Gerber 01471 Suspension Butterfly Opening Multi-Plier with Sheath
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Gerber 01471 Suspension Butterfly Opening Multi-Plier with Sheath
Customer Review: Gerber Suspension: a solid multi-tool for daily use, but see my update
Summary: 5 Stars
Have owned a few multi-tools from Leatherman and Gerber over the years. Both brands have proven to make good products with a lot of thought behind them, and this Gerber Suspension Butterfly Opening Multi-Plier is no exception. My chief complaint with the early models from both companies is that the handles could be real finger pinchers if they weren't used carefully. Thankfully that problem has been eliminated with this model, and because of its butterfly design, its impossible to pinch your fingers when using the pliers. I'm a computer geek, professionally and often as a leisure activity, and don't need to deal with extraneous problems with tools that I'm using when trying to get a job done.
Speaking of the handles, the product specs here state that this multi-tool is equipped with "an aluminum butterfly-opening handle that's inspired by the precision engineering of Portland, Oregon's famous suspension bridges." OK, that explains the good looking design, but the handles didn't feel like aluminum. A magnet won't stick to aluminum, but it does sticks to the handles, which means that they are forged from steel, and not aluminum or zinc. Checking with Gerber, I found that the handle material is stainless steel, and the reason for the titanium gray color is that they're plated with super-hard titanium nitride, as indicated on the original package, which makes them for scratch and wear resistant. (Note: please see my update at the bottom of this review.)
Looking at the handles, one can see that they're also marked with small icons of whichever tool lies directly under that side. A quick glance at the tool icon and you'll know which one it is, without having to fiddle around folding each tool out to find the one you need.
The main component within the handles is the needle-nose pliers. These are accessed by folding back the handles, in butterfly fashion, to expose the tool. The needle-nose pliers are solid, and forged from stainless steel, and one immediately notices that they're spring-loaded for easy single hand operation. They have a slim profile along with excellent gripping jaws. Must note here that these are among the best needle-nose pliers that I've found, and they have a wire cutter near the pivot joint. Speaking again as a computer geek, they're top-notch for getting into tight places without disturbing surrounding components.
The handles to this multi-tool contain four tools each. Encased within one handle is a fine edge knife blade, a straight flatblade screwdriver, a flat Phillips crosspoint screwdriver, and a saw. The other handle encloses a serrated edge knife, a can and bottle opener, a small flatblade screwdriver, a swing-out lanyard hole, and some very functional scissors.
Gerber started off as a company that became famous for making fine cutlery, and the knife blades show this heritage. They stay sharp for a long time without a lot of maintenance, though I personally find the blades to be a bit short. Gerber was purchased by Fiskars a few years ago, and the nicely designed spring-loaded scissors seem to have the influence of that company. The can and bottle opener functions as it should. The screwdriver blades are better than many previous Gerber multi-tools in that they aren't so stubby. All three are long enough to outreach the tools on the current Leatherman products, adding to their functionality.
Should note here that all of the blades and tools in this Gerber Suspension lock in place when they are swung out. This is a safety feature that should be incorporated into all multi-tools, and one that I appreciate as a user who has had a blade fold back onto a finger on more than one occasion in the past. The lock releases are located on each side of the handles, and work easily. See the customer images for more details.
The ergonomics of this Gerber Suspension are excellent if you have medium or large hands, but if your hands are small, you may wish to look elsewhere. It's also a bit large to carry in ones pocket, but unlike many competing products, this one comes with well-crafted lined sheath that's made of black nylon ballistic cloth. It has a Velcro closure, and will fit in a belt in the standard vertical position. As a nice touch, it also has additional loops for those who want to carry it horizontally.
Pros:
* Excellent spring loaded pliers, some of the best around!
* Titanium nitride coating on the handles for wear resistance.
* The extra length of the screwdrivers make them more useful.
* All tools and blades lock safely into place during use.
* It comes with an excellent ballistic cloth sheath.
Cons:
* The knife blades are quite short, surprising for Gerber.
* Not so good for those with small hands.
Must say that the clamshell packaging a nuisance to open. Since almost all multi-tools seemed to be packed this way, I can't downrate this product, but one would hope that Gerber (and Leatherman) might take the hint from irritated consumers and alter their packaging to some degree. Enough said on that.
There are a lot of good things that can be said about the Gerber Suspension, but one thing that's often overlooked is that one does not have to deal with the blades or tools clumping together when they are accessed. There are little tabbed washers between each, so you'll never have two tools swing out at the same time. It just doesn't happen.
Some have noted that the tools seem a bit stiff, but that is something that appears not to be brand specific. This can be easily cured with a couple of drops of WD-40 Lubricant in the joints of each tool, along with a couple of minutes worth of movement, and then they'll be quite smooth.
If you're looking for even more versatility, Gerber offers a very handy Tool Kit For Suspension and others (see reviews). This very functional accessory contains an adapter, three different sizes of flathead bits, cross point bits, and hex head bits for increased functionality.
I would have to say that the Suspension is easily a best buy among general multi-tools. Others worth consideration would be this Leatherman Kick Multi-tool with Micra, a true dynamic-duo combo pack that contains both the Kick and the Micra multi-tools. The Kick also seems to be perfect for medium or smaller hands, though it's junky 'faux-leather' sheath should be replaced. I've owned a small Micra for many years, and it's always performed as expected.
Another small personal favorite is the Gerber Clutch Mini Pliers Tool, which packs six stainless steel tools between its handles. This little multi-tool sees almost daily use, and the needle nose pliers are small enough to be exceptionally handy.
I like the Gerber Suspension multi-tool because it's uncomplicated and very practical, and because the designers didn't try to fit in so many extraneous features that would simply make this multi-tool clumsy and difficult to use. Compared to other higher priced offerings from Gerber, Leatherman and Victorinox, this might have a 4-star competitive rating, but when price is factored in, it's a true 5-star product, and a bargain at that.
UPDATE 1/24/2009: Since I posted this review, there have been questions regarding the handle material. I've personally seen no evidence of any pitting on the titanium gray finish on mine, and they are used almost daily for one reason or other. The Gerber Website still says "Handle Material Stainless Steel", but in my experience, stainless steel handles would have to be forged, and wouldn't crack.
I'm still quite happy with mine.
Customer Review: Gerber delivers again
Summary: 5 Stars
What can anyone say about Gerber? I hope they don't get to big headed and start producing junk.
There products are amazing. I really don't leave home without this on my belt. I'm a Gerber fan and
will always be if they keep making great products. The knife is sharp, the pliers are spring loaded.
The tools are made to resist rust and extreme force so they don't bend easliy. It is light weight and
fits in your hand naturally.
Customer Review: Gerber is the best
Summary: 5 Stars
I have the Gerber Legend and it is awesome. I bought this one and gave it to my girlfriend who is in law enforcement. She has small hands and loves how light and compact this tool is and how similar it is to the Legend. She likes the fact that it fits perfect on her duty belt and it does not stick out enough to dig into her. Gerber makes good products.Customer Review: Gift for Dad
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this as a gift for dad. He loved it. He collects knives and this was a great addition for him. Was very pleased with the speed of shipment.Customer Review: Go for a Leatherman
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought a Gerber Suspension at Walmart on clearance for $11.00 and that was too much for the tool. The wire cutters are worthless and dull. I couldn't even cut bailing wire. Incredibly heavy.... Handles are awkward and spring loaded, when you squeeze on the pliers you have a spring fighting against you and they want to open right back up. The tool is also made in china so who knows how reliable the workmanship is. Get yourself a leatherman.