Brand: Leatherman- Model: Charge TTi (Titanium)
- Weight: 235 g (8.2 oz)
- Length (closed): 10 cm (4 in)
- Primary blade length: 7.37 cm
- RRP: AUD $344.00
This Leatherman was bought as a Father’s day gift a few years ago and has been one the most useful tools I have ever owned.
My needs
I was after an every day carry (EDC) multi-tool for my small acreage farm, camping and personal needs. It had to cover most common jobs, and be dependable enough to work whenever I needed it. Finally it had to be small and light enough to carry on my belt or in my pocket.
Farm
We own a small acreage farm in Victoria, Australia and often have small jobs to do around the place. Rather than carrying a whole toolbox with me, the Leatherman fits the bill for many small jobs such as:
- Knife – cutting string and rope
- Screwdriver – tightening water hose clamps
- Wire cutters – cutting soft wire
- Saw – pruning fruit trees
- Ruler – measuring lengths and pipe diameter
Camping
We also enjoy camping as a family, so the Leatherman comes in handy there too:
- Can opener & bottle opener – who has ever forgotten to pack one of these?
- First aid
- Scissors – cutting band-aids & bandages
- Pliers – removing wood splinters
- Saw – cutting small branches around the camp site
Personal
Sometimes it’s the unforeseen benefits that are the most fun. Who would have thought a Leatherman would double up as a pedicure set?
- Tiny flat head screwdriver – tightening glasses
- Rough & smooth file – perfect for fingernails and toenails!
- Can opener – great for cleaning under the nails too
EDC Setup
I chose the nylon sheath rather than the leather sheath, as it looked more compact and allows a driver bit kit to be carried. It also includes two elastic sleeves, which I’ve used to hold a Fenix LD01 LED torch. I used to carry the bit driver extender kit, however that was lost when it slid out one day.
Everything weighs 345 grams and takes up 60 x 40 x 105 mm.
What I like
This is by far my favourite multi-tool I have ever owned. I reviewed and compared several other models before settling on this one, and have been quite impressed with the combination of features and quality:
- Dependable, well built tool – good quality so I know it will work when I need it
- Handles (or “scales”) are well rounded, so they don’t cut into hands when using pliers as happens on cheaper multi-tools. I also own a cheap Kinchrome multi-tool (cost approx $20 at the time) – with any serious use of those pliers, the sharp edges of the handles would dig into my hand.
- Knives hold edge very well
- Sturdy construction – feels very well made (blades and tools are not sloppy, scissors don’t slip when cutting thin materials)
- Locking blades and tools are very secure – they can’t slip back to cut you
- Knives, file and saw are accessible without opening tool – smooth action, easy to use one-handed
- Functional scissors – despite its tiny size, scissors are very sharp and well made, capable of cleanly cutting materials such as paracord, nylon fishing line and thin paper
- Usefulness – it was surprising how much I use this tool when I started carrying it daily
What I don’t like
After carrying this every day I have a few things worth mentioning:
- Weight – 345 grams including nylon sheath and one set of extra bits with the torch, although I’ve carried it daily without noticing it’s there
- Bulky – 60 x 40 x 105 mm for EDC setup
- Security – Bit Driver Extender was lost when it slid out of the elastic slot in the nylon sheath (perhaps drilling a hole through and tying to the nylon sheath would be a good idea next time)
- Expensive – something you won’t want to lose! (includes a key ring loop so it can be tied to your belt)
What else I’d like
If I could ask for the perfect multi-tool would have a couple extras:
- Tweezers – sometimes the needle-nose pliers can remove splinters, but it’s better to carry a separate pair of tweezers
- Hardened wire cutters – although I’ve never had an issue cutting wire, having replaceable wire cutters would mean I could use them more often on high-tensile fencing wire
Accessories
- Also purchased the Bit Kit and Bit Driver Extender
- Room for one bit driver in slot within nylon pouch
Bit Kit
Each bit cleverly designed to only take up x mm thickness, even for 1/4 inch hex head- The sizes I carry every day are shown:
- http://www.leatherman.com/bit-kit-127.html
“The Bit Kit expands your driver’s capabilities with 21 double-ended bits—42 tools in all. Use the Bit Kit with all tools and knives with bit drivers and Removable Bit Driver. The Bit Kit Includes: Square Drive #1 and #2 Torx #15 and Hex 7/64 Torx #6 and #8 Torx #10 and #15 Torx #20 and #25 Torx #27 and #30 Eyeglasses Screwdriver Pozi #2 and #1 Hex 1.5mm and 2mm Hex 2.5mm and 3mm Hex 4mm and 5mm Hex 6mm and 1/4″ Hex 7/32″ and 3/16″ Hex 5/32″ and 9/64″ Hex 1/8″ and 7/64″ Hex 3/32″ and 5/64″ Hex 1/16″ and .050″ Phillips #0 and #3 Phillips #1 and #2 Phillips #2 & 1/4″ Screwdriver Phillips #1-2 and #3 Screwdriver 3/32″ and 1/8″ Screwdriver 5/32″ and 3/16″ Screwdriver 7/32″ and 1/4″ Screwdriver 1/8″ and Torx #15 Screwdriver 1/4″ and 3/16″ Phillips #2 and 3/16″ Screwdriver”
Bit Driver Extender
- This was useful to extend the bits from the bit kit (see above)
- http://www.leatherman.com/bit-driver-extender-131.html
“Extend your reach with the Bit Driver Extension tool. Fits into the bit holder on any Leatherman knife or tool and accepts all Leatherman bits, as well as all standard 1/4″ hex bits.”
Service
The service of Zen Imports (Leatherman dealer) in Australia is superb! When I damaged the pliers they were excellent to deal with, exchanging it for a new Leatherman under warranty.
Recommendation
- Great gift idea for friends, family or employees
- Useful for many work roles and every day use
- A gift to last a lifetime – and maybe pass on when you’ve passed on
- As with any tool, it has it’s (breaking) limits (e.g. pliers snapped)
Purchase
- Bought in BCF, Traralgon VIC (were happy to offer a discount based on BCF price matching policy)
- Ask for a price match and see how you go
Features
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Hard-wire Cutters
- Wire Cutters
- Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- S30V Knife
- 420HC Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Spring-action Scissors
- Cutting Hook
- Ruler (8 in | 19 cm)
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond-coated File
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Bit Driver
- Medium Screwdriver
Other options
The Leatherman Wave is a lighter alternative which may be worth considering.
Further info
This is a review of the Leatherman Charge TTi multi-tool – further details can be found here:
www.leatherman.com/charge-tti-7.html