Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Leatherman Crunch: A Different Multi-Tool

By Richard D. Stanley

When you think about multi-tools, Leatherman comes in mind. They have innovated the multi-tool with their standard pliers design. The Leatherman Crunch introduces a different take on the standard needle nose pliers design. With the Crunch, Leather offers locking pliers as the main tool. Locking pliers are also called vice-grips. Anyone that works around tools know that vice-grips are valuable. Having a pair of vice-grips is like having a third hand. Vice-grips allow you to free your grip for other tasks.

The Leatherman Crunch is small. Smaller than the Wave. The design is very cool. The Crunch pops out and it takes a few seconds to set up the main tool. The result is a small to mid-size vice grip that is very compact and portable when closed. In hand, it feels very well built and like all Leathermans, it has a 25 years warranty. The company stands by it's products and you can see it in the build quality of the Crunch.

The Crunch has 13 functional tools built in. I will not talk about them all but I will talk about the main tools and the ones you will be using the most. The vice-grips, serrated blade, large flat-head screwdriver, and file are the tools that will see duty the most on the Crunch. The Crunch does not have nearly as much tools as the Wave or Charge but I consider the Crunch a complimentary multi-tool. That may sound strange since to purpose of multi-tools is to fill many roles when needed, but sometimes, it is good to have 2 different multi-tools that have only the tools you need. Some people, like myself, have no need for a corkscrew so I should not carry a multi-tool with things I do not need. It would just add weight.

The downside to the Crunch is the lack of complimentary tools. Through the function of it's design, all of the other tools are smaller and limited. Also, what I did not like was the fact that it had 3 size flat head screwdrivers. The big flat head will be the most used. One thing that impressed me was the lock. All of the secondary tools lock firm and solid. You could use the screwdrivers to pry if you are in a grind. The adjusted knob for the vice grip can be removed allowing access to a hex drive. This makes it possible to expand the Crunch into a more versatile tool if coupled with a bit driver. You have to buy it separate. Do I see myself expanding this tool? No. Is it nice to have the option? Yes.

Right now I carry the Crunch in my day pack with my Victorinox Soldier. I carry My Spyderco Caly 3 on my person and these tools are perfect for my needs. If you are in the market for a nice secondary multi-tool, the Crunch is perfect. I say secondary tool because I believe the Crunch does not fulfill the role completely like a Leatherman Wave, Charge, or Victorinox Champ. The Crunch couple with another multi-tool will complete your portable tool box perfectly. If you need a third hand, the Crunch is the right tool for you. Currently, it is the only multi-tool on the market with a functional vice grip. I purchased my Crunch for about $45. Shop around. I highly recommend the Leatherman Crunch if you are in the market for a great multi-tool.

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