As a follow up to my previous article about pocket tools,
I’ve continued my search for a great keychain/pocket tool. I came across
Leatherman By the Number Pocket Tools and decided to try them out. These were
exactly what I was searching for in terms of function, cost, quality, and
production location. I purchased the Leatherman 2 and the Leatherman 8 , with the
difference between them being a standard box wrench versus a metric box wrench.
Both tools also have a bottle opener, a large screwdriver, and a box opener.
Since I’m around metric nuts more, I’ve been carrying the Leatherman 8. All I
can say about the tool is that it is outstanding.
The Leatherman By the Numbers tool cost is about $11 online
(and that included the shipping). The previous price of tools was in the range
of $6-$7, but spending $4 more for a tool that is Made In The USA (Portland,
Oregon) and it better quality is well worth it.
The Leatherman 2 and Leatherman 8 are made from 420
stainless steel and they are corrosion resistant. The Leatherman 2 has a box
wrench for Hex 3/16”, 3/8”, 7/16”, and 5/8”. The Leatherman 8 has a box wrench
for Hex 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, and 15mm. I’ve used the wrenches on both tools
and was impressed. While this is a tool intended for when you don’t have the
proper tool available, it does work and is solid. The screwdriver works well
and the box opener is perfect for any taped box. I regularly use the box opener
and the bottle opener.
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| Leatherman By The Numbers 8 |
While I’d like to do a give-away again, I’m too impressed
with these pocket tools to give them up. I’ve used the tool every day since
I’ve gotten it and, unless someone would like to donate a pocket tool for me to
try out, my search for a pocket tool is over. There is a whole line of the
tools from Leatherman to try out, and while I found the tool I needed, there
are other tools with small screwdrivers, pry bars, and scrapers. I recommend
you check them out.
-Matt
