Leatherman’s newest full-size multi-tool is the Rebar, previewed here in January. Akin to the larger Super Tool 300, the Rebar is purposely reminiscent of Leatherman’s original multi-tools. Not everyone will like the Rebar’s boxy style, or that its tools cannot be accessed from the outside, but its small size and robust design might make it a hit with heavier users.
My favorite multi-tool is the Leatherman Wave (what’s yours?), and while I make great use out of the outside-accessible knife blades, I am also very fond of the Super Tool 300. The Rebar is smaller and lighter than the Super Tool 300, and with nearly all of the same tools and functions, so I was excited for the chance to test one out.
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The Rebar measures 4-inches closed, weighs in at 6.7 ounces, and its two knife blades are both about 2.36″ (6cm) long.
The pliers deploy quickly and easily, as with all Leatherman multi-tools. Handle edges are thick and rolled-over, and there are no noticeable pinch points. This is an advantage of multi-tools with no outside-accessible knife blades or tools – the greater and more uniform handle spacing reduces the likelihood of pinched-palm blood blisters.
Like the Super Tool 300, the Rebar has tougher-looking pliers. It’s difficult to tell if this is done for aesthetics or strength, but I find myself preferring the straight-edged jaws over rounded ones.
The pliers are fairly low-profiled, but the sloped-neck design at the start of the handles means that the Rebar can fit even better in tight quarters.
The user-replaceable (and resharpenable/repairable) wire cutting blades are a welcome feature. I know that not all tools can feature this, but it’s one of the things I like most about my Super Tools. The upcoming Leatherman OHT multi-tool will also feature these replaceable wire/hard-wire cutter blades.
The Super Tool 300 is said to have 154CM stainless steel wire cutter blades, and the Rebar’s is described as premium steel.
The plain-edge drop-point knife blade (420HC stainless steel) deploys via an adequately-sized nail notch. It doesn’t quite look all that spectacular, but it’s sharp and gets the job done. No complaints here.
Also on the plain-edge knife blade side – a wood/metal file, small slotted screwdriver, large slotted screwdriver, an awl with thread loop, and lanyard ring.
The file works well for impromptu deburring, but as with most multi-tool files it’s too small for serious work. (Unless you’re looking to work your muscles out in new ways.)
The small screwdriver is nicely tapered and will see some serious use. The large screwdriver will see less use, but it works great on those wide-slotted fasteners designed to accommodate coins. I will sometimes use large multi-tool screwdrivers for mild prying tasks, but this is something I won’t recommend.
As for the awl, I haven’t tested this one out, but the similarly shaped on on the Super Tool 300 punches through cloth and wood with ease. It’s one of those tools you might not use often, but when you need it you’ll be glad to have it.
On the other side you have a sheepsfoot serrated knife blade (also 420HC), a can and bottle opener, three-dimensional Phillips screwdriver, and a wood-cutting saw.
As with the plain-edge blade, the serrated blade should only be used locked-in and with the tool in the closed position.
This brings me to an important note – all tools are lockable when extended to their fully-deployed positions. The locking mechanism is simple but effective.
Here’s a closer look at the wood saw, Phillips screwdriver, and can/bottle opener. Do you see the V-shaped groove at the bottom of the can and bottle opener? That’s the back side of the wire stripper.
Aside from a curved back, the saw resembles Leatherman’s typical multi-tool saws. The screwdriver is slightly shorter than the one on the Super Tool 300.
The sample I tested came with a rather simple black leather sheath (made in Mexico). On one hand the leather box is as bare-bones as sheaths go. On the other hand, it’s as bare-bones as sheaths go! This means that it’ll protect and hug your Rebar close and tight without taking up unnecessary space on your belt or in your bag or pack.
Since I compared the Rebar to the Super Tool 300 and mentioned the Wave, I figured it only made sense to do a size and blade comparison as well.
The Rebar is shorter and thinner than the Super Tool 300, and most of its tools are scaled down proportionally.
Conclusion
Not everyone is going to love the Rebar, but it’s a solidly built tool. It faces some tough competition in Leatherman’s own product lineup, but it has a number of good selling points.
Pros:
- Robust construction and build quality – this is a tool I’m not afraid to use hard, especially to cut hard wire since the cutter blades are removable and replaceable
- More compact and lighter than Super Tool 300
- Convenient outside ruler markings
- Tools are relatively smooth to deploy (I’m told that a last-minute production tweak will make things even smoother)
- 3-dimensional Phillips screwdriver
- Thin-profile pliers for improved tight-area clearance
Trade-offs:
- Knife blades are not outside-accessible, which does take some getting used to (but it’s worth it)
- No interchangeable bit driver (although LM’s accessory driver does fit the Rebar)*
- Smaller knife blades compared to Super Tool 300 and full-size 4-inch tools
I found the Rebar to be a high-quality multi-tool, and it has its place in Leatherman’s lineup. If you’re looking for a heavy duty multi-tool and don’t require outside-accessible knife blades or tools, then the Rebar should serve you well.
If anyone would like a tool vs. tool comparison, just let me know via comments or email and I’ll try to answer your questions.
Where to Buy?
The Rebar is currently priced at $49-55.
Rebar with Leather Box (via Amazon)
Rebar with Standard Sheath (via Amazon)
Product Info & Purchase Links (via Leatherman)
Thank you to Leatherman for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or in some cases retained for benchmark and comparison purposes.
Although they’re not quite in the same class as the Rebar, here is our review of the Sidekick, and a Sidekick vs Wingman comparison.
*Credit to Jerry and Claudio for bringing up the removable hex bit driver via their comments below and on Facebook. You’re right, it does work with the Rebar!
Jerry says
I like it, for the sheath as much as anything.
While I really like my Super Tool 300, I really miss the compact sheath that my original Super Tool rode in. My idea of a multi-tool is to get as much usefulness out of the least space, so a sheath the size of a small suitcase, does not appeal to me. If I want to carry more stuff, I can get a Nite-Ize sheath for the couple times a year I do that. For the other 360 days of the year, less is more.
Cj says
The 2 hand requirement for accessing the Blade will pass the cringe test by customs in oz as they are cracking down on the importation of single hand access cutting folding tools.A joke really because you can go to any hardware and get a box cutter that has single hand access. B$&@ s$&@ it if you ask me.
Denis says
Well Stuart, frankly I am not sure about this product. I noticed that torx screw nearest the needle nose plier and while the rest of the product looks okay, I’ve had issues with screws that hold centralized parts together. Either they have stripped, fell out easy or some in case with a similar looking multi tool to this Leather man were rusted and wouldn’t budge.
Also, I heard from more than one source, more and more Leatherman products are being outsourced and the new leatherman products are no longer made in USA. Naturally a Leatherman rep will say all their tools made in USA, so trusting their word would be similar to trusting a dog with sandwich.
Robert says
Denis,
There is a lot of propaganda these days about outsourcing of Leatherman products. I was successful in having the product description of this very item changed with a major retailer. The store described it as imported. I not only contacted the retailer, but notified Leatherman as well.
For the record, this item is made in USA in Portland Oregan. Some raw materials are only available through imports these days, and that’s just the nature of our world economy. Make no mistake however. There are lots of myths about the origin of Leatherman tools. They are an an American company that deserves our support. They make EVERY effort to keep their jobs right here in the states.
As far as the Torx screw near the plier head, it’s a non issue. It’s a great quality tool. Even if it were a problem, Leatherman’s warranty is as good as it gets. They will always fix or replace a tool with no questions asked. There’s really no way to go wrong.
Robert
Jerry says
One more thought…will the old style hex bit adapter fit on the phillips screwdriver, like on some of the older models?
If so, that could improve the versatility of the tool.
Stuart says
Looking at the product page, yes the removable bit driver accessory does fit the Rebar. Thanks for a great question!
I love my Wave’s ability to use bits with no added accessories, aside from the special LM bits of course, but the removable bit driver might be a reasonably good alternative.
Allan Palmer says
This one hits home for me. I’m the guy that still favors the original PST. This new Rebar is the tool I’ve been waiting for. Legendary Leatherman quality combined with old school styling and more features than the original. A keeper for sure.
Gary says
Another LM product with no scissors. My Wave is in no danger of being replaced. Pliers and scissors get most of the use in my applications.
Steve says
To each their own; I have zero needs for scissor or proprietary screw driver bits.
Robert says
Gary,
I see what you’re saying as far as the need for scissors. That’s precisely however, why I don’t care for them on a tool like this. The scissors on the Wave and Charge models are adequate, but hardly outstanding.
Because I use them a lot, I carry a separate “Leatherman Style CS” in my phone case. That is always there regardless of anything else I carry. The dedicated scissors on the CS provide substantially better leverage than the smaller ones on the full sized tools. They’re more like a pair of “real scissors.” They work in more of a traditional fashion without the awkwardness of the tiny thumb controls.
Although any scissors on a tool like this are better than none, I don’t feel like I’m missing much. My Style CS has handled tasks that I couldn’t have begun to do with one of their smaller versions. Although it’s an extra tool, it’s so compact when folded that I hardly notice I’m carrying it.
Robert
Mike says
I like this multi-tool and I am considering replacing the Wave with it because it has the Awl. I do like the outside blades as that is my most used tools but I can deal with out it as I have a SAK Rambler on my keys!
I wish the Wave had the Awl in place of the small eyeglass tool. Leatherman should have just made a bit that fits the large bit driver and tapers to the eyeglass screwdrivers.
If there isnt a “Rebar vs Wave” review can you do one?
Thx.
Mike
Claude says
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and
now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Thanks!
Tara says
@Mike – I can HIGHLY recommend the wave – I’ve had mine about two years now and it is there any time I need it. Very handy. Very excellent.
Bill Youngman says
Is the rebar close to the same size as the orginial super tool I lost my supper tool
After fifteen years and now I can not replace it thanking about the rebar
Stuart says
The Super Tool measured 4.5″ closed and is classified as a heavy-duty tool. In today’s lineup, the Super Tool 300 comes close. At 4″ in length when closed, the Rebar is slightly smaller and is classified as a full-sized tool.
In other words, the Rebar will be slightly smaller than your original Super Tool in most aspects.
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Simon Lester says
I will be interested to see whether the old 3 position swivel-headed hex driver fits the Rebar I have just ordered. I bought one years ago as an accessory for my ’96 PST which I found also fitted my Supertool 200 and (non replaceable cutters) Surge and as such is extremely useful and way past the intended tools it was designed to fit at the time!
Although Leatheman’s flat bits work fine I prefer the stronger hex bits which are available in security and every other kind of point you can think of. I haven’t broken any of the new flat bit holders but I do treat them with respect.
Simon Lester says
Would you believe it, the Rebar turned up this evening and yes, the old bit holder does fit and works a treat.
That is a result!
G. Amund says
I finally bit the bullet and this is the one to replace my PST.
-its fairly light, half the weight of all the big tools, and lighter by a couple oz than most of the popular choices like the wave.
-I tend to carry a knife anyone so the smaller knife on my multi-tool is preferable. I will mention that its pretty much the same as the PST which only adds to my preference as a replacement. To top that off i’m pretty happy that all the tool lock back, which still includes the knifes.
-I not only like the what appears beefier pliers as well as the replaceable cutting bits. The use over the years on my PST has left them slightly twisted at the tip and the cutters dull and chipped.
-Now what I really love about the rebar is its wiring ability over most all the rest of the models. I can cut both thin strand solid wire, strip it, crimp your terminals with the mostly overlooked proper crimper on the bottom of the pliers inside the grip.
Otis D says
I was shopping around for a Wave and Rebar. Have the PS4 and an old , old Leatherman original. Found a used Wave on Ebay for $47 including shipping. But looking on Walmart’s website for the Bit Extender I saw a REBAR on sale in the local store for $15. I drove to the store and they had one. I bought it. What a deal. Going for $60 on Amazon and mail order price is the same on Wally worlds website $60.00. To say I was surprised is an understatement. Going to enjoy this tool.
Tool Of The Trade says
I just checked out Leatherman website for the first time and I don’t see anything remotely special about them that qualifies for them to cost what they do. A pair of pliers with a Swiss army knife for a handle costs over $100? They had one that was $275! I’m not sure what makes them so expensive other than a brand name. There’s nothing really special about them from the experience I’ve had with them, which to me they were awkward to use and I certainly don’t see much of a difference between them and the ones sold at Walmart for $15. If I kept a pair of pliers and a Swiss army knife in my pocket, wouldn’t that be the same thing? Can anyone enlighten me as to why Leatherman is so much more special than the multitools I’ve seen at Walmart that cost %85 less? I’m not trying to diss them, but I really want to know what makes their pliers the most expensive ones that are available.
Stuart says
It’s like the difference between a NY strip steak and 99 cent a pound manager special at Walmart. They both look like steak, both will fill your belly with protein, but one will provide you with a much better experience.
The Rebar reviewed here is a compact heavy duty model, with very good pliers and decent other tools.
Michael G Wells says
I bought a REBAR when I thought I had lost my original Leatherman. (Of course I found my original 2 weeks later). The quality of the regular blade on the REBAR is terrible. While scraping paint off a piece of metal for a better electrical connection 1/4″ of the tip of the blade broke off. I also noticed the whole cutting edge of the blade was marred with tiny chips along the entire length.