Trailer Technician Tools: Hand Tools
Leatherman Free P4
Most trailer repairs aren’t made with a multi-tool. However, unlike other tools, a multi-tool is small enough to have on-hand at all times. So when a Trailer Technician is engaged in a trailer repair and unexpectedly needs to cut a wire, bend some aluminum, or tighten a screw, a good multi-tool may be able to step in for the assist. This allows the Technician to stay on task, maximizing productivity. Depending on the work being performed, this may also reduce the number of times the Technician needs to enter/exit a trailer, which is when many injuries occur.
You Get What You Pay For
Until a few years ago, my multi-tool inventory consisted of a few very cheap models from unknown manufacturers. While they were useful enough to keep around, there is no doubt that I got what I paid for. However, purchasing a higher quality tool never really occurred to me until Leatherman announced the release of their Free Series.
Free Series… You Had Me at Hello
Leatherman is obviously a very well-known name in the multi-tool market. But it wasn’t brand recognition that convinced me to spend more on a multi-tool. In fact, my willingness to upgrade was 100% due to a new feature that was introduced with the Leatherman Free Series… Every tool is accessible on the outside. In other words, you don’t have to deploy the pliers to access a knife, saw, screwdriver, or any of the other tools.
With the availability of this new feature, a multi-tool upgrade was inevitable. The model I chose was the Leatherman Free P4.
Was the Upgrade Worth It?
Absolutely!
Having the ability to access the wide variety of tools, without opening the pliers, is every bit as wonderful as I knew it would be! That feature alone justifies the purchase of the Leatherman Free P4. But, there is plenty more about the Free P4 that has won me over.
The build quality is great. Smooth, rounded edges make it comfortable to use, which isn’t the case with some multi-tools. As advertised, all the tools are easily deployed with one hand. And the magnetic locking system keeps the tool compact and secure, when not in use.
Any Negatives?
I have a tendency to use the wire cutters to cut the plastic straps when opening packages (a task that they probably weren’t designed to do). This eventually leads to the wire cutter inserts bending, making them non-effective for wire cutting. Fortunately, the wire cutter inserts are replaceable. In 2 years I’ve replaced 2 sets of wire cutter inserts ($10.00 ea).
Suggestion: The included saw easily cuts through the plastic straps that are used on packages. Use the saw to cut straps and save your wire cutters for wires.
Pros
- Pliers do not have to be open to access other tools.
- Easily access all tools with one hand.
- Comfortable to use.
- Keep tool on-hand with the Nylon Sheath, Lanyard Ring or Pocket Clip. (I prefer the Pocket Clip)
- Tools lock in place when in use.
- Wire cutter inserts are replaceable.
Cons
- Magnets can attract metal shavings.
- Wire cutter inserts can bend easily (when used on non-wire material)
Leatherman Free Features
- Made in the USA
- One-hand Operable Features
- All Tools (Except Plier Head) Lock Into Place
- Frustration-free Access
- Magnetic Opening & Closing
- Removable Pocket Clip
Leatherman Free P4 Specifications
- WEIGHT: 8.6 oz. | 243.8 g.
- CLOSED LENGTH: 4.25 in. | 10.78 cm.
- OPEN LENGTH: 6.45 in. | 16.39 cm.
- BLADE LENGTH: 2.76 in. | 7.02 cm.
- WIDTH: 1.3 in. | 3.4 cm.
- OVERALL THICKNESS: .68 in. | 1.7 cm.
- MATERIALS: 420HC Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel
Tools Included
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- 420HC Knife
- 420HC Serrated Knife
- Spring-action Scissors
- Saw
- Pry Tool
- Package Opener
- Awl
- Can Opener
- Wire Stripper
- Ruler (1.41 in | 25 mm)
- Wood/Metal File
- Bottle Opener
- Electrical Crimper
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Medium Screwdriver
- Small Screwdriver
- Extra-small Screwdriver