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Product Information
| Part Number | 830846 |
| Item Weight | 5 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Item model number | 830846 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Warranty Description | 26 year warranty |
| ASIN | B000XU9NXW |
| Best Sellers Rank |
#1,025 in Home Improvement (See top 100)
|
| Shipping Weight | 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) |
| Shipping | This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S. |
| Date First Available | December 7, 2003 |
Product Description
Amazon.com
 Leatherman packs the full-size Skeletool with the tools you're likely to use most often. |
Introducing the Brand New Skeletool from Leatherman
Now you're ready to lighten your load and boost your survival skills -- with Leatherman's Skeletool. At a mere 5 ounces the new, full-sized multitool keeps weight and volume to a minimum without sacrificing quality and true functionality, and that's what the Skeletool is all about. Many multitools have multiple options, but they’re often heavier -- and they're loaded with more features than most people actually need on a regular basis. Conversely, pocket knives are light and streamlined, but they render themselves useless when the task calls for a more versatile tool. Enter the new Skeletool platform, offering minimal weight, compact size and endless capabilities. And with the Skeletool's integrated, removable pocket clip, you can easily clip this tool onto a belt, a pack, or a vest -- with no sheath or tote required.
Key User Features
The Skeletool CX has a large knife blade that can be accessed while the tool is closed; to open it, just place your thumb in the thumbhole at the base of the blade and rotate it out until it's fully extended -- which will engage the safety lock. This locking mechanism is noted with a padlock symbol on the tool. To unlock the blade, press the locking mechanism towards the handle until the blade slides past the lock.
Equipped with a universal bit driver, the Skeletool offers real utility options like no other multitool. To change the tool bits, simply unfold the tool and remove the bit from the bit driver -- and pop it out. And replacing bits is just as easy. Just press a new one into position and you're good to go. There's even a spare bit located in the handle side opposite the knife blade. This tool includes the following bits: Phillips #1 and #2, screwdriver 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch.
In the plier jaws you'll find a hard-wire cutter and a regular wire cutter. The regular wire cutter is great for softer grades of wire, but the hard-wire cutter is excellent for heavier jobs -- like cutting and bending fishhooks.
Multitool Capabilities:
The Skeletool keeps it simple -- and light, and compact, and easy to transport. Why waste time with pointless, heavy add-ons when all the basics are right at your fingertips? With its open hardware, skeletal design and hardy appearance, the Skeletool boasts a premium stainless steel blade, pliers, a universal bit driver, and a carabiner/bottle opener ... and that's it.
Key Tech Specs:
- Length: 4 inches/10 cm closed
- Weight: 5 ounces/142 grams
- Materials: Stainless steel, 420HC
- Included Bits: Phillips #1 and #2, Screwdriver 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch
 Leatherman makes a full range of complementary accessories and add-ons for this and other Leatherman products. |
Optional Accessories (not included)
Spice up your Skeletool with genuine Leatherman accessories. Options include a bit kit that offers 21 double-ended bits for real versatility. From new belt sheaths to t-shirts and caps, genuine Leatherman accessories are durable, fun and show that you're a part of Leatherman World. With such a wide variety available, it's easy to find just the add-on that's right for you.
Warranty
All Leatherman products are covered by a 25-year limited warranty. If within 25 years from the purchase date of your genuine Leatherman tool you find any defect in material or workmanship, you can count on the manufacturer to make it right with fast warranty service. To obtain warranty service, return your tool to Leatherman Tool Group. Depending on the tool defect, they will decide whether to repair your tool or replace it with a product of equal or greater value. No variations, upgrades or refunds are offered.
The Leatherman Tool Group and its History of Quality
In 1975, Leatherman Tool Group founder Tim Leatherman was inspired by leaky pipes and a cranky car on a budget trip to Europe -- and thus the idea for his first pocket survival tool was conceived. Since then, Leatherman has become an internationally recognized company with hundreds of employees and a wide variety of durable, versatile, stylish products. Created with bold designs and truly rugged construction, Leatherman products are a perfect addition for tool kits, emergency sets, and glove compartments everywhere.
Customer Reviews
I have seen this tool pitched for hiking/camping. If you are an avid outdoorsman, get the Charge TTi. The Skeletool is lighter but only by 3.2 ounces (5 compared to 8.2). For that minimal weight savings, you sacrifice having a saw, file, backup blades and a can opener. Seems like a really bad trade off in survival situations.
WHAT THIS TOOL IS
The Skeletool is a great pocket knife replacement. It is light enough and compact enough to replace your trusty pocket knife. Without even openning the swing arms, you can access the knife (which is very solid) and bottle openner / carabiner. Openning the swing arms provides access to very solid pliers and screwdriver. The screwdriver gives access to 4 screwdriver heads since the removable bits are reversable and the handle stores an extra bit.
The Skeletool would also make a great multitool for IT support people since it has everything that a tech support person might need in a pinch.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Build quailty is great (as I have come to expect from Leatherman). For the minimal size and weigtht of the tool, it provides good functionality. If you carry a pocket knife and/or just need the few tools that the Skeletool provides, I would definately recommend replacing it with the Skeletool (a real set of pliers can be very handy). If you are looking for a toolbox replacement (or as near as you can get with a multitool) or if you are looking for an outdoor survival tool, get the Charge TTi. You will give up too much for the 3.2 ounces of weight savings.
Personally, I have both. I usually carry the Skeletool, but grab my Charge TTi when I need a fully functional multitool.
One of the criterion for a great multitool is versatility, and for the longest time I thought that meant more blades, attachments, and enhancements. While that's partially true, that also means a bigger, heavier footprint. When I finally upgraded to the heavyweight behemoth that is the Leatherman 830160 Surge Pocket Multitool with Leather Sheath and found myself leaving it at home more and more often because of its weight, I realized something was wrong.
The reality is most blades/tool-blades seldom see the light of day outside of camping, and the added weight and size only serve to discourage daily carry. Barring camping or novelty, when was the last time you used your pocket-knife's can-opener? Wood saw? Awl? Corkscrew?? Is there anything you absolutely need scissors for that can't be accomplished with a blade or wire cutter? Do you unconditionally NEED eyeglass-sized screwdrivers on you 24-7?
Most daily applications can be accomplished with a simple blade, a couple drivers, a good set of pliers, and a bottle opener ;). And that's exactly what the Skeletool standard and CX multitools offer.
-Carryability-
What makes the Skeletool CX great isn't the *number* of tools, it's the *versatility* of its few, well thought out tools, allowing for a 5 ounces overall weight, slim form-factor, and not one but two carry clips. The standard side-clip is removable (thought cannot be installed in any other positions on the tool) while the carabiner turns out to be far more useful than I'd imagined -- I find myself hanging it on my belt loop most of the time, keeping my belt free of pouches and my pockets comfortably empty. This negates the need for a holster, though there are versions of the tool which come with one should you desire it.
-The Blade-
Like most modern multitools, the Blade rotates open easily, one-handed, without having to open the tool itself. This is a MUST HAVE feature for an Every Day Carry tool, and feels right at home on the Skeletool. The 2.5 inch blade is a perfectly functional length for everyday use (again, this is an EDC tool, not a survival knife, and anything longer would only make it heavier). The CX model has an upgraded 154CM steel blade and is *reason enough* to choose the CX over the standard model - 154CM is a far better, more modern steel which holds is edge VERY well while providing moderate corrosion resistance and takes nothing more than a good ceramic stone to sharpen. Over the past year I've used it for everything from prying and scraping to box cutting and (in a pinch) cooking, and despite never having sharpened it once the tip is still there (which is saying a lot for my knives) and it's still plenty sharp. The blade's liner lock does a noticeably firm job of holding the blade in place with NO WOBBLE. Quality! When closed, the blade is held in place via a blade-retention bump on the liner lock that mates with one of the skeletonizing holes near the base of the blade. Both Skeletools I've used had a ramp cut into the base of the blade near the joint, automatically depressing the retention-bump and allowing safe closure of the blade. One reviewer has proven that his Skeletool CX does not have this ramp, forcing him to grind off the bump or risk placing him thumb in danger every time he closed the blade. It is yet unclear as to why his knife didn't get the ramp.
-Half Serrated vs. Full Straight Blade-
NOTE: In mid 2009, Leatherman added half-length blade serrations to standard model and REMOVED them from the CX model. Confusingly, the model numbers were not updated to match the new configurations. Some online retailers may still have the 'old version' still in inventory, but as the model numbers are the same, there's no way of knowing what you'll receive. I contacted Leatherman about this and this is the reply I received:
"Thank you for your email and your interest in Leatherman Tools. Originally our Skeletool had a "straight blade", and the Skeletool CX had a "combo blade". The Skeletool CX has a higher grade of steel in its blade and those in the `knife world' came back to us, and stated that we should not use the combo blade with 154cm material. Therefore, in mid year of last year, we made a design change. ... All Current models of the Skeletool CX now have the straight blade. All current models of the Skeletool have the combo blade. ... There are some retailers out there, who have both in inventory. We did not change the item numbers when we made the blade change. Unfortunately, you will have to just check to see who has what in stock."
-Bit Driver-
This is THE tool to replace them all and one of the reasons the Skeletool can do so much while still being so thin and light. You can carry two double-sided bits with you (one in the driver and one in the spare bit slot). I got the Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath bit kit with my Skeletool and found that the two bits I use most are the [#0 & #3] Philips bit, and the [#1-2 & 3/16] Philips & flat-blade combo bit. I can attack any pretty much any screw-head and pry at anything without risking damage to the blade. The rest of the bits are stowed in my backpack.
One word of warning: make sure your spare bit slot is tight before clipping your Skeletool onto your pack while hiking. A friend of mine had his spare bit fall out! Nothing the aforementioned Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath couldn't replace, but you still might want to bend it a little to tighten it up. Mine was fine, so this may not be a problem for you.
-Pliers-
I admit, the jaws are a little thinner than I'd like, but have so far held up to everything I've thrown at it (including an accident with a Dremmel). It also would have been nice if the integrated wire cutters were a little harder as they developed a little "bump" after nibbling through a particularly tough strip of metal. For a while there was noticeable resistance when closing the pliers, but over time it's worn itself back in. My only lasting complaint is that, despite being so thin (3/16ths" at its widest point) the tip is just a tad too blunt to fit in the AR-15's firing-pin retaining-pin recess. It would have been nice if the "needle-nose" was a bit more "needle" ;)
-Bottle Opener-
A definite nice to have. Am I ashamed to admit this alone gets as much use as the rest of the tools combined? Nah ;)
Also, when I contacted Leatherman about the mid 2009 blade change, I was lucky enough to get a full list of all Skeletool models. Maybe it'll help you, maybe not. Here it is anyway:
Skeletool (Standard) - manufactured with a combo blade after mid '09
830845: 420HC No sheath, box packaging
830846: 420HC No sheath, Clam packaging
830847: 420HC No sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830865: 420HC Nylon sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830948: 420HC Nylon sheath, Box packaging
Skeletool CX - manufactured with a straight blade after mid '09
830849: 154CM No sheath, box packaging
830850: 154CM No sheath, Clam packaging
830851: 154CM No sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830866: 154CM Nylon Sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830950: 154CM Nylon Sheath, box packaging
So that's it. Don't let the Skeletool's small size and feature list deter you; The Skeletool is an extraordinary EDC tool!
This may not be the most helpful review in the world, but since the tool is pretty minimal there isn't a whole lot to review. It's light (compared to other full-sized tools) but also seems to be very durable and well-made. It also feels comfortable to hold and has an ergonomic design.
The blade on it is quite nice and will replace my Leatherman C301 pocket-knife. It was a tad bit stiff at first, but after a couple of days it opens easily with 1 hand.
I really like the screwdriver bit storage in the handle. The way it works is, you always leave a bit that will be exposed and ready-to-use when the tool is opened (the philips is in when you first get it). The flat-blade bit is stored in the handle. Handy having the screwdriver readily available when you open it.
Overall I would recommend it if you're looking for a quality full-sized Leatherman tool that shaves off a few ounces over some of the heavier alternatives like the Wave. Very nice product!
Nice simple combination of tools for daily use. Read more
