Leatherman FREE P4 Multi-Purpose Pliers

Leatherman is a world leader in the design and manufacture of what are universally known as multi-tools, so, if anyone can change the way we’ve come to accept and know them, it’s surely them.

Founded in the USA in 1983, the company officially launched the first multi-tool based around pliers instead of a knife – the PST (Pocket Survival Tool) – in the same year. It was so successful and popular that it went on to be produced (albeit with modifications and upgrades along the way) until 2004.

Leatherman has continually brought us many new and innovative models. However, a new chapter has begun with the launch of the FREE series of what are termed Multi-Purpose Pliers.

The tools under this banner use a new locking/release for the outboard tools, plus a rock-solid securing mechanism that comes into play once the plier heads engage for deployment.

Flying the flag

The P4 is the flagship of the range and like the others in the series, it has a stainless-steel build. This fully-featured tool measures 4.25” in the closed position, 6.5” when opened to access the pliers, and weighs 8.6oz.

Magnets hold this butterfly opening tool securely in the open and closed position, and it operates very smoothly. Also, when fully open, the handles click into location lugs, giving yet another level of security for the plier heads.

In this mode, you have needle-nose pliers, regular pliers, premium replaceable hard and soft wire cutters, wire strippers, and an electrical crimper.

Tool time

The outboard tools include a 2.76” 420HC fine edge knife, 420HC aggressive-edged serrated knife, spring-action scissors, a toothed wood saw, bottle opener, pry tool, package opener, can opener, awl, wood/metal file, Phillips head screwdriver, medium flat head screwdriver, small flat head screwdriver, and an extra-small flat head screwdriver. The two blades, the saw, and even the scissors have elongated thumbholes for one-handed opening.

Magnetic personality

The other tools can be deployed by pressing down on individual lugs that can be seen positioned on their outer edge, just forward of their pivot points in the handles. In fact, each of the 21 tools is held closed by FREE’s magnetic architecture and open with a push of the thumb, so it’s goodbye broken fingernails. All lock out very securely and can be returned by pushing a lever behind the tool’s pivot point.

The handles feel good in the hold and the side plates have a multi-indented finish that affords an elevated level of grip, plus on one side there’s a strong, detachable, spring steel pocket clip.