Leatherman Charge+

One of my all time favorite standard duty multi tools. The Charge+ is the premium version to the Wave+. It is what I like to think of as the flashier cousin.

[@txtoolcrib]

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[@RoamingViking]

Thank you for yet another great review. I'm in the proces of deciding on a EDC for an upcoming rtw motorcycle trip. Your reviews of multitools is by far the best I've seen, and have been very helpful in deciding which tool to buy. Thank you for the effort!

[@WarRadish]

Thanks. A very interesting and useful video. It's nice to hear from someone with such a wide collection of multi-tools who obviously uses them for their intended purpose, rather than for show or play. I'm enjoying your whole series of vids.

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos. I'm on a bit or a downturn at the moment, so I am trying to push out as many videos as I can before I get super busy again.

[@aalonewolf]

Very very Great multitool, i will buy it! Thanks for this review

[@bilakos1987]

You're killing it with the videos, Ben! I'll get around to watching them all soon. So much stuff, so little time. Great job on the Charge. I like it a little more than the Wave. Leatherman had a special offer a little while ago, with a Red Cross Charge. A beautiful Charge with red scales, pocket clip, lanyard ring, full bit set, sheath, and a Led Lenser headlamp, just for $97 or something. What a bargain that was, and the red Charge is just sweet. Keep up the good work! :D And please join the multitool forum! If anyone can appreciate an honest, thorough review, it's them!

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you. I like the Charge+ as well. I actually like it a bit better than the Wave+, mostly because I think the value is there. I missed out on that Red Cross Charge. I know exactly what you are talking about, it was pretty cool. I would be happy to join the forum. I would like to expand my little channels reach. Is it multitool.org?

[@bilakos1987]

@@txtoolcrib forum.multitool.org

[@DougieFrank]

I have the Charge+ & absolutely love it. Great comparison - I totally agree with your observations & opinions. If Multi-tools were cars, the Charge+ would be the "GT Sports" version of the Wave+ Leatherman set the bar high with this model, & with the black scales the Charge+ looks & feels more "premium" than the Wave+ And while their vanilla 420HC blade steel is perfectly good enough for me, it's nice to have the 154CM. I was on a tight budget, but I knew this was going to last me a lifetime, so I spent the extra & got the Charge+. Very glad I did.

[@secksy77]

Thank you for your in-depth review of the Charge +. I live in Australia and picked one up a couple of weeks ago and love it. I fully agree with you that if it had an awl, it would be the near perfect EDC.

[@txtoolcrib]

An awesome multi tool, easily one of my favorites.

[@gelartab]

Thanks for your Great videos and the best informative channel! I watch them with great pleasure. I am thinking to get Surge but also like this Charge plus (because of the compact size).. If Surge had 154CM(or better) I would never think about others..I need your advice - Is the difference in blades so much noticeable to get Charge plus over Surge because of it?

[@platonicmetal]

I agree 1000% about the awl. I think it would also be cool to make an awl bit for the bit exchanger. I prefer an integrated awl, but an awl bit would solve the problem. And the gut hook is a magnificent package opener (I also use it for small plastic or foil bags, like pet food or potting soil).

[@txtoolcrib]

I couldn’t agree more about that package opener for the gut hook. I can’t begin to tell you how much I wish they would incorporate that into the surge.

[@sevenin1]

Just received my Charge+ from Leatherman.Definetely a premium multi tool,fit, finish,feel , aesthetics all premium.I often use micro tool as a pick to dig impacted locktite out of torx and Allen head machine screws. It's impossible to insert a matching tool into the recess even using some persuasion (hammer). Your idea would do well on the Charge+.I do use the awl in my Free P4 to make nice holes in PVC,CPVC,ABS,for various purposes. It works well. The ultimate for me would be if the Charge+ and FreeP4 had puppies.😉😂

[@eddieg9506]

I love my 2nd Gen Wave. Upgraded the knife to s30v, got the bit clips and extender a few years back. Everything fits in the nylon sheath. Too bad Texas Tool Crafters isn't around anymore. Although I don't need one, I'm considering a new multitool just because, and might get the Camo and black Charge to match my Para 2, or maybe some version of a Swisstool...Decisions decisions 🤔

[@GabeMacDonnell]

Thanks for doing such great reviews. I wish I'd seen this a few days sooner! Local REI had these on sale for $80, & i hesitated b/c i planned to get a TTi. I changed my mind, but the next day, they were gone. What a fool am I...

[@txtoolcrib]

Lol, That’s the story of my life. A day late and a dollar short.

[@stevedriscoll2539]

Man, what a bummer but I do that kind of thing all the time. But I just paid up for a vintage charge ti in like new condition (after passing up similar deals for about twenty to thirty $ less). But I got a good one and I'm happy, and it came with the premium leather sheath and the bit kit

[@dpg227]

I'm with you, Ben: Leatherman should dump the micro screwdriver in favor of a reamer. Having a tiny screwdriver seems out of place on a work tool. Wouldn't it be really awkward to work on your glasses with a tiny screwdriver attached to a big heavy multitool? I think people like myself who are on the fence about buying it would do it if they made the switch.

[@jr2saints]

Disagree. I do a lot of work on commercial doorknobs and it's been so handy. Never used a reamer or whatever it's called.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

​@jr2saints I agree I use that small driver alot I took the scissors out and put the Rebar awl in its place

[@gordonstevenson535]

My old Charge had a crimper in the pliers head which was handy for my usage.

[@txtoolcrib]

I have heard a few people that find it convenient.

[@Longinusprime1320]

My Wave+ was destroyed in an accident with my tractor and that sucked, so I got this as a replacement. Feels like I got my Wave+ back and more.

[@stevedriscoll2539]

Ben, you do great tool reviews. I'm late to this party, but as much as I like most of the new charge offerings from leatherman, I just had to go with the older version of the charge ti (that doesn't have the replaceable 154 cm cutters). I won't actually be carrying it though, as it is just for my collection. My edc is a 2nd gen wave with about 3/16" ground off the plier tips to mimic that blunt nose on the victorinix swisstool. My edc wave main blade is about 3/4 it's original size as the guy who owned it before me used it good.

[@txtoolcrib]

I actually like the second gen Wave a lot. If you’re not cutting with the pliers all time, it is actually really hard to mess them up.

[@My03Tundra]

Yeah... I’m addicted to Leatherman. I just ordered a customized Leatherman Charge+. I just wish they offered different colored scales.

[@devatwell334]

They do I have orange ones

[@brianbender8752]

Plus It looks like you can use t shank saw blades with the bit exchanger

[@devatwell334]

Sorry guys I wear glasses I love the mini driver for emergencies !!!

[@gruffydd1000]

I was thinking about an awl, but surely it could be a bit in the bit exchange and not a replacement for the eye glass tool? Great video and I carry this everyday.

[@plumbraider2265]

But if you use it for drilling in wood it would come out all the time. If they made the bit holder locking it wouldn’t be a problem

[@johnnewell5025]

I bought a Wave (original) when they first came out, then bought a Charge TI when that first came out. I'm not nearly as adventurous as you about modding, but I have upgraded the Charge Ti with the new pliers with replaceable wire cutter blades and with the serrated blade with hook/strap cutter, which I think makes it functionally a Charge + even if the scales don't say so. ;-) If I stumble across an S30V clip point blade I'd buy that just cuz, which I think would make it a full-on Charge + except for the crimper in the pliers jaws, which is *NOT* a plus IMHO. In the meantime, the 154CM blade is actually more than good enough, since I always have at least one "real" knife and a Milwaukee utility knife on me as well.

[@stevedriscoll2539]

Oh, and I forgot to add two things. I found a better use (for me) for that little jewelers bit holder. I haven't actually tried it but I think it would be perfect for adjusting windage and elevation turrets on riflescopes. And another thing: you did awesome fab work on your ultimate surge series. I wonder if anybody has fabbed an awl that will fit on that bit exchanger on the wave plus

[@txtoolcrib]

I’ve seen a few. I might try one out to give people an idea of how much time is in it.

[@davidstancomb5380]

I just returned my old Juice XE6 because a spring fractured on one of the blades, and they wanted to replace it with a Wave+. I requested that they replace it with a Surge instead, because the awl I used a lot on the Juice, neither the Wave nor the Charge have - and if they are going to replace a compact tool with a full size one I may as well have a FULL SIZE one that does what I will need - will just carry it at work rather than all the time. To be honest I would have preferred that they just replaced the spring and gave me my old tool back repaired, but they seem to 'repair by replacement' these days as having a competent repair guy is too expensive by comparison. I'm now looking for a compact EDC tool to slip in a pocket like the Juice I carried for a decade or so, but Leatherman don't make anything comparable these days.

[@mohamedsabry8834]

Thanks for sharing these videos with all the details that helping us to know more about these multi tools. I am confused about 2 tools i like both but i do not know which one better suite me, the 2 tools are Free P4 and Charge + Camo. Would you help or advice from your point if the magnet idea is good or not ?

[@txtoolcrib]

I want to tell you this is honestly as I can. I personally feel that magnets in a multi tool that incorporate tools that are going to interact with ferrous materials is a terrible idea. In the case of the pliers, often times if you’re trying to turn a bolt you’ll get a little shavings that will come off if you don’t have a good enough grip. In the case of the file, it is even worse. If you were filing on metal, you are in inevitable he going to get metal shavings. That is the whole purpose of a file. Those shavings tend to clog up the file and will find themselves in the magnet. Yes, it can be cleaned. I just don’t want to do it. I think the charge series of tools is fantastic. My personal opinion is that the only implement it is missing is a dedicated awl. The charge series is almost the perfect multi tool. I personally carry the Leatherman surge because I find advantages in its size and capabilities over that of the wave or charge series. But most people will not be putting their multi tools through the same tasks that I will be. My advice would be go with the charge series. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[@mohamedsabry8834]

TX Tool Crib Thanks for your replay and advice now i will go with the charge 👍👍

[@quimblyjones9767]

Here in Aus we have: Bit kit $40 Pocket clip $16

[@Felipe-kh9cr]

Hi! I am in doubt between the leatherman surge or charge +. The surge is costing around $120 and plus the bit kit #1 which is 12 $, it will come out almost for the price of the charge + that comes with a better knife and more other accessories ... And I'm not sure if I really need that size/strength of the surge .. And about the awl, I have a little victorinox tool that has it so I don't think that that would be a problem. However, the surge has the replaceable saw/file which is a really nice and useful tool... Yeah, hard choices hahaha. Great video man keep up the good! Thanks from Brazil!

[@txtoolcrib]

Well, you have a tough decision. Let me see if I can help. First, the Surge will definitely be better from a functional standpoint. Bigger blade, bigger tools in general, except for the file and saw. They are just a bit shorter than the Charge implements, but they are replaceable. I like the blade steel much better on the Charge. I also like the serrated blade better. It will come with accessories already included as well. Here is what I think. If your hands are fairly large, the Surge will be better. If you wear a large glove or smaller, the Charge is better. I think you would be quite happy with either one. The Surge is more capable, but the Charge is more premium. Also if you don’t like to use a belt sheath, the Charge will definitely be a better option. I recommend the Charge and Wave to most people who do not need a heavy duty use multi tool. The standard duty tools are plenty strong for regular use. I’m afraid I might be making your decision harder instead of easier. I think my recommendation would be the Charge though.

[@Felipe-kh9cr]

@@txtoolcrib Thank you very much man, I will probably go with the charge

[@txtoolcrib]

I don't think you'll be disappointed, the Charge is a wonderful multi tool. That blade, actually both of the blades, are really nice.

[@southtexasspecials175]

Man. It just really sucks when you realize you've lost your Leatherman huh. Lol. Great vid man

[@brianbender8752]

I've been looking for a multitool for hunting and edc I can see the guthook and file coming in handy but the price I'm not crazy about the price I'd love to be able to add these tools to the 300 but I'm not sure if it's possible

[@Rickles]

Was watching another review of Leatherman where the KZbinr said the found a charge tti. Wish I remember who it was lol. Maybe you crossed paths years ago.

[@mikephillips9179]

Does the Charge + TTi have the extra washer on the outside tools the same way the Charge + does?

[@MethodOverRide]

I'm interested in your opinion on carrying a charge plus vs carrying a micra & cx Skeletool. I want something light enough to carry every day, but I don't necessarily need a full toolset because I'm an office worker. My main objective is to tackle something that my come up when I'm out with my wife and daughter. For example, cutting a straw to fit into my daughter's milk at a restaurant or opening a toy battery door. The charge is overkill for those little tasks, but it has the capability to work great for around the house jobs. I own a rental so I definitely would carry it when I have to visit my rental to do some light maintenance. I'm only on the fence about these two options because of the weight. I think a micra & a Skeletool would weigh about the same as a Charge plus. Of course the other part of me thinks to just bite the bullet and order a Surge with bit kit and extender with a nice belt! 😁

[@txtoolcrib]

Man, that is a very tough question considering your situation and application. Honestly, I think I would recommend a different multi tool to you entirely. I haven't done my review on it yet, but the Swisstool Spirit X would be an awesome choice. One of the downsides to consider though, it does not have a pocket clip. It has great functionality with a really good pair of scissor (I know exactly what you mean by cutting the straws down for the kids, I do it all the time.). I like the weight on it as well. The Surge can be a bit heavy for most people. I do recommend it though. It is the most capable multi tool I know of. Still, I think a Swisstool Spirit X, or one of the Spirit variants, might suit your needs better. The only reason that I lean away from the Wave+/Charge+ is that I think you might be looking for a bit more robust pair of scissors.

[@MethodOverRide]

@@txtoolcrib thank you for the response. I've been eyeing the SwissTools and they have been on my short list. I also agree that a good pair of scissors are a must. I'll wait for your review of the Spirit X and go from there. Thanks!

[@1ctf749]

hey just got my wave + and i love it i also cut my finger

[@txtoolcrib]

Well, I'm not sure whether to congratulate you or worry whether or not you're okay. lol

[@1ctf749]

lol im ok just a bit of blood on the tool. im real happy just one thing i got lose wave [when the handles lose] what do i need to fix it?

[@txtoolcrib]

Well, there are two options. Either you could send it back to Leatherman to be adjusted, or you will need two #10 security torx bits to make the adjustments. I would be willing to bet that if you called Leatherman customer service to explain the situation, they would get it resolved in very short order. Their customer service is really excellent.

[@1ctf749]

thanks im going to try to get that bit if cant find it i will just call them

[@txtoolcrib]

Best of luck.

[@imanassole9421]

I still prefer the Surge. Big scissors, blade exchanger, bigger blades.. you can easily take it apart.. it has an awl. The micro driver and gut hook are the only benefits to me.. and that's easily emulated. You can either buy a charge blade, or grind your own hook, and you can get a 1/4" Micro drill bit chuck for the micro driver.

[@GarrettRockey]

Hey Ben: thinking back to when you carried a Charge: do you remember if scratches on the black handles became an issue over time? I’m considering a Charge+, but I’m not sure I want to pay for a premium tool if it’s going to collect scratches in the black finish.

[@plumbraider2265]

I’ve had a charge AL for a long time, about 10 years. It has always been sheath carried and I have no scratches on it from carry, only a little one from taking it apart to get an awl in there. If you’re gonna pocket carry it with a clip it might scratch more if you carry keys, coins or similar in the same pocket. I’d recommend a skinth solutions L shield to carry it in.

[@brianbender8752]

I to would ditch the micro driver for an awl

[@patrickdolan.]

I use one end of the scissors as an awl

[@txtoolcrib]

That would work on small tasks.

[@oicwexatxlarge8125]

They should make an awl bit.

[@homealone5087]

3:54 Very painful? I've lost 2, now that's pain. I just bought the tti. If i lose this 3rd one I don't think I'll recover. 😢

[@warblerab2955]

Instead of having the flat screwdriver, put an awl in its place. You have the bit driver, you don't need the flat head screw driver.

[@robert112uk]

You're paying a little extra for the quality. Nothing unusual!

[@hussainal-hussaini8483]

Can you please make a vedio of how can we open these type of rivets or whatever you guys calling them (the screws which holds the grip shells).

[@txtoolcrib]

Sure.

[@hussainal-hussaini8483]

Thx.. You just got a new subscriber 🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@joetrump9873]

Nice

[@txtoolcrib]

I like this one a lot.

[@Mrplacedcookie]

Any one know the tool needed to dissasembly the charge Al? Thanks for a great vid

[@txtoolcrib]

I don’t know of a specific tool you can buy for those screws, hopefully someone else does.

[@plumbraider2265]

Parse wrenches by loki_mobile on ebay He lives in Russia so it takes a while before they arrive but they work great!

[@Mrplacedcookie]

@@plumbraider2265 👍

[@xmoroseguyx]

I know what you mean about losing a everyday carried multitool, I lost my or possibly had it stolen Swiss Army Knife " Swiss Champion " I did get a somebody to order it for me with staff discount from a international tool Company, So I think I paid the equivalent of $ 50 US Dollars from here in the UK, I used it surprisingly so much I wondered why I never got one earlier, As to these Leathermans, They are clearly well made,, But For me though, $ 140 That`s heading towards titanium scales, Not cheap soft aluminum

[@Rickky007]

Just Order my charge plus 😬.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

I'd love to have a Garage, but I just an't justify the extra $$ for stuff I don';t need. The pocket clip and the lanyard ring being the most treatable examp.ses. My Wave has served me well or around 15 ;years. I'm gonna dance with the one that brung me. My Surge is jealous.;

[@watchmanonthewall9927]

show request sir ... work boots !! what r u rockin on the iron these days ??

[@txtoolcrib]

I used to use RedWings pull overs exclusively, because I was welding all the time. These days I am doing less of the physical work and more of checking to make sure the crew are doing their jobs correctly. So I am walking all over the place, literally miles most days. I switched to Sketchers steel toe work shoes, and they are awesome. amzn.to/2HMx8Yr

[@watchmanonthewall9927]

@@txtoolcrib I've been using the thorogood mock toe for years but they seem to be going downhill .. I can wear s pair smooth out in about 3 months.. my roughneck boots I always wore redwing slip ons but I'm thinking about maybe goin with Nick's or whites in the future. what's your thoughts sir?

[@txtoolcrib]

Honestly, since I switched to Sketchers, I haven't looked at many other brands. I'll have to look them up.

[@derechtejulian]

Is the sheath also available in a bigger size for the surge?

[@txtoolcrib]

Leatherman actually has a few different sheath options for the Surge. Those are going to be for the larger multi tools in the 4 1/2 inch frame. The sheath that you get with the Surge is similar to that of the Charge series, but it will be larger.

[@derechtejulian]

@@txtoolcrib Thanks! 🙂

[@Brainsmachine1]

my swiss tool x the knife with its high chromium content is razor sharp and cuts a thick shipping cardboard box like butter its better than a box cutter can these knives do better

[@txtoolcrib]

Yes!

[@richardj1732]

I can get a charge plus for the same price as wave plus 99.99 Should I pull the trigger and pass on wave +?

[@txtoolcrib]

I would.

[@im2yz4u17]

Give me a Charge+ with the replaceable saw mechanism please. Then you have perfection.

[@aryndar]

Don't use the medium screwdriver as a pry tool because that s*** will snap, mines in for repairs at Leatherman right now

[@michaelk487]

😀😀😀C00l

[@toddguillory692]

It appears that the charge is assembled with rivets rather than fasteners...right? Making it un- serviceable.

[@txtoolcrib]

They are fastened by knurled head screws. Sometime you can find these disassembly wrenches on Etsy, or you can just use Vamplier pliers. They are definitely screws though.

[@toddguillory692]

@@txtoolcrib Ok tks.... I have vampliers 👍

[@wateriswet496]

imo remove the scissors and add the awl, the small screwdriver is not a bad tool, the scissors are too small to be useful, might as well use the knife.

[@txtoolcrib]

That’s not a bad idea either. There are a lot of smaller options in keychain multi tools that have really good scissors.

[@iainhardwick1223]

I must say great videos, very useful information to the full. But why the hell do Leatherman keep putting the same tools on different so called models !!!!!! It’s like they’re all the same & running out of ideas 😢 In the charge plus, they could have lost the micro driver, & put in the package opener....... plus lose those small scissors & put in the Awl as you said. 😁😁. Also they could add a mod version of the large flat driver, and as you did, incorporate the wire trimmer........... it mixes the ideas abit but you have another great MT. They’re getting boring, all the same ........

[@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149]

I use Leatherman Skeletool CX and its to expensive and that Charge + with feu bits cost 260€ that is yust too much for multi tool.

[@HTES962]

fast forward 4 years and its still a cry for the micro driver to be killed off, currently wasting space on the all new ARC, which at least got a decent AWL after the Free P4 had a shocker of an AWL, Starting to realise Leatherman may not care about delivering the ultimate tool but instead be all focused on making everyone buy every new gimmick If the Surge was shrunk that would be the perfect one

[@tberg3156]

I'd like to see you cut a seatbelt with that gut hook.

[@txtoolcrib]

It would have to be on an old clunker. Don’t really feel like replacing my seat belts.

[@tberg323]

@@txtoolcrib no! I need to see it done on a 2020 model! Lol!

[@cuttingedge91]

Its amazing how afraid people are of seat belts that they want to cut them all the time. Lol.

[@txtoolcrib]

Lol, that’s funny