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Leatherman Super Tool
The Leatherman Super Tool has become a household name in handy, portable all-in-one tools.
This rugged, lightweight, stainless steel, fold up and tuck into your pocket - tool box has replaced the big clunky red tool box that used to float around in the trunk of my car.
The Super Tool has 18 tools in one. To include pliers, knives, screwdrivers and much more listed below.
Timothy Leatherman, a mechanical engineer at Oregon State University, created what was dubbed the first Boy Scout knife with pliers after struggling to make some repairs to his vehicle with a pocket knife.
This was the prototype of the soon to be patent of Leatherman Tool. In 1983 Timothy formed the Leatherman Tool Group in Oregon State where the Leatherman is still manufactured today.
The features of both the Leatherman Super Tool and Leatherman Super Tool 300 is they both have a unique locking mechanism preventing the blades or tools from closing and thus keeping your fingers safe from accidental pinching.
The Leatherman tools have stainless steel handles and body’s preventing them from premature rusting.
All of Leatherman’s products are backed by a 25 year warrantee and this tells you how confident they are in the quality of their tools.
Specs on Leatherman Super Tool:
• 4.5 In / 11.5 cm (closed)
• 9 oz / 260 g
• 3 in / 7.62cm (blade length)
18 tools in one
• Clip-point Knife
• Serrated Knife
• Needle-nose pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Wire Stripper
• Electric Crimper
• Small Screwdriver
• Large Screwdriver
• Philips Screwdriver
• Wood/Metal File
• Saw
• Bottle Opener
• Can Opener
• 9 in / 22 cm Ruler
• Awl
Specs on Leatherman Super Tool 300
• 4.5 in / 11.5 cm (closed)
• 9.6 oz / 272.15 g
• 3.2 in / 8.13 cm (blade length)
19 tools in one
• 420 HC Clip Point Knife with Straight Edge
• 420 HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife
• Needle-nose Pliers
• 154CM Removable Wire cutters
• 154CM Removable Hard Wire Cutters
• Stranded Wire Cutters
• Wire Stripper
• Electrical Crimper
• 5/16’ Screwdriver
• 7/32” Screwdriver
• 1/8” Screwdriver
• Philips Screwdriver
• Wood/Metal File
• Saw
• Bottle Opener
• Can Opener
• 9in / 22cm Ruler
• Awl with Thread Loop
Both models come with either a leather or nylon sheath depending upon your preference.
As you can see by the difference of the tools within the two models they are designed with specific trade industries in mind.
Some added features you would not notice unless you have owned one of the older discontinued models:
• The cutout to access the blades is larger making it easier to open the blades if you are wearing gloves or have stubby fingers.
• There has been an addition of a blade stop within the handle preventing them from flinging all the way out when opening the tool
• The pliers head has been beefed up making it much stronger
• The addition of replaceable wire cutter blades
• The saw blade is thicker increasing its strength
• Philips head is hardened to prevent rounding off and its shank has been strengthened
• Regular screwdriver heads have been redesigned for strength and durability under much use
• The knife blade release lever has been redesigned and goes all the way across the handle to make it cinch to release tools even while wearing gloves
• The eyelet for the lanyard is larger
At last count there are 24 different models of the Leatherman available to fit the needs of anyone including housewives. Someone wanting a compact all-in-one tool, the Leatherman Blast may be perfect. This model even has scissors and would be perfect in glove box of her car or even in her purse.
For the electrician needing specialized tools such as wire strippers and hard-wire cutters, the Leatherman Charge might be the perfect tool for his belt.
Consider the military, police or civilian gun enthusiast needing handy tools with gun cleaning rods and brushes as well as specialized accessories for sight adjustments and more. Also, built into the design of the tool is the flexibility to replace the most commonly used tools when worn out. This amazing tool is the Leatherman MUT.
Whatever profession you are in The Leatherman Group has thought of everyone including Hollywood actors. It has been seen featured in a few hit shows and popular movies. One of the hit shows was MacGyver the always ingenious star getting himself out of some tricky situation with duct tape, kitchen cleaning supplies and his trusty Leatherman.
A blockbuster that featured the Leatherman Wave was Rush Hour where Jackie Chan single handedly fended off mobsters with his trusty tool which has a nice feature where you can access knife blades without opening up the handles.
Whatever your profession or hobby, the mode of your transportation from skateboards to airplanes there is a Leatherman designed with you and your needs in mind.
Here is what others say about the Leatherman Super Tool and Super Tool 300.
For years I have been giving the Super Tools for graduation gifts for my kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews etc. These are wonderful for around dorms and in glove boxes. They really replace most of the common tools found in the standard tool kit without taking up all the space. The daughter of one of my co-workers told me she thought it was a weird present at first. In the first week of college she became the most popular person in her dorm because of her Leatherman, she quickly changed her mind.
After owning my original Leatherman for years I gave it to my son who took it with him when he went into the military. It does not surprise me that Leatherman has now come out with a model just for that application. In the meantime I replaced mine with the Super Tool 300. My friend from Australia liked it so much I bought one and sent it to him. I am pleased to know they have a 25 year guarantee which I have never had to use even after using my tools hard for many years.
Just like the slogan on my American Express Card, I won’t leave home without it. I recommend the Super Tool to anyone who is handy around the office or house. With the screwdriver, file, saw, pliers, ruler and even wire cutters it truly is a toolbox for the pocket. I make it a habit to check it with my luggage whenever I travel. Last year I lost one at BWI airport because I forgot it in my pocket and I felt naked without my handy dandy tool.
In my opinion, Leatherman makes the most durable multi-function tool on the market. I have seen others on the job site that look similar but will not hold up to the abuse we construction workers dish out to our tools. After snapping the pliers or breaking off knife blades of a lookalike, I always chuckle and say “you shoulda’ bought a Leatherman”
Follow this link to review the Leatherman Charge
Find many different Leatherman multi-tools at REI.com