Tool review: Leatherman Squirt PS4

Key Features:
 +   Sharp, sturdy knife
 +   Pliers are strong for their size
 -   Outside frame is too smooth


The Leatherman Squirt is a small multi tool that can easily fit inside a grown man's (or woman's) palm.  It doesn't weigh much (only two ounces) and you probably won't notice it in your pocket.  But it is a good tool to carry, and has several useful functions.

The Squirt comes in several different varieties.  This review focuses on the Squirt PS4, which folds out into a small pair of pliers, but other varieties include the ES4 (which replaces the pliers with a wire cutter/stripper/crimper) and the S4 (scissors instead of pliers, and also include a pair of tweezers).  There is also the P4 and E4, which are similar to the PS4 and ES4 respectively, but without scissors.  (The E4 includes tweezers as well.)

The PS4 model is a very useful multi tool.  Its pliers are small, but have good spring action and are surprisingly sturdy.  The jaws are lined up almost perfectly and they come together at the tips.  The pliers don't open smoothly, but they aren't hard to get to.

This tool also includes a small knife, 1.6 inches long.  The tip is very sharp and impressively strong.  It works well for popping e-clips -- much better than the knife found on a Sidekick.  The edge is sharp enough, and there is a nail groove for easy access.

Another feature of the PS4 is the pair of scissors.  Good for cutting plain paper, but not great at thicker material.  The scissors can be useful for cutting small wires and opening toys and wrapped packages.  The scissors fold back up easily when you're done with them.

The Squirt PS4 has a few other tools, as well.  It has a small slotted screwdriver and what serves as a small Phillips driver -- both of which are adequate for light use.  There's also a double-sided file.

The biggest drawback to the PS4 (unless you need a specific tool that it doesn't include) is that the frame of the tool (which is also the pliers handles) is too smooth.  In a hurry, the tool can evade your grip.  A textured frame -- either grooved or raised -- would be helpful.  I added grip tape to my Squirt's handles, which eliminated that issue.  If the biggest complaint you have about a tool is that its outside is too smooth, then it's probably a pretty good tool.

I've used many small multi tools, both for work and for personal use.  Hands down, the Leatherman Squirt PS4 is the best one I've tried (at least in the "small" category).  I would recommend it for anyone looking for a multi tool that won't weigh them down but doesn't lack in functionality.

Leatherman currently sells the Squirt PS4 for $36.85, and Amazon lists it for $35.14.  Both of these prices are a bit high, as you can often find a Wingman or Sidekick for around $30.  (If you're looking for one of those larger tools, check Home Depot for good prices.)  If you can find the Squirt PS4 for $20 or $25, that's a good deal.  It comes in black, blue, and red.