Should I get a Leatherman Rebar?

[Da Thurmanator]

Hi guys! I want to get my first leatherman. I was thinking about the Rebar. It helps that it is relatively inexpensive and I really like the classic look and feel, my dad has had the Supertool 200 for a long time. I'm also thinking about the Wave or the Supertool 300. I like the one hand opening of the Wave but I'm not sure if it is a big deal since I'll always have another knife in my pocket. I also like the scissors and the interchangeable bits. The price of it is kind of pushing it for me though. I know that they aren't a whole lot more expensive than the Rebar but I'm using a gift certificate and I'm not convinced I want blow it all on a multi-tool. Do you guys think that a Rebar is a good first Leatherman? Is the larger size of the Supertool 300 more practical than the Rebar? Is the wave worth the extra money? I like the look of the 300/Rebar better but I want to get something that is very practical.
Thanks for reading this and giving any opinions!

 

[Skimo]

Buy the one that looks and feels right, changeable bits are nice, scissors are good. In reality 99% of the time I use my Micra or Squirt it does what I need, dedicated tools are generally at hand at home and work. Carry what you like and what you think you'll need or have a use for.

 

[RickJ]

The Rebar is a good tool, I like the 300 as well but I am 6 FT 230 and have XL Hands, but I picked up a Rebar for casual wear, but I use the 300 for work. The Rebar can get the job done too just in a lighter smaller package. To answer your question, yes the Rebar is a great first MT. My first MT was the Original Leatherman, the Rebar is leaps and bounds above that. In the end you will have many but you have to start somewhere.

 

[znapschatz]

The Rebar is a good tool, I like the 300 as well but I am 6 FT 230 and have XL Hands, but I picked up a Rebar for casual wear, but I use the 300 for work. The Rebar can get the job done too just in a lighter smaller package. To answer your question, yes the Rebar is a great first MT. My first MT was the Original Leatherman, the Rebar is leaps and bounds above that. In the end you will have many but you have to start somewhere.

My first multi-tool 17 years ago was a Leatherman PST. It was sort of okay, but shortly later I got a Super Tool because of its locking blades, much better but heavier and bulkier to carry. Over time I tried out several other full size Leathermen. Some I liked, others not as much, but my feeling is if the Rebar had been available back then, I would still be using it. In my view, it is the perfected version of the original PST.

 

[comis]

My first multi-tool 17 years ago was a Leatherman PST. It was sort of okay, but shortly later I got a Super Tool because of its locking blades, much better but heavier and bulkier to carry. Over time I tried out several other full size Leathermen. Some I liked, others not as much, but my feeling is if the Rebar had been available back then, I would still be using it. In my view, it is the perfected version of the original PST.

Can't agree more, I personally like the PST form factor and the idea of a multitool has all self-contained, instead of relying on changing bits. I do appreciate the one hand opening blades on Wave and TTi, but the lockable features and no changing bits are the reason for me to get Rebar. Although, one little draw back is the pliers handles are not the most comfortable on Rebar, it is still overall a good tool.

 

[znapschatz]

Can't agree more, I personally like the PST form factor and the idea of a multitool has all self-contained, instead of relying on changing bits. I do appreciate the one hand opening blades on Wave and TTi, but the lockable features and no changing bits are the reason for me to get Rebar. Although, one little draw back is the pliers handles are not the most comfortable on Rebar, it is still overall a good tool.

Actually, you have the option of a bit system, if you wish, by means of a removable bit holder that fits over the PH driver, and it also takes regular hex bits along with the Leatherman flattened ones. True, the pliers handles are are not entirely hand friendly, but the PST was far less so. I used to carry a folded bandana when using it or the Super Tool to pad my palm against those thin metal edges when crunching down hard. With whatever its issues, the Rebar handles are way better.

 

[Roy7420]

I love the Rebar replaceable wire cutters and crimpers to boot in a easy to handle package can't go wrong.

 

[comis]

Not sure whether the OP got his tool already, but I have time today and took a few pictures of those two tools:

A short re-cap of what I think is the pro and con of these two tools, if compared:

Rebar:
Pro- Self-contained, no loose bits(but could use adapter for bits, if needed)
Lockable individual tool, very important if used often
Strong pliers head, changable wire cutter
Cons - No scissors
No OHO blade
To access all other tools must open the pliers first
Uncomfortable pliers 'handle' if used hard

Wave
Pros - Fours OHO tools and lockable
All self contained tools
Relatively comfortable pliers
Scissors
Cons - No changeable Wire cutter
Tools are a bit more difficult to pull out
The pliers could pinch your palm if not careful

 

[znapschatz]

Wave
Pros - Fours OHO tools and lockable
All self contained tools
Relatively comfortable pliers
Scissors
Cons - Many of the tools are not lockable
No adapter for bits
No changeable Wire cutter
Tools are a bit more difficult to pull out
The pliers could pinch your palm if not careful

This description is of the original version Wave. The current "New Wave" model has all locking blades and implements, and includes bit holders.

 

[comis]

This description is of the original version Wave. The current "New Wave" model has all locking blades and implements, and includes bit holders.

Thank you for the correction, I still have my original wave with me.
I will go back to the post and edit.

 

[gadgetgeek]

if it still applies, yes to the rebar. it will let you know if you are a multi tool guy or not. I've been very happy with mine, and it gets used everyday. it won't have the finish or fit of the nicer tools, but for the price, I'll take function over beauty any day.

 

[muddog15]

Have you looked at the Surge? I also have the Super Tool 300 I like the Surge a lot better, I also have the Skeletool for smaller jobs. The ST300 you have to open the thing to get to any of the tools.

 

[BoxANT]

Ever since I got a nasty bite from my Skeletool, I've been favoring multitools that have their tools on the inside (ie ST300), something to keep in mind when making a purchase


edit* Unless the outside tools have a very strong detent (ie Juice).

 

[gadgetgeek]

I'm never in so much of a hurry that opening the tool slows me down. But that said, I use the pliers 70%, screwdrivers and file 25%, and knife 5%. Thats the main reason why I carry a MT over a SAK most days, I like the SAK blades better, and the overall feel, but pliers rule the day in my world. (I also have a VIC multi-tool, but its just to heavy for regular carry, but it will last well into the next century I'm sure!)