OK, if you've had any experience with the Gerber Multiplier tools, you are thinking what I was thinking... "a hand full of blood blisters when the pliers slip". Not so any more! On the older designs of their multipliers, Gerber had the handles meeting flush when fully closed. That meant if the pliers slipped off whatever you were working on, the handles came together on the palm of your hands with a painful pinch; with the new design that no longer happens! Gerber is constantly improving its product line and they actually seem to listen to feedback from their customers. The model we were sent was the 7550 which has all stainless steel construction, but is muted with a good looking, non-glare, black matte finish. Of course it has one-hand operation as it pops open with a flick of your wrist. This one has 17 features including the standard tools like two knife blades, file (that will actually file), four screwdrivers, and a can/bottle opener. ALL of the tools are now locking components; once opened you thumb a lock back to close it - I like this feature!!!! It comes with a ballistic nylon sheath or an optional leather sheath.
I carried two of Gerber's products to the last Alpha outing and noticed that many of the team members were carrying Gerber products. We compared several different variations of the multipliers and I was impressed with the quality of each. They are tough enough to actually be used as tools instead of just looking like a tool. Gerber's quality is what got them way up in the knife world, and their muli-tools are becoming the industry standard.
I usually don't like wearing tools on my belt, but as I work around the farm here now I have actually gotten to the point where I notice when it's NOT there. We've been building bull corrals here the last few weeks and I have had to cut wire, tighten nuts, cut concrete bags and everything else associated with farm life. It's right there on the job with me when I need it. The machining of the pliers is so precise that you can grasp individual hairs; try that with any other plier set!
The Down Side:
When I got the multipliers they were a bit hard to "flick out" but after a few tries I got the hang of it and now it's second nature. It's one of those things that once you do it you say "Oh I see" and it's easy from that point on.
Would WE Buy It?:
Yes, and if I lost this set tonight I would be at the store when it opened in the morning. For survival work or working at the farm/retreat I can't think of a more convenient tool to have at hand.
Technical Specs:
5-1/8" closed, approx. 6-1/4" fully extended. 1-1/2 inches wide at the widest point and 3/4" thick at thickest point on the locks. 9 fold-out tools making 10 fold-out features. Needlenose with wire cutters and nut grasping area (or crimpers).
OTHER:
For Warranty info please check the Gerber site:
http://www.gerberblades.com/questions.html
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