I did a lot of research. The Leatherman PS4 sounds like it may edge out the Gerber Dime Mirco Tool ever so slightly but at a premium in price. I carry the Gerber Dime multitool loose in my pocket with my keys. It was a little heavy to attach to key chain. I’ve used it a handful of times in the last 6 months – mostly the pliers and package opening tool. This is a well made quality tool. Not meant for heavy duty tasks – it is a pocket tool. Costs about $15 at Amazon.com. The Leatherman P4 costs about $23 at Amazon.com.. Save the $7-$8 and get the Gerber Dime Multi-tool!
The Gerber Dime Micro package opening tool is great! Opens those hard to open plastic sealed items with ease. The knife was sharp out of the box but I sharpened it with my Sypderco Knife Sharpener and in a couple minutes had it very sharp.
In addition to stainless steel pliers, wire cutters, a fine edge blade, spring-loaded scissors, flathead screwdriver, crosshead driver, tweezers and file, the Dime includes a unique blade designed to safely cut and score plastic packaging and a bottle opener that is exposed even when the tool is closed. Compact and lightweight. Many people may miss the tweezers. They are hidden on the end next to the bottle opener. The scissors are very sharp and well made – not flimsy like cheaper brands. Actually, all the tools on the Dime are sturdy and well made.
This is small enough to comfortably carry in your pocket and forget it is there (don’t forget to remove if going to airport!). The tools were a little tight opening, but not too bad. I could easily open each tool with fingernail. I got the red/black Gerber Dime. A Youtube video reviewer mentioned the black one was a little more difficult to open tools possibly due to the black coating on the blades.
This is not a cheapy $8 multitool you buy at Kohls or in the discount bin at your local hardware store. This is the real deal. There are several Youtube reviews on this and the Leatherman. For an occasional use tool, I was more comfortable spending $18 rather than $29 for basically the same thing… plus the Leatherman P4 does not have the package opener. I’ve used the package opener several times. It easily pierces through the plastic clam shell and then the razor sharp blade part slices through the plastic with ease.
The bottle opener has come in handy a couple times when I had a bottle without the twist off top. Saved me from having to go inside and find the bottle opener. Nice that it is a double prong opener. I was a little concerned that it sticking out of the end would get in the way or catch in my pocket. It does neither. It actually makes it easier to open the pliers. Instead of a negative, I give the bottle opener an extra star.
Not too many cons that I could find. If I was nit picky, I would say one minor con is the tools are a little hard to open. Being so small, it could be a little difficult to get your fingernail into the slot and apply enough pressure to open blade or tool. I haven’t had much problem with this and the more you use it the looser it may get. Guess you could put a little lubricant on it if your Gerber Dime is too hard to open blades or tools. The pliers are good, tips meet well so you can grab small object with them. Very sturdy – but because of the small size, I would not recommend for a job where you need to exert a lot of pressure.
These make GREAT gifts. The perfect Father’s Day gift or for any occasion. My wife wanted one to carry in her purse after seeing how small but useful mine was. I bought 7 last Christmas to give to the “men.” 🙂 It is only about 2.5″ long.
If you are a tradesman that uses this type of tool on a regular basis, I would assume you have the larger Leatherman multi-tools. But for a handy little utility tool, easily carried in your pocket I give the Gerber Dime 5 stars… a must have tool.
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