Gerber brand products really set a high standard for knives, multi-tools and flashlights. They pack a lot of ingenuity into each tool and offer a big selection to ensure you get the right product. I was excited when PlumberSurplus.com got in touch with us and offered one up for review. They provided us a Gerber Grappler and here’s what we thought.
Gerber Grappler Review
The Grappler has a total of 12 different components built into a small, 5″ tool.
Features:
- One handed opening
- V-cut wire cutters
- Locking plier adjustment screw
- Nail puller
- Pry bar
- Cross driver
- Ruler- Inches/ Centimeters
- One finger open/ close button
- Wire stripper
- Liner lock on all components
- File & large flat driver
- 1/2 Fine edge & Serrated blade
One-Handed Opening
Grabbing a tool and getting it ready for use is a very important consideration. You never want to fumble around for 5 minutes or have to completely stop what you’re doing- it’s just not practical or efficient. To deploy the pliers out you just give the tool a hard flick of the wrist. The pliers slide out, lock into place and you’re done! To close, you press the release button and slide the pliers back.
Other components do require two hands but Gerber offers several options for one-hand opening tools.
Components Lock in Place
We’ve covered the pliers but it’s important to know that every component of the Grappler locks in place. As you unfold each of the 4 main extensions, there’s a tab that prevents if from folding back up.
Best Uses
The Grappler is great for someone who needs quick access to pliers / vise grips and v-style wire cutters. It’s a good variety tool that can be used for everything from locking down on a screw or nail to an outdoorsman grabbing hot pans. The Grappler is modest competition for other multi-tools that are smaller , lighter and may have more features. On the flip-side, it has solid construction and a cheaper price tag- about $50.
If the Grappler is not for you, check out this handy Gerber multi-tool comparison.
Specifications
- Overall Length: 6″
- Closed Length: 5″
- Weight: 10.5 oz
- Opening Style: One-hand opening
- Sheath Type: Nylon
- Total Components: 12
- Stainless Steel-Stain Finish
What do you think? What Gerber do you use?
The Grappler looks like a neat design, but I’m not sure I would find the locking mechanism handy.
The only Gerber I use is their Suspension, but I’m not particularly fond of it. One of these days I might pick up a higher-end Gerber, but with a few Leathermans and a new Sog I’m in no short supply of multi-tools.
It would be nice if the locking mechanism could be one handed. The “piano lock” SOG has looks much easier to operate.
This is a bad-ass version of swiss-knife. The design looks very sturdy and able to withstand those hard DIY jobs at home. I think the tool is designed for making you work faster and easier without dropping the tool from your hand.
This is a great review and a cool tool, I am a Gerber crucial fan but have been wanting to look into others. thanks!
I have a Leatherman and find that I don’t use it much. I don’t think the price is very tempting for this Gerber. I don’t really need one- hand opening, but then, I’m not a climber.
I love gerber knives. Like other folks, I find that I don’t actually use most of the other tools very much, but it’s so handy to have around for those few times you need it.