Customer Reviews

Gerber 30-000140 Crucial Tool, Green

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The Gerber Crucial Tool can come in handy and is a neat trinket at a reasonable price. Gerber probably could have fit a bit more function into a tool of this size. It's aesthetically nice and fairly compact and is built with a quality housing held together with black T9 screws.

Below, I go over each feature individually...

PLIERS/WIRE CUTTERS:
The pliers are a bit thin, but the jaws line up great, which makes it easy to pick at small things. The wire cutters work fine as well.

On the green or gray arm, we find...

BELT CLIP:
This is a long, quality clip which comes standard, attached to the outside of the tool using two T6 screws.

KNIFE:
The flat-nosed knife has a black, plastic attachment on its side toward the base to help make it easy to flip outward. It has a straight edge up front and a serrated edge at the base. It cuts cleanly, although you need to apply a small amount of additional pressure to help push it through paper.

CARABINEER CLIP/BOTTLE OPENER:
I don't know what I'd use the carabineer clip for but the latch is strong and it's a good size loop. The bottle opener is great, and is the only tool "marked" for its utility with a painted on outline of a bottle so you know what it's for.

On the bronze-colored arm we find...

FLAT HEAD SCREWDRIVER:
Make sure to press this bit to where it locks into place, otherwise you may only think it's locked into place. This bit is short, but it works fine and can be handy. The tip has about the same thickness as a fingernail.

PHILIPS HEAD SCREWDRIVER:
Push to make sure this bit locks into place. This tool gets docked two stars in my review mostly for this bit. If you try to use it, you will likely strip the screw. Do not use this bit. Extremely poor design - like the cross is sloped and rounded. It would be better off were this not attached to the tool. A toothpick or file in its place would have given this tool a chance at a four and a half star rating.

IN SUMMARY:

The Gerber Crucial tool would make a nice, inexpensive gift for the handy type. Just consider the knife, bottle opener, flat head, wire cutters and pliers to be the limited extent of its utility. The lack of a usefull phillips head bit is a big negative.

Starting with five stars, subtract one and three quarters for the useless phillips head gag, and then subtract one quarter star for its overall functionality for a total of three stars in my book. Otherwise, it is of decent quality.

Though I generally prefer Gerber tools versus Leatherman, I have to give the nod to the Leatherman Freestyle CX for overall quality.

There are some good things to like about this tool, however. It's a good size for carrying clipped to the main pocket on a pair of jeans, though somewhat bulky for a pair of slacks. I like the tool choices which includes a serviceable blade, pliers, carabiner/opener and screwdrivers. These are the things I use most often. The Leatherman Freestyle CX does not have screwdrivers, which limits its usefulness to me.

Alas, there are a few faults. Most noticeable is that opening the pliers causes the handles to grate against each other near the hinge area. After just a few openings I noticed that the aluminum was already dinged in that area and the green paint was scratched away. Even knowing that it was grating, I couldn't easily open the pliers without causing that point to touch.

Though the workmanship is solid, the pliers seem frail. Unlike the Suspension multi-pliers, the pliers on this tool seem weak. With a good squeeze you'll get a lot of "give" in the handles.

Finally, it's just a bit too bulky. It's not as versatile as the Suspension (which has a belt case) but is too large for comfortable carry inside the pocket. This means you're unlikely to carry it around.

Update:
I changed the rating from 3 stars to 1 star. The tensioner has already cracked with almost no use.

I'm finished with Gerber knives and tools, this is the third product I've bought were the pocket clip broke off literally within hours of receiving it. I open the package and I'm always impressed (usually) with what is within slip it on the ol' pants pocket and away I go only to find the thing either in my pocket with the clip gone or the sound of the clip hitting the ground as I pull it out (sometimes for the first time I might add). This isn't a trolling hateful review just take my word for it most Gerber clips are straight low grade quality even if the item is top notch.

I chose to have this replace my daily clip/pocket knife to see how it would sustain, and after putting it through a fair amount of tests it did quite well.

The foremost concern was going to be how thick it would feel clipped onto the interior of my front pocket, and it actually does not impose at all. The clip is strong and disallows there to be any accidental removals or popping off episodes (from seat belts, etc.). It manages to be short enough that it does not cause pocket discomfort when sitting or climbing.

Second was going to be pliers durability and closure without pinching fingers routines. I had to do some fence work with barbed wire and thick brackets, and it did fine for what I tried to use it for and limited out on getting a full twist on thick wire. I out of habit have a finger on the inside of the handles to move them apart for repeated pliers usage, and it does not pinch. They designed the tools to not have skin-pinch edges for people like me.

The knife has a squared end which I prefer for the daily work I do (not a sharp pointed end). I cut a great deal of adhesive tape off of movie boxes and it is actually safer to use this than a standard knife (when in a hurry and not using my box cutters). The other tools and items I have not had a use for yet, but they are easy enough to extend without snapping fingernails and such.

I like the lightweight but durable enough feel without it sacrificing too much strength. Have seen a variety of complaints here about all kinds of issues, but I have had a good run with it and I have switched to wearing it daily instead of my fire knife (last five years).

This is a great and handy multi-tool to have around. It is small and compact and the basic things you would need it for, like the knife, pliers, drivers are there. It is as it is, just basic. I own Victorinox Swiss Champ and there is no comparison. I still would carry and would not part with my swiss army knife. Although just basic, this tool has some awesome features that makes it kinda attractive: it is compact ergonomically designed, stainless-steel construction, color contrast design which makes it attractive to look at and it is fairly priced. It also has a carabineer that double functions as a bottle-cap opener. Not a lot of bells and whistles like an original swiss army knife but this is what you would get in a basic configuration tool. Still it is handy for all the basic uses you would encounter when taking it camping or just a plain multi-tool to have sitting in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Recommended!

I use this tool daily for work. It really gets a good workout so I've waited to submit a good review. There is a carabineer hook inside the tool. There is really no reason for it to take up valuable space on the inside when the belt hook on the outside could and should be replaced with a carabiner type hook.

Also, the philips head screwdriver doesn't work. It's far too flat to actually work as a phillips. It's like it's already been stripped out. It was worthless.

I get the impression this was designed for a woman or a young boy. It's cute, it's light, it comes in a cool color. On the good side, it is light, it has the basic stuff on it and it works for the most part. If it had a working phillips tip I could even live with the carabineer where it is.

The Crucial tool, when closed, feels and looks like a knife. The pliers are adequate, the carabiner, knife, and flat head driver all work well and seem to be of good construction. The "cross driver" does work as a phillips driver if one is careful: It can be easy to strip screws with this, I tend to use heavy pressure and turn slowly. If it starts to slip it is not going to work and I go no further. Besides the cross driver, it is a very good and handy tool that is clipped in my pocket daily. ***UPDATE*** 7/28/10 The pliers have broken after a couple of months of light duty use. There is a tab (tensioner) on the back of the handle that puts pressure on the pliers to make them work. It just broke today when I was opening it. I noticed this is made in China, not the same quality as my old Gerber Multi tool. I will have to send it back for a warranty as the pliers will now not work. After this happening and realizing how thin the broken part in question is, I have to knock it down to 3 stars and would say that I would not take this into the woods on a camping trip or other foray far from civilization. Average quality and good workmanship.***UPDATE*** 8/25/10 I returned my tool for repair and they sent me a new one. 9 day turnaround. Great service on the warranty!!! No RMA needed, just sent to them with a return address.