Leatherman Rebar: The Most Compact Heavy Duty Multi-Tool
Whether you are a contractor or a DIY-enthusiast carrying an entire toolbox everywhere is impractical. That's why having a multi-tool will give you quick access to many useful tools in a flash!
We understand that if you are not a multi-tool expert, this product is not the easiest one to shop for, especially when there are a wide variety of great multi-tools out there. That's why we picked out the best features in the Leatherman Rebar review. Read on for more useful information below!
Why Use Leatherman Rebar tools?
Always Ready: A multi-tool is useful for any DIY home repairs. If you find yourself stranded in a remote place, Leatherman 17 tools could literally be a lifesaver. Carrying a multi-tool in your pocket ensures that you are always ready for any emergency.
AVERAGE SCORE9.6
Adaptability: Multi-tools can adapt to many purposes with thousands of uses. They offer simple yet effective solutions to your everyday problems. From loosening or tightening a screw, opening a bottle or cutting ropes - they can competently handle almost any small jobs.
Convenience: Because a multi-tool is very lightweight and compact, you can easily carry it everywhere in your pocket. You will find that little problems can be solved without having to search for the right tool in the cabinets.
Efficiency: The creators of Leatherman Rebar multi tool made their solutions to daily life’s problems so you can fix everything with this lightweight pocket-size multi-tool. There is no need to go to the shop and buy a tool for any emergency.
Leatherman Rebar: The Best Construction Quality Multi-Tool
Types of Multi-Tools
Before you read this detailed Leatherman Rebar review, let's get to know three different groups of multi-tools in the market:
Full-size multi-tools
Leatherman Rebar tools are full-size multi-tools. They are designed for any task with full features.
Mini multi-tools
These are the more portable and scaled-down versions. They do not include highly specialized tools. However, they still provide essential functions for everyday use such as knives, bottle opener, screwdrivers etc.
Keychain multi-tools
These are the smallest one in our groups, and they tend to serve as keychains with some additional tools such as a bottle opener.
Overview
The Leatherman Rebar multi tool is designed to be small enough to fit in your pocket but big enough to use on almost any job. It is compact enough to wear on your belt all day.
Like any Leatherman tool, the Rebar is made mostly from stainless steel and is excellent in terms of durability. The design goal was to build a full-size tool in line with heavy duty specs, rigid material, and make it all extremely rust-resistant. It was first released in 2012 with a throwback design to the Leatherman original multi-tool.
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The Rebar comes with a total of 17 different functions:
- Needle nose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Wood/Metal File
- Philips Screwdriver
- Large Screwdriver
- Small Screwdriver
- 154 cm Replaceable Wire Cutters
- 154 cm Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- Electrical Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- 420HC Knife
- 420HC Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Awl With Thread Loop
- Ruler (19 cm)
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
Leatherman 17 tools are designed to deliver a full-size tool to heavy duty specs. This model is a more compact version of the Leatherman Super Tool 300, which features 19 tools. Although it is smaller than the heavy-duty category, Rebar is as durable without causing any discomfort on your belt. Below are the pros and cons of owning a Leatherman Rebar tool.
Pros
- Made of sturdy stainless steel
- 17 different functions for every occasion
- Robust construction and build quality
- More compact and lightweight
- Convenient outside ruler markings
- Tools are relatively smooth to install
- Replaceable wire cutters
- All locking tools for safety
- 3-dimensional Phillips screwdriver
- Thin-profile pliers for improved tight-area clearance
Cons
- No scissors
Features
Material & Design
The Rebar is mostly made from premium 154cm stainless steel, which is sturdier than most tools. The knife is made out of 420HC steel, which can cut almost anything you may come across.
Leatherman Rebar’s weight is only 6.9 ounces to fit into your pocket smoothly. The tool measures 4 inches when closed, with blade length at 2.9 inches. You can choose from three standard colours: stainless steel, black and coyote tan.
Unlike other multi-tools that put knives on the outside, all Leatherman tools are internal. This system is to prevent any unnecessary pinch points pinched-palm blood blisters. We also love that both the plain-edge and serrated blades lockout to protect you from unintended folding.
Durability
When buying a Leatherman Rebar multi tool, you are guaranteed to buy one that lasts. This tool is ruggedly built and excellent in terms of durability. The blades and all the other tools are made from premium material that is lightweight but also extremely tough. They are exceptionally rust-resistant and straightforward to use.
➜ RELATED: Leatherman Wave: A High-end Experience At A Reasonable Price
Functions
We have listed the 17 different tools built into the Rebar handles above. Now let's learn more about some of their best uses.
Pliers
The Leatherman Rebar pliers are not spring loaded but automatically locked after every use
The Rebar pliers fit together perfectly and without any gap like other inferior multi-tools. We also love that the pliers are not spring loaded but automatically locked after every use. This feature ensures that you will not cut yourself accidentally.
Replaceable wire cutters
Leatherman 17 tools replaceable standard and hard-wire cutters
Leatherman is famous for its user-replaceable wire cutter system that no other tool has. You can replace them yourself and re-sharpen them for regular wire and plier work. They are available in both standard and hard-wire cutters.
Knife blades
420HC Knife and 420HC Serrated Knife on the Leatherman Rebar multi tool
There are two different knife blades on the Rebar, both are made using 420HC stainless steel. One is a clip point smooth blade, and other is a serrated blade. The straight blade measures at 2.9 inches which is ideal for any general utility work. The serrated knife is best for sawing. Both blades are equipped with a notch to open up quickly when you're wearing gloves.
Saw
Our Leatherman Rebar review rated the saw as the best feature of this tool. Not only is it the most comprehensive tool in the Rebar, but it also has an excellent double tool pattern. They can cut through any rope and wood that the serrated knife can't saw through. The saw is one of the most popular items that homeowners love.
Screwdrivers
Leatherman Rebar has small, large and Phillips head screwdrivers
There are three different screwdrivers: two flatheads and one 3-dimensional Phillips head. The Phillips head features an extended length, which works best for hard to reach areas. The two flat head screwdrivers work best prying tasks and wide-slotted fasteners.
Awl, file and ruler
Leatherman Rebar Wood/Metal file and Diamond-coated file
What most users love about the Leatherman Rebar multi tool is the awl feature. This tool has been around since ancient times to punch holes in leather, wood and other materials. However, most modern devices do not include an awl in their design. The Rebar even provides a built-in thread loop to let you pull the cord through the punctured hole.
The file is double-sided: single cut and diamond pattern double cut to apply different filling forces for other materials. The ruler measures up to 20 cm or 8 inches.
Can opener, bottle opener and wire stripper
Convenient can opener and bottle opener on Leatherman Rebar multi tool
These openers can open up a beer or soda on the first try. They can easily open any can of food for your camping trips. The wire stripper is on the base of the opener.
Ease of Use
With 17 different functions, the Rebar fits comfortably in your hand. The tool has some new and improved ergonomic design, compared to the original Leatherman. It is comfortable to hold, and the ergonomic shape guarantees that it will not slip out of your hand. All features lock into place when extended, so you can use it without the tools folding back into place. You can access some or all of the other devices without having to implement the pliers.
Leatherman 17 tools comes with an awl and thread loop
Portability
The Rebar is famous for its compact and lightweight design with a full feature set. We have compared the Leatherman Rebar weight with other Leatherman tools in its category: The Rebar is the best rated multi tool in terms of portability.
The Rebar weighs only 6.7 oz while the Leatherman Wave is 1.8 oz heavier, with a total weight of 8.5 oz. The Wingman and the Sidekick are also on a more extensive range, both weigh about 7 oz.
If you are still curious about which Leatherman tool suits you the most, let us introduce some of the other popular Leatherman tools: Leatherman Charge and Leatherman Wave Plus review. We will also include a quick Leather Rebar vs Wave Plus comparison article below.
Leatherman Rebar vs Wave
The Leatherman Rebar and Wave plus are the two most popular products by this famous brand. The Rebar features a stern guy look while the Wave Plus shows a more classic appearance.
The Rebar is also more lightweight and less expensive than the Wave Plus with one fewer tool. They are both made of durable stainless steel with a black oxide option for those who prefer a rougher look.
The Wave plus comes with 18 tools that are mostly outside while the Rebar has 17 internal tools. Therefore, you can operate the Wave plus with one hand but not the Rebar.
The two models both have a locking system, which means the tools are automatically locked into place when in use to ensure safety. The best thing about these tools is that they come with a 25-year warranty.
If you are looking for a smaller size and less expensive version of the Leatherman Wave Plus, we strongly recommend the Rebar. The Rebar is best for everyday use while the Wave Plus suits heavier duty operations.
Leatherman Wave Plus
Leatherman Wave Plus
The Leatherman Wave plus includes a pair of spring-action scissors which the Rebar is missing. They come with needle-nose and regular pliers along with an electrical crimper. Similar to the Rebar, the Wave Plus has a flat knife and serrated knife blades. The scissors are tight and handy, which can cut most plastic, paper or cardboard.
The Wave Plus is suitable for handymen or people from the EDC community. They include all the features you would want, from pliers, scissors, wire cutter, two blades, two saws, a can opener and more screwdriver options.
Leatherman Charge
In the heavy-duty category, the Leatherman Charge out-performed any other model
If you want a sophisticated and more expensive option, then the Leatherman Charge is right for you. They are equipped with every imaginable tool for day to day use. This tool offers top-of-the-line performance with 19 fully locking components.
In the heavy-duty category, the Charge out-performed any other model or brand. However, they can be quite bulky and heavy to carry around. If you use your multi-tool in construction trades, then the Charge is more suitable for you. If you need a multi-tool for daily situations, then we recommend the Leatherman Rebar.
Alternatives
#1- Gerber Suspension NXT
The NXT includes 15 tools compared to 17 tools in the Rebar
The Gerber Suspension NXT (aka Suspension Next) is the lighter and more improved version to the original Suspension in 2005. It weighs 6.7 oz, which is 0.2 oz less than the Leatherman Rebar. You can carry it around all day either hooked onto your belt or pocket.
The NXT includes 15 tools compared to 17 tools in the Rebar. Some Amazon users commented that it is a little hard to hold in plier mode compared to Leatherman products. Similar to the Rebar, Gerber Suspension NXT review also includes an awl which is a favourite to some homeowners.
#2- Leatherman Surge
Leatherman Surge is a heavy-duty multi-tool with 19+ functions
If you love a big and bulky tool, then Leatherman Surge is for you. It weighs over 12 oz, so the Surge can be challenging to carry around. This tool is best for your camping tool kit or to put in the glove box of your car. Being the Leatherman's largest multi-tool, the Surge includes 19+ functions for every situation.
This model is more expensive than the Rebar, but you get what you pay for. It does not come with a fancy look but it will give you the whole full-function package.
#3- RoverTac 12-in-1
RoverTac 12-in-1 is a small, compact and budget multi tool
If you want a smaller and better value option, you should consider buying a RoverTac 12-in-1. This multi-tool includes 12 convenient tools that are best for when you are travelling or doing everyday jobs. It has a compact design for using in tight and narrow spaces.
The RoverTac is 3.3 oz heavier than the Rebar, with a total weight of 10.2 oz. It is portable and an excellent accessory for outdoor use. However, it is not a fully stainless steel product like the Rebar. If you want to get a multi-tool for the first time, choose a less expensive one like the RoverTac 12-in-1.
Conclusions
After reading our Leatherman Rebar review, we hope that you found the information you need. If you don't want to walk around with a heavy full-size multi-tool, you should get a Leatherman Rebar. Receiving hundreds of positive reviews on the Internet, Rebar is genuinely one of the best rated multi tools that Leatherman ever produced. Let us know if you need any further guidance on what to buy!
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