Gerber Center-Drive
The best of the traps and heavily cross-shopped because Men's Journal lists it among the best multitools, but documented Gerber durability deficits against Leatherman mean the Wave+ or Arc is the better long-term buy.
Consolidated from 2 independent outlets
See the sources3 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
The Gerber-vs-Leatherman comparison at LA Police Gear states plainly that Leatherman is widely considered more durable in long-term use, with tighter tolerances and higher-quality steel; under a longevity lens buyers should get the Leatherman Wave+ or Arc instead.
Flagged 23 September 2026
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Pros & cons
- ✓ Clever bit-driver design
- ✓ Listed by Men's Journal among the best multitools
- ✓ Center-rotating bit driver swings out flush like a real screwdriver
- ✓ Solves the classic multitool driver awkwardness
- ✓ Named in Men's Journal's best-of-2026 lineup
- ✗ Gerber is widely considered less durable in long-term use than Leatherman, with looser tolerances and lower-quality steel
- ✗ Priced above where a value buyer would ideally like
- ✗ Weaker long-term reputation
- ✗ Lower durability compared to Leatherman
- ✗ Bulkier than many value-focused picks
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 1 outlet wouldn't let us check its link. We quote no words from these sources, so each row shows only where we placed it.
2 stance not read sources
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #11 of 16 on our multitools tier list, in D tier. That placement draws on 2 independent outlets.
Gerber is widely considered less durable in long-term use than Leatherman, with looser tolerances and lower-quality steel. Priced above where a value buyer would ideally like. Weaker long-term reputation. Lower durability compared to Leatherman. Bulkier than many value-focused picks.
Ranked nearby in Multitools
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D tier #12 2 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Gerber Dime
F tier #13 4 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Leatherman Wave Alpha
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F tier #15 2 of 3 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Leatherman Free P2
F tier #16 8 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.