Leatherman Rebar

When the Leatherman Rebar joined the company’s very comprehensive range of multi-tools, it soon became a favourite. While Leatherman fans will immediately recognise the iconic box-like shape as first seen in Tim Leatherman’s original PST design, the noteworthy feature of this tool is that the pliers have been optimised for strength and now feature replaceable wire cutters. This feature alone is a USP because it’s the first time the company made these a fixture in a multi-tool of this size.

Compact & familiar

Measuring only 4” when closed and weighing in at 6.7oz, the all stainless steel build Rebar is a butterfly opener. Immediately upon opening, you can feel you’re holding a very tactile tool but what’s equally appealing is the company’s familiar ‘head’format. This consists of needlenose pliers, regular pliers, and the newly integrated replaceable dual-duty wire cutters.

Treated

When I used the term ‘feel’, I also refer to the fact that the handles show a Cerokote coating in a stylish Coyote colour. This outer treatment gives you a warm and sure grip that many will welcome on a cold day. Also, all the tools have a black oxide finish that as well as being cosmetically appealing also gives the tools extra protection.

The handles are ideally sized in proportion to the tools they hold and allow a very comfortable grip, even in the open position. They offer enough length for the user to excerpt a lot of force when the pliers and associated tools are needed. They precisely come together when closed, to form quite a substantial and deep-set platform to operate any tool from, while the rounded corners allow the Rebar to never feel uncomfortable in use.

Inside outboard

All outboard tools are accessed from the insides of the handles and deploy courtesy of either thumb nicks or lugs. The tools include a double-sided file, small and medium flat head screwdrivers, full-sized Phillips head screwdriver, awl (with thread loop), 3” 420HC fine edge knife blade, 3” 420HC serrated edge knife blade, can/ bottle opener, lanyard ring and a very aggressively edged 3” wood saw.

All tools ‘lockout’very securely and safely courtesy of Leatherman’s patented lockout mechanism. This requires a firm press of the thumb on the outer edge of the large heavy-duty rocker catch found on each handle, just behind the tools pivot pin. This then loosens its hold and allows any tool deployed to be returned into the handle.

Conclusions

The Leatherman Rebar is a very well-designed multitool with all the features most will find useful to have in the field. It’s strong and very robust, while the inclusion of replaceable wire cutters helps to elevate this model to a level many now expect of tools of this ilk.

It holds a well-thoughtout mix of blades and utility tools plus has a superior plier head configuration, all in a relatively compact format. Also, the feel of the handles is very reassuring when undertaking tasks in cold or wet weather.