REVIEW: Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool

Multi-tools can always be useful, even though the rush for these small multi-taskers is long gone. They have become commonplace and there are a few brands that dominate the world. One of them is Gerber. From them comes the new Center-Drive Multi-Tool. It can be seen in the image above, and behind it is a video from Gerber that is meant to show what makes it better than the competition. We are early Gerber enthusiasts: the old, military black tool is on top, also issued to the U.S. Army. Below is the new Center-Drive Multi-Tool (also in "military black"). When looking at this page, the folding screwdriver noticeably dominates the scene. It is what gives the multitool its name. Here are the basic technical data:

Why have we always loved Gerber? You can work with one hand. The pliers are recessed in the tool with a slider, so you take the tool out of your pocket, make a shaking hand motion, and the user has a pair of pliers immediately ready to use. That's great. With others, you had to unfold and refold first before you could work.

Focus on the slider, that's what moves and locks. The pliers still look a bit shy coming out of the folded multitool.

Narrow and pointed at the front, toothed like a nutcracker at the back. Ultimately a wire cutter with a notch for stripping cables. What's also great is that you can simply unscrew and replace the cutting blade from the cable cutter if it's no longer sharp. And spring pressure ensures it is ready to use when spread.

The second most important tool on the Center-Drive Multi-Tool is the screwdriver. It is oddly curved, which has something to do with the name. This ensures that the working tip comes into a central position in relation to the tool, making the multitool symmetric when using it.

The left shift makes it happen. The tip is in the center, so you can work with the Center-Drive Multi-Tool like with a normal screwdriver. This is extremely convenient and provides more torque.

Another nice feature: the Center-Drive Multi-Tool uses standard bits. You can supplement it with any bit needed for the job from a regular bit set.

Some extras come along, such as this one, but of course there are many who have special requests. Just add them.

You don't have to carry the bits separately, as the included carrying case has a compartment for them, with plenty of space upfront for the Center-Drive Multi-Tool.

While we're at it: classic MOLLE on the back, so the Center-Drive Multi-Tool modularly fits nicely on any military gear.

And there's also a bit holder that carries a second bit with the device. So just choose the two most necessary bits, they're always right there.