ToolGuyd

Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More!

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Tool Brands: Who Owns What?
    • Best Cordless Drills (2021)
    • Dewalt UWO Explained
    • Where to Buy Tools
    • Best Tool Kit Upgrades
    • Best Extension Cord Size
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Best Safety Gear
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Tool Brands in Every Category
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
    • More Buying Guides
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • Woodworking Tools
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Ryobi
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > EDC, Pocket, & Multitools > New Leatherman Free T2 and T4 Multi-Tools

New Leatherman Free T2 and T4 Multi-Tools

Apr 24, 2019 Stuart 24 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Leatherman Free T2 Knife Multi-Tool

Leatherman’s new Free series of multi-tools goes beyond traditionally-styled multi-tools, such as the Free P2 multi-tool featured in my recent hands-on review. Here, we’ll talk about the more compact T-series tools.

Shown above is the Leatherman Free T2, which the brand describes as being small but mighty. It’s their more compact Free-series multi-tool, designed to be small enough for pocket or purse carry.

Advertisement

The Leatherman Free T2 multi-tool is just 3.6″ closed, and weighs 3.3 oz. It has a 2.2″ blade length.

Features include Made in USA construction, one-handed operable tools that all lock into position for use, magnetic opening and closing, and frustration-free tool access. In other words, it shares much of the same features and mechanisms as the P-series multi-tools.

Leatherman T2 Tools

  • 420HC plain edge knife
  • Awl
  • Bottle opener
  • Pry tool
  • Package opener
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Medium screwdriver
  • Extra-small screwdriver

Price: $40

Buy Now(coming soon via Leatherman)

Leatherman Free T4 Knife Multi-Tool

The Leatherman Free T4 multi-tool is similar to the T2, but adds tweezers, scissors, and a file.

Advertisement

It’s the same length as the T2, at 3.6″ long, but weights more, at 4.3 oz.

Leatherman T4 Tools

  • 420HC plain edge knife
  • Spring-action scissors
  • Awl
  • Bottle opener
  • Pry tool
  • Package opener
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Medium screwdriver
  • Small screwdriver
  • Extra-small screwdriver
  • Wood/metal file
  • Tweezers

Price: $60

Buy Now(coming soon via Leatherman)

First Thoughts

These new Free T2 and T4 multi-tools are something completely different from Leatherman. They’re not pliers-based multi-tools, and while they feature a good-sized knife, the knife is not the star of the show in the same way as in knife-based multi-tools.

As with the P-series tools, Leatherman manufacturers the T-series tools in the USA.

I like the idea of compact multi-tools. Leatherman describes the T2 as “an EDC multipurpose tool built for every hand,” and the T4 as providing “maximum utility, minimum space.”

It looks like both tools have a lanyard loop, but there’s no mention of a pocket clip.

Related posts:

Kershaw Link and Dividend Knives Made in USAKershaw Dividend EDC Knife Review (USA-Made, ~$42) – Still Awesome Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight Cobalt Blue FRN SPY27 at KnivesShipFreeNew Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight EDC Knife with SPY27 Super Steel

Sections: EDC, Pocket, & Multitools, Knives, Made in USA, New Tools Tags: Leatherman Multi-ToolsMore from: Leatherman

« Milwaukee Smooth Jaw and Offset Hex Pipe Wrenches
“Renewed” Tools at Amazon? »

24 Comments

  1. Kevin

    Apr 24, 2019

    looks cool, a little throwback to swiss army knives of old.

    does it have a belt clip? i like the look of the new P2 pliers and they have a belt clip, very edc friendly without having to wear a sheath. any info on that?

    Reply
    • Tim D.

      Apr 24, 2019

      https://toolguyd.com/review-leatherman-free-multi-tool-p2-is-amazing/

      Reply
      • Kevin

        Apr 24, 2019

        i saw the clip on the pliers, this question is in reference to these knives.

        Reply
        • Tim D.

          Apr 24, 2019

          Ah, sorry. I misunderstood your question.

          The T4 in the SHOT show videos definitely shows a pocket clip, the T2’s had pocket clip screw holes, but were empty.

          This photo on the leatherman site shows the clip on the T4 as well: https://www.leatherman.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master/default/dw2fb4c187/large/581_lifestyle_0012_free_t4_02.jpg

          Reply
    • Stuart

      Apr 24, 2019

      There’s no mention or images of a belt clip in press info or product info pages. Tim’s image does show a clip on the T4, but I’m waiting for official confirmation to be sure it’s not an optional accessory purchase.

      Reply
      • Kevin

        Apr 25, 2019

        Great, thank you to you and Tim for the feedback!

        Reply
  2. Tim D.

    Apr 24, 2019

    For similar money to a Swiss army knife, I think I’d take a the SAK. However, this does look like it might be more robust than a SAK.

    These look a bit bulky. It’s hard to tell, as Leatherman doesn’t bother to put all dimensions on their products, just the length and weight.

    The “awl” looks a bit unusable as an awl. More like lets pop a hole in the small screwdriver and add another number to our implement count.

    I’m interested in the K line. It’s not a bad looking knife. However, I think once they show an unflattering angle of it, it will kill my interest. They’ve done a nice job of hiding that fat rear side of it so far.

    I like the idea of having a few of those tools in the back of my knife that clips into the normal knife spot on the rim of my pocket. If it’s as thick as a multi tool on the back side though, I might as well just stick a multitool in my pocket.

    Reply
  3. Nathan

    Apr 24, 2019

    The T2 does everything I would ask of my Skeltool with a better blade. (I hate the combo blade)

    It I think it would be lighter and easier to carry. The T4 as the scissors I would love to have for EDC. SInce i work in an office.

    In this “free” system I would love to be able to order a custom tool set on a product line.

    LIke a car. In otherwords. Let me order a T4 – without the AWL (and whatever else they call it) and without the file. narrow it down or lighten it up and 5 dollars cheaper or whatever. OR – let me order a T2 drop the AWL and add the scissors. if the blade width allows. Some variant of that would be very welcome.

    Reply
    • 928'er

      Apr 24, 2019

      I’m with you on the combo blades.
      I have a couple of the Skelatools that I picked up when they were a special deal at HD and I HATE the partially serrated blade. Leatherman, however, will not even sell you a plain replacement blade. Pissed me off enough that I will not buy another Leatherman product. Of course, that’s just me…

      Reply
      • Nathan

        Apr 25, 2019

        I’m close to that thought – they make that skeltool knife that has the plain blade and it’s occasionally cheap enough I thought about snagging one to trade out.

        Reply
        • 928'er

          Apr 25, 2019

          That was Letterman customer service’s solution – just buy another Skeletool with a plain blade. I have three of the things with the damn half(assed) serrated blade. I’m not about to buy another tool just to get a plain blade.

          They won’t let you buy just a plain blade – even though they (obviously) make a plain blade.

          Reply
  4. Jared

    Apr 24, 2019

    Looks good to me. Very swiss army-like. I’d have to see them in person to decide whether I’d actually prefer it to a comparable SAK. From the review of the multi-tool, I assume these are premium products. Presuming that’s true -and they’re not too fat to pocket comfortably – I could definitely foresee purchasing one.

    Reply
  5. Thom

    Apr 24, 2019

    Not worth the price considering I carry the Gerber Dime now.

    Reply
    • Nathan

      Apr 24, 2019

      but the dime is smaller in size – smaller blades and made in china. though colorful.

      so for people that want a made in USA product and larger this might strike a chord.

      I’m intrigued and also add me to the want list for a pocket clip. It would need that if I was to use one

      Reply
  6. Mike

    Apr 24, 2019

    Wish they came with a belt case don’t trust those clips lost too many knives using them

    Reply
  7. Frank D

    Apr 24, 2019

    I still object to the “free” part of the name. Was that really the only thing they could come up with?

    Reply
  8. David M. West

    Apr 24, 2019

    No glass-breaker. Be nice to have a EDC multi tool with a glass-breaker.

    Reply
  9. Mike47

    Apr 24, 2019

    Thank you Leatherman… I’ll take a Free knife!

    Reply
  10. Robert

    Apr 25, 2019

    My guess is that the “awl” is intended to function as more of a combination implement. A little bit awl, small screwdriver/pry tool, etc. Not perfect for any one function, but not necessarily intended to be. Just a general purpose handy implement.

    Reply
    • Tim D.

      Apr 25, 2019

      I understand that the tool is a “jack of all trades” so to speak, so most of its implements are more for emergency use than ideal use.

      However, the types of awl I’m familiar with are scratch, stitching, piercing, and bradawl.

      This tool is a screwdriver so it isn’t sharp enough to be a scratch awl. It’s far to wide to be effective at piercing. It has a hole on it, so it makes me think they wish it to be a stitching awl, but it’s far to wide to stitch anything, and it’s not sharp enough to dig through wood, so it’s not functional as a brad awl.

      Personally, I think its a stretch to add it to the tool count.

      Reply
      • Robert

        Apr 25, 2019

        That’s the kind of awl that we’re all familiar with. These things are a compromise at best. You could make that same case for other items on the tools like the larger “screwdriver.” A better description might be that it’s something for screwdriving, minor prying, or minor scraping tasks. Most of these things, including the scissors, are a compromise on a good day.

        None of it will take the place of a separate dedicated tool. With that said, they’re a decent pocket tool for small incidental tasks.

        Reply
        • Tim D.

          Apr 25, 2019

          Not to drag this out, but we’ll have to agree to disagree.

          The fact that I can still drive a screw with the large screwdriver means it’s less than ideal, but is still functional. It can even double as a pry widge or whatever.

          My point is that the awl is not functional as an awl, in practically any fashion.

          This is not necessarily true for any awl leatherman has produced, but definitely my opinion of the awl crammed into the “free” line of tools.

          SAKs actually have a somewhat functional awl usually, again it depends on the model.

          Reply
  11. Gerardo

    Jun 25, 2019

    Hi! About Leatherman Free T2 & T4 tools, does Toolguyd sell them?
    If do, accept PayPal?
    Thanks and regards!

    Gerardo

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 25, 2019

      Sorry, we don’t sell any tools.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

ToolGuyd Forum

Recent Comments

  • neandrewthal on New Milwaukee M18 Brushless Angle Grinder: “15A 120V grinders will peak over 2300W easily. And deliver the work of 10 flexvolt 9AH batteries an hour. For…”
  • Frank D on Another Ryobi Link System Expansion – Cabinet, Shelves, Tool Bags: “LOL Ryobi being lower quality than HF brands …”
  • MFC on New Milwaukee M18 Brushless Angle Grinder: “For more than 30 minutes of grinding you will still want the cord. I had to grind down pipe fence…”
  • Brian on Ryobi Let a Secret out of the Tool Bag: “Is there some reason to be geeked out about Ryobi-branded hand tools? I absolutely love my extensive collection of Ryobi…”
  • Jared on New Milwaukee M18 Brushless Angle Grinder: ““Cut off tool” feels like a retro term. Like before we had “cordless angle grinders” we had to make do…”
  • JJ on Festool’s Latest Innovation is a Lefty-Friendly Cordless Drill: “Adam, technically, it’s 10.8v and I do agree with you. I have two sets and they are the mostly used…”

Recent Posts

  • New Milwaukee M18 Brushless Angle Grinder
  • Ryobi Let a Secret out of the Tool Bag
  • Another Ryobi Link System Expansion - Cabinet, Shelves, Tool Bags
  • Kobalt vs. Ridgid Cordless Power Tools in 2023 is a Tough Choice
  • Engineer Mini Long Pliers - Affordable, Comfortable, ESD-Safe
  • Milwaukee USA Hand Tool Factory Tour - More Details
  • Woodpeckers Owns Blue Spruce Toolworks
  • New Dewalt USB-C Rechargeable LED Lights
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Euro Hand Tool Brands
  • Best Tool Brands
  • Best Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Tools for New Parents
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • Gear
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure