Quantcast
Channel: ToolGuyd
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 291

Gerber Dual-Force Multi-Tool Could be Best or Worst Ever

$
0
0
Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-Open-Pliers

Gerber has a new flagship multi-tool, the Dual-Force, and from the looks of it, this could be the brand’s best or worst multi-tool ever.

The Gerber Dual-Force multi-tool features slip-joint pliers, which is an interesting choice. Generally speaking, slip-joint pliers are very polarizing, as they are ubiquitous and commonly loathed.

Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-Slip-Joint-Pliers

Gerber says that the jaws on the Dual-Force multi-tool “operate like a real tool,” with a 2-position slip-lock design.

Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-2X-Grip-Force

This allows you to set the pliers to grasp narrower or wider parts and fasteners with a more comfortable grip.

Gerber says that this gives you “2X the grip force.”

Where does the 2X claim come from? Gerber says that when gripping a 3/4″ fastener with the Dual-Force pliers, the handspan is 47% narrower than competing tools, allowing for optimal gripping power and 2x the force.

Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-2X-Jaw-Strength

Gerber says that the jaws are 2X stronger. Then, in their promo video (embedded below), they say the jaws are 3X stronger due to their layered construction.

Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-Pliers-Jaws-Teeth

The pliers also feature deep teeth for “unparalleled control.”

Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-Pliers-Tool-Components

The Gerber Dual-Force is very pliers-centric, but that’s not all it offers.

Gerber Dual-Force Tools & Functions

Officially, Gerber says that the Dual-Force multi-tool features 12 different tools and functions.

  • Blunt nose pliers
  • Small fastener pliers
  • Large fastener pliers
  • Slip joint pliers jaw
  • Wire cutter
  • Wire stripper
  • 3.25″ plain edge knife blade
  • 3.35″ center-drive screwdriver
  • Saw
  • Fine/coarse file
  • Chisel edge
  • Screwdriver bits with on-tool storage
    • Phillips #1 & #2 screwdriver bits
    • Medium slotted bit
  • 8in/20cm ruler
Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-all-Tools-Open

So, you get the pliers, a knife, a saw, a screwdriver bit holder, on-board storage for 2 additional bits (3 total), and a file with chisel tip.

All of the main functions are outside-accessible and with a locking feature.

Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-Screwdriver

The Dual-Force also features Gerber’s Center-Drive-type center-axis bit screwdriver. This lets you rotate the handle in a similar fashion as a traditional screwdriver.

Gerber Dual-Force Specs

Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-in-Hand-Hero

The Gerber Dual-Force appears to be a little longer than other brands’ standard multi-tools, with a closed length of 4.65″.

  • 4.65″ closed length
  • 0.84″ width
  • Weighs 12 oz

Gerber does not provide the overall length.

Gerber-Dual-Force-Multi-Tool-with-Sheath

The Gerber Dual-Force, model 30-001721, comes with a nylon sheath that can be belt-carried vertically or horizontally.

Pricing & Availability

Price: $110

The Dual-Force is not in stock at Gerber’s store, and it is not yet available at Gerber tool dealers.

Gerber’s store pricing tends to be a little higher than dealer pricing, and so we should expect to see slightly lower street pricing.

Discussion

Gerber says:

Leave the toolbox at home, because the Dual-Force’s revolutionary design offers proven and uncompromising performance when taken to task against the competition.

Gerber did it with the Center-Drive, and now we’re continuing to expand the horizons of what a multi-tool can do.

The slip-joint pliers design is what can make the Dual-Force the best or worst multi-tool, in my opinion. Slip-joint pliers are indeed proven – they’ve proven to be a source of frustration for nearly every tool user.

While it can be convenient for pliers to have two opening width settings, slip-joint pliers are usually too loose to hold their setting, or too stiff to adjust with ease.

Read more about slip-joint pliers:

Gerber also says:

For tough jobs, it’s often easier to head back to the toolbox for a proper set of pliers – until now. From predictable day-to-day tasks to the thrilling unknowns of the backcountry roads, the Dual-Force is the replacement for those old dedicated pliers of yours, and then some.

Can the Dual-Force replace your dedicated pliers?

Is it worth getting the Dual-Force, or would something like the Knipex Cobra XS complement a multi-tool with traditional combination long nose-style pliers?

I want to be impressed with Gerber has done here, but I just don’t know.

On the other hand, Gerber’s Center Drive screwdriver tool is a very useful design. That adds to the potential appeal of the Dual-Force, but it makes me optimistic that Gerber knows what they’re doing.

What do you think about the Dual-Force multi-tool? Is this as revolutionary of an EDC (everyday carry) multi-tool as Gerber makes it out to be?

Intro Video


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 291

Trending Articles