LEATHERMAN tools

[scaredychicken]

I have a Folding BUCK Knife: Hunter 110 - I love it, and use it several times daily. That frequency actually surprises me.

Though I have never previously considered this, I'm now thinking that a LEATHERMAN tool might be a nice addition to my daily pocket tools. I just have no idea what kind / model of Leathernan tool I should consider ... there are SO MANY options, it could be as difficult as buying your first tractor. What are the priority features on the leatherman tool, for general purpose while working around the property ?

Thoughts appreciated.

 

[The Deerslayer]

For years I considered getting one, but figured I always had my pocket knife (usually a Buck). Then about 10 years ago, I bought a Leatherman Wave for my dad. He never used it, so he gave it to me. Turns out to be the best gift I ever bought someone else.Quality is top notch.

I have it with me everyday I am working around the homestead. It has been invaluable to have on my hip so I do not need to go back to the barn or house for any number of small tasks that come up unexpectedly.

IMO, the plier function is key vs. some that have a scissor as the main tool (although I never thought I would use it), but I strongly recommend getting one that has a spring to return to open as mine does not. Would definitely be a bonus. Other than that, I have used every tool included on my Wave and have yet to think I need something more than what the Wave has. Mine is in the black finish which I prefer along with a nylon case. Really only individual preference matters. Good luck!

 

[dieselscout80]

I always have my wave with me.

 

[Rustyiron]

Like Deereslayer said, it's the pliers that will hook you.
I like the smaller leatherman with the clip vs a sheath.

 

[oldballs]

I've had mine so long that I don't remember themodel. It is stainless with the black leather case....one of the more simple models. Like others have said, the pliers are most handy along with the knife and screwdrivers.

I don't "wear it" all the time, just in certain places. My daily knife depends on whether i am "dressed up" (small Buck lock back), working outdoors (larger single bladed knife) or somehere in between..(the Leatherman or my "Uncle Henry") I guess you could say that it is sorta like deciding what seed cap to put on when heading out. ....could make one late getting there.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[jaydee325]

True story,

I'm a retired operator of a nuclear power plant. Many years ago the plant bought every operator a Leatherman tool. The side cutters at the base of the needle nose pliers were what was most frequently used to cut the zip ties holding worker protection tags from equipment when restoring to service.

One day, an operator was removing a worker protection tag from the inside of a breaker box. He was not careful and when he inserted the pliers to cut the zip tie, the tip of the pliers contacted an adjacent breaker and popped it open. This resulted in an alarm in the Control Room! As you can imagine, not a good thing in the nuclear power plant.

All operator were told just to take the Leatherman's home and they were provided with appropriately sized side cutters! (LOL)

 

[Thomas]

I have Leatherman combo kept mostly in pickup sure comes in handy, I carry Oldtimer small pocketknife for years and blades are getting thin.

 

[oosik]

I have two multi-tools. Leatherman and Victorinox. I don't carry either. One is in my truck - the other is on my tractor. I carry a folding Benchmade. Both multi-tools have - pliers, knife, saw blade and associated tools. Seldom used but there and handy when needed.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I have a couple of different Leatherman models, the original, and I think the smaller version of the original. Anyway, I found I actually liked the Gerber version better. You don't have to unfold it and flip it around to use the pliers or the other tools in the blade locations in the handle (like you do with the Leatherman). Much handier to be able to get it into action with just one hand, while holding something else together with your other hand (wires, zip ties, etc).

But it's been years since I carried any of them on me. If I'm out on a service call for work, I have an electrician's tool belt with bags on both sides that I'm carrying with me. If I'm at home, the garage is packed with tools.

 

[ruffdog]

I have a Wave and Pulse. Agree...."Seldom used but there and handy when needed."

 

[tacticalturnip]

Leatherman multitools are awesome; I've used a number of different brands and the combination of quality and design really set them above other brands, eg Gerber.

 

[scaredychicken]

I don't want to stop the discussion as the more info the better. These responses are EXACTLY what I was hoping for, thanks guys, this is great information to consider.

I know that my son-in-law (farmer, mechanic, pastor) carries his Leatherman on his belt, all the time. My neighbour (farmer, widow in her 70's) always has hers with her too - I believe that hers is a smaller version. My tractor has limited options for a toolbox placement so such a multi-tool will be convenient. I'll check out the Gerber one also. Just starting to shop for one.

Quality, convenience, and less footwork between tasks, ... sounds like a good idea to me.

 

[K5lwq]

I had a really close friend that always had his Leatherman clipped inside the bib of his overalls. He told me many times I needed one but I never bought one. We would be doing different things together and I would need a tool so off to one of many places I keep tools. By the time I return he would have whatever I was doing done. He loved doing that and I loved giving him that chance. He passed several years ago and I can still hear him laugh about being quicker to the draw.

 

[Dftodd]

For years I considered getting one, but figured I always had my pocket knife (usually a Buck). Then about 10 years ago, I bought a Leatherman Wave for my dad. He never used it, so he gave it to me. Turns out to be the best gift I ever bought someone else.Quality is top notch.

I have it with me everyday I am working around the homestead. It has been invaluable to have on my hip so I do not need to go back to the barn or house for any number of small tasks that come up unexpectedly.

IMO, the plier function is key vs. some that have a scissor as the main tool (although I never thought I would use it), but I strongly recommend getting one that has a spring to return to open as mine does not. Would definitely be a bonus. Other than that, I have used every tool included on my Wave and have yet to think I need something more than what the Wave has. Mine is in the black finish which I prefer along with a nylon case. Really only individual preference matters. Good luck!

I second the wave. I had one years ago and loved it. Ended up losing it in a customers attic

I currently have the Skella-tool from Leatherman. Got it a few years ago at a company Xmas party.

Enjoy that one as well. But not as comfy in the hands or as refined as the wave is.

 

[scaredychicken]

K5lwq - so sorry for your loss, that is a great story.

I think I need one with a universal vehicle key ( ) as most of my walking back and forth is for the one key that I don't have with me when a car needs to be moved ... LOL

 

[rbstern]

I carry a Leatherman sidekick, clipped to my pocket, every day. Use the knife, saw, pliers, file, and wirecutters regularly. Occasionally use the screwdrivers.

Wish the knife was a bit more robust, but it's such a compact and light tool, I accept the tradeoff.

Been carrying it since this model first hit the market. About 8 years.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Thinking about it, I actually have 3 Leatherman and a Gerber at this point. The Gerber, which stays in my pack, was issued by the Army and I seldom use it. I've got two Leatherman Fuse, one I keep in my desk and the other in my truck. Lastly, I've got my grandfather's Leatherman, which also sits in my desk. More than anything I use my grandfathers old multitool around the house, as I'd hate to lose it.

I really like the Fuse though, they seem nothing more than an updated version of the original Leatherman.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Can't remember what model, but have the one with the needle nose pliers, saw, 2 blades, etc.... a middle of the road model. Love it!

Use the pliers and the knives most often.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I have a couple, and never use them. I carry a toolbox behind the driver's seat of my pickup, so where I am there are tools. I also have a house toolbox and of course there is the shop. They're like the Swiss Army knife - tries to do everything so doesn't do anything very well.

 

[Dftodd]

Here's a photo of my skelatool.