes with a whopping 25-year warranty – this is how sure they are that their tools are the best! This does not cover abuse or alteration (if you have tried to change the tool for any reason). Simply fill out a form and return your tool, providing it meets the condition of their warranty they will either repair it or send you a replacement tool or equal or GREATER value. You really cannot ask for any better than that!
Will my Leatherman Multi-tool need sharpening?
If you have knife attachments on your multi-tool then eventually – yes – they will need sharpening! A straight blade can simply be sharpened just like any knife, however, if you purchased a multi-tool with a serrated blade then make sure to purchase a special tool to sharpen this blade!
Can you buy replacement parts for a Leatherman multi-tool?
There is a wide range of replacement parts that you can purchase for the Leatherman multi-tool. We would always recommend opting for original parts as these are going to be longer lasting and come with a guarantee, however there are some generic parts that will be compatible too.
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