Gerber multitools: four sizes, four kinds of jobs
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Quick answer
Gerber's multitools run from the 2.2 oz Dime, a 12-tool keychain plier, to full-size tools around 8 to 9.5 oz. The Truss packs 17 locking tools, the Center-Drive adds a full-size center-axis bit driver that takes standard bits, and the Multi-Plier 600 is built around needlenose pliers with carbide wire cutters. Gerber lists a limited lifetime warranty on all four.
Four Gerber multitools compared
| Spec | Dime | Truss | Center-Drive | Multi-Plier 600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tools | 12 | 17 | 14 | Needlenose pliers platform |
| Weight | 2.2 oz | 8.4 oz | 9.5 oz | 9.0 oz |
| Closed length | 2.75 in | 4.35 or 4.4 in (Gerber lists both) | See note | 4.92 in |
| Main blade | 1.5 in | 2.25 in plain and serrated | 3.25 in 420HC | Not in spec list |
| Standout | Package opener, exposed bottle opener | All tools lock | Center-axis bit driver | Carbide wire cutters |
| Made | Not stated | Not stated | USA (sheath China) | USA with global materials |
Gerber lists a 4.7 inch overall length for the Center-Drive, so check the listing photo against your pocket or sheath.
Dime: the keychain option
- Size: 2.75 inches closed and 2.2 oz, with a lanyard ring, per Gerber.
- Tools: spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, a fine edge blade, spring-loaded scissors, flat and small flat drivers, file, tweezers and a retail package opener.
- Handy detail: the bottle opener is exposed even when the tool is closed.
- Limits: small pliers suit light jobs; for real driving and gripping, step up to a full-size tool.
Truss: most tools for the weight
- 17 tools: needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutter and stripper, plain and serrated 2.25 inch blades, scissors, saw, cross driver, three flat drivers, can and bottle openers, awl, file and ruler.
- Locking: Gerber says all tools are outboard and all lock, with spring-loaded pliers to lessen hand fatigue.
- Build: the handle is a single piece of steel, and the sheath mounts vertically or horizontally on a belt.
- Weight: 8.4 oz, about 3.8 times the Dime.
Center-Drive and Multi-Plier 600: full-size work tools
- Center-Drive driver: Gerber says its center-axis driver opens to line up like a real screwdriver, with a magnetic 3.2 inch bit driver and magnetic Phillips and flathead bits that take standard bits.
- Center-Drive extras: one-thumb opening, rotatable carbide wire cutters and strippers, a pry bar with nail puller, serrated blade, awl and file; 14 tools at 9.5 oz.
- Multi-Plier 600: the needlenose version lists non-replaceable tungsten carbide wire cutters, a stainless handle and a ballistic nylon sheath at 9.0 oz.
- Choosing between them: the Center-Drive suits screw and bolt work; the Multi-Plier 600 suits gripping and wire cutting.
Which Gerber for which kit
- Keys or purse: the Dime, at 2.2 oz and 2.75 inches closed, is the only one of the four small enough for a keyring.
- Car or truck kit: the Truss covers the widest range with 17 tools, including a saw, scissors and a ruler.
- Home repairs: the Center-Drive's bit driver takes standard bits, so it can stand in for a screwdriver during assembly and small fixes.
- Wiring and fencing: the Multi-Plier 600's carbide wire cutters are listed as non-replaceable, so treat them as part of the tool's life rather than a spare part.
- Go-bag: weigh the extra ounces; the Truss at 8.4 oz carries more tools than the 9.5 oz Center-Drive, which trades tool count for a better driver.
Carry, care and travel
- Carry: the Dime rides on keys; the Truss, Center-Drive and Multi-Plier 600 come with a sheath.
- Flying: TSA does not allow knives in carry-on bags, so pack these bladed tools in checked baggage; TSA also says sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped, and the final decision rests with the TSA officer.
- Warranty: Gerber lists a limited lifetime warranty on each of these tools.
For other brands side by side, see our best multitool guide.
What to look for when you buy
Keychain: Gerber Dime
Best for: Everyday small fixes, packages and a car or bag kit
Gerber lists 12 tools, spring-loaded needle-nose pliers and scissors, a package opener, a bottle opener exposed when closed, 2.75 in closed and 2.2 oz.
Watch out: Small pliers and drivers; not a substitute for full-size tools.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Most tools: Gerber Truss
Best for: A home or truck tool that covers many jobs
Gerber lists 17 locking outboard tools including a saw, scissors, ruler and wire stripper, spring-loaded pliers, a one-piece steel handle and 8.4 oz.
Watch out: Gerber lists two closed lengths, 4.35 and 4.4 in.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Driving screws: Gerber Center-Drive
Best for: Assembly, repairs and anyone who drives a lot of screws
Gerber lists a magnetic center-axis bit driver with standard bits, a 3.25 in 420HC blade, carbide wire cutters, a pry bar and 9.5 oz, made in the USA.
Watch out: The heaviest of the four; extra bits are sold in bit-set versions.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Wire cutting: Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Needlenose
Best for: Wire work and gripping
Gerber lists needlenose pliers with non-replaceable tungsten carbide wire cutters, a stainless handle, a ballistic nylon sheath, 4.92 in closed and 9.0 oz.
Watch out: Gerber sells several Multi-Plier 600 versions; check for needlenose and the sheath.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- Are Gerber multitools good?
- Gerber covers keychain to full-size tools, all with a limited lifetime warranty; choose by the jobs you do and the weight you will carry.
- Which Gerber multitool has the most tools?
- Of these four, the Truss, with 17 tools that all lock.
- How big is the Gerber Dime?
- Gerber lists 2.75 inches closed, 2.2 oz and 12 tools.
- Can I bring a Gerber multitool on a plane?
- TSA does not allow knives in carry-on bags, so pack bladed multitools in checked baggage.
Sources
- Dime, Gerber
- Truss, Gerber
- Center-Drive, Gerber
- Multi-Plier 600 Stainless, Needlenose, Sheath, Gerber
- Knives, Transportation Security Administration