There’s nothing worse than needing a pair of pliers, screwdriver or knife, only to end up rattling around in the toolbox, glovebox or ute and come up with nothing.
Gerber’s new Dual-Force is no ordinary multi-tool. It’s perfect for those day-to-day tasks, and for getting you out of trouble on weekend adventures on country backroads, fixing mountain bikes and swapping out surfboard fins at the beach.
In the past the functionality of the various tools within multi-tools has been average at best, often difficult or awkward to use, and often giving substandard results. But Gerber has been producing impressive multi-tools for many years now, and has set a new standard with the Dual-Force. The jaws operate like a dedicated set of pliers, with a 2-position slip-lock design and extra-large teeth for optimum control, and the center-axis bit driver provides maximum torque and rotation.
It’s the result of knowledge and technology gained from Gerber’s previous Center-Drive multi-tool which was very well received when it hit the market a few years back. The handspan is 47% narrower than competitor tools, allowing for optimum gripping power with 2x the force, and layered construction adds durability and twice the strength of the competition. To top things off, the included sheath can be worn horizontally or vertically to suit the task and user preference.
TEST #1: PLIERS
I soon found a few various-sized rusted nuts and bolts to test both the bite of the teeth and the strength of the jaws on the pliers. The first was a bolted gate I’d had to tighten with traditional pliers, and I knew it would be a solid challenge as I’d pulled it up really tight to start with. Both the grip of the teeth and the handspan allowed me to get a good hold on the nut and loosen it, then tighten it up again, with minimal slipping. Given how tight the nut was, it was a very good result.
From there I moved on to considerably bigger nuts on scaffolding. The Dual-Force also managed to loosen them right off, and I was again surprised how effective the Gerber proved given the size of the fasteners.
TEST #2: CENTER-AXIS BIT DRIVER
With multiple interchangeable head options, the Center-Axis bit driver brings real versatility when it’s most needed. For our testing, we removed the cover of a wall-mounted hot-water system and fixed a gate latch that was in dire need of attention. We also found several other Phillips-head and flat-head applications. The functionality of the Dual-Force was spot on and allowed for quick-and-easy repairs. I even managed to tighten up a tripod leg that had slowly been getting on the saggy side over the past month.
Both the ease of rotation and application of torque and pressure onto the screw proved precise and easy. The center-axis drive allows for balanced pressure to be applied, and it flows easily and directly through the handle of the tool onto the screw being worked on.
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
As you’d expect with any multi-tool, the Dual-Force is packed with a pile of tools: bits, blades, saws, wire cutters, a wire stripper, fasteners (small and large), chisel edge, fine/coarse file and a fabric sheath, just to cover a few of the inclusions. But it’s the fact this tool sits so well on the hip when worn on a belt in the sheath, either vertically or horizontally, and the high functionality of the included tools and features that make the Gerber multi-tool so versatile.
The blade, file and saw are easily unlocked and folded back into place by pushing in a small locking latch at the base of the folding mechanism, keeping both the user’s hand safe as well as providing quick and easy folding away of the tool when completed. The general operation of the Dual-Force is intuitive and efficient, giving fast, trouble-free access to the various tools. All in all, Gerber has done a great job on the design and manufacture of this multi-tool.
It feels substantial in the hand without feeling too heavy or restrictive when in use, and it has a great balance of strength, quality, and functionality.
Visit: www.gerbergear.com.au for more info.