Gerber 05500 MP400 Compact Sport Multi-function Tool
by Gerber Legendary Blades
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List Price: Our Price: $33.05 You Save: $33.20 (50%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $30.00 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Gerber 05500 MP400 Compact Sport Multi-function Tool
Customer Review: Great Gerber Tool
Summary: 5 Stars
I got used to carrying a pliers when growing up in the country and would say this is the next step up in useful tools.
I have carried the 600 version of this multi-tool for over 14 years and have had no problems with it. I like it so well that when I had the chance to pick up the 400, I jumped on it. The intended use for this one is a glove box tool for my truck. The main difference between the two is the 400 doesn't have a saw blade. I also have several Swiss Army Knives and the original Leatherman (also a really good tool). I prefer the Gerber of this series because of the sliding pliers and the locking implements, which the Swiss Army knives don't have. The Gerber locks are also better than the ones on my Leatherman. For the price, I don't think you can find a better tool. Mine is on my belt every time I go any place other than work (can't carry it there). The pliers are the most used on mine, then the knife. I put the knife blade on the crock stones once or twice a week and it stays shaving sharp. The can opener is also an often used item, when fishing or camping. It is very well made IMO and compares well to tools twice as expensive. Now the Leatherman is out of the glove box and will do home repair duty.
One thing on the Gerber, though. I see several reviews stating the need for oil on the jaws and slide. I have never had this issue, but have found that if you squeeze the handle together they open harder. The fix for me was to use a looser grip on the handle when flicking my wrist to open them. Silicon spray seems to work better than WD-40 or oil, too. Anyway a great tool at a reasonable price.
Customer Review: Gerber MP400 - Must have in every bag!
Summary: 4 Stars
The Gerber MP400 is a great tool... and it's just that... a tool! It's small/compact which you can take everywhere. It's great for occasional use as well as moderate everyday use. If you're looking for something for heavy use, get a regular tool box. For a multi-tool in the $20-$30 range it's economical and gets the job done.
Pro's - it's one hand opening of the pliers is nice and the locking feature for all the other tools is a must have, especially the blade. The grip design allows you to grip down hard without hurting your hand unlike some of the other flip over multi-tools like the Leatherman's.
Con's - the tool can be a bit more sturdy. It has some flex in the design especially when turning a tight screw. The material used to manufacture the tool is a bit soft. The pliers are manufactured with such precision that you need to oil it occassionally. Thank goodness for WD-40!
Option - the included Gerber sheath is a belt-loop design. I recommend one from Ripoffs (Model CO-12 or CO-13). Its clip-on design makes it easy to get on and off your belt (without pulling down your pants).
Conclusion - if you want a tool with all the features to get you through your day, you will not be disappointed with the MP400. If you're looking for the Rolls-Royce of multi-tools, this is not it. This is the Chevy pickup with the rust spots still driving down the street.
Customer Review: Perfect for work, play, hunting and emergencies
Summary: 5 Stars
I am the proud owner of 2 of these Gerber multi-tools. I have owned 4 total, but I am prone to lose these things. I have loved all of my Gerber multi-tools. I am a teacher so I can't carry one at work, but in the summer I work in a warehouse and carry one everyday. I cannot tell you how many times I have used my multi-tool to cut, tighten or pry something. The small frame and easy "flick" opening action makes the gerber far superior to Leatherman multi-tools. I always have one in my hunting bag and one in my glovebox of my car. Here are some observations:
Pros:
- Small frame is super strong
- Easy "flick" out
- All tools are strong, i have yet to break one
- All tools lock - very easy to operate
- case is rugged and will take a beating
- Scissors are sharp and stay sharp
- nice grip on tool
- Knife is easy to sharpen
- Built to last
- Lightweight
Cons:
- takes some time to break in tool (i use some oil)
- Scissors tend to rust / stain if you do not clean them.
- Tends to collect dirt in the many groves
For the price this is a steal. I have owned leatherman and those suck in comparision to a gerber multi-tool. They are built to last and will take a beating. I have used my multi-tool to do everything from tighten a screw to cutting cord.
Customer Review: Great pliers
Summary: 5 Stars
Gerber Compact
GREAT PLIERS are reason enough to have this tool at this price. The rest is just a bonus.
First off, the design and shape of the jaws is just about perfect for cutting, stripping, and bending wires of all sizes, as well as turning a bolt.
Then consider that THE HANDLES CLOSE ALL THE WAY. Yes, I put that in caps. Other multitool pliers have handles that jut outwards at an awkward angle in an attempt to emulate the handle spread of normal pliers. But since they lack the curvature of normal plier grips, they completely miss the boat. They START at an awkward ANGLE. And as the jaws open wider, they just GET WORSE. This concentrates force from just the very tip of the handles to your palm. The Gerber handles start out very nearly parallel. This allows much greater leverage and comfort, in comparison.
The jaws aren't spring-loaded, but they easily open under gravity - just let the lower handle drop, and the jaws open up. Wonderful.
The rest of the tools work fine.
*Hey, what's with everyone gushing about how you can open the pliers with "just a flick of the wrist?" Hold it by the sliding tabs with thumb and forefinger and lightly depress the locking studs. The handles will drop into your palm with a snick, just from gravity.
Customer Review: My Everday Carry
Summary: 5 Stars
I've used a variety of multitools since I was a teenager, starting with Victorinox Swiss Army knives. And I've examined most of the multitools currently on the market. The Gerber Compact Sport 400 is the multitool I choose to carry on a daily basis. It has the most useful collection of tools for my needs.
I work as an electronics technician. One-handed opening of my tool is a necessity. With a quick flick of my wrist the pliers of this tool are ready for action. Also, the pliers are flat the last few millimeters of the pliers. This allows for a tweezer-like grip of labels, fine wires, and other small things. This is very important. The pliers of Gerber's competitors can't do this.
Also, the Fiskar scissors are sturdy, and the screwdrivers are usable. I recommend that you buy the adapter kit so 1/4" bits can be used. The combo edge knife is also serviceable, though I don't use it much. Did I mention that all the tools lock? Don't underestimate the value of this feature. I've seen a person require five sutures because the incorrectly used an unlocked Swiss Army Knife blade. Lastly, the nylon belt sheath rides comfortably on my belt.
Overall, it's great for light duty work, and is a great everyday carry.