gerber multi-tool | The Loadout Room

Pictured above was my first Gerber multi-tool I purchased at the PX on Camp Lejeune, NC shortly after checking into my unit (2/8 WPNS Co.) in June of 1993. Back then we didn’t have the internet to order stuff or even research options. You could order through a catalog at the time, but I didn’t want to wait nor did I have a lot of money as a PFC in the Marine Corps. My options were Gerber, Spyderco or Benchmade. Gerber seemed the most economical route at the time and they had a solid reputation.

I carried my Gerber multi-tool for four years straight in every weather climate imaginable. From the forests of North Carolina to the mountains of the Sierra Nevadas in Northern California, to the jungles of Okinawa and Middle East deserts. It was a dependable workhorse. I used it for cutting through a myriad of materials over that timespan, fieldcraft tasks, disassembling my M16-A2 service rifle (before there were specialized multi-tools for this) and even some field repairs on a Humvee (HMMWV). It truly was a multi-use tool and probably even endured some tasks Gerber never thought it would be used for.

Where has your Gerber been?

There are more multi-tools floating around on the market than I care to count. Most of them are copies of proven and tested designs from only a handful of reputable manufacturers. Innovation has somewhat plateaued in the traditional plier based multi tools. Until now. Making a small but critical tweak to its multi-tool, Gerber has corrected a long time flaw in my opinion. Meet the Center Drive multi-tool.

If you’ve ever utilized a multi tool, you’ll sympathize with what I’m about to describe. When based on a set of pliers, the architecture of the tool only allows additional implements to be housed in the handle section. Once such a tool is extended from the handle, it remains off the center axis of the pliers. Which isn’t a big deal when using a knife or a file. But when using one of the screw drivers, the off-center axis makes rotation very awkward. Gerber recognized this and designed a locking driver arm that angles back to the center line of the tool once extended. Making the rotation of the tool more consistent with a conventional screwdriver. And for that, I personally thank you!

Another feature found in the Gerber Center Drive is a full 3.25″ fine edged blade. This larger blade utilizes the same locking mechanism as the center axis bit driver. Insuring an unfortunate collapse of the blade doesn’t occur while in use. Like most Gerber multi-tools, the pliers are deployed with the simple push of a thumb button and slide out with one hand. These needle nose pliers have a very precise tip allowing a strong grip on the smallest of items. And at the base of these jaws, you’ll find a carbide wire cutter/stripper than can be rotated or replaced once dull.

Gerber Center Drive | A new angle on multi-tools — Needle nose pliers with replaceable wire cutter/stripper

Also found in the handle are a serrated blade, an awl, a file and a pry-bar with nail puller. And the most important tool of all, the bottle opener. All of the tools that extend from the handles are locked in place. Maintaining safe operating conditions at all times. Additionally, the Gerber Center Drive includes a nice Molle fabric sheath for storage and attachment to a pack or bag. Becoming part of my EDC, I’ve attached it to my Vanquest Mobius sling bag.

Gerber Center Drive specifications courtesy of gerbergear.com

Closed Length: 4.7″
Open Length: 6.6”
Weight: 9.5 oz
One-thumb opening system
Spring-loaded needlenose pliers w/ X-Channel rail system
Rotatable carbide wire cutters & strippers
Full-size 3.25″ 420HC fine edge blade
Magnetic 3.2″ Center-Axis bit driver
Pry bar w/ nail puller & bottle opener
Serrated blade
Awl, file
Magnetic flathead and phillips bits
Lanyard hole
Fabric sheath included
MSRP $119

If you are tired of the same old awkward multi-tool, screw conventional thinking and take a peek at the new Center Drive from Gerber.