Adam Scepaniak 05.23.24
One of my earliest memories of being given a tool from my father is a multi-tool. I probably asked for some fireworks, a knife, or something similar in intrigue and danger as a child, but he compromised with a multi-tool to preoccupy my fidgety hands (the multi-tool had a small knife… so, score one for me). Multi-tools are not only one of the most practical, utilitarian tools that you can carry on you, but for some people like me, they are even a bit nostalgic. I don’t authentically recall what my first multi-tool was. I was simply floored that my father gave me one, and I thought I outsmarted him because I also had a knife at my disposal aside from the bevy of other tools inside. As an adult, I don’t always look for multi-tools with a million tools inside; rather, I look for the most durable ones. When I start pounding in a fence post – and all other manner of tasks that a multi-tool isn’t supposed to be used for – I want it to last. One manufacturer who has cemented a reputation for durability and utility is Gerber Gear. Their portfolio of goods is rife with tools that can accomplish nearly any squirrelly task we ask them to. So, in this AllOutdoor Review, we are going to take a look at the Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool in their Black colorway to see how it performs out in the field. Let’s dive in!
Gerber Gear Coverage on AllOutdoor
Specifications – Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool (Black)
One failing with many multi-tools is that the bit driver you get is off-center. So, when you are trying to screw or unscrew something, you cannot put your full force into what you’re doing, or you are simply slipping all over the place. It becomes a comedy of errors and frustration (normally), but Gerber Gear corrects that with their Center Axis technology. Your bit driver is actually in the center of the multi-tool so you can apply adequate pressure and screw/unscrew whatever it is that you’re working on.
- Blunt Nose Layered Construction Jaws & Adjustable, Two-Size Slip Joint Jaw
- Small Fastener Pliers & Regular pliers
- Wire Cutter & Wire Stripper
- 3.25″ Plain-Edge Blade & 3.35″ Center-Drive Axis Tech
- Saw, Fine/Coarse File, and Chisel Edge
- #1 and #2 Cross Drive
- Medium Flathead Driver
The Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool has an MSRP of $110 which is actually cheap when you dive down the rabbit hole of good multi-tools. Another one of the crowning features for the Dual-Force Multi-Tool is the jaw and grip strength. Both the grip force and jaw strength has been measured to be 2x stronger than its competitors in the multi-tool market. So, once again, whatever you’re working on you can actually get it done and not strip things out or slip.
- 8″ (20 cm) Ruler, Lanyard Hole, and Fabric Sheath
- Closed Length: 4.65″
- Blade Length: 3.25″
- Weight: 12 Oz
- Width: 0.84″
Something else that often gets overlooked, but I greatly appreciate is the nylon sheath that comes with the Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool. This small accoutrement makes life easier because you can keep your multi-tool close at hand on your beltline in either a horizontal or vertical fashion. Whatever you prefer.
- The Dual-Force’s jaws operate like dedicated set of pliers, with a 2 position slip-lock design, and extra-large teeth for unparalleled control.
- Center-Axis bit driver operates like a real screwdriver, providing maximum torque and rotation.
- The handspan is 47% narrower than competitor tools, allowing for optimal gripping power and 2x the force.
- Layered construction adds durability and 2x the strength of the competition.
- Included sheath can be worn horizontally or vertically, depending on the task and user preference.
Also, in the rare event that your Dual-Force Multi-Tool should ever be in need of service, Gerber is proud to offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of their products as a testament to their unrelenting commitment to quality and service. A final word from Gerber Gear can be read below speaking in even greater detail to the Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool qualities.
For tough jobs, it’s often easier to head back to the toolbox for a proper set of pliers—until now. The Dual-Force isn’t your average multi-tool, boasting layered construction to provide 2x the jaw strength and 2x the force to manhandle any task put in front of it. The adjustable 2-position slip joint jaw and extra-large teeth grasp firmly onto a variety of fasteners and apply unparalleled control. Additional features include a center-axis bit driver, plain edge knife blade, fine/coarse file, saw, and additional bit storage.
From predictable day-to-day tasks to the thrilling unknowns of the backcountry roads, the Dual-Force is the replacement for those old dedicated pliers of yours, and then some.
Leave the toolbox at home, because the Dual-Force’s revolutionary design offers proven and uncompromising performance when taken to task against the competition.
Gerber did it with the Center-Drive, and now we’re continuing to expand the horizons of what a multi-tool can do.
Field Use – Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool (Black)
So, how did the Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool in their Black colorway perform out in the field?… I brought this along in my truck throughout the bulk of this review and pulled it out when necessary. My average day is a lot of time spent at my family’s gun shop – The Guns And Gear Store of Waite Park, MN – or ranching which entails tending chickens, managing Angus beef cattle, caring for Mangalitsa pigs, and even tending to honeybees. Throughout all of the ventures, all manner of tasks might be demanded, or things simply break and require correcting.
Whether it came to fixing a fenceline around our cattle and pigs, or spot checking something on my Toyota Tacoma, the Dual-Force Multi-Tool had fantastic grip strength as advertised. I never slipped once I gripped onto something and I felt confident being able to bend wire and grasps onto various nuts or bolts.
I also appreciated the simplicity in this multi-tool. There are not a lot of tools with this multi-tool, but that keeps the MSRP at a manageable price-point and the Dual-Force Multi-Tool has most everything you need without specializing in anything.
Center-Axis technology is wonderful and makes using the bit driver significantly easier than other multi-tools I have used in the past. If you really have to lean into something while using the bit driver and give it that extra ugga-dugga human force, the Center-Axis technology ensures that you don’t slip and rotating is a natural, centered movement.
It might have been nice to have the Gerber Dual-Force Multi-Tool spring-assisted, but then the MSRP might be higher and I don’t know how that could negatively affect the jaw strength and grip force that is 2x stronger than its competitors. So, although I always prefer to have a spring-assisted multi-tool, I am very happy with the Dual-Force Multi-Tool as is.
Final Thoughts – Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool (Black)
So, what are my final thoughts on the Gerber Dual-Force Multi-Tool in their Black colorway?… Overall, this is a winner. You have a powerful, sleek multi-tool that gives you all of the affordances and value of much more expensive models at a much more attractive price-point. I thoroughly enjoyed using this multi-tool throughout the duration of this review. My only points of constructive criticism to maybe add in the spring-assisted pliers feature and a few extra bits for the bit driver. Other than that, it is a great multi-tool for the money.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Gerber Gear for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Gerber Dual-Force Multi-Tool in their Black colorway. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Gerber Gear Dual-Force Multi-Tool in their Black colorway is something worth spending your money on? Would you take one with you hunting? Scouting? Fishing? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Gerber Gear and the Dual-Force Multi-Tool in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
Gerber Gear Social Media Channels
