Leatherman Sidekick multi tool online price comparison

The Leatherman Sidekick is a versatile, mostly well-made multifunction tool.  (Full review here.)  It makes a good everyday carry (EDC) tool, especially for someone who may not already have an EDC tool they like.

Below are some current online prices for the Leatherman Sidekick.  As you can tell, there's not a lot of price differentiation among retailers right now.  That may change as the holidays approach.

- $49.95  ..........  Amazon
- $49.95  ..........  Galls
- $49.95  ..........  Home Depot
- $49.95  ..........  KnifeCenter
- $49.95  ..........  Leatherman
- $49.95  ..........  REI
- $49.95  ..........  Swiss Knife Shop
- $49.95  ..........  Walmart
- $49.99  ..........  Dick's Sporting Goods
- $54.99  ..........  Cabela's

There are multiple sellers offering a new Sidekick on eBay as well.  $38.00 seems to be a common price point today, but you may be able to find better offers.

Disclaimer: I may earn a commission on Amazon sales made from links in this post.

Multi tool deals on Amazon

The following multi tools are currently selling for well below list price on Amazon:

- Nite Ize Doohickey, $3.98

This key-sized multi tool clips onto your keychain for several everyday uses.  It includes a flathead driver, different sized wrenches, bottle opener, box cutter, and -- of course -- bottle opener.  List price: $4.99.

- Gerber Dime, $15.99

Gerber makes several different multi tools in the same size and price range as the Dime.  One factor that makes the Dime stick out is its protruding bottle opener.  The Dime comes in multiple colors, and Amazon sells different-colored Dimes for different prices.  If you're not picky about color, you can get a Dime on Amazon for as low as $10.49.  List price: $21.00.

- SOG PowerLock EOD, $57.99

This Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) tool has many military and civilian uses.  The multi tool has flathead and Phillips drivers, a partially-serrated knife, scissors, wire cutter and crimper, double tooth wood saw, and more.  It comes with a nylon sheath.  List price: $124.25.


All of these tools qualify for Amazon's free shipping (if you spend at least $25).

SOG tool reviews

Multi Tools:
- SOG Micro ToolClip

Tool review: SOG Micro ToolClip

Key Features:
 +   Good tension on pliers
 +   Fits well in palm
 -   Tool tends to pop open in your pocket
 -   Awkward positioning of Phillips driver

I've tested many small multi tools. Most of them have been underwhelming. But right off the bat, the SOG Micro ToolClip (model #TC1001-CP) began to impress.

Even before you try it out, the Micro ToolClip looks cool.  It's a compact pair of thick-jawed pliers, a combination of black plastic and gray metal that fits very comfortably into your palm.

The tool is well-made.  The pliers are strong, with good tension.  The Phillips driver is finely machined; much more precisely than a typical multi tool Phillips driver.  The knife is sharp, both on the blade and the tip.  The Micro ToolClip measures 3.9" closed, and weighs a solid 3.3 ounces.

In addition to the knife and pliers (which are not needle-nosed, despite what the SOG website says) this tool includes both a small and large slotted driver, a double-sided file, and a bottle opener.  It has a removable belt clip and removable key chain loop.  The base of the pliers jaw can be used as wire cutters or strippers.

The SOG website also claims that the knife and other tools lock.  The tools don't actually lock -- there's no unlocking mechanism -- but the internal tension does hold them in place very well while they are in use.

Two issues keep this tool from being a good everyday carry tool.  Because of its design, the Phillips driver (which doubles as one of the pliers handles) can pop out fairly easily when you keep the tool in your pocket.  Since the driver has a good point on it, you may find yourself with small holes in your pocket (or leg).  You can remedy this problem by stuffing a piece of foam or rubber above the pliers lock, to prevent the tool from opening without a significant amount of pressure on the lock.

The second issue is the positioning of the Phillips driver.  The idea of doubling one pliers handle as a screwdriver is a creative way to save space, but it makes the Phillips driver close to useless for turning screws.  There's no good way to grip the tool to use it effectively as a Phillips driver.  This tool resembles Thorsen's multi pliers in appearance, but Thorsen avoided the Phillips issue by using a pop-out driver, rather than attaching it to the pliers handle.  Including a cross driver instead of one of the two slotted drivers would also have been preferable, and more functional.

The SOG Micro ToolClip is a decent pocket tool, once you fix the self-unlocking issue.  SOG lists the Micro ToolClip for $27.00, which is extremely over-priced.  Amazon sells it for $19.94 -- also far too much money, but they do sell it as part of a set with a SOG pocket knife for $14.99.

Leatherman Brewzer for $7.18

If you've been considering buying a Leatherman Brewzer keychain multi tool, but don't want to pay the $9 or $10 it usually costs on Amazon, you can grab one -- brand new -- on eBay right now for $7.18 (with free shipping).

There are only three Brewzers available according to the seller, so if you want one, buy it now.

If you're not sure about the Brewzer, read a full review of it before buying, or see how it stacks up against the Gerber Shard.

First impressions: SOG Micro ToolClip and MacV Tool

I got my first two SOG tools in the mail: the SOG Micro ToolClip and the SOG MacV Tool.  They came as a set -- the City Survival Kit (model #) for $14.99 on Amazon (up to $17.99 as of today).

Already, the SOG Micro ToolClip is one of the more impressive multi tools I've used.  It's small -- easily a pocket tool -- but it's strong.  The tool is well-designed.  I look forward to testing it out.

The MacV seems kind of cool so far -- a decent keychain tool.  Its Phillips driver is next to worthless, but otherwise it has a lot of useful functions.

I'll post a full review once I've tested them both out.  As of right now, I'd say the City Survival Kit for about $15 is a decent deal.

Tool Review: Gerber Vise

Key Features:
 +   Textured, open frame
 +   Good cross driver
 -   Bad bottle opener


Gerber makes many different multi tools, including a wide range of small, pocket multi tools.  The Gerber Vise (model #31-000021) falls into this category, and is one of the better multi tools I've used -- though it's not without its faults.

The Vise is not very heavy for a multi tool (only 2 ounces) and sits much more comfortably in your pocket than Gerber's Mini Suspension-P.  It has a good range of tools built in: spring-loaded pliers, cross and slotted drivers, straight-edge and serrated knives, bottle opener, and files.

The pliers are decent for occasional or light-weight work, but the handles start to give under a lot of pressure, and the right-angle corners dig into your palm and fingers.  The pliers have good spring tension but are clunky to open and close.

The cross driver on the Vise works very well -- better than any other multi tool cross driver I've seen, and better than some multi tools with full Phillips drivers.  The slotted drivers are average to above-average.

The straight-edge knife and serrated knife are both good.  They compare well to knives on other multi tools.  Neither locks in place but that's typical for the price range that the Vise falls in.

All of the external tools are easy to access.  The Vise has a very open frame that allows you to see which tools sit where, and they all flip out fairly smoothly from the nail nicks.  The Vise's textured frame makes it easy to hold and use.

The biggest drawback of this tool is the bottle opener.  It is dual-pronged, which is a smart idea and should give a better grip on the bottle cap, but on this tool there is hardly any lip on either prong, so the bottle opener slides right off the cap.  The bottle opener looks impressive but fails to function.

Overall, the Vise is above average as a pocket multi tool, and better than many tools in the low-end price range.  It's on a comparable level as the Leatherman Squirt -- a tool that often costs more than twice as much.  The Vise is a better everyday tool than the Mini Suspension-P, mainly because the cross driver comes out much easier and is machined more precisely.

Gerber lists the Vise at $20.00 online.  Amazon previously sold it for $14.95, but has it right now for $9.90.  Under $10 is a fair price for this pocket tool.

Multi tool price drops on Amazon

Here are some multi tools that have dropped in price on Amazon recently:

Gerber Suspension:  About the same size as a Leatherman Sidekick or Wingman, this multi tool -- currently an "Amazon's Choice" product -- usually goes for around $28 to $30 on Amazon.  Right now, it's listed for $22.99.

Gerber Curve:  The Curve is a pocket knife that can clip onto your belt or keychain, with locking screwdrivers.  It's typically listed for about $10, but right now Amazon has it at $7.19.

LORJE Tactical Pen:  Calling this pen a multi tool might seem like a stretch, but it can also be used for self-defense or breaking glass.  It previously sold for $5.88 but is now down to $3.26 -- much cheaper than some other tactical pens.

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.

Leatherman Skeletool on sale at Home Depot

The Leatherman Skeletool is not typically in the lower-end price range for multi tools, but right now you can pick one up at Home Depot for under $30.  HomeDepot.com has it listed for $29.88.  As a comparison, here are some other current prices for the Skeletool:

- $41.14    Amazon.com
- $49.58    Walmart.com
- $54.95    KnifeCenter.com
- $69.85    Leatherman.com

Stocking Stuffer Tool Deals

With the holidays just about upon us, you may be looking for small stocking stuffer gifts for someone you love (or just like).  If that person likes tools, here are some great stocking stuffer gifts that are on sale right now.

- Gerber Shard

The Gerber Shard is a handy little keychain tool.  Made of just one piece of sturdy metal (no moving parts) it includes cross and slotted screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a pry bar, and a box cutter.  It typically sells for about $6 or $7, but right now both Amazon and Walmart list it for $4.33.  Some Walmart stores are selling a combo pack of the Shard plus a Gerber Mini Paraframe pocket knife for about $10, but this deal doesn't seem to be available online (at least not yet).

- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver

This small Stanley screwdriver fits in the palm of our hand but is full of functionality.  It's a good ratcheting screwdriver, and it's magnetic, which is a rare combination for under $20.  It also comes with six common bits, which can be stored in the driver's handle.  Amazon and Target both have it for $4.79 -- a good deal.

- Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Another Stanley driver, this one is designed to be carried in your pocket.  There are several similar models of pocket screwdrivers, but none of them compare to this one in terms of quality.  This pocket driver is well-made with magnetic metal bits, and anyone who reaches for a screwdriver in a pinch will appreciate having this pen-sized driver in their pocket.  Often sold for $6 or $7, it's listed at just $2.99 right now on Amazon and $3.00 at Walmart.

- Pittsburgh Pro 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

If you still haven't found a good stocking stuffer, how about a set of three thumbwheel ratchets?  Thumbwheel ratchets are great for working in tight spaces, and this Pittsburgh Pro set can't be beat price-wise.  Each ratchet fits a different size socket: 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".  Harbor Freight sells this set for $6.99 -- cheaper than most thumbwheel ratchets cost by themselves.

For more details on any of the tools listed above, click on the link below to read a full review:

- Gerber Shard
- Stanley Stubby Ratcheting Multibit Screwdriver
- Stanley 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver
- Pittsburgh Pro 3-Piece Thumbwheel Ratchet Set

Gerber Shard on sale on Amazon

The Gerber Shard is a multifunctional pocket tool (full review here) that usually sells for about $5 or $6 on Amazon.  Right now it's listed for $4.33, one of the better prices Amazon has sold it for.  If you are purchasing other items as well, the Shard can count toward your total to qualify for free shipping.

Head to Head: Leatherman Brewzer vs. Gerber Shard

The Leatherman Brewzer and Gerber Shard are cool little keychain tools.  They both pack a good amount of functionality into a small, very portable frame.  But which one is better?

Price
The Shard is the clear winner in this category.  Currently on Amazon the Shard sells for $5.95, while the Brewzer is listed at $9.72.

Bottle Opener
Both the Brewzer and the Shard can function as bottle openers, though neither of them is as effective as a standard keychain bottle opener.  I've had times using both tools where it took multiple attempts to pop a bottle cap off.

Pocket Carry
Both tools are small enough to carry in your pocket or on your keychain.  The Brewzer gets the edge here, however, due to the Shard's cross driver point.  That point, which can also function as a box cutter or package opener, is sharp.  Sticking your hand in your pocket can often result in a poke and a few drops of blood when you're carrying the Shard on a keychain or loop.

Screwdrivers
The Brewzer has a wide, straight front edge that can very easily be used as a slotted screwdriver.  The Shard, on the other hand, has a forked front edge for its pry bar, that can also double as small- and medium-sized slotted drivers.  The different-sized drivers of the Shard are nice, but they have limited use because of their proximity to each other.  You won't be able to use them on many recessed screws, or screws very close to a wall or other protrusion, because the driver you're not using will get in the way.

However, the Shard does also include a rudimentary cross driver on its other end.  This driver can turn Phillips screws, and does a fairly good job of it.  The Shard wins by a little bit in this category.

Box Cutter
As a box cutter, cardboard cutter, or package opener, both of these tools are about equal, with the Brewzer being just the tiniest bit better.  The Shard's pointed cross driver makes the initial cut into cardboard much easier, but the Brewzer's slightly-hooked tip gives it better follow-through.

Pry Bar
The Brewzer's pry bar is much less pronounced than the Shard's.  The Brewzer's shape and design give it a decent grip when using the pry bar, which would be useful for small things.  However, the Shard's pry bar is much larger, is angled to allow for more leverage, and is also forked, so it can be used to remove nails (like the claw end of a hammer).  The Shard's pry bar easily beats out the Brewzer's pry bar.

Size
The two tools are very similar in size.  Amazon lists the Shard at 0.3 ounces, with dimensions of 3.1" x 1.3" x 0.6".  It lists the Brewzer as 0.5 ounces, with dimensions of 2" x 1.2" x 3".  However, when you hold the two tools, the Shard feels heavier.  The Shard has a larger footprint than the Brewzer, being both longer and wider, as well as more three-dimensional (because of the pry bar).  If you're looking for a more compact, lightweight pocket tool, the Brewzer wins that fight.

Usefulness
Both tools can be used as a bottle opener, slotted screwdriver, and pry bar.  The Brewzer has a couple of cut-outs that can be used as box or open wrenches to turn small nuts or bolts.  The Shard has a cross driver.  Both tools offer about the same amount of functionality, with the main differences being determined by what you need them to do.

Overall
Which tool is better than the other is very subjective, and depends heavily on what your main uses will be.  Overall, the edge goes to the Shard.  It's significantly cheaper than the Brewzer and offers more everyday usefulness, because of the presence of a cross/Phillips driver as well as the increased leverage you can get out of its pry bar.

Gerber Shard multi tool for under $3!

If you've been thinking about picking up a Gerber Shard keychain multi tool, now is definitely the time to do it.  This pry bar/cross driver/bottle opener/slotted driver/box cutter all in one usually sells on Amazon for about $6 or so... right now it's listed at $0.33 plus $1.99 shipping, for a total of $2.32 (plus any applicable tax).  There is no way this price will be good long-term, so if you're considering purchasing a Shard -- either for yourself or as a gift -- you'll probably never find a better price on it.  (Full review of the Shard can be found here.)

Keychain Multi Tool Deals on Amazon

Here are two small multi tools that have dropped in price on Amazon lately:

The Leatherman Brewzer typically sells for about $10 on Amazon.  It's a pretty good little keychain tool.  Right now it's offered at $7.78, so if you've had this one on your wish list, now is a great time to buy it.  That's the lowest price I've seen it for on Amazon.  (You can read my review of the Brewzer here.)

The Nite Ize DoohicKey is a similar tool to the Brewzer, but it also functions as a carabineer.  It's being listed right now for $3.98, when it typically sells for $5 or $6 (or more).

Gerber Shard price drop on Amazon

The Gerber Shard is a handy little multi tool (full review here).  It typically sells for almost $6.00, but right now on Amazon you can get it for $3.85.  That's a good price for the tool you get -- bottle opener, two slotted drivers, cross driver, pry bar, wire stripper.  If you're at all considering buying this multi tool, this is probably the lowest price you'll see for a new one any time soon.

First Impressions: Gerber Vise and Stanley STHT71699 Multi Tool

Home Depot recently had some tools on sale, so I picked up two tools I'd had my eye on for a while: the Gerber Vise and the Stanley STHT71699 Multi Tool.

I bought the Vise because I wanted a small multi tool I could carry for work -- something lightweight with a good pair of pliers, a knife, and a Phillips driver.  I currently carry the Gerber Mini Suspension-P, but the cross driver is not easily accessible, and I wanted something a little lighter.  The Vise seems like it will do the trick, at least so far.  The pliers feel flimsy, but I'll see how they hold up.  The Phillips driver swings out a lot easier.

The Stanley multi tool looks kind of neat online, but is not very awe-inspiring once you hold it.  The tool feels cheaply-made, the slide mechanism is jerky, and the sharp jab saw is very close to being exposed even when it's all the way closed up.  Not a good first impression, but I'll use it and see how functional it is.  It only cost $6.45 so I'm not expecting big things from it.

DeWalt MT16 multi tool deal on eBay

The DeWalt MT16 multi tool typically sells for $20 or more.  (Full review of it here.)  Right now, someone is selling the MT16 tool on eBay for just $13.99 with free shipping.  That is a good deal for this multi tool.  I don't know how long that price will last, but it's the lowest price I've seen for the MT16.

Tool reviews: Leatherman Brewzer

Key Features:
 +   Lightweight keychain tool
 +   Good contoured grip
 +   Works well as a slotted screwdriver
 -   Not as many uses as it could have
 -   More expensive than comparable tools


The Leatherman Brewzer is a neat little multifunction bottle opener.  It is technically a multi tool, but according to its user guide it only has two stated uses: as a mini pry bar and as a bottle opener.

There are more things you can do with the Brewzer than just pry at things and open bottles, though.  The end of the pry bar works well as a slotted screwdriver -- surprisingly well for such a small tool.  The pry bar is also notched, so you can use it as a box cutter.  As a box cutter, the Brewzer works better than a key but not as good as a knife.  There is a rectangular keychain hole that could probably function as a very small box wrench, should the need arise.  As a bottle opener, the Brewzer is about average.  It has notches that provide good grip, and it's easy to lever.

The Brewzer is a handy little tool to stick on your keychain and forget about until you need it.  It is well-constructed and very well-machined, and made of sturdy steel.  However, being a Leatherman product, you would think it would have more possible uses than just the few mentioned above.

The big miss that this tool has is that the opening for the bottle opener is just a tiny bit too big to be used as a hex bit holder.  It is the right shape, but just big enough that standard-sized hex bits fall through.  If it had been made a little more snug, you could stick a bit in there and use the Brewzer as an offset screwdriver.

As it stands, the Leatherman Brewzer is a neat tool that has some uses.  It could certainly be an every-day carry tool, because it is very lightweight and compact.  However, for $10.00 (its price on Amazon) it seems to be aimed more toward those who want a Leatherman keychain tool than those who want a multifunction keychain tool.  For about half the price of the Brewzer, you could get the Gerber Shard ($5.56) or the Nite-Ize DoohicKey ($4.05), both of which offer bottle opener and pry bar capabilities, along with other functions as well.  (The Shard has a cross driver on one end, and the DoohicKey has a built-in carabineer.)

Tool Review: A1st Mini Multifunctional Pocket EDC Tool

Key Features:
 -   Edges are rounded, making tool almost useless
 -   Hex bit hole is too large
 -   Bottle opener lacks a lip to grab the bottle cap


The A1ST Mini Multifunctional Pocket EDC Tool is a very cheap knockoff of the Leatherman Brewzer. It is sold on eBay and ships from China.  There is absolutely no reason for anyone to buy this tool.

The product description bills this tool as having many uses -- slotted driver, bottle opener, box/tape cutter, etc.  The tool is metal, and it is machined very poorly.  The edges are so rounded that it's almost useless for most of its listed functions.

As a slotted screwdriver, it slips off of the screw easily, making it pointless to use.  As a bottle opener, it lacks any sort of lip to grab the bottle cap, so it just sort of pulls at the cap rather than lifting it off.  The only time I tried opening a bottle with it, it took three tries to get the cap off.  There are indentations on the side of the tool for purchase, but they are so shallow and rounded they barely provide any additional grip.

The product description says the tool has a "1/4 hex opening."  The actual opening is larger than a quarter inch, so when you try to put a hex bit in there it slides right out.  As a box ripper or tape cutter, the tool works okay, as long as you put enough pressure on it to push it through, since the tool itself is not sharp.  The tool is metal, and the metal seems strong enough, so it might function as a small pry bar, though I wouldn't trust it with a lot of weight.

If you do buy this tool, it gets shipped from China so it will take a long time to get to you (unless you live near China).  When I purchased mine, it took just about two months for the tool to arrive, and I never got any shipping updates so I couldn't track it.  I paid $1.25 for the tool, but right now it's listed at $1.19.