You’re a weapons guy and you’re a tool guy. Or you’re a Multi-Tool MacGyver who owns an AR15 gun or M16 gun or something like that. Makes sense that you put your two interests together and get a multi-tool that’s going to help you out when you’re at your weapons bench or out in the field.
In recent years, multi-tool makers have given weapons enthusiasts a few options to choose from. That’s great for us but what I found was that what each multi-tool offered was very different from each other. The best multi-tool is not necessarily the right one for you (if you want to know how I decide what’s the right multi-tool) so let’s look at three of the most popular ones before you pull the trigger (excuse the pun) and open your wallet.
Two of them are from the big multi-tool brands – Leatherman and their MUT and Gerber with their MP1-AR. Just because they are big brands doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best though so let’s see if Multitasker and their Series 3 can give them a run for their money.
Carry-ability
Tipping the scales at 11.5 oz (367 gms), the Multitasker Series 3 wins the heaviest title in this comparison but not by a lot. The Leatherman MUT isn’t much lighter at 11.2 oz (317 gms) with the Gerber MP1-AR the lightest by a good margin at 7.6 oz (237 gms).
Both the Multitasker and the MUT are no lightweight multi-tools, in fact, they are some of the heaviest on the market. Leatherman’s own Surge is widely thought of as the heaviest multi-tool and that’s only about 1 ounce heavier than these two. So if you’re a civilian who just wanted to use these as your EDC, it will be quite a commitment.
When it comes to closed length, the Leatherman MUT is the longest of this group by more than half an inch – 5 inches (12.7 cms) against the Gerber at 4.3 inches (10.9 cms) and the Multitasker just slightly shorter at 4.2 inches (10.7 cms). So the Leatherman is both heavy and long for carrying.
If you like to clip your multi-tool to your pocket or belt, the Leatherman and the Multitasker come with a pocket clip. The Gerber doesn’t and doesn’t have the option to attach one. If you’re a sheath MacGyver, the Leatherman and Gerber come with a MOLLE compatible nylon sheath with a pocket to carry a hex bit kit. The Multitasker doesn’t have a sheath and they don’t sell one so you’ll have to make do with another carry option or buy an aftermarket sheath.
The Leatherman MUT wins the carry options contest. Its the only multi-tool here to have the option of hooking it to something with its carabiner. That’s three choices – pocket clip, sheath, and carabiner.
Multi-Tool Set
Pliers
These three are all plier based multi-tools. Let’s first look at what all these pliers have in common and then deal with the different features. They are all needle nose style pliers and they all have wire cutter and wire stripper functions. The Leatherman and Multitasker have replaceable wire cutter blades, however, and they have hard wire and stranded/soft wire sections on the cutting blade. The Gerber doesn’t have any sections and doesn’t specify what type of wire they can deal with. I’ve tried both soft and hard and managed to cut both. The Gerber is the only pliers that are spring loaded. The Multitasker is the only pliers that don’t have a nut/bolt gripper section.
Knives
Equal in importance with the pliers is the knife. These three have all taken a different approach to cutting duties. The Multitasker has the biggest blade at 3 inches (7.5 cms). If you’re also a fan of carry knives like I am, you’ll be familiar with this blade as it looks like what you might find on a dedicated folding knife. It’s a straight edge with a drop point and the first multi-tool knife I can remember seeing with a swedge. It’s deployed by a thumb stud and locks with a liner lock.
The Leatherman MUT is more the usual blade shape and style. This one is a have straight edge/half serrated edge combo blade deployed with a thumb cutout and locked with a liner lock. It’s the only multi-tool here that has a saw blade. Instead of a combo blade to handle straight and serrated knife duties, the Gerber MP1-AR has two separate knives. Both deployed by a thumb cutout and locked by an internal locking mechanism. Released by a sliding tab on both sides of the scales.
Weapon Specific and Other Tools
Each of these specialized multi-tools is designed for repair and maintenance duties on weapons like the AR-15, M4, M16 or M15 and each model has included a different set of tools to get the job done.
The Gerber carries a carbon scraper and a carbon pick that can be unscrewed and replaced. There’s also a takedown pin punch. The MP1-AR adds a lot of functionality if you get the optional bit kit. It has a swing out extension arm with magnetic bit holder which comes standard with a No. 2 Phillips head bit. The 12 piece bit kit adds Torx, hex, Phillips, front sight adjustment tool and trigger assembly pin punch.
The Leatherman’s range of weapon-specific tools that come standard is more extensive than the Gerber. You have a bronze carbon scraper (and Leatherman can sell you an inexpensive self-install replacement), bolt override tool, a threaded cleaning rod/brush adaptor and a disassembly C4 punch (another part that Leatherman can sell you an inexpensive replacement for).
For the general tools, Leatherman has included a bottle opener (no beer on the shooting range please!), hammer, strap/cord cutter, and carabiner. The MUT stores two onboard long double-ended bits with space for another bit. There’s also a driver that carries a short double ended flat and Phillips head bit.
The Multitasker doesn’t really have any general tools on board besides its pliers and knife. What it does have is a good range of weapon-specific tools. There’s a 3/8″ hex for LaRue mounts, 1/2″ hex for scope rings, dual lug castle nut spanner wrench and screwdriver, hex wrench for scope mounts, a threaded 3/32″ pin punch with 8-32 male thread for OTIS cleaning kit capability and a carbon scraper. As standard, it comes with a 1/4″ magnetic bit driver with M16A2 FSP sight adjuster. It also comes with an 8 piece hex bit kit with Phillips, flat, hex, and Torx bits.
Use-ability
Multitasker Series 3
Three different weapons focussed multi-tools from three brands that I think will appeal to different MacGyvers. Which one is the one for you?
The thing about the Multitasker is that it doesn’t live up to its name. Of the three, it’s the last one I would describe as a “multitasker”. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. In fact, if you want the most weapons focussed multi-tool and you’re not much worried about more general tools then the Multitasker could be for you.
The first thing you notice about the Multitasker is the level of quality of everything about this multi-tool. The pliers are D2 tool steel. D2 steel is the type of steel manufacturers use to make stamping dies to cut softer steel. So it’s durable and tough. And the pliers aren’t investment cast like the other multi-tools in this test (and every other multi-tool I can think of), it’s CNC machined. You can actually see and feel the quality of the Multitasker pliers.
If you’ve read my other reviews, you’ll know I’m a big fan of replaceable wire cutting blades. I can get over ambitious with my wire cutters and that’s a recipe for damaging the blades. If they aren’t replaceable, I could have a perfectly good multi-tool except for permanently wrecked wire cutters. The only potential downside for these pliers is the lack of bolt/nut grippers.
The knife is another quality item. It opens with a thumb stud and is a generous size for a multi-tool. The handles (or scales as they’re sometimes called) are made of G10. G10 has a fibrous structure that you could mistake for carbon fiber and is very strong. It’s popular for making knife handles. This is another example of how the Multitasker is using quality materials to take a different path to their version of multi-tool perfection.
Looking at the rest of the toolset, the radiused tip carbon scraper is deployed by a thumb stud and is easy to get your thumb on but takes an effort to get out. If you are left handed you’ll have no trouble deploying it but for right-handers like me, it’s not easy. I haven’t spent a lot of time with my Multitasker yet so of course, it could loosen up over time.
Generously sized nail nicks open the castle nut and threaded punch pin tools. The double wrench and flathead screwdriver tool arm is easy to grab with your fingers so doesn’t need a nail nick. All these tools are sturdy and thicker than I’m used to on other multi-tools and is backed up by what I saw on the digital calipers.
The extra thickness of all the tools adds up to the Multitasker being the thickest multi-tool here, being noticeably bulkier in the hand. Excluding any pocket clips, the thickness comparison is Multitasker – 0.98 ins (2.49 cms), MUT – 0.89 ins (2.29 cms) and the MP1-AR – 0.86 ins (2.18 cms).
The last tool is the magnetic bit driver arm which, like the knife, is one hand opening. It comes standard with the sight adjustment tool inserted but of course, you can use any of the 8 bits that come with the Multitasker.
If you’re a fan of all your tools locking into position, the fact that only the knife locks into position on the Multitasker may be a deal breaker. I like tools to lock in but haven’t had any trouble with any of the tools moving while in use but it is early days….
Leatherman MUT
The MUT needle nose pliers have the full suite of functions with nothing left out – nut/bolt grippers, replaceable hard and soft wire cutters, wire strippers and an electrical crimper. Perhaps the only thing missing is that they aren’t spring loaded. Personally, I can take or leave spring loading. I’ve never had a problem using my unsprung pliers one handed and I like how they are more compact when not in use because they aren’t splayed out. My workshop pliers aren’t sprung either. I’d like to hear your views on sprung versus unsprung pliers in the comment section below.
The pliers feel comfortable in the hand and when putting pressure on them but only if you hold them one way. I find if you have the hammer side handle into your palm, they don’t feel comfortable because of the curve at the bottom of the handle. Hold them with the hammer side handle towards your fingers and it’s all good.
Combination blades are another personal preference thing. The MUT has a half straight/half serrated combo blade which some people think is the best of both worlds while others think is the worst of both worlds. It’s true that if you have a very sharp straight blade, it can pretty much do the same job as easily as a serrated blade – stuff like cutting rope for example. I think it depends on what use you want to put your multi-tool to and in this case, I think it suits the MUT.
Look at the photos and you can see I’ve swapped out the Leatherman combo blade and replaced it with a Texas Tool Crafters Damascus combo blade. Adds that extra bit of cool to this already cool tool. Leatherman has included a saw which I would argue could have been replaced by a range of other equally or more useful tools like a dedicated serrated blade, a wood/metal file or even a pair of good scissors. You might argue differently.
I like a hammer on a multi-tool because they come in handy for a surprising range of tasks and the MUT has a reasonably sized one. I’m not sure about how often I would use the seatbelt cutter but it can be used for cutting paracord so it will come in useful there and it’s replaceable. The carabiner is a good carry option or even just to quickly hook it somewhere while you’re working. Bottle openers are always handy and if you’re tool dude like me, you’ve probably got a few within arms reach at any time.
The brass carbon scraper looks sturdy but there a couple of reports of people snapping them and leaving a residue when using it. They are replaceable with a cheap part sold by Leatherman though you have to unscrew the pivot on one handle. The punch is threaded and can be easily removed and other cleaning rod attachments used. Or replaced if you lose it. Neither the scraper or the punch is lockable.
The MUT has a bit driver at the end of one handle with a small double ended bit. I couldn’t figure out at first how to release the bit. I thought it was just stuck so kept pulling on it until it eventually came out. “Wow” I said (actually something stronger!), I hope that loosens up with use. I kept just muscling it in and out over the next few weeks until I realized I was supposed to put pressure on the metal that holds the bit. There’s nothing to see that shows that’s what you do but once I found it, it was actually easy to remove bits from the driver.
There are two other double-ended bits carried on board. They run down on either side of one of the handles and again, it’s not easy to understand how to get them in and out. There’s a two-way pin that you push in on one side to slide it out of the way (see the photo) so the channel where the bit sits is free. Then shake out the bit. Do the same thing on the other side of the handle to shake out the bit. Not that hard once you work it out. There are a couple of reports of people losing these bits when the pin doesn’t stay in place but my pin is so stiff I can’t see that ever happening to me.
The driver is easy to handle and the long bits (7/64 hex/T15/1/4 Flat/No.2 Phillips) give you some accessibility options. A bit driver arm is still a better tool to use. To get more out of the bit driver, you can package in a bit kit or you may already have one for your other Leatherman multi-tools.
The MUT’s pocket clip is very very sturdy. The trouble that some people have had with it is that it’s too stiff and hard to get on and off your pocket and can end up being a pocket tearer. I can see what they mean because I found it stiff as well and it could be easier to use. It does stop it from accidentally falling off your pocket and I got better at attaching it after some practice.
Gerber MP1-AR
The MP1-AR pliers are needle nose like the other three nd the head is the smallest in length, width and thickness. It’s also comes to the finest point so should be the best when it comes to doing fine work or getting into small spaces.
It has the only pliers that don’t have replaceable wire cutters and as I’ve said, I’m a fan of wire cutters you can replace. There is only one cutting surface and Gerber don’t specify whether they are for hard or soft wire. Maybe they can handle both? I’ve tried them on both and they did OK but I’m not sure about the long term health of them and I want to be cautious because if I damage the cutting blade of course I can’t replace it.
The MP1-AR is also the odd one out in that it’s the only pliers that are spring loaded. Not a big feature for me but could be for you. The pliers feel the most comfortable in the hand of these 3. None of them are bad but these are the best.
The knife is one hand opening and locks into position. The other 2 are released with a push of a liner lock where the Gerber you need to slide a tab on the front of the handle back towards you. There is another tab on the back of the handle which makes it easier to release the lock but then you need 2 hands to store the knife. The tab isn’t very grippy and I find it awkward to release the lock. I would definitely prefer a liner lock than Gerber’s clumsy mechanism.
Where the Leatherman MUT has a combo straight/serrated blade, Gerber has given you 2 separate blades. This is a personal preference thing but I would rather have used the serrated knife slot for another tool like wood/steel file or even scissors.
There’s a carbon scraper here for cleaning the bolt and bolt carrier. Unusually there’s an unscrewable dental pick-style tool. I don’t suggest trying it on your teeth but it should work well to get the residue out of the bolt ejector area as well as other tiny places. As it’s unscrewable, you can put other cleaning rods you have onto it and for example it works with the popular OTIS ripcord range. On my MP1-AR, the end of the pick doesn’t store flat against the handle and catches on clothing etc. There’s also a disassembly punch but no castle nut tool.
Besides the weapon-specific tools on the Gerber, the most useful general tool is the magnetic bit driver arm. Gerber includes an excellent 12 piece bit kit that has a threaded punch to swap out the dental pick as well as a sight adjustment tool and a range of hex and torx bits. Bit drivers on an arm are the most useful to get into more spaces and I prefer them over the design of the Leatherman MUT driver. The bit kit even has its own pocket in the compact sheath.
All the MP1-AR tools are lockable and release with the sliding tabs. I don’t like the sliding tabs a lot and prefer the release mechanisms that other brands like SOG and Leatherman often use. I found myself having to use a digit on each tab to get the pressure to release the tab which could have been helped by the surface of the tabs having a more aggressive profile or texture. And even with the straight blade locked open, the bit driver arm and scraper were loose and swing open. Not a big deal but doesn’t give you the impression of a quality design.
The finish of the MP1-AR is black oxide stealthy. It’s let down by the hardened nylon scales (handles) which are functional but the metal handles of the MUT or the G10 of the Multitasker are more premium. To add to the stealth looks, Gerber doesn’t seem to want you to know that this is a Gerber product. “Gerber” isn’t anywhere to be found on the MP1-AR. It’s not even stamped into the plier heads, only a very small Gerber symbol on one of the handles. Strange.
Pocket It or Pawn It?
I don’t want to spoil the surprise but none of these I would classify as Pawn It. They each have their benefits and it just depends what you’re looking for in a weapon specific multi-tool.
It’s not always true but in this case, the Multitasker Series 3 is the highest priced multi-tool and also the highest quality. You can feel it as soon as you get it in your hand. By a small margin, it’s the shortest closed length and the heaviest and thickest making it feel chunky.
Check out the workmanship and finish on the CNC’d plier head, the knife blade and other tools and you can see where the weight comes from. The G10 scales and even the pivot bolts add to the design. OK, I admit it, I like the look and feel of the Multitasker but the quality should mean that it’s going to be durable and the extra cost will be justified in the long run.
The pliers are thick in the hand but I could get almost no flex out of them. Try the same thing on the MUT and you’ll get slightly more flex (but still feels solid) and the MP1-AR will give you a lot of flex. I felt I could almost bend or break the pliers on the Gerber and that’s what you’re paying for.
If you want the most weapon-specific tools and you can stomach the price, then the Multitasker is for you. For these reasons, MacGyver says it’s a POCKET IT.
Check the current price of the Multitasker Series 3 at Multitasker
The Gerber MP1-AR is the cheapest here and feels it. But that doesn’t mean it’s a Pawn It. It has a good selection of weapon-specific tools with threaded swappable tools and a great magnetic bit driver arm. It comes with a useful set of bits that you can carry in its MOLLE sheath. It has a lot to recommend it at its price point and what it can do at that price. MacGyver says it’s a POCKET IT.
Check the current price of the Gerber MP1-AR and Sheath on Amazon
The Leatherman MUT is big and heavy but does have the most carry options of the 3. It has a good range of weapon-specific tools and Leatherman make it easy to keep it going in the case of wearing out, breaking or losing tools. It’s worthwhile buying the bit kit to add a lot of general functionality to the bit driver and at the price of the MUT, it would have been good if they had included it as standard.
It’s available in a black oxide or the standard silver edition and both look good – something that may or may not matter to you but I like to own multi-tools that function well and look good too. If you want a multi-tool that you can take with your weapons and still be useful for general duties, this could be the one for you. Because it’s so versatile, it’s my favorite weapons multi-tool and the one I use the most. For that reason, it gets the Best Weapons Multi-Tool crown on my Recommended Multi-Tools page. So it’s obvious that MacGyver says POCKET IT.
Check the current price of the Leatherman MUT and Molle Sheath on Amazon
Have you had any experience with these three weapon multi-tools? Or maybe you’ve got another one that you think is better. Let me know in the comments below.
Multi-Tools – Don’t Leave Home Without One!