Gerber Centre-Drive Multitool
Over the years I’ve amassed quite a number of multitools, some I’ve given away, some lie forgotten in a drawer gathering dust whilst a select few are at hand ready to be put into use at a moments notice. After spending a few months with the new Gerber Centre-Drive (or Center-Drive because Americans can’t spell) where will it live, drawer or toolbox?
I don’t mind admitting that I’m far from being a professional user of multitools, though some of my pals are, and even they’ll freely admit to not using all the implements on their favourite tool. The problem is, there’s no one perfect multitool for all, it seems like most multitools are geared towards people who simply want to be prepared for everything and anything. Some however do come quite close, and that’s where Gerber say the Centre-Drive, sorry, Center-Drive fits in as they reckon it has all the tools that you’ll need, and none of what you don’t, 16 in total.
Needlenose Pliers
Regular Pliers
Magnetic 1/4" Bit Driver
Phillips Bit
Flathead Bit
Serrated Blade
Fine Edge Blade
Awl
Wire Strippers
Ruler (stamped into handle)
Dual-Mount Sheath
Rotatable Carbide Wire Cutters
File - Fine & Coarse
Pry Bar
Bottle Opener
There are quite a few things that separate the Centre-Drive from other Multitools, the first, and arguably most important, is the full-size screwdriver that sits on the centre axis that can hold a standard 1/4" bit. Locked into place you have all the ergonomics and torque you’d get from the real thing, which is a godsend when you're balancing on a bath trying screw in a shower curtain rail. Of course it'll never be as comfortable as holding an actual screwdriver, but it's good enough.
Next are the pliers themselves, with other brands you have to use both hands to open up the tool to gain access to the pliers, Gerber give you 2 ways in which to open their pliers, and both single handedly. Either use your thumb to slide them out of the body, or flick of your wrist and out they slide - easy. The jaws are spring loaded too, which can make life so much easier.
Gerber have put the most useful tools on the outside of the body for easy access, that’s both the screwdriver and the fine edged knife, which the say is 30% longer than the competition. On the subject knife, again it can opened using one hand, and as a bonus there’s a thumb support on the opposite side which is really handy.
The file offers fine and coarse sides and is always a useful addition, especially when you have to trim your finger nails - or, umm, for deburring or filing down sharp metal objects. Yeah, the latter!
The awl that’s included is very good, it’s actually sharp enough to make an effective hole in quite a few different materials - and getting muck from under your fingernails...
What would a multitool be without a bottle opener? A rubbish one, that’s what. Gerber have cleverly integrated a nail puller and prybar onto the end of their bottle opener which again works really well as you can actually put some force behind it.
The sheath is quite clever too, not only does it have two internal pockets, one for the Centre-Drive and one for the spare bit holder, but it also features two loops that can be used to thread it onto a belt, either vertically or horizontally.
Gerber have certainly put some thought into the Centre-Drive and considered what’s needed in a hardworking multitool. The result they say is a tool that isn’t packed with tools that you’ll never use, instead opting for those that make more sense. The Centre-Drive screwdriver is a win for this tool thanks to its longer size, ability to hold a standard 1/4” bit, and its central axis placement. Another plus, well for me anyway, are the pliers that are both spring-loaded and opened using just your thumb or a flick of the wrist, less hassle when you need them compared to the usual butterfly opening system.
So, as I asked at the beginning, is the Centre-Drive destined to gather dust lost in a drawer somewhere or ready for action in the toolbox? I think you already know the answer to this, most definitely the latter.
Closed length: 4.7"
Open length: 6.6"
Weight: 9.5oz
Check out their video… click link
Website: www.gerber-store.co.uk/Center-Drive
Price: RRP £124.99
