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Gerber Dime Multi-Tool – TSP Item of the Day

The Survival Podcast Posted on by

dimeEvery day I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience and I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the Gerber Dime Multi- Tool.  To me everyone should have a mini multi-tool on their key chain.

This is one of my absolute favorites due to how small and useful it is. There are so many times in our lives we could use a screw driver or a pair of pliers or even a good pair of tweezers.  I spent a lot of time checking into small key chain sized multi tools and the Gerber Dime was the one I settled on.

With this little gadget on my key chain I have the following tools everywhere I go, all the time.

  • Needle nose pliers
  • Wire cutter
  • Fine edge blade
  • Retail package opener
  • Scissors
  • Flat Screw Driver
  • Crosshead Screw Driver
  • Bottle opener
  • Tweezers
  • File

 

For many years I carried a Leatherman Wave, in fact I often still do.  Frankly I think it is the best full sized multi-tool out there.   But it is a rather large item on your belt and just not practical for every day and all the time.  To much EDC makes one look like a pathetic version of Batman you know.

So at times I would need pliers, a driver, etc, and just not have it with me.  Well pretty much anywhere I go I have my keys.  To drive home how small this item is when folded here is mine on my key chain below.  As you can see it takes up less space than the key to my 4-Runner.

gerberdime

The Gerber Dime Multi- Tool is also a great deal at 28 bucks with free shipping on Prime.  It absolutely will not do everything a full sized tool does but it is small enough to always be there when you need it.  To me that is the key with mini multi-tools, better a small set of pliers then none at all!  Read the PS for when that isn’t actually the case by the way.

Remember you can always find all of our reviews at TspAz.com

P.S. – I did eventually have to replace mine, and not because I lost one or gave one away.  I did find the limits of this tool and wanted to make you guys aware of it.  Two years ago, Spectrum sent me a new router that doubled my speed, seriously.  The tech that installed the first one must of used a pipe wrench to tighten the CATV fitting onto it.  I was on my side under my desk, had my keys in my pocked so tried using the pliers on this to take off the connector.

Got a good grip and the pliers just turned on the fitting which did not budge.  I gave it a harder grip, same thing.  Not wanting to get up, I gave it a full strength grip and that blew out the spring for the pliers feature.  I had this one for years, used it hundreds of times.  This doesn’t change my view of it being great EDC but I did kill one and wanted to be up front about that.

Like I said the thing has limits and frankly I have a pretty strong grip and it took almost all of it to kill it.  I knew I was beyond the limits but thought hey lets find out, I did and you should consider how far you push this tool given its size and purpose.  To be fair when I got a full sized set of pliers on it, it turned the fitting in the housing and required two sets of pliers to finally separate it.  I worked in CATV for years and never saw anything like it.  Who knows?

Comments

Gerber Dime Multi-Tool – TSP Item of the Day — 14 Comments

  1. If I lost my EDC multi-tool, I would cry. I did cry once when TSA confiscated it, but I got a good deal on a replacement on eBay from a seller named TSASurplusGuy

  2. I need a new one. Mine got confiscated by TSA because I forgot to go through my purse.

  3. Jack, could you suggest some good storage containers for things like flour or sugar? I’m experimenting more in the kitchen and would like to start buying larger (50#?) bags. I’ll need something for long term and something I can get into regularly to refill my supply in the kitchen. Thanks!

    • Honestly we use ball jars and dry can them. We also don’t use a ton of either so we don’t store that much.

  5. Great gadget, combine lots of useful tool. And what I love most about it is its size and portable function, easy to take it with you everywhere. Thank you so much for your information, this gadget is exactly what I want to find.

  6. I would like to hear a show on EDC items. Like what is all on your key ring. Also, how to carry Batman’s utility belt while I am dressed business casual at work, when traveling through an airport as well as the rest of the time with normal wear.

  7. For years I carried a Gerber Clutch Mini Tool, as an IT guy, the screwdrivers were extremely useful. I broke a few of them, usually squeezing the pliers too hard until they sprung. I was disappointed when I found that they had discontinued it, but somewhat relieved when I found it re-branded as the Bear Grylls Compact Multi Tool. Replacing the nail file with a serrated saw is a somewhat useful upgrade.

    If I had known about the Dime at the time I would have gone with it.

  8. Typically, I’m not a huge fan of Gerber knives and tools, but I bought one of these on your recommendation. I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised. The little bugger is heavier than expected and appears to be very well made. I especially like the spring loaded pliers and the blister pack opener is fantastic!  My only gripe is that the one I bought is purple, but that is only because I couldn’t justify spending five bucks more for black or one of the other colors.  lol

    Thanks Jack!

  9. My favorite tool on the Dime is the box cutter. It is great for cutting packing tape, with a small cutting surface that won’t go too deep. But it really shines on blister packaging. The tough plastic vacuum-formed packages in which toys (and stuff from harbor freight!) are usually packed.  This tool lets you carve whatever path you like in that material. A regular knife would make you bleed. Not this. Love it!

    A word of caution, though. The pliers can’t take much force. Mine bent.

  10. I carry the Gerber Dime multi-tool everywhere I go. I even carry it in my pajamas at night (while I’m awake). It is extremely useful when I need a small screwdriver for that one screw.

    I use the pliers for only one thing. I go through a lot of Nu-Salt salt substitute. It comes in those little disposable shakers which requires me to cut a small hole in the plastic top. In the past the little piece of plastic would fall inside the container, forcing me to live in fear of eating that little piece of plastic at some future time. Now, I simply make the cut and then grab that little piece of plastic with my Gerber multi-tool. Serenity in my life is restored! 🙂

    I also look like a hero when someone else is struggling and I produce this little tool to fix the problem.

    I’m really glad I bought it.

  11. This was about $10-$12 on prime day.  Just stating this b/c it may drop in price again..

  12. As more of an office guy I’ve needed pliers less and the scissors more often. I’ve been using the Leatherman Style CS the past 5+ years as my EDC and it’s great. Little more $ then the dime but it might be worth a look if your like me.
    https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Keychain-Multitool-Spring-Action-Stainless/dp/B0032XVNMQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q3HZ6EH8W1US&dchild=1&keywords=leatherman+style&qid=1605560671&s=home-garden&sprefix=leatherman+st%2Cgarden%2C260&sr=1-1

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