Having a robust structure makes it harder for owners to get through intricate projects. So, it all comes down to the structure and the handling you’re aiming for.

It might seem like a hassle at first, but you can blast these tools with compressed air, and that will be more than enough to keep these items clean and sorted. Leatherman Free P4 If you’re looking for a similar setup and need a lighter unit to help with the DIY projects, then going with the P2 unit is the only real option here. Someone would send in their tool for a blade replacement or minor repair. And they almost always asked us to fix it, but not mess it up — because they had the tool broken in just the way they like it.”

It looks pretty much the same, and with one look, you might be confusing it with the Free P2 at times. The only downside here is that the P2 brings a combo blade, and you can’t use it for precision projects. Free P2 is one of the best things that you can get your hands on if you are not just looking for some pliers but want an all-in-one tool to get you through most of the tough corners out there.

It contains 19 tools to the P4’s 21 but includes things like multiple bit drivers and premium blade steel. If that’s important to you then the Charge TTi is still going to reign supreme. If you prefer the easy open design of the Free P4 and like how intuitive it is to use you’ll probably prefer it to the Charge TTi. Leatherman Free P4 Vs Surge Dale Carr · April 17, 2019 Too bad they used low end 420HC and left off the bit driver. For everyday use the Skeletool CX is likely still a better option.If you’re an expert and don’t mind the robust structure offered by P4, then going with this tool will serve you well. We’re big fans of substantial scissors on a multi tool and the Free P4 doesn’t disappoint here either. It provides a large pair of spring action scissors that showcase the same epic haptics Leatherman is so proud of. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some causal projects, then going with the P2 is not a bad choice. It will save you money, and it is easier to use. The only downside here is the combo knife, and other than that, you’re pretty much sorted.

The final tools are located on the three remaining flip out tools. The awl has a thread loop but actually uses the extra-small flathead as its tip. This worked surprisingly well when we tried it out. It had no problem going through leather and thinner pieces of wood. And while customers will likely never lay eyes on the elastomer spring inside the pliers, it should vastly improve the lifetime of the tool. According to the brand, the new spring survived over 1 million openings and closings without wearing out, far exceeding the tens of thousands the old spring did. Fortunately, you won't have to worry about prematurely wearing out the springs in the pliers from deploying them 24/7. Instead of the usual steel springs, which take up lots of space and wear out or corrode over time, the FREE features entirely new non-metallic elastomer springs. As a result, break-in is a thing of the past. The P2's pliers deploy smoothly and consistently right out of the box, indefinitely. Leatherman tested this themselves, simulating deploying the pliers over and over again and comparing it to a brand-new FREE. After being unable to wear out the springs after deploying the pliers literally a million times, they concluded the test. The added tools are for those who are looking to go the extra mile and have any needs with cutting or some other similar projects. The introduction of magnets makes possible the FREE’s sexy selling points. For one, it enables one-handed-open action. But the magnets also enabled a new way to access all the component tools. Instead of the “nail-busting” technique everyone is accustomed to, the FREE fans out its tools with a gentler thumb roll.They are making some of the cleanest hand tools out there in terms of utility, durability, and performance at the same time. For those of you who prefer something other than a pliers-based tool, stay tuned for more tools in the FREE collection coming later this year. Often, he said, that meant the opening action was smooth and easy. But it turned out that making a Leatherman that works out of the box like a well broken-in tool required a near-total rebuild.