GerberCenter-Drive Plus Multi-Tool with Bit Set (1)

My Center-Drive came with signs of usage and with a rattly plier spring and was sent back for that. I didn't get a replacement though, mainly for the following reason. To access any of the internal tools you have to:1. slide out the pliers (otherwise the handles can't be flipped open)2. flip open the handles3. fold out the tool you want4. close handles5. slide pliers back in(an repeat the whole procedure to fold the tool back inside)Using the 3 outside tools is very convenient, using any other tool inside is actually much more cumbersome than in other tools. Even to get to the other driver bit stored on the inside of the Center-Drive takes the above 5 steps. I didn't like that too much. Also, coming from having used a Leatherman Wave for many years, I found the much looser fit (they are rattling a little) of the Center-Drive pliers a bit disappointing... it is due to the sliding mechanism but I just prefer a tighter fit of my multitool. In the end I got a Leatherman Surge as my 'large' multi tool and am just happier with the overall fit, convenience and quality of it.

the best multitool with the best sheath ever created and now incorporating a super scissors, without a doubt the best screwdriver ever made in a multi-tool and everything you need at your fingertips ... is highly recommended for people who need a Powerful pliers and a powerful screwdriver with a super knife

I had high hopes for this tool. I went with this version over the standard one to get the scissors instead of a second, serrated blade. Now I wish I had gotten the normal one. When I received it, the blade of the tool looks like it had been in a rock tumbler. Not a deal breaker since it was sharp enough.Pros:1. The knife. Though scratched from the factory, it was sharp enough and I like being able to open it without opening the whole tool. It has a nice length to it.2. The case. So far it has worked well with daily use. It seems sturdy enough to last a while and looks nice. I like the addition on the spare bit holder. It saves carrying around spare bits.3. The screwdriver. This is the sole reason I bought this tool over the Leatherman Wave. Using the screwdriver on a multitool is usually extremely frustrating and unergonomic. This is incredible. It works just like a regular screwdriver and avoids that wobbling action you normally use. It's the feature I use the most and am extremely happy with it.Cons:1. Dull cutters. The carbine cutters are as sharp as a marble. They crush any kind of soft wire rather than slice through it. I am also constantly worried about the cutter breaking and paying $20 for another kit. You have to follow a narrow line of cutting wire thick enough that it will cut through without smashing it, and getting too thick of wire and shattering the flimsy inserts.2. No grip. The pliers don't grab properly. When you first get the tool and try to grab something small, you will quickly notice there is barely any grip and the tips. The issue steps from the tool body bottoming out on the top of the spare bit holder. The good news is you can largely mitigate this by rotating the holder so it is outside the body of the tool which lets the grips close more.3. Body flex. I have had some other multi-tools, so I am used to a bit of flex. They need to be light, so I am not expecting rock solid lockups. However, I do NOT trust this thing to twist and grab something. You can misalign the jaws with your finger, and twisting anything above bailing wire will flex worryingly.4. Terrible scissors. My issue with the scissors are two-fold. First, they came laughably dull. They barely cut paper and small bits of plastic. Sharpening them, made this better but they are hampered by the second part, the design. Unlike a Leatherman, the live part of the scissors is really short. It is designed to allow you to cut without hitting the body of the tool. This makes sense, but means you have miniscule leverage. To help mitigate this, other tools have a thicker thumb spot so you have more area to press on. This does not. You are forced to push on the side of the thin steel and force the dull cutters with no leverage. This is the entire reason I bought this version, and they are utterly useless.

My main problem were the pliers. I don’t know if I just had a faulty model, but I wasn’t able to just flick my wrist and have the pliers pop out on the first try. I couldn’t even open/close them manually with the release button on the side (it seemed like it needed a good amount of oil on the inside; too much rough-metal on rough-metal action). I was literally swinging it around and the pliers wouldn’t budge. You have to really finesse it to work.The knife is awesome and came sharp and ready to cut. Good job Gerber.The prong that holds the screw bits is awesome as well. Even Leatherman doesn’t have you beat there; you have to buy an additional extension from them. Again, good job Gerber!Tools... not a lot of options. And plus, you must open the pliers in order to access the tools, and then close them again to use the tools (and repeat the open/close process to put the tools away). But the tools you’re given are good.Structure. Gonna be honest...for anything over $100, I’m expecting no wiggle room. This thing has plenty of wiggle when open. Solid when closed.Overall I seriously wanted to like this multi-tool but unfortunately it wasn’t the one for me.

The blade serrations are geared for lefties, which is strange. The leather is not the greatest, it seems like "genuine", but I will try to provide a follow-up review after some use. Not looking forward to the carbide cutters, I cut hard wire more than soft, but I am hoping that I can find a source to get tool steel inserts as that is what is needed for a cutting edge. I bought this over the leatherman models due to the bit standardization. If the leatherman had that instead of the proprietary nonsense, I totally would have bought that. Made in USA is nice though.*Update*The carbide cutters are horrible. What a cheap sleazy way to get people to spend more money. Basically ruins the tool imo, which is sad because the tool is decent. Tighter tolerances on the pliers would be nice too.