If you haven’t heard of Leatherman you are definitely new to tools, or you have never aspired to be a Boy Scout. The popular multitool company has made one of the most well-recognized one-tool-does-all inventions in the industry and has only expanded upon its initial offerings. The new Leatherman Wave tool offers an almost unbelievable assortment of goodies to the handyman. It’s wholly different from the Leatherman Super Tool 300 or the innovative Leatherman Tread, but it still packs one of the biggest punches in multi-tools.
Leatherman Wave Tools
In addition to the 420HC clip point knife and 420HC sheepsfoot serrated knife, you get the following tools:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Hard-wire Cutters
- Wire Stripper
- Large Screwdriver
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Bit Driver
- Scissors
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond-coated File
- Saw
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- 8 in | 19 cm Ruler
- Included Bits: Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit, Phillips #1-2 and 3/16″ Bit
You may never actually use all of the tools found in the Leatherman Wave Multitool, but you won’t regret having something around that is as well-equipped for almost any scenario. Let’s face it, if I’m lost in the jungle or dealing with the zombie apocalypse , this is the tool I’m going to want to have with me…Well, this and a machete.
Sporting a bunch more tools than the well-regarded Leatherman Kick Multi-tool, the Leatherman Wave is a hefty, but light multi-tool—weighing in at just over half a pound. That’s enough to make you take it seriously, but not so much that you can’t tolerate having it in your pocket for extended periods of time. The Leatherman Wave is a multifunction tool you’ll want to keep around when you’re NOT on a particular jobsite. That is to say, its certainly not a replacement for the real things, but it’s absolutely more convenient that bringing along the dozens of tools it encompasses. Just don’t mistake it for a TSA approved tool…that might take some more time.
We found the needlenose pliers to be easy to use. They also felt durable, likely due to the stainless steel construction of the tool body. The saw blade and serrated and clip point knives were durable and could be locked into position by depressing the locking mechanism and sliding the blades past the lock until they opened. These particular tools, along with the file, can only be used when the tool is fully closed.
Leatherman Wave – It’s All in the Details
Some of the more “detail” tools like the small bit screwdriver and the scissors are certainly dainty, but felt as if you could get needed use out of them when in a pinch. Since the tools originate from the larger body, you actually can get quite a bit of torque as a result, making for easy loosening of stubborn screws. Speaking of screws, the large driver can be outfitted with somewhat standard bits, though the ones supplied are small and double-sided to maximize the space and give you access to #1 and #2 Philips bits. To keep everything fitting correctly you’ll want to stay with these bits should you encounter the need to replace them over time.
This is a tool that should probably be in your truck or on your person at all times. It’s incredibly convenient and its build quality takes it out of the “gimmick” department and drops it right down into the “darn useful” aisle. It’s difficult to evaluate the tool in terms of its value. If you add up all that it replaces it would get a 10, especially since you can plan on picking it up at over 25% off retail at most locations. As for its real-world value, that’s a subjective rating and we think it hits home as an all-around good tool to have, or give to that special someone who hasn’t already bought it for him or herself.
