Leatherman Charge TTI multi-tool review
“The only tool I own that is very close to always with me is my Leatherman Charge.”
Leatherman claims the Charge TTi was born after combining the most requested features and so creating what is considered to be the best Leatherman Multi-tool by many.
Product Overview
| Weight: | 8.2 oz/232 g |
| Closed length: | 4 in/10 cm |
| Tools: | 19 |
| Warranty: | 25 years |
| Expect to pay: | $170.00 |
| We rate: | 4.5 |
| Where to buy: | Amazon.com |
The Leatherman Charge TTI offers 19 features with lock-in-place mechanisms that are packed closely using some impressive engineering in one durable multi-tool.
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Hard-wire cutters
- Wire cutter
- Crimper
- Wire stripper
- S30V knife
- 420HC Serrated knife
- Saw
- Spring action scissor
- Cutting hook
- 190mm/9″ Ruler
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond-coated file
- Large bit driver
- Small bit driver
- Medium screwdriver
Look and feel
Holding the tool in my hand I noted a fair weight which I didn’t expect. The titanium handle did a great job of holding everything together as there was no play on any of the tools including both the blades. The obsessive part of me was also very pleased to find that the tips of the needlenose pliers lined up close to perfect.
When holding the tool in your right hand, the knives can be flicked up into position with a simple thumb movement and releasing the lock to put away the blade was just as effortless.
In the tools closed position you can access the two knives, the saw, and also the file. To access the bit drivers, screwdriver, scissors and can opener the handles need to be swung around to the tools open position.
Why we like it
The knife
The knife is made from S30V stainless steel which is a hardened, wear and corrosion resistant stainless steel which is often used in the production of high-quality knives. Locking the knife into place should be followed by cautious use as the knife is a force with a very sharp edge while the beauty of the S30V composition means it will retain its edge much longer than other knives.
S30V steel is considered a premium grade steel and is one of the most prominent reasons for the large price difference between the Charge and Leatherman Wave considering, besides the two tool difference, these two multi-tools are very much the same.
The saw
The saw was the feature that impressed me the most. The short 3-1/2″ blade delivered a cutting capability I did not at all expect from a tool its size.
Made from 420HC stainless steel the saw is used with little effort and designed to work with a pulling motion.
I assume the designers opted for the pulling motion instead of a pushing motion as a safety precaution.
A pushing motion can result in your hand ending up over the saw blade if the saw had to bind with the workpiece.
The bit driver
Leatherman offers a range of double-sided bits that can be purchased separately making the bit driver a very versatile feature on its own.
These bits can be easily interchanged by just pulling out the current one and popping in the desired bit while a spring clip holds the bit in place.
The Leatherman Charge comes standard with a Phillips and flat screwdriver bit.
A standard bit kit can also be purchased for $19.00 and contains 21 double-sided bits in two holders that include Hex, Robertson, Pozi, Phillips and Slotted bits.
What we don’t like
Due to the fact that the crimper is located towards the end of the needlenose pliers, it’s hard to apply the pressure required to crimp what needs to be crimped.
The bit driver will also leave you annoyed if the screw you are trying to drive is sunken. Due to the shoulder of the flat bit holder, you will be limited in accessibility. This means that only screws that sit flush with a surface will be able to be driven using the bit driver.
Remember, this is a multi-tool. Designed to help you out in a bind or an easy to reach tool for a quick job. It’s not designed to be your go-to tool for every work.
Who would use the Charge
Anyone who can use a tool would find value in this multi-tool. It’s a great all-rounder and can be used from carpenter to mechanic. Take it out on your next fishing trip or have it close by when you go camping. It makes a great gift for a DIY dad, husband or anyone that loves quality tools.
Conclusion
The leatherman charge is definitely a top contender in the race for the best multi-tool. For it size, it has a great deal to offer. When compared to the big daddy Surge. It weighs 4.3 oz less and is 1/2″ shorter in its closed position while only taking a 2 tool knock. It’s a well-built, durable piece of craftsmanship that is small enough to carry around and bail you out when you are in a jam.
The 25-year warranty is a big plus and in the 9 years, I’ve been using Leatherman tools I have never had a problem when needing to have a tool repaired.
The warranty combined with the usability of this well-balanced tool earns it the Woodwork Junkie top pic for best Leatherman multi-tool.
Charge alternatives
If the $170.00 price tag on the Charge seems excessive the Wave or Skeletool can be a great substitute.
The Wave.
After its redesign in 2004, the result was a multi-tool that offers all the same features as the Charge with the exception of the crimper and the blade hook for a total of 17 tools.
Instead of the titanium handle, it has the standard stainless steel handle making it only slightly heavier.
Instead of the S30V steel blade, the Wave‘s knife is made from 420HC steel.
The $90.00 price tag on the Leatherman Wave makes it Leatherman’s best-selling multi-tool to date.
Alternatively, the Skeletool.
While weighing in at only 5 oz this little guy has 7 tools of which the most notable would be the pliers, knife and bit driver.
The little guy has the essentials and can be carried on your belt using the stainless steel belt clip or can easily fit in your pocket.
The Leatherman Skeletool comes in 3 different colors including normal stainless, blue and green and starting price is around $60.00.
Woodworkjunkie.com, DIY like a pro.
Can the blades and different parts be replaced if they become too worn.
Hi Josh,
The Blades can not be replaced by the owner of the tool. They can, however, be serviced or repaired by Leatherman themselves and unless it is malicious, is covered under the warranty.
Hope this is helpful.
Jean
Hi Jean,
Great review! I hadn’t considered that a saw would be more effective in one direction than the other. Makes perfect sense though. I had to bring out my multi-tool to confirm and, yup, that was the case.
My sister-in-law got me the Rev as a stocking stuffer last Christmas. That’s when I got hooked on multi-tools. They are a perfect blend of tool and gadget. After a lot of research, Leatherman became my brand choice.
Although I eventually got the Wave for it’s price, the TTi was definitely my top multi-tool. I love the two-tone color. The titanium material and crimpers are also nice additions. My next one will probably the TTi.
Oh, and here’s one for you, if you look closely at the first picture in your post, sticking out of the bottom of the left arm is this little loop. It’s not advertised as a feature but I believe that is a loop to use on a keychain. There’s no easy way to push that out unless you use a flat screwdriver or something of the sort. Did you know about this hidden feature?
Hi Juan,
Good spot. The lanyard loop is a feature on the Wave as well as the Charge.
In the many years I’ve been using Leatherman tools I have never used this feature. Mostly due to the weight of the tools and instead opt to carry the tools either on belt clips or pouches.
There is, however, a slightly easier way of taking out the loop.
When opening the saw the loop can be pushed out from behind. I generally use the bit from the bit driver to do this.
Thanks for the comment.
Jean
If i may interject, the hidden built in lanyard loop has several indispensable uses. When i go fishing or anywhere loss is a real concern (skydiving, on a boat, camping ect.) I use a belt loop and a chain with a quick clip or something similar to keep it from getting away. Try pulling a hook out with a determined fish and not drop it at least once. For hiking where weight is an issue, use paracord and a quick clip. Just a suggestion to save someone a few bucks replacing one. Now, ask me why i have developed this method of “tool retention”, go ahead ask. 🙂
I assume you’ve lost one (or maybe a few) before?
I use to be an overhead crane technician and working at heights was part of my daily ritual so I can definitely agree with what you are saying.
I had a black oxide Wave gen 2 for exactly 2 weeks. Buried at sea by accident. I have had a few mishaps with losing multi tools. Being that i use them multiple times daily i generally always have one with me.
Hi Jean, thanks for the information about this multi tool. I always find you have to be careful flicking out the knives, as you say! When would you recommend using this? I mean would you carry it around with you casually or could you not just bring along a small tool box if you think you might need to use tools, thanks Sean
Hi Sean,
I’m an artisan and spend my days on jobs sites doing fault finding. I always have one of my multi-tools with me and rarely have a day where I don’t use it.
But they are also great to keep in the glove compartment of your car or maybe on your boat. Multi-tools like these are also very handy when you go camping, fishing or most hands-on outdoor activities.
They really are very handy in a bind and can be used for a wide range of tasks.
Jean