Is The Leatherman Crunch Multi-tool Still Beating The Competition?

[@piggymito]

My crunch is my EDC tool and I absolutely adore the thing. I work at a training center teaching gas engineers in the UK and I must use it at least 3 times a day when the apprentices need some assistance in the work shop. The mole grip functionality is so incredibly versatile.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Very nice! Good to hear it is getting used so much.

[@Kfurey14]

Auto tech turned service manager here. i daily a crunch, it is nice to use/carry as a secondary tool if im away from my tool box. I keep a small tool kit in my car with hex bits that work with it. While im not in hvac trade, time is still important while on flat rate, but The long adjustment's screws not a deal breaker for me.I think the crunch hits way above its price range!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Great to hear that. I'm always curious how multi tools prove useful in other trades. Thanks for sharing!

[@muxmurki1497]

For me, the Crunch is the very best multitool ever developed (and I own a bunch).

[@hvacbudget8600]

Very good! I think each of these tools can be the best tools for certain specialist fields. What are some tasks you use the Crunch for that it excels in? Just curious what types of jobs you find it works best at.

[@D-Man-lv9vu]

​@@hvacbudget8600 Mine is good at putting a death grip on my wallet keeping it closed so I don't keep buying multi tools! I can't stop!!!!

[@hvacbudget8600]

@@D-Man-lv9vu That's a good one, LoL!! I might have to try that as well. The problem becomes when you start memorizing your cc #!

[@D-Man-lv9vu]

@@hvacbudget8600 it all started last November when I visited a dear old friend and he gifted me Pop's (R.I.P.) Leatherman Super Tool 200. After that I found your channel and well.... It's been a wild ride! Then I found the Juice Pro my Dad gave me that was in storage and in pristine condition. Now I have over 30 😳

[@hvacbudget8600]

@@D-Man-lv9vu Welcome to the multi tool collecting mania!! There are certainly less practical hobbies, at least that's what I tell myself, LoL!

[@Nostrite]

I do wish there was some sort of quick release and maybe even storage for the screw on the crunch, but I do also understand that it would introduce some serious points of failure.

[@patrickpalomo323]

I really like my duel force (and I do get mixed up on which side to open) but I love my crunch. Great video, enjoyed watching.

[@hvacbudget8600]

They are both great tools!

[@hyund9i]

I'm trying out dual force, I work mostly with water connections as a dialysis nurse. I like the locking center drive and the large jaws. But I'm realizing I only need, 2 small knipex cobras, a 5/16 nutdriver, small dressing scissors and SAK minichamp as my daily. Can't really justify carrying the dual force. I think it might be the ideal tool for someone though.

[@rbailey1737]

The Irwin one looks like a $8 knife strapped to a vice grip

[@hvacbudget8600]

Pretty much!

[@PaulSchortemeyer]

LOVE the Gerber dual-force. For me it's an incredible home maintenance option. I find very little use for needlenose pliers in real life... the adjustable grips on the Gerber are a real tool and can tackle bigger stuff. The screwdriver is also a winner!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Great to hear! This is why I love real world feedback on tools. I like to hear other people's experiences. Sometimes we each find uses for tools someone else might not have thought of.

[@gregtomamichel973]

I really like the Dual Force, but the 2 things I do miss are (1) having a fine point on pliers and (2) good wire cutting capability. If you don't need fine pliers or wire cutting, the Dual Force is excellent.

[@hvacbudget8600]

@@gregtomamichel973 True. It does have the tools under the handle and the tips of the pliers do narrow a bit at the very end, but I agree it is a bit different than I am used to on a tool.

[@Schtuperfly]

Looking for a tip on the screw driver. Try stickin two of the six corners of your 1/4" bit in the pin vise slots.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Nice!

[@chriswheatley5104]

I use the gerber dualforce everyday. I'm a commercial plumber. Best multitool I've owned.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Sounds great. That sounds like a great tool for that trade!

[@ravendon]

The nextool looked like it had a silver ball inside the handle? Are you sure it doesn't have a ball detent?

[@hvacbudget8600]

It may I'll have to check.

[@commentsonthetube14]

Leatherman makes a bit kit that fits the crunch. It's the one with the silver adapter thing. It kind of fits on the Phillips and takes bits. Also includes some of the Leatherman flat ones. Easier to use than unscrewing the screw.

[@wll1500]

But a lot less durable. The integrated driver can take a whole lot more torque.

[@commentsonthetube14]

@@wll1500 I think I am more concerned with versatility for a multitool than with ultra high torque. If I need that kind of torque, I'll use a regular screwdriver.

[@wll1500]

@@commentsonthetube14 but one might not be readily available

[@commentsonthetube14]

@@wll1500 sure. I guess I need to deal with things like torx and hex a whole lot more than I need to deal with torquing the crap out of a Phillips or slotted. Phillips won't take more torque than the Leatherman bit kits are capable of anyways, it'll cam out. I'd say most people would care more about bit versatility than torquing the hell out of a slotted. If you're not in that camp too, I'm curious to know what you do that requires that kind of torque.

[@wll1500]

@@commentsonthetube14 Any fastener that's rusted, such as one might find on a car in the northeast. I have snapped screwdrivers on multiple Crunches before I learned their relative fragility. They are still very useful, you just have to be selective with their use

[@KnaRRaN1989]

Just lock the bit with the jaws always works

[@hvacbudget8600]

Great tip I forgot that was an option!

[@JeanB-]

And with the notch in the jaw you can also use T-Shank blades…

[@wll1500]

I've carried the Crunch every day for about the last 8 years, and I have not found any other viable option yet. The compact locking pliers are a multi tool in their own right- the uses are endless. They are almost a third hand for me. I think the complicated opening and closing is the reason they never took off, but once you get practiced with it it becomes second nature. I can have mine open and ready in 3 seconds. The other thing I think people get wrong is that the Crunch isn't really meant to be a one and done EDC tool. I always paired mine with another tool, usually a Squirt PS4 or a Skeletool CS. The Crunch rides in a belt holster with some other tools and the other MT goes in a pocket. That way I have full coverage with the MT tools that the Crunch lacks (scissors, plain edge knife, etc.) but even still I reach for the Crunch 95% of the time. I use it at least daily, some times multiple times daily.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Very cool to hear how the Crunch is so useful to you. You make a great point about pairing it with another tool! The Crunch is pretty neat!

[@wll1500]

@@hvacbudget8600 it's an incredibly misunderstood and underrated tool for sure

[@PaulRowlands]

Interesting video. One dedicated wrench tool to consider is the Knipex mini-pliers, rather than just using a multi-tool because you have to justify owning it. (I will buy a Crunch when I see one, but TBH the Knipex is just a better tool.)

[@Sun_Downer]

Is it possible to mod the crunch to have the large multi bit screw driver holder from the Surge by taking out some of the dedicated flat and Phillips head blades?

[@hvacbudget8600]

It might I'll have to research into that!

[@lawrencehubbard2985]

I bought the Nextool adjustable wrench and just getting it today I will say I am impressed. They once thing I would change would to make it a little wider and add a couple of more tools serrate blade a small in length flat bit and a small in length Phillips head. But I do like it because they thought out of the box.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Glad you like them! I really thought they were junk when I first saw them. But as I said before they work! Good call on improvements. Wider wrench and some more tools plus some more standardized bits would definitely broaden the appeal for the tool probably.

[@lawrencehubbard2985]

I own two vise grips one I am going go crazy on and modify. The other one I will probably just leave it. I have a bunch of the Gerber’s that have the built in bit exchanger which are great. The one that has the two little drivers I found out the size bought a 1/4” adapter and a 3/8”(?) set added 1/4” bits and works great. I am going to try to get a Dermal for Christmas or a cheap copy of one and really start modifying things.

[@hvacbudget8600]

@@lawrencehubbard2985 Sounds fantastic. Let me know how things go!

[@Maixo]

No contest between crunch and any plier based tool..... Unless you are an electrician. Try screwing/unscrewing a 1/2" pipe joint with a pliers..... Disappointing! A vice grip multi tool also gives you an extra pair of hands in certain situations acting as a clamp - anyone with any experience in the mechanical engineering game will know what I mean . I carry the crunch with a knipex cobra xs, a 1/4" drive allen key set and a mini ratchet. A small package that gets me out of jail regularly 😁

[@hvacbudget8600]

Sounds like a well thought out kit!

[@davidconaway239]

Is there a reason you aren’t using the Crunch’s fold out bits ? There have been times when I’ve come across a worn Phillips screw and where other screw drivers have failed I was able to get it loose with the Crunch’s bit. Last week I was changing out 40 year old flood lights 20 ft. In the air and the screw heads looked like nails but with the locking jaws I removed all 4. For every day tasks I don’t even consider anything that doesn’t have a locking mechanism.

[@Berglecutt]

Your content is awesome, thank you!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Thank you so much for listening!

[@randallgervell7663]

I have the crunch and I love it! It is my go to multi tool that I carry often! The only other drawback I’ve had is when I deploy the wrench the handle can come apart sometimes! But out of the three other multi tools I have around (Ozark Trail, Leatherman Signal and the Gerber Suspension NXT) the Crunch is King. I must confess I carry the OT in my edc pouch for work because it is cheap and I don’t care what happens to it! But when I’m not at work or I am helping my family on the farm it is the Crunch I use there!

[@hvacbudget8600]

That sounds like the Crunch has done a great job!!

[@Lappmogel]

The hole is all ready there, might as well put a bit driver there since the alternative is not having one at all. How smooth is the screw and how is the balance? Wondering if you could fold out the handle so its like a flywheel, hold the screw and then give it a spin to unscrew it.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Bit driver in which tool?

[@Lappmogel]

@@hvacbudget8600 The LM crunch. Its in terrible spot like you said. But the hole is there either way, might as well make it hexagonal so its not as dumb as it seems at first glance.

[@totesmcpreesh7617]

It takes so long to unscrew to that bit driver, you can reasonably justify the frustration it creates. Definitely got me sold on the Dualforce. Going to lighten the pockets a bit and make some of my EDC redundant at work.

[@hvacbudget8600]

The Dualforce is a great choice!

[@SpacecityEDC]

Great video again! I EDC the Leatherman Crunch every day at work paired with either my Surge or Charge TTI and I really appreciate and like it but I wasn't impressed before I actually went out and bought one. I put it off because I kept thinking, 'Vise grip multitool ?' ,🤔 why not just carry real Vise grips? But I was wrong they're very versatile and have several little hidden secrets that help you if you're a tradesman like me. I even have a backup one in case I lost this one I like it so much. I keep 2 long hex bits in my pouch for the bit driver. I considered the Dual Force but man that thing looks massive. I have the Centerdrive and that tool set is great along with the pliers head on the Dual Force looks pretty awesome. That Nextool might be worth checking out. I thought it was gimmicky too but if you say it's a winner I'll take your word for it. Knowing you're a tradesman helps 😅 Take care!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Great info! Always enjoy hearing how multitools help in real life. As per the Dualforce it feels in the pouch about the same weight and size as the CenterDrive to me. Unfolded it does seem much larger! I've been testing out several leatherman clones lately and the one huge advantage is a full 1/4" bit driver. Gerber has done a fantastic job like you mentioned, especially with the outside bit driver on the Dualforce and CenterDrive. I'd really like to do a more in depth tradesmen multitool carry video based off of listners favourite carries someday.

[@SpacecityEDC]

@@hvacbudget8600 awesome 👍 I think as tradesman we really get to put the multitool to use in so many scenarios on daily basis. No they never take the place of our dedicated tools but they're right there handy to use when in a pinch or save us a trip back to the tool box. In my job as a aircraft mechanic that works the flight line it's like being a fireman things will be going good everything running smooth and suddenly bam! An aircraft breaks down and we have to work quickly to try and get the aircraft fixed so it stays on schedule. We all have tool bags or small portable tool boxes but a handy multitool can be a time saver if you can make a quick fix or adjustment without having to go back and get your tool bag out. I'm sure they're a time saver in your field as well. As for my favorite carries it's like I said the Surge or Wave/Charge( if I want something lighter) complimented by the Crunch. 👍

[@seanb1081]

Just recently got me a Gerber Dual Force. I purchased it to carry with me on my Adventure Motorcycle. I will only probably ever have to use it if I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere and need to make some stop-gap repairs to get home. It has pretty much all the necessary "bits" I might need for roadside emergency repairs. One thing that puzzles me with the crunch .... What is the point of the long screw to get to the bit driver. Wouldn't it be simpler to just ditch the long screw and have simple accesses to the bit driver opening?

[@hvacbudget8600]

That sounds like a great option for the Dual Force. The screw on the Crunch operates the jaws opening wider etc. It would be great to have quick access to the bit driver.

[@seanb1081]

@@hvacbudget8600 Thanks for clearing up my curiosity question. 🙂

[@JeanB-]

I have the Crunch in the “tool kit” in my car and I really like it. 2 weeks ago I received the Gerber Dual Force to accompany it but I had to send it straight back for warranty. The magnet from the bit driver came out with the bit from the moment I took it the first time out… 😒🙄 I also looked like the frame was bend wher the bit driver is or is this done to hold the bit driver in place when closed? 🤔

[@hvacbudget8600]

Very nice! Too bad about the magnet on the dualforce. The screwdriver is bent a bit I think to fold completely in the frame. I like the idea of the Crunch as a car tool kit item!

[@JeanB-]

@@hvacbudget8600 I know the screwdriver is bent but I mean the frame where the screwdriver under folds…

[@stickyoxtail]

I edc a crunch for year when I was in high school a long time ago. I have to respectfully disagree with you. The locking pliers got me out of some tough situations where a rusty Phillips or whatever needed the death grip to turn. These cases, fiddling around with attachments is not necessary. It's a great multi tool that punches above its weight. That clamping force alone put it above the rest imo.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Nice! I'm glad it worked so well for you.

[@rusty2381]

None of the tools on the Crunch are quick-draw but this doesn't live in my toolbox. This is good to have in your pocket as an EDC. Its great when you don't have access to your actual toolbox.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Good point.

[@richardsullivan1776]

Not to sound biased sir but I think the Leatherman Crunch has the best fit and finish out of all these tools. I'm a very patient person and like the butterfly design of a multitool. I rather have full size implements most of the time compared to short or stubby implements. If people don't like the weight of a full size multitool but like the length, I tend to refer them to the Super Tool 300, which with all its capabilities is extremely lightweight.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Definitely the Leatherman Crunch is the most well made out of all these and the most complex engineered. Tim Leatherman is a genius! There are many fantastic multi tools out there. Some are going to definitely suit certain professions, people different than others. It's fascinating to hear how some people just find one multi tool that fits perfectly for what they need.

[@gamermadness7701]

You unscrewed the bit holder out on the crunch just to put the same sized Philip that the crunch already has if I was to use the bit holder I would use it for something more unique like a hex drive say there’s a turbo screw and there isn’t a free drill yes it be rough to use vs a drill but that’s the point to get out of a pinch

[@hvacbudget8600]

True. I was just trying to illustrate it can use 1/4 bits and drivers.

[@auzzipride2502]

If you have the bits handy just use the jaws to hold them and bang scredriver

[@muxmurki1497]

... if you're on the job site...?? If I'm on a job site, I carry my professional tools with me which I need. A multitool --- ANY multitool - is always a thing to use when you have NO real tools at hand. For emergencies and so on, it's important to have SOMETHING with you that does the job, and does it well, but not necessarily super fast and absolutely professional at the same time, since that is purely impossible for a small folding tool, anyway.

[@geigercourtier]

You’re like a a guy who happens to be a professional chef invited to someone’s home for dinner, then proceeds to lecture everyone on why it’s useless to do anything outside what a commercial kitchen does….

[@hubster4477]

@@geigercourtier isnt that true for any professional? Ive never seen a multi tool in a mechanics snap on tool chest.....for example!

[@stevenharper6888]

I was thinking the same

[@kuangsheng3891]

Depends a lot on your jobsite. Having a multitool has saved me a lot of trips back to the tool bag, or just up and down ladders and stairs.

[@michaelk487]

To do it for us why didn't they make it in the US or did they

[@hvacbudget8600]

The Crunch is made in the US I don't believe the other tools are.

[@blade9292]

I would love to see mere MTs in the same vein as these to be honest. Because the tools are quite rare in general, the main problem of all of these it's the fact that many engineering problems have some sort of "easy fix". A rare design but those exists it's the monkey wrench one sometimes I believe this can be a nice combo with somewhat regular plier design. The main drawback of this is the fact it will be bigger than the crunch...

[@hvacbudget8600]

It is hard to get these tools to be pocketable. I really like having more options like you said to choose from.

[@blade9292]

@@hvacbudget8600 yeah from an engineering standpoint, the smaller ones have a bit too much compromises and some of the tools have to be hard to reach. But I believe engineers can take on the style of MT that can be focused on the whole bolts, nuts and screw driving with some side options and or having vise grips, and the crunch is probably the only one that is actually foldable and pocketable...

[@Motion_0112]

The only bad thing of the crunch for me, is that in Spain, you need to spend from 150 to 200€ on them, and thats a little too much

[@hvacbudget8600]

That is very expensive!

[@hubster4477]

Never had a leatherman, never heard of the crunch. Had a gerber for years. Im sure most of the quality ones are good tools.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Gerber's are great as well. What one do you have?

[@hubster4477]

@@hvacbudget8600 haha sorry, ive had it for so long i have no idea!

[@hvacbudget8600]

@@hubster4477 My brothers the same way LoL! He just upgraded from the Gerber MP400 to the Gerber Center Drive.

[@dobie-at-home]

Vise-Grip has been around forever, but it’s almost comical that they decided that, to jump into the market, they would just take “old reliable” and throw a knife blade and bit driver on it. 😊

[@hvacbudget8600]

It is!

[@1left2live21]

The price is too high for what it is. I rather spend 20$ for some vice grips and call it a day. Great idea and design , but definitely needs a updated version

[@draweme05]

I would just use the vice grip and lock the driver in.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Good idea!

[@HyruleKnil]

You forgot the Kershaw A100

[@Kartyman550]

No reason you couldn’t glue a tiny magnet into hex holder.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Good idea!

[@mcsequoia5107]

The bit driver on the Crunch doesn't make any sense to use when you've got other tools on hand but I'd much prefer to carry a pair of locking pliers. I think they're far superior to any other multi-tool pliers. The Vise Grip multi-tool is a disaster. Good grief. No!

[@rambodelleon4812]

My has extra large blade hehe

[@unfi6798]

Too many moving parts just to get to the tool required. Still another glovebox tool.

[@donaldstepp4850]

For $25 buy a screwdriver, knife and pliers the vice grip multi tool is just unwieldy

[@Jasonsminiadventure]

Gerber finally did something better then Leatherman. No small accomplishment.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Very true! Gerber has been trying a lot of different things lately.

[@Jasonsminiadventure]

@@hvacbudget8600 For sure. I'm a fan of both the Prybrid Utility and the Armbar as they fill specific niches very well. But in the multiplier department they just have never been quite as compelling to me as Leatherman.

[@imanassole9421]

Vise grip's tool is just embarrassing! I'd rather tape an SAK to the handle of some vise grips.

[@rawheadrex1945]

grrbrr

[@dawnbarron5403]

Top job!👍!! Fast results only = Promo>SM!