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Leatherman Tools - advice for selecting

Top Leatherman Choices by Category

Most Features

Best Value

Most Rugged

Specialty Trade

Household Tasks

Backpacking

Emergency Rescue

Knifeless

Military Tactical

For descriptions of specific usage categories and details about how we chose the rankings, see below.

Most Full-Featured Tools

The Charge models are the most sophisticated tools that Leatherman produces.  They include a full tool set with all locking tools, including four that are accessible when the main tool is closed.  The Charge is similar to the Wave, but in addition the Charge TTi features comfort-sculpted titanium handle scales, S30V® stainless steel clip-point knife, 9 extra double-ended bits, bronze bushings, removable pocket clip and a quick-release lanyard. The TTi is a combination of the Charge AL and the Charge ALX. The AL and ALX feature aluminum handles instead of the titanium handles featured on the Charge TTi. The Charge ALX (formerly the XTi) is a special-purpose tool designed for first-responder and explosives-expert use.  The Charge ALX includes a seatbelt cutting hook, blasting cap crimper and second bit holder.  Compared to the AL it lacks scissors and large screw driver.

The Juice Xe6 is the most full-featured model of Leatherman's compact Juice line and it can be considered an upgraded Swiss Army knife.  The Xe6 includes just about every tool that the casual user could want.  The chart here details the differences between the Juice models.

Best Value

The Micra is the best value in the keychain-sized Leatherman tools.  The main differences between the Micra and the Squirt models are the look of the casing and the slightly greater convenience of being able to access the tools on the Squirt while the main tool is closed.

The Kick is probably the best value in the entire Leatherman line.  It is the lowest-priced, full-sized model.  The Kick achieves its good value by including only the most often used tools.

Costing just a few dollars more than the Kick, the Fuse adds locking tools and scissors.

The Wave's features are very similar to those found on Leatherman's top-of-the-line tool, the Charge.  Yet, the price of the Wave is significantly lower than that of the Charge.

Most Rugged Work Tools

While all Leatherman tools are durable and rugged, this category includes the most durable and rugged Leatherman tools. If the tool will be subject to heavy use (eg, military field use, construction), then the Surge or the Super Tool 300 are the top choices.  Both feature new, stronger pliers jaws for more squeezing force with less effort.

The Surge is Leatherman's biggest tool and is also one of the most feature-loaded Leatherman tools.  It is essentially a beefed-up version of the Wave.  The Surge adds a larger and stronger scissors design, interchangable saw/file, and an awl.

The Super Tool 300 is arguably Leatherman's most rugged tool.  All tools are stored inside the handles (compared to the Surge where four tools are accessible while the handles are is closed).  The simpler design (compared to the Surge) means fewer moving parts.   While the Surge offers an interchangable saw and file, the Super Tool 300 includes both a saw and file in the handles.  While the Surge features interchangable bits (allowing many fastener options), the Super Tool 300 includes rugged screwdrivers (three sizes of flat-head and one Phillips).

If a tough tool is what you need but desire a sleeker, smaller tool than look no farther than the Rebar . The Rebar is designed for the toughest jobs but slimmer than the Super Tool 300.

Specialty Trade

Leatherman has not forgotten the trade workers of the world. Whether you are working in the welding shop or a professional plumber, theCrunch was designed with you in mind. The Crunch sports a vise crimp with the additional tools you can always count on Leatherman to provide.

Do you work with small gagets, electronics and wires? TheSquirt ES4 has all the the common tools you will need right at your fingertips. The one of a kind wire stripper head proves that this tool was created just for you. The key chain size means that that this best friend will never leave your side.

Household Tasks

The Juice and Squirt lines are attractive and functional.  They are great choices for lighter-duty use around the home.  All tools in the Juice line include a very useful toolset including pliers (needlenose and regular), knife, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, and wire cutters.

The Juice Cs4 includes additional tools that are likely to be useful within a household: corkscrew, scissors, and can/bottle opener. 

The Juice C2 is similar to the Cs4 but without the saw, awl, and scissors, making it a slimmer, lighter model.  The nearly identical Juice S2 includes a scissors instead of a corkscrew.

If the user is looking for an even more compact multi-tool, the Squirt S4 is one of the smallest leatherman tools.  Despite its size, the S4 contains many useful features like a nail file and tweezers.  This tool is similar to the Micra, but we chose it for this category because the six outside tools can be accessed without having to open up the main tool.  The main tool is a pair of scissors rather than pliers, so if you are looking for the smallest pliers-based multi-tool consider the Squirt P4

Backpacking

The pliers-based Squirt P4 includes the minimum that a backpacker would want to carry when leaving civilization behind.  The small pliers, screw drivers and blade are useful for light-duty repairs that may become necessary during the trip.  The P4 should suffice as a backpacker's tool if other gear is in good shape and traveling in an area where other people could help out if trouble occurred.  Some users may prefer the scissor-based Squirt S4 over the pliers-based P4.  The S4 includes a pair of tweezers which some users may prefer over the P4's awl.  We chose the P4 over the S4 in favor of its pliers being the main tool.  Red or blue color is suggested for visibility.  Weighs 55 grams.

The Juice S2 is essentially a larger version of the P4, plus a scissors.  The larger size provides greater functionality for more serious repairs than would be practical with a P4.  The need for self-sufficiency increases if the user's other gear may need repair and/or as the user travels further from the crowd.  Orange (Blaze) color is suggested for visibility.  Weighs 125 grams.

The Skeletool  features full-sized needle nose pliers and only the most necessary multi-tool features to keep the tool light and simple, which is perfect for backpacking.  A n innovative stainless steel handle design with integrated carabiner clip is convenient for hanging from a pack. The Skeletool is the lightest and most basic of the full-size Leatherman tools offered. Weighs 142 gms

Upgrade to the Skeletool CX for upgraded Tungsten DLC coating & carbon fiber handle scale and 154CM steel combo straight/serrated blade.

We have a brand new Leatherman tool comparison chart and selector which can be found here.
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