Who is the Leatherman Free P2 For?

The smooth one-handed capabilities of the Free series from Leatherman is certainly the real deal. However, there are also compromises that were made on the P2 and P4 that prevent it from becoming a staple in a hard working environment.
Where it really comes into it own is as an upgrade to a skeletool or wingman user. For those that need heavier duty pliers and overall capability over the skeletool the P2 is a great option. For those that are looking for a higher quality, much more useable experience over the wingman, the P2 is a great option. An alternative route would be including the Knipex 125mm Cobras for the higher end pliers but that adds another tool to carry so that weighs into the decision.
As a highly capable EDC tool and plier set, it really excels and deserves consideration.
Nonaffiliated link: www.leatherman.com/free-p2-58...

[@rubbersole79]

Got one on closeout at Fleet Farm for $79.00 and love it. People you've got to remember. These multi-tools weren't designed to build a house or overhaul an engine. They were designed to save you a trip to the tool box/shed or get you out of a rare jam in a remote location.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Amazing deal man! And totally agree although some people do need something small that can do all their little jobs in a day so I think that can be fair argument

[@polanddanny]

Just a perfect summary, thumbs up!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Thank you!

[@crestfallenwarrior6996]

Good review! Thanks. I use the P2 as my EDC. So far I’ve used it for fishing, hunting season, camping, opening boxes at work, and general home repairs. By general home stuff, I mean like changing door knobs, installing new smoke detectors, snipping off over growing vines, wiring up new receptacles, dimmer switches, etc etc. it’s alright. I dig it! I’d be open to something else in the future, though.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It’s definitely a good edc tool and actually just did a few mods to make it more to my liking! They’re at the end of my most recent video but the biggest changes were cutting the ruler short to make a larger flat head, thinking out the file tip for a longer reach on that flat head and sharpening the can open for a large gouge/awl sort of tool.

[@crestfallenwarrior6996]

@@EngineersPerspective701 that’s pretty cool! I’ll check it out. Any recommendations for a multi tool tailored more for outdoorsy type stuff?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@crestfallenwarrior6996 Check out maxlvledc for really great mods! Honestly I just don’t have enough time with a Leatherman in the outdoors to give a recommendation. I’d recommend checking out the ones that have been carried in the show alone. Otherwise think of the tasks you’ll actually be using it for and look for one that has tools that address each task.

[@albertpaoloawesome]

Thanks for the great review :) I heard that having a mirror-polish finish makes it more resistant to rust as there are less places on the surface for water to deposit into like on a brushed, a satin or a bead-blasted finish. That's also why Victorinox multitools are also mirror-polished and that most old SAK's only get rust on their nail nicks. I had a ~25 year old one that was stored by my Grandpa in a jar full of rusted nails under our kitchen sink. The implements did not rust apart from the nail nicks. That said, I agree on the fact that a matte finish on the Philips can aid in keeping the bit from slipping. Zapwizard makes two bit exchangers for the Free P2/P4 which enables the use of LM's bit kit or Wiha's Microbit set but sadly that's an added cost to an already expensive tool haha. Also, thank you very much for comparing the Free P2 with the Skeletool, I was looking into saving up for one of the two as they seem to be the most EDC friendly from Leatherman's line-up.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Thank you for watching! The new bond also falls into this comparison between the P2 and the skeletool in some ways. The polish 100% helps with corrosion. But tool implement performance can suffer from it too so the polish needs to be in the right place! Also on a side note I wish victorinox wouldn’t tumble all their parts because the tools can be overly rounded sometimes but I still love em!

[@ronnietarnacke5153]

Good job ... I got my p2 for just the reason you stated . I love the skeletool, but the pliers lack and the clip is weak. I'm not into sheaths anymore . The p2 fits in the pocket like a medium size folding knife . The clip is the best multitool clip ever . My charge tti is still the king . But for EDC it's the Free P2 .

[@EngineersPerspective701]

For in pocket carry, it’s really hard to beat the P2 when I don’t need the bit exchanger. Especially with those great pliers

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@Fiber64 I’m conflicted about that! Presently I think I get more utility out of the included tools and if I want the exchanger I’ll move to a charge or surge. Right now it fills a different niche than most other tools and I kind of like having that option vs basically a same but different wave style of tool.

[@NighthawkNZ]

People you've got to remember that multi-tools are designed for getting you out of a jam and they aren't designed to do the heavy work of a dedicated tool designed for said purpose. The main tools I use on all the multi-tools I have had over the years are the pliers, and knife/saw. (I sometimes use the saw to cut a strop or something...) There may be the odd occasion screw driver or pry bar to open a paint can or the other tools maybe etc... But I am not going to use it to strip down and rebuild and engine. You shouldn't be relying on them as your main tool for the job. They are designed to get you out of a pinch and assist if you did so happen to forget your proper wire cutters and or screw driver. They are not designed as a go to first tool The other the thing every person is different... and has different requirements, how often do you use the ruler/depth gauge ... well personally while I don't use it every day there has been a few times at work on the table saw setting the blade height when I forgot my ruler and I being the lazy person I am couldn't be bothered walking back to my work bench to get it... its not the most accurate but got the job done while the client was waiting... every person has different requirements there for you need to look at the multitool and buy the one with the tools that would HELP meat your needs and requirements. I only have 2 Leatherman's at this stage, the Sidekick and the P2 (and many other brands that I have tested) both meet my requirements... Bahco, DeWalt, Gerber, Powerbuilt, CAT, Axminster etc...

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I agree to some extent. There are jobs out there that a multitool is the primary tool but used infrequently. Yet it needs to be robust enough to get these regularly occurring take done. What comes to mind is we had a chemical sales rep that would often troubleshoot sampling devices for us at a plant. Quick checking filter screens, disconnecting a 1/4” line, etc. Or myself, frequently scraping off nameplates, opening junction boxes to check for spare capacity, checking IO points in the PLC to make sure they were wired right, pulling sample plugs off to collect or test. A dedicated toolkit would have been a burden and overkill but on a regular basis a tool was needed. So a Leatherman really fit the bill for us.

[@PoorWays]

IMO any tool in the "Free" series are pretty good options for women. It's a solid tool for men but the one hand open options doesn't break or scratch fingernails. The blingy looking scales also adds some snazzy appearance.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Interesting thought, I can see that!

[@poor_poor_choofs5321]

at first when i saw your review i didnt agree. i bought the free p2 and intended to replace my wave and rebar (my day off edc). but i ended up replacing my skeletool/juice (office edc). i think the free p2 is more suitable for office edc tasks. i always use the scissors and package opener. the pliers i use usually for removing staples or cutting tie wires. after half a year i saw this review again and now i completely agree. good review.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I appreciate you coming back to comment! What’s funny is I’ve been using the Free more and more as my field work edc choice! I’ve been having some back pain whenever I have weight on my belt so the P2 is the most robust pocket tool I have. I made a few mods to make it work much better for me (mostly grinding/cutting on the flat heads to make them the right size). Still not perfect but okay. I may swap the scissors for a diamond file, switch to a plain main blade and chamfer the phillips to accept the bit adapter for the rebar/ST300. Then it’ll be pretty much what I need but I’ll have created a $200 tool that doesn’t have a warranty!

[@poor_poor_choofs5321]

@@EngineersPerspective701 i hope you eventually show us your custom Free.. i would also like to add that one of the reasons i use my Free P2 mostly for office edc is because i once used and placed it in my home workbench and when picked it up, some metal shavings stuck on the magnet . it was hard to remove

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@poor_poor_choofs5321 I showed it briefly at the end of a video on an engineers edc a while back. It’ll get a dedicated video one day!

[@thebeardedalchemist]

You can access the tools on the p2 without opening the pliers! Big plus compared to the other Leatherman tools, and quality wise nothing beats a Swisstool

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Definitely! Just got a Spirit X a few days ago and it’s very impressive

[@Deibodese]

I actually wound up going with the SOG PowerPint when getting my first set of EDC pliers. If you have any experience with them, how would you say they stack up in comparison to the Skeletool and P2?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I don’t have any experience but they seem to be relatively well reviewed. I’d guess the pliers are probably more in like with the skeletool whereas the P2 way outclasses either

[@michaelcolloton6971]

Another good review. I have yet to see a glowing review of either of the P series tools, with good reason. Other than having an excellent fidget factor, they're not much good for anything. The smaller tools are laughable.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Thank you! I’d say the pliers and blade are objectively great but that’s where it ends! Everything else is decent at best. I really do like the whole package as a Skeletool upgrade but not for much more

[@swfan1004]

I was debating on the Wave+ or the Free P2. I just got it yesterday and I’m kinda disappointed. I mainly got it because it’s one handed opening and with my ADD I have a new fidget toy, great. But it’s a more expensive Wingman with a higher cost and a fresh coat of paint. Probably going to return it and get the Wave instead since I’m a working man and I love being prepared for anything and everything. Maybe a couple years from now I’ll get the Free P4 just to satisfy my ADD

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It's definitely a great fidget piece! I find that is a very capable tool but the wave is an easy pick for getting work done. The free is more an everyday carry for an average Joe tool in my opinion especially if pocket carry is important to you

[@thegarageluthier]

I own the Wave, Wingman, Mut and P2 and honestly just use the P2 now it does everything i need, feels nice in the hand is easy to operate and fits nicely in my pocket. And i am an Electrical Engineer by trade and honestly have never got on with the wave even after owning it for 17 years 🙂

[@jamesmcnary4939]

I agree with you. The Free tools are pretty, magnets are cool. My only question is; can you expand on the “almost useless” file? It might work on #2 pencils. I’d like to just go ahead and call it useless.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

With the bond now out I think it makes a better alternative to the skeletool than the P2 does so now it's really a stretch to recommend. I do think almost useless is accurate because I have successfully used it and the one on the wingman to file off burrs a couple times. It was very slow and frustrating but it did technically work!

[@jamesmcnary4939]

@@EngineersPerspective701 you have the patience of a monk

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@jamesmcnary4939 😂 Dad always said “patience is a virtue”

[@NighthawkNZ]

@@EngineersPerspective701 so I am assuming that you didn't have a standard file on hand or near by... which is my point of my main post... it worked and got you out of a jam... Any tool that is designed to multiple this is never going to be as good as a tool that is dedicated to one thing... they are designed to get you out of a pickle not as a main go to first tool.

[@fc436]

Hardly anyone notices that the free series is a leap forward in build quality. No leatherman model reaches the build quality level of the free series. And for the first time, leatherman surpassed victorinox in precision and build quality. The tolerances, the symmetry, the working precision of the mechanisms ... All this on the free series is superior to other leatherman models. Too bad for the assortment of tools ... The bit driver is missing !!!!!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

This is actually a great point! Never thought or noticed it before. I haven’t had enough of them in hand and used to confirm that they match Vic build, fit and finish, QC.

[@kabayan9746]

Hey Justin! I'm just wondering, does your Free P2 comes with production stamp? mine does'nt have one so I'm curious TIA

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Yep, it’s June of 2019. It’s stamped on the depth stop for the Philips/pry bar side shows “06 19”

[@kabayan9746]

Ok thanks! There’s really nothing on mine I’ve looked everywhere in the tool. Must be true that earlier production doesn’t come with the stamp, otherwise it’s just a missed on the QC.

[@Welther47]

The Free's needs a bit driver and a proper file and wire strippers. One thing I would love to see is a scissors-style wire stripper instead of the [useless] bottle opener.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It can do a lot but it’s a really weak is too many key areas.

[@claudyfocan731]

Also, the P2 and P4’s are not as comfy to put a lot of force on, the tabs to release the tools bite in the hand. Also if you try to torque em they move a lot more than a Wave, Surge or a Supertool 300. They look nice, are nicely made. But for the real savage industrial world? (I’m a electromechanic) I don’t think these are up to the task. Also magnets Around metalworking machinery. Nah. I guess you can clean em out. Sure. But who wants to do that lol. I have been carrying a Rebar around for years now, and it has performed great! Sure its a bit compact and lightweight. Its basically a smaller version of the ST300, not as functional but it has the same design and form factor to it. At times it did better than my (larger) Knipex pliers in the toolbox, they are of the comfort grip design so they are somewhat bulkier. I’ve gotten into places with my arm and that rebar, or like barely made it around a corner to grip or cut something. We often have the toolcart/toolbox/truck nearby anyway, So its really for these “I need something quick” situations. But it gets the job done. See it as a policeman’s Glock 19 😂 they don’t shoot all day long. Shooting people is not the main focus of their job. But if you need something to save your ass you have a effective/reliable tool nearby. (Also great for cutting welding wire! The hardened inserts hold up great and that sharp square jaw is great for cleaning the spatter out of your MIG gun) Nice video man! Love your content! Especially on the spyderco’s! I carry a purple Endura 4 as a EDC. The Rebar’s blade is more for abuse.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Really appreciate the comment and love rocking a main blade and using my leatherman as the abuse blade too! The free still beats the rebar and ST300 in terms of comfort for me but is way less stable feeling like you mentioned. I honestly believe the Rebar and ST300 are just way more versatile for their size and work better as that G19!

[@bretts6127]

P2 is an excellent light duty handman edc with no removable peices or extra kit to worry ablout. The file is short but mine actually had a pretty aggressive cut. Git mine for around 80 bucks. otherwise overpriced.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Personally I’d call it medium duty relative to other multitools and agree it’s a solid handyman edc option. The cost over other options with no increase or even decrease in capability is really where that price is an issue for me

[@bretts6127]

@@EngineersPerspective701 . Especially with some of the surge/ wave clones that have been coming out.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@bretts6127 personally not big on the clones but everyone has their own circumstances

[@ShapdCrusadr]

Today, I ended up getting a "Leatherman Free P2" multitool well for free paid nothing for it. That's cause some fool dumped fish on the edge of the road in town and somehow dropped the multitool

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Nice find! His loss, your gain!

[@ShapdCrusadr]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Yea, After getting home I looked the thing up. To find out the darn thing costs $130 bucks. I never owned a multi-tool that costed that much. At best I owned the kind you can get for like $10-15 dollars. lol

[@claudyfocan731]

@@ShapdCrusadr welcome to the world of quality gear my man! This is for sure a step up! While it might not be the heaviest duty one. For regular EDC it will do, these are world class in their industry.

[@bernie3075]

It's very simple to replace the screw driver yourself. You don't have to send it in.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I’ve swapped them out on other Leathermans. Sometimes nice for warranty to just take care of it