Center-Drive

TL;DR Gerber replaced my entire tool when I broke the Screwdriver Arm after 6+ years... I bought this tool when a coworker showed me theirs about 6 years ago, where it quickly replaced whatever Leatherman I had at the time. As a Theater Electrician, there's often times where I need quick access to a knife or pliers (wire strippers too) and even a Screwdriver, so having those 3-4 tools immediately accessible was perfect. The fact that all of those are also one handed access, comes in handy on ladders or lifts, and the standard bits are just a bonus! I've used the Center Drive for every load-in or load-out ever since, and can't even count the number of times it's saved me running for another hand tool, or even occasionally a power tool for smaller fixes. The screwdriver being centered, and easy to use, alone has caused me to grab this over regular tools, even if the grip isn't always as "ergonomic", I just know if I need a second tool, I won't need to go back or fumble for anything. I think my only minor gripe is with the belt holder, there's no pen slot for a sharpie or anything, but I had my old holder, and there's new 3rd party versions at a reasonable cost (just make sure you get the larger variety, Center Drive is slightly bulkier than your average multitool). Still worth every penny I paid for it. And to top it all off, after all these years, I managed to "misuse" slightly the screwdriver and in trying to pry a little, snapped the bolt that holds the driver arm on the tool. I took a picture, sent it to Gerber (as a Limited Lifetime Warranty claim) and hoped. If there was a way to remove the bolt, they probably could have just sent that one piece, so I wasn't sure what would happen... Got an email shortly after that my "Tool or Parts" had shipped... Well to my surprise, what arrived today was not only a brand new Center Drive, but the WHOLE PACKAGE (based on my reciept) with an extra holder (see above) AND a full replacement Bit Kit, which I still had! So now there's a backup! 5* for the tool, 4* for the belt holster but 10* for the customer service and warranty! Take that as you will!

This was a gift for my son who asked for a multi tool. He was very impressed and loved it right out of the box. High quality and great design.

I've loved gerber multi-tools since I was 18 in the Marine Corps. The early ones you flicked out just rocked. Comfortable and one-hand opening. I even had the ones for crimping blasting caps as I was a combat engineer. I still have one of those old gerbers and it still works just fine. I almost always get Gerber everything. Got Gerber knives, multi-tools, the little Shard keychain tool which I love because it is airplane friendly. Just good quality and the warranty is great. This tool is no exception. What a beast. I didn't expect it to be quite so big and beefy. I wasn't sure I'd really dig the driver. But I love it. Putting little 1/4" sockets on there is super handy. The prybar seems useless. But then, I always have the Gerber Shard tool on my keychain. The serrated knife is meh, would have rather seen the full outboard knife be half serrated. Replace the serrated knife and prybar with a remgrit blade and a pair of the nice spring-loaded scissors like on a couple of my other gerbers, and that would be more ideal. This one might not replace my everyday carry, the 800 legend. That's just still the most solid/useful multi-tool I've ever used. I've had it for quite a long time. But this one here just might, maybe. Depends on how well it holds up. All the pics of the knife blade breaking concerns me. That knife blade really needs a thumb stud for easier opening. We'll see how it holds up. It's Gerber, so of course I have high expectations. I don't plan on using the knife blade much anyway, as I always have a very good Gerber knife clipped in my pocket. None of my multi-tools have a knife as good as a real knife on them. For now though, a quite impressive tool. I'm a huge fan of that center drive bit. Best one I've seen on a multi-tool. Only one I've seen that actually seems quite useful and wouldn't have me throwing my hands up and going to get a normal 6-n-1 screwdriver.

Had the MP 600 in the army and still love it but have been caring a leatherman surge for the past couple years (found it more useful with the outside implements) this is definitely my new favorite multitool!!! Quick strong pliers and outside full size implements. BROVO Gerber 10 of 10

I had purchased this multitool in 2020 and It's been my every day use since. To give back ground on useage I am a field superintendent for light residential construction so I use it a ton for general home use applications. Here are the CONS since we all already know Gerber is great: the blade I wish was a harder steel but its functional and gets most jobs done. The wire snips are close to useless as they struggle to cut 18 gage wire but fortunately they are replaceable. The extra bit holder should have been magnetic as with use the cheap metal gets very loose and the bit ends up falling out. The other problem with the extra bit holder is that it blocks the pliers from completely being able to pinch down; you can see the scratches and wear from the opposing handle but, solvable by just opening it outwards. The prybar I bent its tip on the first use. The tool pouch; it's fair for the price but since it is cloth and elastic I wore it out in the first year. These are my only cons after 3 years of daily use. I could not pick a better multi tool. Trust me I'm still trying to.

Best multi-tool ever!! Comes with full-size drill bits that are just like what you would and can use in a full size drill or screw gun. Comes with multiple sizes of flat and Phillips including the normal average #2 as well as bigger and smaller, multiple torx bits, hex bits, and even the illusive square bits, all in a tidy strip that fits in a divided section of the case with the multi-tool itself. Yes it turns screws way better than previous models or other brands like a Leatherman that are kinda wobbly as you turn. Another great feature is that you don't have to open the multi tool to use the cutting blade or the screwdriver. They are both on the outside instead of inside the handles like the other tools. So unlike a leatherman, where you have to use 2 hands to spread out the handles and then dig inside to get to the blade, with this one, you just flip it out one handed like a pocket knife. So awesome!! Love this thing. Takes some practice, but you can pull it out and just kinda flip out the needlenose pliers like your cracking a whip. Again, way better than the 2 hands it requires to open a leatherman. Belt case can actually be mounted vertically or horizontally too. Awesome deal! Quite a bit cheaper than buying directly from Gerber. I almost bought a previous version of this that wasn't center drive and bought an adaptor with bits sold separately that goes on an inferior sized driver and used proprietary bits only. Instead, for a similar price, I indulged in this and it's so awesome and you won't be disappointed. You can replace the bits with same or other types of bits, you could have all Phillips if you wanted or add in a more diverse variety of torx or whatever you want! There's even a small holder of a "spare" bit inside the handle of the multi-tool so if you didn't have the case or bit holder with you, you could still have another option with you ready to go. I keep a #2 Phillips in the driver and a #2 flat head in the backup. If you're looking for a small multi-tool to fit in your pocket, maybe a small leatherman would be better for you as this is kinda heavy and should definitely be worn on the belt in its case. That's the only drawback really is it being so heavy and a little bulky for everyday leisure carry in shorts and flip-flops so consequently, I don't carry it on me everyday, but rather keep it in my console in my truck so I have it if I need it. When working on construction projects or backstage on props and stuff at a theatre, however, it's a must-carry. If you're considering this at all, go for it!!

I waited awhile to review this so I could get some hands on use. I have been a Leatherman guy for long long time and most recently used the Wave. So I will compare my new Gerber to that model. Before I bought this I checked out lots of reviews here and also on Youtube. They were positive or I would not have purchased this. What I like the most - one hand operation and the spring opening of the pliers jaws. If it didn't have the spring in there it really couldn't be one hand . I did find it a bit stiff to slide out the pliers all the way at first with one hand but I believe that is getting better now with some use. Being able to pull this out of the belt pouch, open the pliers, and use it one handed while using your other hand to hold something - that is the very best feature and makes it worth it right there and goes beyond the Wave in that respect. The screwdriver centered and long enough to do real work is a great selling point too - I have not had a chance to use it a lot for that yet but it is nice. And being able to use standard hex bits - that is great - and again puts it beyond the Wave in comparison . The knife is very sharp but I can't comment on sharpening it because have not used it that much yet. One of the first Leatherman tools had a small awl on it and I used that all the time for stuff and very much missed that when it went away in their tools. So happy to see this very handyman useful awl tool on this. And again I haven't had a chance to use it yet but I know from the past that I will be using it often to start screw holes in wood, or punch holes in whatever I am working on that needs a poke or gentle pry. Speaking of pry it has the pry bar - which I have not had to use yet . In the youtube video's I watched the inside serrated blade was criticized for not being very sharp . Perhaps Gerber has improved it since this tool first came out since I find it adequate for what I would use it for and sharp enough. It is not a saw so I don't see it as that. But it is sharp enough . The things I don't like about this tool . It just isn't as smooth in the hand as the Wave. It has some edges here and there on it . Nothing too sharp to hurt but thought I would point out that the Wave just feels great in your hand. And the lack of smoothness also means it does not easily slide in and out of the belt pouch , because some of the edges and the side screwdriver are a big grabby. I found putting it in the case the opposite way I would normally was the way to get it out easier. Speaking of the case - - it is pretty well made but I have an issue with it. It is great that it loops both for a waist belt and also loops for something like a shoulder strap on a pack. The problem I have with it is that the shoulder strap loops are top and bottom with the belt loop below that. So when it is on the belt it doesn't sit all the way down - at least on my belt that isn't maybe as wide as others. Since the tool is kind of heavy , sitting on the belt this way it tends to want to tip sideways . And even though I haven't had the tool fall out - I am afraid of that happening. So I bought a Nite Ize Clip Pock-Its XL Utility Holster to use on my belt. So far the tool in that fits fine and secure ( actually a bit too deep) - this pouch is bigger than supplied pouch and has room for other stuff like flashlight , pens , etc. The small metal clip in the center that holds an extra bit for the screwdriver and swings out - I really think that has too sharp and edge and I may file it down. The cutters - jury is still out on that - I have used it a few times and they work but a couple times they seemed so so - though since it is new tool I know I have to get used to how to best use them and their limitations. All in all - like I said in the beginning I carry these now instead of the Wave. If the tool was smoother and some of the edges smoothed it would be just incredible - but I will still give this full rating because of the best features it has - one handed operation .

This is by far the best multi tool I’ve ever used! I work on industrial/heavy equipment for a major Airline. I carry this multi tool on me at all times at work. The pliers have extremely good grip and easy to use. The “center drive” bit driver is what makes this tool superior to all other multi tools, it uses your standard bits. The ergonomics of using the bit driver is flawless. The bits included with the tool are awesome, they don’t strip and do not slip when trying to loosen/tighten a fastener. The full size knife blade is also perfect and very durable. I recommend this Berber center drive over every single other multi tool on the market including Leatherman.