Leatherman Core v SOG Powerlock v Gerber Flik - Phillips Drivers Debate

[ykliu1995]

The Flik isn't designed as a heavy duty tool. A Swisstool would be a better choice to compare against the Powerlock and Core.

[jah2mail]

I had a leatherman, had to pull a fishhook out of my dogs paw while we were hiking around a lake, the leathermans wire cutters got stuck trying to cut the hook. Solved that problem by getting a SOG, the gear assist is lightyears ahead of the other tools, you can open and close it with one hand, and if the pliers get stuck the gear assist works in reverse too. I would have to say the leatherman and sog are of good quality but the sog takes first place.

[m70c00l]

the gerber flick isnt made to build houses

[hooahboy20]

I highly recommend avoiding the gerber flik

[BigHickory357]

good review thanks...

[Aqualiteking]

It's a shame, Leatherman have retired the core. =(

[davetogo123]

Leatherman RULES

[thesho0ter1911]

Very interesting review sir! Could you do more tests like this in the future? Like a saw test, file test, plier test, knife test, etc?

[cerbera147]

No contest for the mighty Core really. I recently got a Swisstool RS; the philips driver in it is quite good as well; maybe a rematch Dave?

Great video BTW :)

[TheLateBoyScout]

Great comparison video. People don't usually get to see the tools in action before they buy. Cheers.

[FatDaddy4Fun]

I love the power assist feature. The serated blade deploys much stronger than the plain blade side. And I miss the saw. I probably will have mine customized when I get the chance. But all in all, the main feature of the MT is the pliers. And SOG can't be beat where strength and precision are concerned with the pliers. They are at least twice as strong as any other manufacturer. I love the terminated points too. So exact and acute. I'll make a video. I am very happy with my SOG Power Assist MT.

[FatDaddy4Fun]

Thanks for a super demonstration there Dave. 5 starz bloke. I just ordered the SOG Power Assist model. Should be here tomorrow.

[DaveK1967]

Make you sure you stop by and share your thoughts when you've used it a bit ! Thanks.

[edog82266]

Nice video Dave. I have both the Core and the Powerlock and I still don't get why SOG does not offer a #2 phillips driver. It is the only reason I EDC the Core over the PL.

[DaveK1967]

Given that SOG are the only multitool company out there that sell seperate components and encourage people to "customise" their multis - it strikes me as very odd that they only have one phillips size on offer. We should start a petition!

[glnooner]

i used to be a "Gerberman" but as a result of this video and comparing the Leatherman Wave to the Gerber Flik I am now a "Leatherman". Nutnfancy's video sold me on the Leatherman Charge TTi. Thank you for putting this info out. It was the selling point that caused me to cross over to the other side.

[DaveK1967]

I'm glad you found it useful. I'm a big fan of nutnfancy's videos too. That guy has so much cool stuff I'm actually quite jealous.......

[rich7579]

Bought a Flik a few weeks ago and use it at work. As a plant fitter i have a huge toolbox of tools, but these multitools are great to have as a "just in case" (its a pain in the arse to tramp back to the van if you forget something!) Was gonna say about the use of a phillips driver on a pozi screw, but i've noticed somebody already has! But like you said Dave, its suitability for the unexpected. The stuff i work with generally has phillips heads, so the flik is great for me. Thanks, good vid.

[DaveK1967]

I'm glad you're liking your Flik Rich - depite the "kicking" I gave the drivers here!

It is a great little tool and thanks for the feedback.

[fasthondaz]

Not scientific at all. You've used three different size drivers on one size screw. The pattern on the Gerber is that of a small Philips...just look at the cross and you'll see its for small screws only. The large size of the shank is to accommodate an adapter that will fit any number of 1/4" bits. With this adapter the Gerber will fit many more applications than the SOG or the Leatherman. Please try to understand your tool before you say it is a scientific comparison.

[DaveK1967]

The entire point of the exercise was to establish which driver performed best on this particular screw. On a multitool, suitability for the unexpected is what counts most and the Flik didn't perform as well on screws of many types and sizes.

The excuse that you offer isn't really valid, as the the Leatherman is also designed to take a 1/4" adapter, which actually performs better too. SOG also has a 1/4" adapter accessory, which again doesn't involve compromising the performance of the drivers.

[fasthondaz]

I don't know why Gerber Flik went with the flat tool shank design. If you look at the tool's stow space, it appears as if there was room for a larger tool. The Leatherman Charge also has a flattened Philips style tool and even comes with flattened bits. I'm curious how the Charge would perform in this test. I think that would be an apples to apples test with the Flik...

[DaveK1967]

The Charge / Wave / Skeletool flat bits all perform very well compared to the Gerber too, primarily I think due to the design of the "shorter" points on the driver.

The square drivers on the old Gerber Multiplier / MP600 / MP400 tools were far superior - makes me wonder why they changed to the flat drivers found on the Flik, Freehand etc.

[unitysucks]

gerber suck

[Antstar123]

This is a great video and it is also mentionable that leatherman comes with a twenty five year warrenty and full customer support.

[meat2dawad]

i love the core. i got a great deal on a core/crater combo for $40

[rockyman500]

Nice test DaveK! Could you try a Swisstool and Bear? (Yes, one is on the way)

[DaveK1967]

Sorry, but I cannot be arsed.

[massalkhi]

Hey Dave.

Been considering the Flik for use at work.

I think you did good on this vid. Realistic test. Much better than a plain tabletop review.

Regards.

[DaveK1967]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful.

[phs5015]

The thing is though is that you're driving pozidriv screws with Phillips head screwdrivers, and they're really not compatible. Leatherman offers a removable bit driver that is compatible with the Leather Core, as well as a 42-bit bit kit add-on which supplies pozidriv #1, #2, and #3. One does have to admire the reach the Core and the Powerlock offer over the Flik.

[DaveK1967]

Yes that's true. I chose pozi-drive screws as that is what you are likely to come across, and is therefore a realistic test. I'm not sure which Leatherman driver you refer to (I have them all) but they actually come supplied with phillips anyway. I think the real point of the test was to establish which of the three brands would perform best in this scenario. The reach wasn't significant for this test, but the grip / bite was. Thanks for your feedback.

[SirFatFred]

Awesome vid!!

[DaveK1967]

Thanks!

[EDCNUT]

Great video mate!!

[DaveK1967]

Thank you!

[cliosguy]

great mate, you miss the swisstool driver tho

[DaveK1967]

I wasn't brave enough to try one - I might have got hurt :D

[cliosguy]

LOL :D