Center-Drive

TL;DR Gerber replaced my entire tool when I broke the Screwdriver Arm after 6+ years... I bought this tool when a coworker showed me theirs about 6 years ago, where it quickly replaced whatever Leatherman I had at the time. As a Theater Electrician, there's often times where I need quick access to a knife or pliers (wire strippers too) and even a Screwdriver, so having those 3-4 tools immediately accessible was perfect. The fact that all of those are also one handed access, comes in handy on ladders or lifts, and the standard bits are just a bonus! I've used the Center Drive for every load-in or load-out ever since, and can't even count the number of times it's saved me running for another hand tool, or even occasionally a power tool for smaller fixes. The screwdriver being centered, and easy to use, alone has caused me to grab this over regular tools, even if the grip isn't always as "ergonomic", I just know if I need a second tool, I won't need to go back or fumble for anything. I think my only minor gripe is with the belt holder, there's no pen slot for a sharpie or anything, but I had my old holder, and there's new 3rd party versions at a reasonable cost (just make sure you get the larger variety, Center Drive is slightly bulkier than your average multitool). Still worth every penny I paid for it. And to top it all off, after all these years, I managed to "misuse" slightly the screwdriver and in trying to pry a little, snapped the bolt that holds the driver arm on the tool. I took a picture, sent it to Gerber (as a Limited Lifetime Warranty claim) and hoped. If there was a way to remove the bolt, they probably could have just sent that one piece, so I wasn't sure what would happen... Got an email shortly after that my "Tool or Parts" had shipped... Well to my surprise, what arrived today was not only a brand new Center Drive, but the WHOLE PACKAGE (based on my reciept) with an extra holder (see above) AND a full replacement Bit Kit, which I still had! So now there's a backup! 5* for the tool, 4* for the belt holster but 10* for the customer service and warranty! Take that as you will!

Best multi-tool ever!! Comes with full-size drill bits that are just like what you would and can use in a full size drill or screw gun. Comes with multiple sizes of flat and Phillips including the normal average #2 as well as bigger and smaller, multiple torx bits, hex bits, and even the illusive square bits, all in a tidy strip that fits in a divided section of the case with the multi-tool itself. Yes it turns screws way better than previous models or other brands like a Leatherman that are kinda wobbly as you turn. Another great feature is that you don't have to open the multi tool to use the cutting blade or the screwdriver. They are both on the outside instead of inside the handles like the other tools. So unlike a leatherman, where you have to use 2 hands to spread out the handles and then dig inside to get to the blade, with this one, you just flip it out one handed like a pocket knife. So awesome!! Love this thing. Takes some practice, but you can pull it out and just kinda flip out the needlenose pliers like your cracking a whip. Again, way better than the 2 hands it requires to open a leatherman. Belt case can actually be mounted vertically or horizontally too. Awesome deal! Quite a bit cheaper than buying directly from Gerber. I almost bought a previous version of this that wasn't center drive and bought an adaptor with bits sold separately that goes on an inferior sized driver and used proprietary bits only. Instead, for a similar price, I indulged in this and it's so awesome and you won't be disappointed. You can replace the bits with same or other types of bits, you could have all Phillips if you wanted or add in a more diverse variety of torx or whatever you want! There's even a small holder of a "spare" bit inside the handle of the multi-tool so if you didn't have the case or bit holder with you, you could still have another option with you ready to go. I keep a #2 Phillips in the driver and a #2 flat head in the backup. If you're looking for a small multi-tool to fit in your pocket, maybe a small leatherman would be better for you as this is kinda heavy and should definitely be worn on the belt in its case. That's the only drawback really is it being so heavy and a little bulky for everyday leisure carry in shorts and flip-flops so consequently, I don't carry it on me everyday, but rather keep it in my console in my truck so I have it if I need it. When working on construction projects or backstage on props and stuff at a theatre, however, it's a must-carry. If you're considering this at all, go for it!!

I've loved gerber multi-tools since I was 18 in the Marine Corps. The early ones you flicked out just rocked. Comfortable and one-hand opening. I even had the ones for crimping blasting caps as I was a combat engineer. I still have one of those old gerbers and it still works just fine. I almost always get Gerber everything. Got Gerber knives, multi-tools, the little Shard keychain tool which I love because it is airplane friendly. Just good quality and the warranty is great. This tool is no exception. What a beast. I didn't expect it to be quite so big and beefy. I wasn't sure I'd really dig the driver. But I love it. Putting little 1/4" sockets on there is super handy. The prybar seems useless. But then, I always have the Gerber Shard tool on my keychain. The serrated knife is meh, would have rather seen the full outboard knife be half serrated. Replace the serrated knife and prybar with a remgrit blade and a pair of the nice spring-loaded scissors like on a couple of my other gerbers, and that would be more ideal. This one might not replace my everyday carry, the 800 legend. That's just still the most solid/useful multi-tool I've ever used. I've had it for quite a long time. But this one here just might, maybe. Depends on how well it holds up. All the pics of the knife blade breaking concerns me. That knife blade really needs a thumb stud for easier opening. We'll see how it holds up. It's Gerber, so of course I have high expectations. I don't plan on using the knife blade much anyway, as I always have a very good Gerber knife clipped in my pocket. None of my multi-tools have a knife as good as a real knife on them. For now though, a quite impressive tool. I'm a huge fan of that center drive bit. Best one I've seen on a multi-tool. Only one I've seen that actually seems quite useful and wouldn't have me throwing my hands up and going to get a normal 6-n-1 screwdriver.

If you are looking for a serious professionals' multi-tool, this is what you want. This is no toy, this beast will handle every single medium-size task you can throw at it. It is heavy duty enough to tackle the toughest jobs that a multi-tool can handle, if this can't handle it, then the job you are doing requires a full size set of pliers, driver, etc. The center drive lets you actually use it as a screw/bit driver for more than one screw, 90% of other tools are off center and if you are going to be using the tool more than once or twice a day or for jobs that are more than one or two odd screws, your wrists are going to ache. You know it holds actual sized bits right? Like the ones you can buy at ANY hardware store? Some other brands use proprietary bits that are not only expensive, but you cant always run to the store to get a new one if you lose it. It also comes with a bit clip so you can carry all the misc bits you might run into. The only real downside I see with this for some people is that it IS fairly large. It would be cumbersome to try to carry in your pocket every day as an EDC just-in-case tool. This is designed for working folks who have need of it every single day and will carry it on its belt attachment. I have gone through many other sizes and flavors of tools and will never go back to any of them after this one. I have bought two of these now so I have a backup in case I forget it at home since I have come to rely on it so heavily. I work as a technician who needs it for a wide variety of tasks ranging from taking apart a desktop computer to assembling commercial kitchen equipment. It tears through cardboard boxes like a champ too with it's large blade. Would make a great gift for someone who is stuck with a tool they thought was good because it was "Brand Name", I would know since I have owned several and didn't realize they were apprentice tools until I got this one.

I had purchased this multitool in 2020 and It's been my every day use since. To give back ground on useage I am a field superintendent for light residential construction so I use it a ton for general home use applications. Here are the CONS since we all already know Gerber is great: the blade I wish was a harder steel but its functional and gets most jobs done. The wire snips are close to useless as they struggle to cut 18 gage wire but fortunately they are replaceable. The extra bit holder should have been magnetic as with use the cheap metal gets very loose and the bit ends up falling out. The other problem with the extra bit holder is that it blocks the pliers from completely being able to pinch down; you can see the scratches and wear from the opposing handle but, solvable by just opening it outwards. The prybar I bent its tip on the first use. The tool pouch; it's fair for the price but since it is cloth and elastic I wore it out in the first year. These are my only cons after 3 years of daily use. I could not pick a better multi tool. Trust me I'm still trying to.

This is by far the best multi tool I’ve ever used! I work on industrial/heavy equipment for a major Airline. I carry this multi tool on me at all times at work. The pliers have extremely good grip and easy to use. The “center drive” bit driver is what makes this tool superior to all other multi tools, it uses your standard bits. The ergonomics of using the bit driver is flawless. The bits included with the tool are awesome, they don’t strip and do not slip when trying to loosen/tighten a fastener. The full size knife blade is also perfect and very durable. I recommend this Berber center drive over every single other multi tool on the market including Leatherman.

This was a gift for my son who asked for a multi tool. He was very impressed and loved it right out of the box. High quality and great design.

I’ve been carrying this multitool in its sheath on my belt for the last three years. It’s the best multitool I’ve ever owned and by far my favorite in my tool box. It can suffice for almost any task and is highly versatile. I thought I lost it today and it made me realize how valuable the tool has become to me, I pull it out at least five to ten times every day and I’ve maybe forgotten it 3-5 times in 3 years and every time I’m without it I feel the burn of not having it. I’ve never been unprepared for anything, you would not believe how many times my multitool has saved the day in weird situations, you never know when you’ll need one but when you’re prepared it just feels good. The center drive feature is incredibly useful, more useful than you’d realize. I use it in the place of a regular screwdriver 99% of the time and you can substitute any quarter inch bit, since the set it comes with can be a bit lacking but it covers most common needs. The Velcro on the belt strap wore out within six months, so I fabricated a new closing mechanism for it and that lasted me another two years, if you intend to wear it on your belt (which id recommend) you best be aware that the Velcro will quickly wear out and you’ll need to find a new way to close it, but a hair tie does wonderfully if you lack the resources to make one like I did.