Customer Reviews

Leatherman 830012 Charge XTI Multitool with Nylon Sheath

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I suggested to Leatherman awhile back (among others I'm sure) the new cutting hook available on the Charge XTI, they listened apparently. This tool was smooth working out of the box. The cutting hook will be used by me in EMS work cutting seat belts and clothing. I'm sure it would work on gutting animals such as deer, etc if you hunt. The tools lock well, the bit sockets lock and unlock positively with an unobtrusive integrated pushbutton. You can carry the tool in the included sheath open or folded. I carry it folded because I use the outside tools more often. Your situation may be completely different but that's where the beauty lies. It's so versatile. The angles of the tools make them easier to work with than many generic models. There is a definite quality difference between some of the generic look-a-likes. Go ahead, spend the money. You can't go wrong with the quality. This is one of the Leatherman tools you'll want to carry everywhere you go. This works well in the office too, computers, etc.

This thing is just incredible! I work in the sound-engineering and the theatre business so I carry my Charge with me everywhere I go. This one tool goes in and out of it's sheath every few minutes. I love the easy open knives and how everything locks. The quality of the tools are incredible. I have sawed through a 2x4 with the Charge saw in seconds, the knife can cut anything thrown at it, the serrated knife is a beast, and the cutting hook can tackle the toughest wires. The tools inside are a plus too, I carry around the bit pieces for the screwdrivers and I have never encountered a need to carry screwdrivers around anymore! This tool is lightweight and VERY durable, the pliers are very solid unlike other multi-tool companies.

This product gets a score of 5/5, I'd give it extra if it allowed me. The Charge XTI is every handyman's best friend!

This multi-tool is the best I have seen yet. I am impressed with the build quality. You can tell that this tool is meant to be USED! When I removed mine from the box for the 1st time, the first thing I noticed was the serious, professional nature of the tool. Everything is robust, sharp, well-made and ergonomic. I bought the XTi with the leather sheath and like it, but it is almost too snug in the sheath. I'm sure that, with time and use, this will get much better. When I added the included bit kit inside the sheath, it made it very difficult to snap the sheath cover in the closed position. Again, I attribute this to the new, stiff leather and it should loosen up over time. I suppose if it doesn't, I may try the nylon sheath.
Otherwise, this is one fantastic tool!
P.S. I also carry THE best small multi-tool on the market: the M4 Sebertool. I have carried it for 5 years and have used it all of the time without wear or degradation of quality. It is extremely compact, so much so that I carry it in my pocket without knowing it is there. This is the multi-tool that you will always have with you. No matter what. If you have trouble finding this tool, try (...)
If you buy both tools, you will have the absolute best of both worlds.

I bought this Charge about a year and a half ago, soon after when they were first introduced, so I wasn't too sure how it would work out.

It's held up well, everything is sharp and functional.
I chose this version over the XT because I didn't need the scissors, the hook is more useful (to me) and the XTI uses two large bit holders instead of one (a big plus for me, since I use the bits a lot!)

The tools all lock and stay locked. The lock releases seemed like they would accidentally unlock the tools when I used it, they are so easy to push. So far, that hasn't happened.

The carry versatility is one feature that stands out.

Really.

I've normally carried it in it's nylon sheath on my belt. It will go on the belt vertically or horizontally, and is unobtrusive, I can forget it's there. When I wear dress slacks or don't want things on my belt, I can use the pocket clip. It is snug and stays in place. When I've been hiking/rock-climbing or at work on a ladder, I loop it around my neck on a lanyard, using the quick-release lanyard ring (haven't used the internal lanyard ring, but I'm sure it's useful, as well). The quick-release snaps in and out nicely, and is secure.

The 154CM blade and the sheepsfoot are really sharp, be careful!

The tool bits, ahhh, the tool bits! Versatility yet again! I thought the tool bits wouldn't work out well since they are flattened to fit in the sheath. In use, they work as well as bits you'd find on any other multi-tool, but since they are flatter, you can carry more of them. I also purchased the extra tool bits carrier from Leatherman and now have more options again. I re-arranged the bits to carry the ones I use the most with the multitool in it's sheath, the less-used bits stay in their own sheath. Sometimes I carry that sheath too, mostly at work. All in all, I have 30 double-ended bits, making it 60 bits I can carry, easily and out of the way. Now THAT'S a mobile toolbox!

About the only downside is that there is no extender for the bits: if the fastener you are working on is recessed or in a hard to reach spot, the bits are short and won't reach. With the XTI folded up, trying to reach some fasteners is a challenge. Also, the bit holders only lock when fully folded out, there is no 90 degree position if you wanted to put some torque on a stuck fastener. These are minor gripes, so I'll still give it 5 stars because of so many other good design features.

A bit on the pricey side, but seems well worth it. The versatility alone is worth the price. I'll update the review in a few years on the tool's reliability.

Gadget Geek Recommended.

I previously had a Leatherman Wave, but the nose of the pliers broke. I bought the Charge XTI as a replacement, and it has performed admirably.

I use this tool every day in a variety of applications. The tools are great, The nose of the pliers are stronger than the wave, the bits lock in place, and the nylon pouch holds the spare bits conveniently.

I am very happy with this tool, another triumph by Leatherman!

With this tool that I got for chrismas, I have used it everyday since, I never leave the house without it on my belt. Now I "out-leatherman" all my friends. I an very impressed with the sharp blades, the titanium handles and the fact that EVERYTHING locks. I feel that this leatherman will last me many many years to come. A great investment for the serious multi-tool user.

The best Leatherman ever. Other brands have dull knives and usless saws the XTi has great blades that can really cut!

I purchased this multi-tool for use outdoors, camping and backpacking. I have ended up using it for much more.

This is one of the top models by this line, differing from its sibling in that it lacks a pair of scissors but has a second bit driver.

All of the tools are well crafted. The knife and saw are quite sharp. The screw bits too, although flattened, work surprisingly well. A new safety mechanism prevents blades from opening when the pliers are open.

Most of the tools are easy to open, but as with all such devices you need a bit of fingernails to reach some of them. There are two lanyard hooks supplied, one permanent and one removable, which seems extraneous.

This is a great tool in the Leatherman genre. I just wish they'd make that mini screwdriver tougher and easier to remove and replace. But the pliers and blades and saws are world class.

best tools i have ever spent money of, great design and very functional especially and on bits.