Leatherman’s Wingman multi-tool is their newly designed “value-priced” multi-tool. As with the Sidekick we reviewed last month, the Wingman is being marketed towards users looking for a low-priced entry-level or backup multi-tool.
The Wingman features: a 420HC stainless steel partially serrated knife blade, spring-action combination pliers, large scissors, metal file, 1″ ruler, a package opener, can and bottle opener, and 3 screwdriver tips.
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Despite the low pricepoints, the made-in-USA Wingman and Sidekick multi-tools are highly versatile and offer the same high build quality we have come to expect from Leatherman tools. We were impressed with the features and performance of the Sidekick and purchased a Wingman for personal use.
Normally priced at about $30-35, the Wingman multi-tool is on sale at Home depot for $25. Supplies seem to be selling quickly – yesterday our local store reported 23 in-stock, and today there’s only 15.
You can purchase one online with free in-store pickup, or head to your local store to purchase one from the display. As supplies start to dwindle, buying one for store pickup and having it reserved for you is the safer option.
Buy now(via Home Depot)
If you take your chances buying one in-store, this is where you’ll find the display:
One thing’s for sure, Leatherman seems to be having a lot of fun with the advertisements they’re running for the Wingman:
Update: we put together a video comparing the Leatherman Wingman to the slightly more expensive Sidekick.
Kevin says
saw them at my local HD this week,as well , after reading your review I will be picking one up.
Stuart says
I’ll be interested in hearing about how well you like it!
Robert Hafer says
After hearing about the deal at Home Depot, I made a quick stop on the way home and picked one up. I expected them to be scarce since the word had gotten out. As it turned out, they had plenty. I imagine that their tactic is to prompt holiday impulse buyers to grab them for “quick gifts.” Leatherman’s logic is that once they try them, they’ll be part of the family.
Having not only read about these but now having one, I can see an appeal from different angles. I hope that the strategy of targeting first time buyer’s doesn’t deter experienced users from trying them. This is simple but solid, functional, and cool looking American made product. I’ve had a Leatherman Juice S2 for a while now, and paid considerably more for it. Though it pains me to say it, in some regards I like this better.
First of all, I like the fact that the outside implements, the knife and scissors, have a liner lock. Those are great, especially for safety. You won’t find that on the Juice models. The second advantage is that the knife can be deployed with one hand. You can’t do that with the Juice either. The third thing is something nicer in my opinion than has otherwise been discussed. The Wingman and Sidekick are the only larger Leatherman’s with spring loaded plier jaws. I didn’t realize how much I’d actually appreciate that. It’s also nice to have more of a “standard” sized plier while still being compact and lightweight enough to carry it routinely.
I won’t cover more detail than has already been reviewed. I’ll simply say that while scaled down from other Leatherman tools, I’m amazed and impressed that this company hasn’t yielded to the temptation of increased profit over American jobs. I’m even more astounded that in spite of that, they can make an American product with this much quality for that kind of money. Granted, the profit margin probably isn’t high in the attempt to kick start these tools. For 25 bucks however, you can’t bicker over this one. I’ll guarantee that some “internet expert” will go on a detailed rant about how these tools don’t compare to their upscale Leatherman’s. My response to that is, no kidding! Let’s compare apples to apples here. These are cool looking, functional, and great quality tools at an amazing price. You may even enjoy them more than your more expensive tools, because you won’t be concerned about actually using them. If you lose one or it’s stolen, you’re out only 25 bucks. Really, how can you go wrong?
There are some minor issues that I’m frankly a little embarrassed to mention. Given the cost, this can sound like nitpicking. I therefore stress that I’m very impressed and proud to buy this American product. I am, very happy with this amazingly priced and good quality item. That said, the slotted screwdriver on the tool was a tad thicker, not wider, than I anticipated. You may find that when changing out a light switch or something, you may need to use the smaller driver, which is the driver file combination, to turn some screws such as the switch plate. It’s a little too small for that, but the standard one doesn’t fit the screws terribly well. People who read this forum are the types who understand that a few moments at their grinding wheel could remedy that.
Another petty thing is that the scissors are basically adequate. I’m not one of these people however, with unrealistic expectations. I don’t expect fine cutlery for the price of stamped sheet metal. They are capable for most simple tasks however, and are quite convenient with access on the outside of the tool. In addition, they do have an interesting plus. Unlike the scissors on a Victorinox knife, the scissors have a better quality spring mechanism. It’s similar to a Wenger knife in that there’s no tension on the spring until the tool is deployed. It’s not a cheap spring that should require replacement at some point like the Victorinox.
The only other issue is that you may need to initially lubricate the knife blade so it opens more readily with one hand. I did that, and mine operates nicely. It’s slightly stiff in the beginning, but may loosen over time after some use.
These make great gifts. If you’re looking for a gift for a non-Leatherman owner, this will make you a hero at a very modest cost. It’s a simple but great American made tool that I’m proud to purchase. I certainly can’t argue with the cost.
Robert
Yadda says
This deal has gotten even better. The Wingman combo pack with the Style CS has been marked down to $20. (some reports of $15). The Sidekick has been marked down to $15. Get ’em while supplies last at your local Home Depot.