Multi Tools tend to come in a limited number of categories starting with totally useless, (and I have a couple of those), to WOW how did I EVER live my life without this? Most are difficult to use in any kind of stressful situation, aren’t put together well, or have one good tool and a bunch of cheap ones.
Gerber has many entrants in the multi-Tool field and I’ve used some with decent results through the years while on ships, shore stations, TDY trips, working security, hunting, and around the homestead. The new Gerber Dual Force is as close to the WOW category as any of them and is very useful and well-engineered.
First Impressions
The first thing I notice when I unpack this is, it’s heavy and solid to hold. It weighs 12oz according to Gerber and I would agree with them on it. After squeezing it some in my hand and playing with the tools, it’s SOLID and well put together, a little stiff but it’s just out of the box so that should clean up after some use. All the standard flip-out tools are there, knife / saw / screwdriver / file, and scraper. Also set in the base are two different bits for the screwdriver giving you 2 cross tip and one straight-edge screwdriver. As is the norm now, the grips are “hand friendly” as when you grip something tightly, they won’t cut into your palm allowing you to maintain your grip with no issues or damage.
What to Like and Why
The pliers are the first tool I use to start taking apart a heavy-duty weed eater head. I’m using the Gerber to hold the head in place while I break free some bolts with another set of pliers, while doing this I have to move my hold point multiple times and the slip-joint feature of the pliers proves to be valuable as it allows me to grab onto larger bolts and thicker parts of the head but still keep a firm grip.
Later I used them again to hold and tighten some bolts on the bed cover of my truck. Normally this would be done with a simple socket wrench and socket but if I were in the field, I wouldn’t have those, only the Gerber. Again, it performed flawlessly.
Hold some cast iron grates while scrubbing them, check!
Grab onto and twist some wood screws out of dry rot wood, check!
Use it as a pivot point to pull nails with my TwoSun Prybar, check!
Scrape some dried-on “stuff” off the weed eater head, check!
Use the saw to cut notches in some 2×4’s, check!
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Using the screwdriver was something I was looking forward to because Gerber has tried something that’s so far unique in the field, getting the screwdriver closer to the center axis. Usually, the multi-tool screwdriver is cumbersome to use under heavy strain because it’s off balance / off center and is either too flimsy for extreme pressure or too short in reach for any real use. Gerber has made an earnest effort to address both of those issues in the Dual Force. Even if it isn’t perfect, I found it to be considerably better than most other multi-tools on the market.
The problem of the screwdriver being “off center” has been addressed by designing a flip-out tool that has a curved shape. This places the bit at the center axis of the multi-tool when it’s closed. When in use, it feels like a standard screwdriver with a thick, rectangular handle. The flip-out tool is not flimsy and is a sturdy piece that is over 2.5 inches long. It held up well to the force used to screw some electrical outlets into a 2×4, tighten up two light sockets, change out a dryer cord, and attempt to hang something on the wall for my wife. It was easy to use, didn’t fall off the screw, was far enough away from my hands to not interfere with the operation, and just worked as it should. All four flip-out tools lock solidly into place and have proven to be functional at a high level to this point. The knife blade is decently thick and appears to be able to take some punishment. It’s 3.25 inches long so it’s well under the 4-inch mark which is the cut-off point to allow it into most public buildings. I say most because, as always, check with your State and local laws regarding what is and what isn’t allowed in any particular area. Also, because of the saw blade, some cities / public buildings will consider this tool a “challenge to public safety” and not allow it to be carried.
The Bad?
The nylon sheath that came with the Gerber is ok, but It’s not the sturdiest of items. I was using it when I was moving around in a tight space, and I caught it on a shelf and ripped it some. However, if you carry the tool loose in something like a cargo pocket as it will become an annoyance as it bounces around. The best place would be on your plate carrier in a pistol magazine pouch or a better-made belt pouch/holster but be aware if you put it on your belt, it’s almost 1 inch thick so it will stick out.
Some people might find the price of $110.00 too high, but if you check out the prices of other similar multi-tools in the market, you will realize that this one is worth the investment. In this competitive market, quality comes at a price. However, if you are budget-conscious, you can wait for a sale like I did.
The pliers on the Gerber Dual Force multi-tool are not needle-nosed. Whether or not this is a big deal depends on your job and where you will be using the tool regularly. Having used both types of pliers, I can see the need for both, depending on the task at hand. It’s worth keeping in mind that Murphy’s Law dictates that when you need a set of needle-nose pliers, you’ll have the Gerber Dual Force multi-tool in your pocket, and vice versa. Ultimately, the choice of which tool to use depends on your personal preference.
Wrap It Up
The Gerber Dual Force multi-tool is a great addition to the already crowded multi-tool market. It stands out by addressing two common complaints. The slip joint feature of the pliers and the center axis screwdriver have both performed well for me in various tasks. I highly recommend this tool to anyone who wants to upgrade or buy their first multi-tool.
Thanks for reading!
Garfield
