Pliers Reviews

The Squirt is not perfect, but it's a heck of a lot closer to being perfect than anything else I've tried. Of course, this only reflects my personal preferences. <br /> <br /> Most people have handled a Leatherman Micra, so let's compare this to the Micra to get an idea of its size and shape. If you place the hinge end of both devices on a flat surface, the Squirt only reaches to the bottom of the Micra's opening end rivets. This makes it about 3/8" shorter than the Micra. The widths are so similar that they may as well be identical. The Squirt is a little thicker, though, and the difference is about 1/8". <br /> <br /> The finish on the Squirt, both the anodized aluminum and the stainless components, is much better than that on the Micra. The anodized aluminum is really eye-catching, though I'm certain it will get nicked and scratched over time. Anodized finishes, however, do not peel like paint or plating. The metal edges of the Squirt (other than the knife blade) are more rounded, as are the ends of the tool when closed. <br /> <br /> So how does it work? Very well. While it does not have all of the geegaws that some pocket multi-tools do, it has the ones I want. Plus, the quality of fit and finish for the tools is superior. None of the blades, including the pliers, wiggles a bit. Plus, all the blades fold out without having to open the pliers, a weakness with many small multi-tools. Let's look at the tools: <br /> <br /> The pliers are something I MUST have. Some people prefer scissors (or both) and fortunately there is a scissors version of this unit called the S4. The blades are not identical on the S4, but they are pretty similar. The P4's pliers are a marvel. They are much longer, and significantly narrower, than the pliers on a Victorinox Bear Jaws. This makes them ideal for manipulating wire, reaching jumpers on a motherboard, and yanking things out of narrow places. They can function as tweezers, negating the need for the Micra's fold-out tweezers. They are also strong enough to do real work, like cutting heavy wire and turning moderately-sized nuts and bolts. The extra length gives them superior leverage. These pliers are also infinitely superior to the flimsy fold-out pliers found on many other multi-tools, particularly the Swiss Army Knives. <br /> <br /> The knife blade is 1-5/8" when extended. The knife's shape is standard and there no serrations. Frankly, I hate serrations because I often use my pocket knife to open envelopes, something serrated blades do not do well. <br /> <br /> The screwdrivers, file and awl fold out from opposite ends. This means that you have only a single blade on either side and at both ends of the knife. The blades are on both sides of each "backbone" for the pliers, meaning you do not get the wiggle common to a tool that has multiple fold-out blades on each rivet or screw. This makes a BIG difference in the strength. <br /> <br /> The screwdrivers are very useful. There's a small straight screwdriver (just the right size for my glasses,) a medium straight screwdriver, and a flat phillips driver. They are all very solid and work well. The awl is about 7/8" long and very strong. Some people don't care for the awl, but I use mine all the time. The file is absolutely terrific. The fine side will do fingernails in a second, while the coarse side can easily handle wood, metals and plastic. It is not made of SS, but is constructed just like a normal file. I absolutely had to have a REAL file, not one of those SS "roughened" surfaces that are passed off in other tools. <br /> <br /> In summary, an absolutely beautiful work of multi-tool art. If you liked the Bear Jaws or the Micra, this is smaller, better feeling, and better constructed. Leatherman gets an A+ for this baby! <br />

I've always carried around a leatherman wave in my jeans and work pants pocket, and all was well until I took an office job. The wave was a little heavy for dress pants that I now have to wear,and having one on a belt sheath is not an option. I felt naked not having my multi-tool with me, so I started looking around and found the Squirt P4. I've had it one day now and am SO happy with my purchase. I can't believe the quality and great versatility of this little bugger. The folks at Leatherman did an awesome job designing a fantastic product that I'm sure will be with me for many years. Don't be afraid to try one, you won't be sorry. Cool color too!

If you do not own a leatherman tool ... well then you do not know what you are missing. This successor to the Swiss Army Knife has to be one of the most helpful items you can buy.

Note: It is now available in a multitude of colors ... I would recommend getting the brightest color that you can (based on where it will be used most) that way it will not blend into the background if dropped ... and will be much harder to misplace.

I'll definitely give a 5 to my Swisstool Spirit: I must admit it is not something I would need to use much (maybe just once in a blue moon ) but I just love to keep this around in most occasions.
I purchased the "Plus" version, and the pouch is kind of bulky, since it needs to accomodate the extra stuff (maybe I'll separately buy the one just for the main tool).
Also, I'm not very excited about the main blade (It's not a normal, aggressive looking "pointy" blade, but it's sqare-headed, looks more like a tool. Too bad it's still forbidden to take on a plane...

The tool itself is just great: looks gorgeous and shiny, it feel super solid. I just tested the wood saw and it worked perfectly.

This thing is great for what I need it to do. This collection of tools comes in handy on a moment's notice. Stainless Steel eliminates the worry of rust. The knives work like butter. To close up a tool, once used, the locking spring assure that the tool will not pinch your finger. It came with a leather pouch that is often found sold separately. Compared to the Leatherman, the Victorinox lifetime warranty was the clincher for me.

I used the SwissTool Plus almost every day for three years until I lost it, and I bought the SwissTool Spirit Plus to replace it.

The first impression is that it fits better in the hand, but it feels less solid. I mean, the other tool produced a strong sound while closing and required force to open. It still felt new after three years of heavy use.

However, with the SwissTool one could break his nails trying to open the sheets appling force with a wrong angle. The new tool is much more confortable in that respect.

Also a big improvement are the scissors instead the plain knife. The more useful serrated knife is still there. There are 3-4 new functions and the bit case holds the bits much tighter. The leather pouch has a better construction, but I prefered the black color.

Another benefit is that the new tool is much lighter. To bad there is no ruler on the Spirit, since after some time with the other tool I used to measure small objects or distances on a map quite frequently.

In short, the Spirit is an improvement over the outstanding original tool. I only wonder if the new model will be as solid as the old one.

Klein has long been the standard in the electrician's tool industry. These are pretty darn good pliers.

HOWEVER, personally, I've switched to Bahco pliers. Unfortunately (or not, depending on how you feel about them), Bahco has been bought out by Snap-On. Still, they have retained their unique designs. Bahco's handles are MUCH more comfortable, and the tool just stays in your hand better. Everybody is making the high-leverage joint now, that's standard. But Bahco's teeth are cut better, the hardening is better, and the handle is so many miles ahead of the Kleins it's not really even a comparison.

Still, the Kleins are easy to find, and can be had relatively cheaply. For the money, they're pretty darn good, but for the best, I'd get a set of Bahcos. They may not be on your company's approved list, and that's about the only downsided to them. Klein is approved by everyone, and used by very large companies, like Qwest.

I seriously would be embaressed to be caught doing electrical work with any other dikes (lineman's, your choice). It's not so much about caring what other people think, but these are absolutely the best pair of dikes you can buy. I've even had tile guys and masons look at them and tell me that Klein makes the best pair. Buy these pliers if you don't own already own a pair and plan on ever coming close to a piece of electron carrying media.

Klein linemans are the best, and most everybody I know in construction uses Kleins. Klein actually makes 2 flavors, one style is the standard cutters and the other has the ASCR cutters, which are much harder and don't dull out as quickly. If you want more comfort I'd get the plastic handles, though. They are much better than the vinyl ones, and offer a bit more protection than the vinyl. The handles come in 9" and 7".

I was an Aerovac Medic for the US Air Force. I carried my Gerber with me as basic equipment. You don't have to peal open this tool, like a Leatherman. All you have to do is place it between your thumb and fore finger, flick your wrist, the pliars thrust out, and lock into place. It's great for one handed use. I used it many emergency situations. Great for cutting parachute cord, fixing medical equipment, cutting bandages, and eating MRE's. Fantastic Multi-use tool.

The quality and design oriented toward the purpose of use during fishing is impeccable. Other Multi-tools may be good but this couldn't be any better. I fish all the time and this tool will be going with me. I have no aspect of this tool that I am not in approval of and I particularly like that the carbide/cobalt cutters can be replaced.

For fisherman, this is a great multi-tool that does almost everything you need except tie on your tackle. The best feature is the ability to open the pliers with one hand. That comes in very handy when you have a rod or a fish in the other hand. The wire cutters went through fireline very well, and the scissors handle every other type of line. The file and knife blade came out easily and locked into place so you don't have the issue of it folding back on it's self. Not to mention it's a very sharp blade! The only down side was using the split ring spreader was a little awkward it's pretty far back on the tool. One piece of advice, USE THE LANYARD. My first one of these is at the bottom of a lake.

I was in the market for a multi-tool for quite sometime. I considered several different models but many seemed like overkill. I mean how many attachments did I really need? I certainly wasn't looking to clean out any cow hooves or saw through a leg bone with it after a successful hunt. It has the right number of tools and features for a regular guy. I use it at work and at home all the time. The add-on tool set and carrying case are a nice bonuses. Great value for [the money].

I had written a review about the Leatherman Sideclip, calling it the best daily carry multi-tool I had found. This was until I got a Gerber Sport.

My "heavy-use" multi-tool is a Gerber, and I would often carry onto a jobsite if I knew I was going to be using such a tool. The "auto-pliers" and locking tools make it a fine choice.

The Scout retains these qualities, slims down the size and weight, and adds a very heavy duty set of scissors that I have personally used to shear thru thick leather hides. Cuts seatbelts like a charm as well.

The selection of tools isn't comprimised on this smaller model either. A good selection of ground screwdriver blades and a solid combo-edge knife are the standouts.

I have owned many a Leatherman, and I have twisted and tweaked the screwdriver blades on every one of them. I have *never* had this happen with a Gerber.

Those of us that have had to apply a good amount of force to a multi-tool plier have known what the hollows of a Leatherman feel like. Hard to apply pressure for any length of time as it "bites" into your hand. The Gerber's handle is rounded and quite comfortable for such activity.

One last note: As silly as it sounds, taking out your Leatherman in the middle of a task can often be clumsy as you butterfly it out to get at the pliers. With the Gerber, you flick your wrist and you're ready to go.

I first used this type of gerber onboard a ship, and its great! has practically everthing you need with an added tool set sor you can fit more screws. Its much easier to have this sitting on your belt loop ready to use then to have to fish around in a tool bag or box for the tool you need.

End cuting pliers are one of the most useful tools on the planet. Someone needs to give them a better name, something a little sexier. I use mine mostly for pulling nails - they're the only way to go.

This is an excellent tool.

I have two sizes, but use the 8" most often. It works well to pull nails, cut wires, nibble metal, and bend, break, cut, or remove all manner of materials.

The nipper gets into tight spots to pull nails when a hammer or pry bar won't fit.

I used this tool last night. I was removing an old fireplace for a basement remodelling project. I used it to pull nails from the wooden framing. Then I cut the thick wire in the reinforced fabric ducting connected to the blower assemblies. I used it to cut the 12 gauge Romex to the blower (diag cutters or lineman's pliers may be the purist' choice-but I had this tool in hand...)Finally, I used it to bend sharp, nasty sheet metal edges into less dangerous shapes/positions when I was ready to carry the firebox outside.

I have also used it in the past to grab rounded screw heads and extract them.

Dependable tool. Frequently and successfully used. Highly recommended.

I got this because I got a good deal on it. And while I will say that it doesn't seem as refined(chunky) as a leatherman in some ways I think it is every bit as useful and durable. i love the one hand operation to get to the pliers. Awesome product! Very very happy with it.

I bought this knife knowing that it would'nt even come close to being as good as my leatherman. The first time I used it, I was amazed. I use it every day now.

Nice to use,easy on the hands, and more leverage because of the soft handle. Everbody knows VICE-GRIP brand is the best, and a very good price.

This set includes 8 soft grip pliers model numbers: 10R, 10WR, 9LN, 7LW, 7R, 7WR, 6LN, and 5WR. It also includes 2 locking clamps: 11R and 6R. They don't come with the soft grips. I'm guessing they're counting the plastic tray as the 11th peice of the set. In the printed catalog, this set is listed as an 8 peice set with two bonus locking clamps. Either way, it's the same 10 peice set with a plastic tray to put in the drawer of your tool box. By the way, the tray is about 17" x 26" x 1 1/2".

All of the pliers are solidly built and the soft grips make them feel nicer than the bare metal ones. They also provide a better grip. If you really want to, you can take the grips off by sliding them off. You can't go wrong with a good set of genuine Vise-Grips like this one.

Klein hand tools are by far the best there is for wiring. I have wired several houses with these hand tools and have been nothing but impressed. Klein's wire strippers are great for stripping wire and for cutting here and there, but if you doing repeated cutting of Romex or any other wire 10 gauge to 24 guage this is the tool you need. It will easily and comfortably cut through Romex with one move. An absolute must for my wiring tool box.

Any electrician can tell you that Klein makes some of the best tools in the industry. So when my company decided to do all of our own wiring (data and telephony) I grabbed my kit of Klein screwdrivers, side cutters and pliers and went to work. After installing over 3 miles of cat5 (multiple runs to 12 offices and a medium sized data center for which we custom made all of our cables) I expected to have to get my pair of D248-8 pliers sharpened. That was over a year and a half ago.

Durability aside, these pliers are so comfortable to work with and so ergonomic that I rarely ever use wire strippers. This pair of Klein cutters allows me to cut, strip, and bend the wire all without picking up another tool, and without nicking or marring the wire. Besides my Leatherman, this is the only other tool I call essential.

Other pluses: + 8 inch length is extra convenient for measuring the distance of wire protruding out of a wall box (necessary for NEC), + red handles indicate use with softer wire whereas Klein also make a set of blue handled cutters for lower gauge wiring and bolts (D2000-48), + angled head really does keep you from whacking you hands, and allows for greater mobility in tight spaces, + plastic handles are soft and comfortable yet I haven't had a tear or a hole in any of my Klein plier handles, + how Klein made a tool that is so ergonomic, yet feels the same for both right and left hands is beyond me.

These German made pliers are the best!! For all knipex tools at the best prices: www.knipextools.com Every tool sold by knipex is available there with free shipping!

My husband & myself own 70,000 acres of sheep grazing land in Australia & find the use of such a tool essential having many klms of fencing & we believe The Knipex 7111-8 Lever Action Mini Bolt Cutter - 8" to be the best product of it's kind world wide..it's absolutely brilliant.We actually use it for cutting wire & you can do this with one hand as they are so easily opened.....not having to use both hands to open beats all..very efficiant...we cannot believe the force such a small tool has....very user friendly & kind to the hand of all who would use it.You cannot find a pair of wire cutters to come close to this tool.