Leatherman ARC - not worth $230? | Longer Term Review
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- čas přidán 12. 06. 2024
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Timestamps:
0:00 The Best Multitool?
2:01 How to use it with only one hand
3:12 One big weakness
3:44 Opening outer tools
5:39 Opening inner tools
6:05 Magnacut Blade
6:43 Pliers
7:12 Wire Cutters
8:16 Bit Drivers
8:52 Files
9:55 Pry Tool
10:49 Impact Surface
11:21 Bottle and Can Opener
11:42 Awl
12:23 Spring Action Scissors
12:57 Electrical Crimper
13:26 Is it worth it?
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#multitool #leatherman #gadgets
the "wow you can read the brochure" clip was hilarious. it's applicable to so many reviews. I thought you did a really good job of actually explaining a few techniques for how to open and use certain tools in the arc.
I love multi tools and use them for work they come in handy whenever you need something. It’s compact size essentially saves space in your pockets
I never have to question the value for money of my 2 Biburys. Both excellent. No issues.
Most of the pocket knives I own and have carried daily are slip-joints with a nail nick, so the Arc has been a fantastic way to cut down my EDC. Also, the fidget factor has been monumental in my quest to quit smoking. Worth every penny, in my book.
I use the arc daily at work. I/C tech, perfect tool for the job. I modified it as well. The biggest mod being that i switched out the saw with a P4 serrated blade. There's tons of little things you can do as well.
Props to Leatherman for innovating. They must appeal to a younger audience. Still rocking my leatherman Surge since 2015 haven't left my pocket. With such a wide range you can't go wrong.
Would love an equivalent for the surge, a super heavy duty tool with the T-shank adaptor but with magnets and one-hand operation
My Surge is one hand operated no problems. After 9 years it is just smoooth.
Neotokyo
Love the fact that you have a wide variety of tools with you all the time
Sometimes the weight is cumbersome for the pocket but you can use a sheath
Love your prospective and the quality of your video, this was the first vid of yours I’ve watched, earned a subscriber! 🤙🏻
Thank you and glad you enjoy the content enough to subscribe!
I've been using a MUT since October 2011. For the first 10 years it was on my tac vest at work, paired with a nice Otis cleaning kit for weapons maintenance.
Since 2022, as a civilian, I only use it a general DIY multitool and it's always in my motorcycle waist pack.
I always tinker, and it does it very well.
And those pliers... not pretty but they do bite!!!
I have a Bond. In the past I owned a Wave, and before that a PST. As an apartment dweller, I find them very handy.
I'm a mechatronics technician, and this Leatherman Arc multi-tool is literally what I need. I'm from Europe, and despite the high price of €300+, I definitely find it worth the effort.
Why is it better than other Leathermans?
@@AB-ol8qy Because it has the best tool set on the Free platform. It's the best multi-tool that I ever owned.
@@AB-ol8qy sounds crazy I Guess, less effort less energy when using the tools.
Love this video great review neotokyo keep up the good work
How was your visit to NEOTOKYO ? My favorite thing about carrying a multitool, is the add-on bit sets. I love to have a bit driver on hand for pretty much any occasion. and another neotokyo for good measure.
I am an theatre engineer and I am handy and also a Dad. I have had the Surge for years. Literary worn that tool out. The Arc is perfect for me. When I am under a car or high on a ladder, in my daughter's room or on a formal visit. The Arc is one hand handy. It is so easy to use and get my job done. Yes for me it is worth it.
Im a CT mechanic and automotive mechanic by trade and I honestly used my leatherman wave constantly. I upgraded to the arc and didn’t even know about the crimper now I’m stoked. I’m always fixing and building stuff at home so when all my good tools are at work I don’t want to drive across town to pick them up I can use my arc. I have been known for always having my leatherman on me and fixing everything!
Loved the review brother thanks
Probably the best video I've seen for the Arc. Unfortunately, I only have the Wave+ but it works for me.
I'm a full-time mechanic and have been wearing a leatherman now for about 17 years. Mine daily work mulittool is the charge and in the weekend mostly the skeletool. I don't see the charge will replace by the new arc
NEOTOKYO
I have SuperTool 300 and I like the durability of the needle nose pliers. The knife blade snapped off a long while back but that doesn’t bother me since I always edc a knife anyway.
Ron always digging the videos man! I need that neotokyo patch! I like that the tool is always coming in clutch for things around the house like fixing my chairs. I dislike that they are always clunky.
Appreciate you bro! Gotta will a little harder for the GAW gods to shine upon you 🤩
@@RonKwok 😂 next time!
I have used every tool on my leatherman arc and have only had it a few months. The tools included are ones I use regularly and also some I thought I wouldn’t use but was glad I had on me when I did end up needing it.
Hey that's a nice upgrade then! Love the fact that you ended up finding uses for tools you didn't think you'd need. Keep it up!
Same for me. When I first got the arc, I was planning to swap out the micro bit driver for something else like I did the can opener with a beard comb . However, I noticed that since I have used it on the job, I use that micro bit driver for two things, first to hit reset buttons on electronic systems and second and most important is the dang paper towel holders that have the security locks. There is a key for it but everyone always loses them and I realized that the micro bit driver just needs to go in and depress the pin to unlock. Super easy and I will probably keep that tool implement specifically because of that.
Hey man, what knife is that in the back ground?
Neotokyo I wanted this one but I was too poor so went with the Leatherman Signal and love it! Multitools are great for us EDC dads one tool to rule them all
Can anyone explain to me where a can opener is still needed today? And are there actually people who use multi-tools but can't open a beer without a bottle opener? As long as every multitool has something like this, I will have no understanding for the salary of the Leathermann development department...
I want one ( 300 bucks in Canada ) , ATM , I rotate between a Surge , a Wave + , Charge + , and a Victorinox Spirit MXClip . As yet I’ve never seen one in the flesh , or handled one !
Definitely wish I would have seen this when I was thinking about buying one! Although I'm glad I did choose what I did choose but this would have made it an easier decision. Great video Ron! 🤙🤙
Multitools are intimidating if you don’t know what tools are inside or how to use it! Glad you found this helpful 🤘🏼
neotokyo
just started getting into the edc scene havent picked up a multitool yet just because how bulky they are. but my journey started with a nutsac tacsac 13. I've bought mini pouch to add to the tacsac and love it. my first edc pocketknife is the civivi baby banter and i love it just bought the flytanium titanium scales and love the feel of them. keep up the great content. cant wait for my videos!
Love mine. Magnacut blade is great and it's USA made
Neotokyo, I have the leatherman signal, it's really cool but I just don't have a use for it everyday, it would be great for camping though
Great video! Thanks for articulating very well all the features in this multi tool. Keep it up.
As far as purchasing this tool, I would. I’m an HVAC Tech/Installer. In many cases this tool will come in and save me 15-30 minutes of time. The best part is the single hand operation.
Thanks for your video.
Time savings is absolutely crucial! Glad it would work for you. I opened up a Leatherman Wave+ in my most recent video and I definitely feel the cumbersome old way of opening up an MT. Cheers man!
@@RonKwok Great video of the Leatherman ark and I want to ask you your opinion for some input because I am indecided as to whether the purchase to The Leatherman ARC or to go with the victorinox Swiss tool MX clip but there's so many videos out there and I'm leaning more towards the Leatherman Arc because it looks like a great multi-tool and I am a handyman / maintenance tech for my profession and I think this would be a good asset to me but still would like to receive more input before I make the decision to buy the tool and looking forward to your input and thank you
I definitely use multi-tools. I have one Leatherman and one Gerber. The blades for cutting are the parts that I wind up using the least often, but I do use them to cut something once in a while. I more often wind up using the pliers, the wire cutter, or the screwdriver
I am the same way with the knives. I use the screwdrivers and I have used the flat driver for lite prying. I have used my Leatherman Knifeless Rebar and Leatherman Rev the most. I also carry a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife for the Scissors and tools on them.
That's a nice tool ! I recognize that is too much tool for my needs. Thanks for showing it
Glad this helped Zero! I'm currently using the Free T2. Big obvious misses here are no pliers or scissors, and the bit driver is lacking so we'll see. Maybe I"ll settle for the P4?
I use a leatherman surge regularly, the corrosion resistance isn't very good at all. However I live in the deep south where humidity is high as hell year round so there is that.
The biggest thing I like and use on the surge is the full size scissors, pliers and the saw edge blade. Saw edged blade (not the replaceable one) is great for cutting thick straps off of pallets.
Interested in eventually getting a new leatherman, or just letting the one I have get much more life out of it. Was wondering what all the arc had to offer. I would actually use it everyday (at least work days)
Edit: I've had the surge since they came out, when I say corrosion resistance isn't good I mean it still looks and is in excellent condition. The small pockets of corrosion you can see deep inside of the joints where it's really hard to clean
I’d argue the corrosion in those deep joints are even more important than any corrosion that might be more surface level. It’s tough bc even if the blades or individual tools are corrosion resistant, if any piece of the MT fails, that then becomes the weak link of the tool itself. Glad the Surge is performing for you overall 🤘
@RonKwok I for got my money's worth. Was just wondering if the arc is worth it or maybe eventually just get another surge. Mine is the stainless steel so called one but I doubt it's true stainless steel since I do see corrosion starting to build deep in the joints. I have other tools like a decade old that IS stainless steel and they have no corrosion. Like I said though I live in the deep south where the air itself is wet from humidity.
So it just being outside will get humidity
Netotokyo. I like that the multitool can do almost everything. I don’t like that it doesn’t do any one of those things very well. But keeps me from going back to toolbox many times
Why do they always can't make it to perfection? Finally some useful tools in a set, but why would they exclude the hole in the awl and why don't they add a small flat screwdriver to the can opener (like victorinox do)?
gotta leave room for an Arc 2 😉
Neotokyo love all the functions and the accessibility.
Neotokyo for the dub! Love MTs bc so many uses and eliminates bulk from time to time! Love the content Ron!
Awesome video, very informative 🤘
Thanks Johann glad you enjoyed it!
NEOTOKIO . I love scissors in a multitool. I carry a Victorinox Compact everyday.
Now after watching this I understand the hype a little more, but I’m still not bought into the price tag with just a magnacut blade. I have the wave plus and free p4, and I think if I’m going to level up to magnacut, I would do so with a dedicated folder or fixie.
If Leatherman went Magnacut for all the sharp edges on the ARC like the scissors, wire cutters, and saw, then that would be a little more attractive. I’ve also been eyeing the MKM Malga 6. It’s a SAK looking tool with a magnacut blade for only $169. Might look to snag that since I already have 2 Leatherman multitools that still work extremely well. Nevertheless, always great seeing your new videos brother. Loved every bit 🤙🏾
Awesome perspective bro. I have the Free T2 in the pocket and am considering the P4, but honestly I need to cast a wider net in terms of multitools and really see what's out there and which tools are kitted with most tools I would regularly use. The SOG PowerPint is a big contender, but I checked out that Malga SAK and that looks promising for the footprint too. I do agree that they leaned into the Magnacut hype just a bit too much with the upcharge - while I appreciate the unique characteristics of the Free platform and the one-handed operation, $230 is hard to swallow, at least for the use I get out of it. Thanks as always, KWOKAPOW
NeoTokyo
I like my multitool for the needle nose, pliers, screwdriver and scissors
Sorry I've been staring at the electrical crimper part like how you showed it in your video... and looking at my own tool and figuring out how does the crimper actually work....
I realised that it's used when the pliers are opened, and then the part to be crimped is at the bottom of the pliers (below the plier joint).
😅
Yea honestly when I saw it on the Leatherman page I was scratching my head for 15 minutes trying to figure out exactly where it's at hahaha. Glad you found it!
Gorgeous tool but the Surge is way better with the t-shank adapter and usable diamond file.
I can't understand why people don't just buy the Surge. It's still overall the best leatherman, and is much cheaper than the Arc! I can't imagine wearing out too many blades on the Surge just because it's not magnacut.
Neotokyo . I like that multi tools have heaps of tools on them but I don’t like how heavy they can get
Thanks for the vid. There isn't enough gained by this tool to replace my go-to combo. It comes pretty close, but my Victorinox Swisstool Spirit has very useful tools that I am not ready to let go of. I like what I see, but I'm not in the mood to modify such an expensive tool to still not have everything I need.
Swisstool spirit XC and benchmade 940 is honestly top tier edc. Keep a pouch with various mini accessories and there isn't much you'll be left wanting for.
I'd like to see them remove the eyeglass driver and replace it with a small chisel. The wire cutter thing is problematic due to the coat hanger thing. Is it meant for it? No. Do I always have a choice in whether or not I can use proper side cutters? Also, no. It's not about whether you should do it, it's about what needs to get done.
I liked the utilization percentage, very interesting thought process. I never really thought of it that way, but I guess it can explain why I ignore tools with corkscrews.
Keep up the fantastic work 👏
I love it great review
I use mine every day, and like the set of tools included. The only way this tool would be better is if it was ither modular or the tool sets could be individually customized.
Amen. A customizable bit kit would be great too. I don't need two flat heads. I could use the Phillips with an infinity pen on the other side.
Are you sure you use the crimper like that and not with the handles extended? Wouldn't that give you a lot better leverage?
Also I really don't get why you would rate the tool by your personal utilization? That seems super-weird to me in a review... As opposed to "WOULD I use these if I had a sudden use and no professional alternatives handy", which is the point of a multi tool?
Neotokyo one thing I don’t like about multi tools r how think they can be with only using a few of the tools
I have over 20 leatherman.including charge plus g10 and p2. Bottom line I bring my supertool 300 to work every single day and out of work a curl is in the pocket lol dk where I was going with this but having said all that I want an arc 😂 it’s a freakin sickness
NEOTOKYO
I like multitools for how practical they are in such a compact form factor.
Honest question because I hear it all the time. Are people actually replacing tools in their toolbox with your typical Leatherman style multi-tool?
Maybe, but I think the real issue is a disconnect between expectations. I personally see multitools as a stopgap that keeps you functional in the go, but no way it can replace every specialized and dedicated tool in the bag.
Ron your style is so sleek, it's almost like you're from....neotokyo, one thing I don't like about multi tools are they don't fit my current use case, that's it.
I use my Charge + everyday. The lack of interchangeable bits kept me away from the p4. The lack of serated blade and guthook keeps me from getting the Arc. Super dumb they got rid of the inside ruler too, I use that all the time. I want those outside accessible tools, I hope they eventually make one with everything the Charge series has. I also didn't need a better main blade, I need better steel on the serrated.
The inside ruler is a big one for me. I measure things all the time. I don’t deal with fish, so I am unsure if the gut hook would be useful to me. But I’d imagine it could be beneficial for certain precise cutting angles in tight spaces.
@@vgman94 I don't think most people are using their Leatherman gut-hooks for hunting and fishing purposes. Where I work right now I have to cut cling film off of pallets of soda and water everyday to stock them, with the gut-hook I can just slice right down from top to bottom, one-handed, in one motion, without worrying about knicking any cans or bottles. Everyone else uses box-cutters and knives, which is slower and regularly leads a a can or bottle getting sliced open.
The scissors are better than you think. I was able to cut a leather belt with mine.
I love the size but think I prefer the Charge tti. I miss the serrated knife and haven’t been impressed with this knife.
NEOTOKYO
I like that whenever I needed one, it shows that it was a worthwhile tool to own.
Another solid video. I really like the one hand operation of the Leatherman but its quite pricey. I'm using a SAK as my multitool of choice (it was useful in assembling an Ikea desk) and will eventually pick up the SOG Powerpint.
Thanks for chiming in! I hear great things about the power pint, might be the best multi I check out
EDC a Surge for work these days and it gets a work out.
Prior to that it was a Gen2 Wave.
Prefer the Surge for my work.
Not sold on the Arc yet and the $500aud price tag is a lot to swallow.
Size wise I like the Arc over the Wave.
Yes. It's worth it for me. The toolset options is just good
Excellent 🔥🔥
Neotokyo Multi tools don't get enough use for me to carry one.
NeoTokyo
I love men too keep in my bag. It’s great to always have on hand when you need!
Im happy with mine, I did get it with medical discount for $160
How did you manage that?
How did you manage that?
NEOTOKYO - I use a SOG powerpint because of its size
I absolutely hated the P2. This honestly looks as bad if not worse. Not a fan of the bit drivers. Horrible ergonomics. The plier head is fine and the scissors/file/saw on this look very good.
I love mine after I did some mods to it
What mods?!
Neotokyo , I like that you can get multiple tasks done with one tool .
Use gravity instead of a flip when opening the pliers.
Thanks for the tip! Been playing with balisongs so my knee jerk instinct was to flip
EDC: blackened Surge with leather sheath 👍
As for the wire cutter drama. I get it, no one needs to cut coat hangers, but if you say in the same video that this is for professionals and tradesman then the wire cutters are indeed a big issue that needs to be fixed. As a water treatment plant operator who uses my surge multiple times daily, I would almost consider not buying this for how often I need the tool to work without breaking.
That's a big deal! I appreciate you offering your perspective in the context of what you do and what you need your tools to do
NEOTOKYO i cant live without mine my guy
Yes its expensive. but is it the best? i think so.
maybe not by much. but for me. i prefer it over my wave+
Cost aside, I think the best upgrade with the Arc is the one-handed operation. Affects your efficiency with every tool, regardless of whether you use them all or not. Thanks for the feedback!
@@RonKwok Agreed. the one hand operation is game changing. how often do you have 2 hands free when working on something. almost never.
3:43 how????
Look up basic opening and basic close butterfly knife tricks, pretty much that
Newbie here. Mine should be able to cut barbed wire more than once. Have a reasonable saw. The knife should be able to feather stick. A good pair of scissors would also be useful. Can and bottle opener. Don't necessarily need screwdrivers. Focused on bushcraft. I could use some real life users advice, and thanks in advance!
Greets, TW.
I definitely use my multitool on a regular basis, specifically the pliers/cutters and the bit driver, followed by the scissors. I almost never use the knife blade since I carry a knife that's easier to access and lighter. I don't care about bottle and can openers. For me, it's not worth the price tag, especially since I'm not interested in the high end blade. I like the ease of deployment but not enough to buy. Thanks for the update!
Thanks for the perspective Fook - I feel like a lot of us enthusiasts will carry a separate blade anyway, non-negotiable. So if the biggest selling point on the ARC is a magnacut thumb stud blade, well... sorry but we've had that for years LOL. That aside though, the ease of deployment is a huge plus from my experience, but at this point I'd look to the P4. Thanks for watching bro
I can say that I can open and close every tool one handed on my Surge.
Neotokyo - I use a multitool but I dislike the bulkiness
ooooo, Poping the Popcorn!
Would love our resident multitool expert to chime in 🙏🏼
It's one of the best, but not for me, I use a Rebar knifeless, and a set of screwdrivers.
Glad you have your loadout dialed in!
Love mine. Expensive. No regrets.
Worth the price then 🤘
@@RonKwok Yeah. However, the screw on the pocket clip got loose and came out. Thankfully it fell in my hand. But the bit kit didn't come with a T6 and Walmart (Canada) didn't carry one. That's unnecessarily annoying. I'll probably find one at Home Depot but come on Leatherman. You ought to do better. This happened yesterday
$499 here in Australia..
Neotokyo love my wave
Neotokyo Taco Bell! Love multi tools, for their small form and big punch!
Neotokyo 💪🏽💪🏽
Its even more in europe, 300 euro (326 usd) 🤑🤑🤑 not bying at this prize.
It's €300 ($325) in the Netherlands 😅
Omg that’s kinda nuts haha
Neotokyo
I don't like how most tools can be useless to me.
Shoutout to Neotokyo thanks for the win
Leatherman Wave will get it done.
Thanks for the tip! I have a Wave+ that's stashed in the car, been solid
Neotokyo I don’t like pinching my hand with them
I just haven't seen the need and $too try something isn't available
Just picked one up for $170
Deep discount 🙌
@@RonKwok happy nurse’s week to me!
I used to have a Radio Shack edition Squirt that was so easy to carry and came in handy in pinches. I’ve had a Wave for a couple of years now and it still saves the day. neotokyo
🤙
🔥🔥🔥
It replace my spyderco Manix 2 . Now mypocket is free
Wow perfect! Speaking of the Manix 2 I'm actually curious about it haha. Might show up on the channel soon.
@@RonKwok it’s am awesome knife. The only problem out of box is the pocket clip . I had to loosen the screw and adjust it so that when you use the locking mechanism the clip doesn’t irritate your thumb
Neotokyo
Let’s note that the majority of campers are not woodsmen. Most are carpenters. Most make nothing with their hands & tools. So it is no surprise that you find an awl useless.
Well I bought one but then I'm rich😂
All leathermans are worth the price.
Where is your hair game bro?
Nowhere near yours bro
300€ in EU😂