8 Ways To Improve The Leatherman Arc

Having carried the Arc for a little while now, I have some thoughts on how Leatherman can improve this multi tool. If you have ideas on how to improve upon this tool, I would love to hear them.
www.kristenvanpatten.com/

[@edwardfletcher7790]

This video perfectly critiques Leathermans confoundingly frustrating product design choices 👍

[@paulbyland]

Eyeroll

[@davidkay1386]

Glad to see your back. I’ve missed watching your videos.

[@txtoolcrib]

I appreciate that!

[@michaelmartin2262]

I work offshore on anchor vessels, and I have enjoyed the Arc immensely. I also did add some customization to mine. I replaced the can opener with a comb from zapwizard. Zapwizard also does the extra bit storage mentioned in the video. I was also debating replacing the micro bit driver as well until I realized how useful it was for pressing the reset button on electrical components and for the security latches on the vessels papertowel dispensers.

[@alaskatosweden9942]

I’m a 2/M on a tanker. I’ve been debating getting the arc, but I didn’t know how stainless the rest of the tool components would be (aside from the Magnacut blade). How has your rust been?

[@bogdan_d82]

All of them rust in sea water, if you're worried about that just rinse the tool in regular water after use and put some Ballistol or WD-40 on it, I also work on ships and I just regularly clean my tools to prevent rust, my worries are not to drop the tools overboard or in the bilge 😅 not to mention that some tools disappear on ships 😂

[@michaelmartin2262]

@alaskatosweden9942 I have had my Arc for about 4 months and haven't had any rust issues whatsoever. I will say if you sweat alot from the job to where you sweat through your pants you may consider sheathe carry. While home, I pocket carry, and when at work, I use a belt sheath. Before the Arc I had the Signal for two years as a straight pocket carry, and only rust came from a Chinese implement that I swapped the saw out for, and the inside can opener mainly due pocket carry over the environment in my opinion.

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

My 3 favorite multi-tools are the Leatherman BOND and the small $6 Cabela's multi-tool and the Victorinox JETSETTER. All 3 of these multi-tools will function with the optional Leatherman removable bit driver !

[@Spanky8402]

I was surprised and happy to see a new video from you. 😀 I wish Leatherman would add the Rev package opener to the Rebar and put the Bond plier head on, then add the holes for the pocket clip. It would be awesome to have it in the Arc, just like you said. I hope they do all of this.

[@3wheelmannc860]

Fantastic, well thought out ideas on needed improvements or at least options.

[@uzbeck2006]

Also Kristen has an excellent customer service! 5 star!

[@kristenvanpatten3854]

Always love your videos Ben! Thanks for mentioning my designs.

[@txtoolcrib]

Absolutely sir. I’ve been pretty busy lately, but I love to highlight makers that produce products I like.

[@Enemy_of_Them]

Have to say that your videos are really informative. Well done!

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you

[@robertdufour2456]

So happy to see this video!

[@butterboyreviews3277]

I’ll never understand why leatherman doesn’t have a utility knife setup on their multi tools. I carry a rebar or OHT and a separate utility knife daily. It would make life so much better to have it in one package.

[@danieljennagrouse]

ZapWizard sells a 3D printed version of the proposed bit holder (Barnacle Bit Holder)

[@txtoolcrib]

I checked out his video after seeing this, thank you.

[@shawnlavigne9069]

Yes, a dedicated tool to open packages, especially the plastic clamshell stuff.

[@Spolt_main]

I don't buy that much of that stuff, but I think the magnacut package opener works great. 😅

[@S85B50Engine]

On the Q&A they said you can use the main blade, reamer and can opener for that.

[@ekkorito9387]

Nah we all want premium SURGE cpm magnacut knife blade

[@txtoolcrib]

I know I certainly do.

[@stevefaiello3321]

I couldn't agree more about the can opener - why Leatherman replaced their standard multifunction can opener with the single purpose one they have on the whole Free family makes zero sense. I'd also like to see a 3D Phillips like you get on the Rebar/Super Tool because it can accommodate a separate bit adapter and gives you much more reach than the built in one. On the other side of the tool you could have the Free P2/P4 flat head/pry bar/box cutter, an awl, and maybe the package opener (or the Free mini file if they're doing an Arc style P2). Well, that's how I'd do an upgraded P2 or P4 at least. You'd probably want to keep the built in bit drivers for the Arc since people love them as premium features.

[@w00ey21]

Its good to see you back!! I know its been said ad nauseam, but Leatherman would completely own the market if they used a true 1/4inch bit driver

[@Genesis992]

I would absolutely LOVE to swap the saw for the serrated blade the P4 has

[@txtoolcrib]

That one should be pretty easy to do.

[@michaelfuentes8101]

i'd love to see the micro bit driver replaced with a flat 4mm bit driver. they could bake a full bit kit for it too. i'd use it very often for electronics repairs. or i saw in an old leatherman patent that they've been thinking of adding a exacto blade holder into the micro driver. i think this would be a great addition. (though flat 4mm bits would be just perfect) love your videos, have a nice day!

[@sztaylor89]

I like all your ideas except widening the bottle opener. I prefer to keep it straight shanked to access deep screws. Your idea for the package opener and wire stripper combo is my favorite that I might have to try to make

[@txtoolcrib]

That’s a valid point.

[@ricbar2684]

"The Surge is King". thanks for the great video. I was thinking about getting the Arc but as an aircraft mechanic I still think the Surge is better option. I just wish it had a cutting hook at the end of the serrated blade

[@txtoolcrib]

For your job, I would definitely agree. Of course, I’m biased though.

[@cwsmith17]

Greatest multi tool IMO for what I need.

[@webb-cast1030]

I never could figure out why Leatherman doesn't have a custom shop division. Why let other people make money customizing their tools? An a la carte menu for each chassis coupled with sheath options for it would be a game changer. The possibilities would be endless. This would open the market to people who wouldn't have considered a Leatherman otherwise. A few examples of the people that aren't usually multi-tool consumers, but would buy a custom model are compound bow hunters and mountain bikers.

[@HBSuccess]

100%.

[@LaResistenciaEDC]

Because they let the fanbase do the work and produce a slightly more mediocre version like it was some kind of revolution (plus taxes...) to keep them busy and the loop keeps looping, so is the fanbase. Perfect business plan ^^

[@knifetrain3118]

Zap Wizzard already makes some of the accessories you’re talking about.

[@funkytizzletelevizzl]

My garage005 has a decent package opener function. And I really have to say how much I miss spring loaded pliers. Carry my garage everyday and just touched my old trusty wave yesterday. Really strange feeling when you wait for the plier to open….

[@pmichaelsonjr]

Zap Wizard already makes his “barnacle bit holder” that attached to the screw holes on the outside of the tool.

[@txtoolcrib]

I went and checked out his video on it after another viewer commented on it.

[@Claudius_Nero]

The one thing I'd like is if they would eliminate the one hand opening slot cut into the file. It makes the fille easier to open but much worse in use, always catching on whatever you're filing. I know the entire point of the Free series is to exchange some actual usefullness to gain more ease of use in order to appeal to fidget spinner types, but the file on the wave\surge\charge all open just fine without the cutout and function much better. Other than that, agree with Ben on the tiny driver holder and dedicated can opener as being not the most....ideal uses of those impliment slots. Maybe if they ever introduce a 4.5" heavy duty version they can swing the pendulem back into the Surge's direction of functionality over form.

[@iainhardwick1223]

Hi, you absolutely ‘hit the nail on the head’ with this video 😂, I’ve said before…… I don’t understand why the don’t listen to guys like you, who actually use these tools on a regular basis. Their design in the tool-set is ALL the same. They need to change it. Why spend £/$ 250 on the ARC when a Charge will do. You could’nt have said a truer word in your video. Well done 👍😎

[@bogdan_d82]

Great ideas, but the file and the chisel don't go good together because they have different heat treatments, the chisel is supposed to be more elastic to sustain mechanical shock while the file should have greater hardness, if they go back to the old design of the can opener you already have a decent package opener, that's what i use on my Wave+. And if they actually remove the small bit holder, i would like to have that great combo tool from Victorinox with chisel, package opener and a wire stripper 😊

[@txtoolcrib]

That would be excellent as well, though I doubt Leatherman would ever copy Victorinox quite so blatantly.

[@CJ_Cornhole]

Great video Ben and don't get me wrong I love the arc. But I'm still hopefull that eventually the will do another remake of the KING 🤴..time for a super surge

[@txtoolcrib]

I hope so too

[@The5upermann1]

Tweezers. I wish they would include them like they did in the E4. I work around conduit and always need pull out metal slivers. Waiting for them to improve the arc before I spend all that money.

[@peddypeoples941]

While magnacut is nice and all the blade is imho overkill and has a not so slicy edge geometry. This thing costs 300 euros in germany, no one would buy this to really work with it. So i agree with your suggestion to make "budget" versions with cheaper bladesteel. The concept and tool selection are nice. Wont stop me from using my trusty Swisstool X but accessability is a good thing.

[@ericenright3721]

I want/need a box cutter swap out for my arc. any ideas or thoughts? preferably to swap out the can opener or the eye glass driver. I would do the saw if need be though.

[@krkrbbr]

100% agree with the can opener point you've made, in my opinion they scrapped an iconic leatherman design with a useful sharp point and a fine wire stripper for a less functional victorinox ripoff. I used that wire stripper more than the can opener for sure.

[@merkyworks]

Adding PC doodle flashlight to ARC is a nice addition

[@DaveB432]

Not seen your videos pop up on my time line for a couple months. Great to see your still reviewing. Will you be looking at Nextool or Roxon MT in the future, or clones like Bibury/Dal camping?

[@gambitm7480]

I still want an Arc but my charge plus will always be my number1.

[@paragonknight3307]

When will Leatherman just do a "custom" page where you can just pick what tools you want on it...

[@forgetyourlife]

Most tool options wouldn’t fold together just all random à la cart.

[@paragonknight3307]

@@forgetyourlife it could be done on the oft model

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

I just bought parts off ebay and esty, to build the wave + I wanted but you have to attentive on what can go where

[@MrTwisted72]

Greatly enjoy your videos. Have you heard of or reviewed multi tools from Rocktol? I would be interested in your thoughts on their tools.

[@robertdufour2456]

How did I miss this presentation?!

[@erikswenson2659]

Flashlight - small led and button battery, perhaps just to illuminate the driver work area or the like. It would let you see what bit is required where the fastener is recessed. Not for illuminating a room/pathway and not for extended use.

[@Spolt_main]

While more tools are always better, I'd rather not have a cheap light on my expensive multitool. I just carry an AA flashlight for that sort of thing.

[@kettchuk918]

They’d do better either make a home customisable option like the GOAT or making SAK variations in the factory. Swap in different blades, come up with a name, watch the money role in as collectors Pokémon them and normal people get what they need on a tool instead of a load of shit they don’t want to weigh their pocket down with.

[@et9650]

I carry it but I still thing the charge has it beat in a few areas

[@Nostrite]

best way ive seen to clean metal dust off of magnets is an air blower

[@txtoolcrib]

Agreed

[@yuefung007]

Change the cutter is most important.

[@kvernesdotten]

13:10 - Or for those of us who live outside the US, 400 dollars.

[@eymantia]

I do have to disagree with the proposal you made regarding the cap lifter. If they made it thicker on that side to improve the cap lifter, you would lose almost all of the reach of the flathead driver in tighter spaces, such as those screws sunk into holes exactly the OD of the screwhead.

[@KungFuTweety1]

From your mouth to Leathermans ears!

[@michaelcariello6233]

Could the claw style can opener double as a package opener?

[@txtoolcrib]

It could, but it still doesn’t perform like the dedicated version they made for the Wingman. Another good suggestion someone made was a chisel/cable stripper option.

[@fletcha7777]

Does anybody know where the link to the page that he said he was going to put below is?

[@txtoolcrib]

I had forgotten to add it originally, but it is posted in the description now. My apologies.

[@edcgearpocketknife]

The Leatherman arc is not worth 220$ in my opinion. It’s like it’s missing the leatherman quality. The definitely could have made the tools better. Like the can opener and the awl. I agree with your opinion 100 %

[@My03Tundra]

I disagree with doing away with the scissors. Around my house, those, a rough cut/sharp blade and pliers are the most commonly needed tools, in that order. If I get an Arc, I will sell my Free P4 with leather sheath, and possibly even my 300M, with RAE Gear sheath.

[@user-xf3sy3fd1n]

Hi Ben, two comments I have. 1- a company I believe called Roxon has just come out with an option to build your own multi tool on line, however word of caution. They’re not made of endurance steel! 2- Never knew that you were a Chief’s fan! Lol

[@txtoolcrib]

Been a Chiefs fan since the mid 80’s

[@user-xf3sy3fd1n]

@@txtoolcrib Nice, well I don’t know how old you are, but I’m 49. I remember those days. Montana was my favorite player and went from the 49’rs to the chiefs, etc. lol

[@txtoolcrib]

I’m 47. In 94 we went to watch George Brett’s last game at Kaufman and then we watched the Chiefs take on the Oilers in a preseason game the next night. Thomas was always my favorite player. As great as Mahomes is, and I am eternally grateful for what he has done for the Chiefs, 58 will always be my guy.

[@txtoolcrib]

Did I mention something about being a Chiefs fan in this video?

[@user-xf3sy3fd1n]

@@txtoolcrib No, truthfully I saw the shorts video on your wife’s KZbin channel. I got a kick out of it. That would be me, Lol

[@SuperSikarlo]

The tiny screwdriver seems useless until your glasses break

[@deceptionsdemise]

Completely irrelevant to the function of the ARC but a blacked out version would be nice to see. I think I'd be more inclined to spend the amount of money it would take to get one of these, probably more money because of the cost to blacken the implements.

[@elloyou007]

What about a 1/4 and 5/16 driver.

[@txtoolcrib]

Like a nut driver?

[@elloyou007]

@@txtoolcrib yes I've been wanting a multi tool made dedicated for work. Most I see are for camping and gun stuff. I do HVAC and would like to carry one with a nut driver and wire stripper needle nose and crimper.

[@JimLBon]

Controversial perspective, but the Arc is as if Leatherman took everything I don’t like about the Charge series and combined it with everything I don’t like about the Wave.

[@tacklecentralfishing1051]

What about 154cm?

[@txtoolcrib]

Great choice for a mid tier.

[@billybunter3753]

Ways to improve the Leatherman Arc...Buy a Surge! 😂

[@txtoolcrib]

That’s a good one.

[@mike_qbik]

I skipped this one and have zero regrets. Too many why’s.

[@RP-dy5mu]

Just put what the surge has into the arc. It's not that hard. The surge is literally the perfect tool with the t-shank you can create all sorts of cheeky things yourself. But one handed opening isn't that comfortable.

[@txtoolcrib]

Seems to be the largest selling point for the masses these days though. My opinion aligns more with yours though.

[@mdsuave13]

ha

[@thomash.4501]

No one needs a bottle cap lifter on a multitool. If you can open a bottle with your multitool you shouldn't carry one. ☺☺

[@txtoolcrib]

I agree, but in this case it is a supplementary tool with the driver being the main tool. So in this configuration, it takes nothing away from the functionality by including it.

[@LaResistenciaEDC]

Arc is basicly the most expensive leatherman, and needs mods on almost everysheet tools on it. 😂 #surgeisking

[@noktturnal]

Great ideas. They couldnMake it more modular, the arc has a great set of tools to begin with but there's wiggle room.

[@iWillProbablyDieOnTwoWheels]

Forgot where I got it, but for the olight I used to have silicone caps to be able to use around metallic dust. Although the Leatherman, you'd essentially have to put in a ziploc, ha