What Leatherman do you recommend?

[BigWorms]

Any recommendations on what model of Leatherman to get for my pack? They have tons of models.

[AndrwSwitch]

None. It's overkill.



I used to wear one at work all the time, I'm happy enough not to have it on me when I'm off the clock.

If you must, the Wave is pretty great. The Charge, Sidekick and Wingman look like they share the features I like in the Wave - locking blades, accessible without having to open the whole tool, and a body that doesn't murder my hand when I'm using the pliers.

[stop619]

I have a 15 year old (about) PST model that I've been thinking about replacing. Leaning towards the Skeletool.

[KBRU]

I have a wave and love it. I recommend it to everyone looking for a multi tool that goes above and beyond.

[speedybacon]

I have a wave as well an love it! After all, It is the best selling leatherman according to them.

[mgcook]

+1 for the Wave

[Wild Wassa]

When I was learning the boat building trade the old boatwrights would say to me, don't ever buy a tool unless you have no other tool in your kit that will do the job.

I've a Leatherman a really nice one, I won it racing boats. I don't use it because the $20 Giant bike multi-tool is lighter and better, which I don't ever use because I have a small screw driver and a small set of Allen Keys which are lighter and better. One day I might use the chain breaker on the Giant multi-tool. I'm hoping to.

When you do buy the Leatherman, come back in 10 years time and tell us how many times you have used it.

Warren.

[Ken in KC]

When I was learning the boat building trade the old boatwrights would say to me, don't ever buy a tool unless you have no other tool in your kit that will do the job.

I've a Leatherman a really nice one, I won it racing boats. I don't use it because the $20 Giant bike multi-tool is lighter and better, which I don't ever use because I have a small screw driver and a small set of Allen Keys which are lighter and better. One day I might use the chain breaker on the Giant multi-tool. I'm hoping to.

When you do buy the Leatherman, come back in 10 years time and tell us how many times you have used it.

Warren.

Yep. I have a couple that I've received as gifts. They're buried deep in my camping gear, somewhere. Not used in general. Not used for biking.

[1 Speed]

I agree. Unless you're bike packing, I'd recommend getting a bike specific Multi-tool and even then, go mid-size not the 1000 tool ones.

[tampa_b]

I use an Gerber EVO Tool. Works very good...

[erginguney]

Any recommendations on what model of Leatherman to get for my pack? They have tons of models.

Since this is being posted on a mountain biking forum, one would assume the question is intended for use while biking. So, I'm just curious: Is that assumption wrong, or are you planning to carry this in addition to or instead of a bike-specific multi-tool?

[sean salach]

Just look through the features and think about what you might ever use. A corkscrew is almost useless. A real, sharpenable can opener is way better than the joke of a can/bottle opener on the Juice. Knife and saw blades should be locking if you actually intend to use them. I've never used nor seen anyone use the awl on Leatherman tools. I'm not sure if the thread hole on them is a joke or not. For the size hole you would be punching to get the thread hole through whatever you're stitching, you could just poke a hole with a knife and push a loop of the thread through by hand. Definitely get one you with screws/bolts of some sort instead of rivets holding it together. That way you can remove any tools you don't want or need to save some weight.

My most frequently used tools on all of my multitools:
Pliers
knife
wood saw
scissors
bottle opener
file
wire cutter
screwdrivers


edit: for rides less than 5 hours or so, I just carry a bike specific multitool and maybe a small knife.

[BigWorms]

Since this is being posted on a mountain biking forum, one would assume the question is intended for use while biking. So, I'm just curious: Is that assumption wrong, or are you planning to carry this in addition to or instead of a bike-specific multi-tool?

Sorry, yes for biking. I got the idea from the thread about What to pack. So I would carry it in addition to a multi-tool.

[OscarW]

Get whatever model has a locking feature for the tools. Your fingers will thank you later... I have a Gerber actually, but they are all the same pretty much...
Mine has scissors, serrated knife, file, needle nose pliers, small saw, philips and flat screwdriver ,can opener and bottle opener..I bring it on longer day trips along with bike specific tools and spare tube...

[mitzikatzi]

..snip... A corkscrew is almost useless. ...snip.

I use mine to open bottles of wine

[ElwoodT]

The leatherman wont replace a bike specific multi tool, so with that in mind the freestyle is the way to go. Pliers and a knife that's it. Its also one of the lightest they make, and as a bonus its attractive. I used to cary one, but after hundreds and hundreds of miles not using it, it stays in my glove box.

[erginguney]

I used to cary one, but after hundreds and hundreds of miles not using it, it stays in my glove box.

That comment grabbed my attention. I'm only asking this to be the devil's advocate for a moment, but would you be saying the same thing about carrying a spare inner tube if you happen not to have a flat tire for hundreds and hundreds of miles, or about bear spray while riding in bear country if you're not attacked by a bear for hundreds and hundreds of miles of riding?

[RedBen]

I have the Supertool 300. My brother bought it for me a couple years ago. Great tool, but not so applicable to bikes. I don't take it with me when I ride.

[1niceride]

Leatherman Crunch, they are visegrips with the usual tools.

[sean salach]

I use mine to open bottles of wine

Which is exactly why they belong in the kitchen....

[ForrestJones]

I've got to agree with the majority here. I've got a Leatherman (forgot which) and a much smaller and lighter Gerber. So I carry the Gerber in my hydro pack thinking that sooner or later (its gonna be later, or never) I'll need those damn pliers.

The knife could be of use to kill and skin out a rabbit or porcupine for lunch, I guess, but I usually just bring sandwiches.

I'm of the opinion that one shouldn't go out in the woods without a knife, preferably fixed blade or locking. If for no other reason than "its just wrong not to."

[ElwoodT]

That comment grabbed my attention. I'm only asking this to be the devil's advocate for a moment, but would you be saying the same thing about carrying a spare inner tube if you happen not to have a flat tire for hundreds and hundreds of miles, or about bear spray while riding in bear country if you're not attacked by a bear for hundreds and hundreds of miles of riding?...quote
__________________Considering I haven't had to put a tube in in ages and still carry one that statement isn't true for me. However I just cant conceive of what trail-side repair job I couldn't do with out a leatherman. I mostly ride single speed which is nearly bomb proof.

[AndrwSwitch]

While I don't carry a leatherman to go riding, the pliers can be handy to pull out a staple. More of a road issue, and I've always managed without it.

[ltk1144]

Ideally i would carry a skeletool and a topeak alien II. The juice is also a nice thing to carry, i have the blue one


Sent from my carrier pigeon

[steadite]

Squirt PS4 is a fantastic pocket tool--I carry and use mine every day. U do also want a bike-specific tool.