Gerber Crucial Multi-Tool

by Gerber

• Compact and lightweight design that carries like a pocket knife
• Essential components for emergency situations
• Clip-knife styling with full-size drop-point blade that utilizes liner lock technology
• Larger essential components for full functionality even in compact and lightweight multitool
• Eight functions: pliers, v-cut wire cutter, 1/2-inch serrated blade, cross-head screwdriver, bottle opener, medium flat driver, pocket clip, and carabiner clip

Product Description

Gerber Crucial Multi-Tool

Product Details

• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• ASIN: B00CS02LVQ
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (161 customer reviews)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

140 of 143 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Smallish and Handy August 3, 2009

By J. Watson

Color Name:Green

The Gerber Crucial was released some months after the Leatherman Skeletool (link: Leatherman Skeletool CX Carbon Fiber Handle Multitool and Knife 830950), and it fills the same niche: Compact Multi-Tool without Extras.
The Gerber Crucial has:
* Drop-point knife blade with partial serration
* Pliers with wire-cutters
* Flat-head screwdriver
* Phillips-head screwdriver
* Carabiner clip with bottle-opener function

When you compare it to the Skeletool CX, they have the same features but the important difference is ergonomics. Not only are the pliers handles shaped to your hand, they won't dig into your hand like the Skeletool handle does.

Pros:
* Carabiner bottle opener: it doesn't stick way out from your belt like a knife sheath does. The bottle opener is spot-on, works perfectly!
* Ergonomics: fits your hand
* Only the crucial components: Knife, pliers, screwdriver. I rarely need anything else from a multi-tool
* Wire cutters cut well!: SO many tools get this wrong, and I don't know why

Cons:
* Thick for the number of tools: 3-1/2" X 1-3/8" X 3/4" closed, stretches my definition of "pocket" size, you will forgive that when you use the pliers
* Gerber's Gimpy Phillips-head: perpendicular edge does not extend out as much as the other, meaning it is basically a flat-head that comes to a point. Not a deal-breaker but annoying in that you must apply more downward force

Odds 'n Ends:
* Both the screwdrivers have their own locks: Strange, but I can't fault Gerber for making things more safe.
* I took the belt-clip off because I use the carabiner, and when I went to put the clip screws back in, they cross-threaded!
* Pliers not as beefy as Leatherman Skeletool: Let's face it, if you need to turn huge bolts in a mission-critical situation, you probably shouldn't be using a multi-tool! For those incidental occasions when you need to hold a small workpiece or "coax" something open, Gerber has you covered.
* You will need to half-open the pliers handle to use the Phillips-head easily
* Unique styling and choice of colors: Follow me on this one - I know that style is not very important when it comes to tools. But in some settings, reaching for a huge knife with a tool-shed attached just to open a bottle kind of scares some people. I'm just a regular guy who likes to be prepared.

137 of 142 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good tool - but none of the reviewers seem to get it the concept! January 8, 2010

By Dave N

Color Name:Green

I have had this tool for only a few weeks, but the reviewers seems to have missed the mark, so I thought I'd weigh in. This tool is for someone who just wants to carry around the basics, i.e., the "crucial" tools. Most of the time all you need in life are plyers, knife, flat head or flat AND phillips screw driver. Mostly, that is all you get. If you want a bagillion tools in you multi tool, obviously, don't buy this one. If you want a multi tool that is relatively light, low profile, and easy to carry, but still has everything you need (and nothing you don't), buy this one. Some of the reviews have bashed the phillips head. It is fine for small jobs. If you are rebuilding your big-block Chevy 305, get a real damn screwdriver. The point of this tool is to help you out in a pinch, not be the only tool you own, and that it does well. Here is the other things these reviews miss. It is designed to have the profile and functionality of a pocket knife. I think of it as a "transformer"--a pocket knife that transforms into a multi tool. Multi tools are awkward and heavy and thus don't get carried much, or if they do, it is in a pouch. This one can be carried just like a pocket knife, clipped into your pocket. Its profile is a little bigger than you average pocket knife, but it is slight enough not be noticeable If you squint your eyes a little bit, it looks like a pocket knife, not a multi tool. OK, I am stretching it, but you get the point. By the way, just like a good pocket knife, with only one hand you can pull this out of your pocket and open the blade to a locked position with your thumb. Try doing that with a Leatherman! Bravo Gerber on incorporating your knife experience into the design. Gerber, a knife company, obviously wanted this thing to have the functional form of a pocket knife, with the added functionality of a paired down multi-tool. They succeeded. That is what sets this tool apart from all others. I would also note that it is well designed; for example the locks on each tool are appreciated and the tools when opened are in a position that makes them reltively easy to use (i.e., the screw drivers are not off-center like in a leatherman). Clearly, a lot of thought when into engineering it. In sum, this tool if for someone who wants symplicity: everything you need, nothing you don't, in a package that is light, unobtrusive, well designed, and easy to carry.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Multi-Tool with some drawbacks April 11, 2010

By M. Stewart

Color Name:Green

I have been using the Crucial for almost 4 months now. I work in Outdoor Education for a University so I spend a fair amount of my time in the woods. I can honestly say I use this tool almost every single day. I needed something that I could keep comfortably in my pocket. It needed to have a good blade and pliers with wire cutters. I searched around and was torn between the Crucial and the Leatherman Freestyle. I settled on the crucial because of the addition of the carabineer and screwdrivers.

I was impressed with this tool right off the bat and grow fonder of it each and every day...with a few exceptions. I think it will be easiest to break this review down into sections.

Blade
The blade is easy to open thanks to the little thumb piece attached to it. The locking mechanism is very secure and inspires confidence when you are using the blade in a way you shouldn't (let's be honest we all do it at some point). On the flipside of the lock being secure, it can be a little stiff while trying to close the blade. I found myself using a second hand when the knife was new. The blade doesn't dull too easily. I have only needed to sharpen mine once since I have been using it. I like the shape of the blade. I have found myself using the flat tip for scraping stuff that I would normally use the sharpened edge for in the past. Oh and I love that I don't have to unfold the knife to get to the pliers.

Pliers/Wire Cutters
The pliers are my most used tool, and are great for what they are. They are sturdy and grip very well. They will not let you down as long as you know they are not vice grips. Also, because of the shape of the handle, you need to hold the pliers with the gray part against your palm. Otherwise the stylistic flair will dig into your palm and cause irritation. Flip the tool over and the problem is solved. The wire cutters work well and have not disappointed me yet. I have used them for bicycle cables, automotive wiring, and cutting cord in the field and have not been disappointed. I have seen reviews complaining about the small gap between the cutting surfaces. I had never even noticed that until I read the review.

Screwdrivers
I have used them both multiple times and while I'm not ecstatic about them I'm happy enough. They are both very short which can hinder their use. However, if you unfold the tool it makes the Phillips head screwdriver much more usable. I have never used either of these on very stubborn screws, and would walk to my toolbox to get an actual screwdriver if it is a possibility. With that being said, they have and will continue to come in handy and I am glad that Gerber included them.

Carabineer/Bottle Opener
I love having a carabineer on my knife for when I'm camping. I can attach it to my bag when it's not in my pocket and it is easily accessible. I have also found the carabineer to be the perfect tool for pulling out stubborn tent stakes. The bottle opener works surprisingly well although I have only used it a handful of times. I do have two complaints about the carabineer. First, the gate is somewhat weak. It doesn't always return to its closed position without a little help. Second, there is no lock for the carabineer. At first there was enough friction to keep it open somewhat securely. However, that has worn away and now I can open and close it with the flick of my wrist. I don't like how easily it moves.

Pocket Clip
I love pocket clips on knives. I won't even consider buying a folding pocket knife without one. The pocket clip on the crucial served me well until about two days ago. I went to grab my knife and realized it had fallen into my pocket. I pulled it out and found the clip had broken off. I would simply put a new one on and it wouldn't be a big deal but it broke one of the small torx screws off...nearly flush with the handle. It's so small I am not sure the best way to get it out. Hopefully this will be covered by their lifetime warranty.

Conclusion
Overall I have been very happy with the crucial. There have been a couple small annoyances but nothing that has hindered the tool's functionality. I will definitely buy another when the time comes, and may even purchase a few as gifts. The crucial loses a star due to the carabineer and the pocket clip. I think the crucial is a great tool for a great price, and will be heartbroken if I ever lose it.