Leatherman LM Multitool FREE P4 sr | 832642

Product Information

Leatherman is well known for the quality and durability of their individual tools. Our experience with the Free P4 has shown that they’ve kept this dedication to quality while upgrading the overall experience. Everything is a little easier to access and use but you probably don’t need to run out and buy a Free P4 if you’re already happy with your Surge, Wave+, or Charge TTi. This is especially true given the premium price of the P4.

Different Colors– As of right now the Free P4 is only available in stainless steel. It’s likely Leatherman will offer more color options as they work out any kinks in the Free series manufacturing process. But while Leatherman boasts a faithful following of both experienced tradespeople and weekend warriors, its latest multitool caters to a more discerning audience. The 20-tool Arc marks the brand’s most expensive — and arguably advanced — EDC ever. Not only does it boast more implements than almost any other Leatherman (the Surge edges it out by one), but it’s also the first production multi from Leatherman to carry a MagnaCut blade, the current darling steel of the knife industry. It is in terms of ergonomics that the Free P4 really stands out. Rumor has it that Leatherman, with its generous warranty, receives thousands of returned and well-loved multi-tools each year. They receive each of these with instructions and requests. Apparently, according to the same rumors, a remarkably common request was that Leatherman not "fix" loose hinges on older, well-used tools. People wanted their broken screwdriver repaired, or the blade reconditioned but didn't want the hinges tightened. Users enjoyed the free hinging pivots of "broken-in" tools.

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Their removable bit driver kit gives you the ability to slide an adapter over the Phillip’s head screwdriver on your tool and access any ¼ inch bit you like. Leatherman Free P4 Vs Comparable tools Its superior corrosion resistance also means users can wipe down their blade and shove it into the sheath, without too much worry about a proper cleaning to prevent rust. And MagnaCut’s respectable edge retention means it should sustain a good deal of use without requiring proper honing or sharpening too often. (Photo/Adam Ruggiero) Rev 2: Tweaked fit of catch mechanism. Tested Tek-Lok compatible hole spacing. Added supports near top to better grip the tool. Large base finger opening The Free P4 is manufactured in the USA from Stainless Steel with a hardened 420HC Stainless Steel blade. It offers a superb combination of 21 tools and is an ideal if not essential piece of equipment for almost any job or adventure. Tools

I’ll take an extra beat to touch on the blade since it is the star of the show. I spoke with Leatherman’s design team about the choice to use MagnaCut. As with other brands, the Leatherman team agreed this steel has the most to offer most users. Its toughness will stand up to many tasks beyond its intended use, to which many users subject their blades (think prying with the blade rather than the pry bar).

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Everything I’ve tried works as advertised. And many of these tools have been a part of the Leatherman tool family for decades, so they ought to work well. Finally, let’s talk magnets. Leatherman’s team worked extensively to ensure the safety of the magnets, with respect to pacemakers or unexpected “attractions.” In short, the team said they dialed in the magnets to be just powerful enough to execute the tool’s needs alone, and not strong enough to interfere with the world around it. What it really comes down to is whether having a saw and two knives is important to you. If it is, go with the P4, if it isn’t, go with the P2. Leatherman Free P4 Vs Wave+ I won’t go into the nuances of the magnetic FREE platform here, but suffice it to say, the Arc carries the torch. Its one-handed operability is in line with the brand’s other FREE multis. If your multi-tool use includes a lot of driving screws, choose the Center Drive Plus. It is the best tool we know of for that purpose. Otherwise, it's more average as a general multi-tool. The rattly construction holds up well but doesn't instill high confidence. The pliers are more prone to pinching than more sophisticated options, and accessing tools other than the blade, pliers, and bit driver requires multiple steps.