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Multitools offer a lot of utility and have numerous advantages. Not only does a multitool eliminate the need to purchase multiple, separate gadgets, but it also reduces the hassle of carrying them. You can wear compactly designed multitools on a belt or strap them to your pack. This will also save space in your toolbox. When it comes to multitools, Leatherman is a well-established name that most people are familiar with. Leatherman builds various tools, ranging from simple, compact ones to powerhouses with a whole range of features. It can be challenging to choose between these products, in this comparison of Leatherman Crunch vs Surge we go into detail on what tools does these multitools have and how similar are their functionality despite having different design and toolset.
Leatherman Crunch vs Surge – Overview
Leatherman Crunch
The Leatherman Crunch is a unique multitool. It is built around locking pliers, which can wrap around a one-inch pipe. It also has fifteen included tools. The specialized design means it is suitable for use on construction sites, especially. This is a handy tool to have when working on piping, wiring, or similar tasks.
The tool weighs in at 6.9 ounces. Its closed length is approximately four inches, which makes it a compact and portable option. The 15 tools housed in it include a 420HC serrated knife, wire cutters and stripper, hex bit driver, bottle opener, as well as a range of screwdrivers.
One of this tool’s standout features is its all-locking system, which makes it safe to carry. The locking pliers themselves are a robust feature; the fold-out toggle system works fairly well, and the handle design enables the user to torque down on what they’re holding easily. You can quickly access and stow away the pliers.
All in all, the Leatherman Crunch is a pretty good choice for construction workers, electricians, and anyone who works manually. The only real cons of the tool are that the knife is a little short. It’s 15 tool choices fall short of the competition, too.
What’s Included
Regular and locking pliers, cutters (hard-wire and wire cutters), a wire stripper, a 420HC serrated knife, a ruler, a wood and metal file, a bottle opener, a 0.25″ hex bit drive, a pin vice, and screwdrivers (a Phillips screwdriver and large/medium/small-sized screwdrivers)
Specifications
- Length of the tool when folded: 4 inches
- Length of blade: 2.2 inches
- Weight: 6.9 oz
Leatherman Surge
The Surge is one of the biggest Leatherman models, weighing 12.5 oz, although it’s only 4.5 inches long. The tools included are also pretty large. It boats the largest pliers and longest multitool blades of all of Leatherman’s products.
It comes equipped with 21 easily accessible tools, which include pliers, wire cutters and hard-wire/standard-wire cutters, plus an electric crimper, knives, spring-action scissors, and an awl. Additionally, it even has can and bottle openers, files, and screwdrivers. Basically, you can do pretty much anything with this tool.
This is an optimum tool for heavy-duty tasks. However, because of its weight, the Surge may be more for the toolkit than for every-day carry use.
The design of the Surge tool makes use of the available tool space optimally, with both internally and externally accessible tools. One of the best parts of the Surge is that its design benefits the consumer. Leatherman has ensured that the components most prone to breakage are easily and cheaply repairable. However, owing to the quality of the product, this is also unlikely to happen in the first place.
This is an excellent tool for anyone who needs a full toolbox on their belt, although the weight may be a constraint for some folks. This rugged and robust tool has some serious pros, like the build quality, number of tools, part replaceability, etc.
What’s Included
Pliers, replaceable wire cutters and a wire stripper, electrical crimper, straight and serrated blades, wood saw, awl/leather punch, an 8-inch ruler, a can and bottle opener, a removable coarse grit file, a removable fine grit file, scissors, a blade exchanger, a large Phillips flathead/bit driver, and both large and small flathead screwdrivers
Specifications
- Length of the tool when folded: 4.5 inches
- Length of blade: 3.1 inches
- Weight: 12.5 oz
Leatherman Crunch vs Surge – The Comparison
Design & Performance
The Surge is the largest multitool that Leatherman has designed. It’s a comprehensive, all-encompassing set of tools for professionals. Its design revolves around two knives that you can easily open using only one hand. The other tools are slightly harder to open with one hand, which is a design shortcoming. Moreover, the weight of the tool is also considerable and may not be right for everyone. In comparison, the Crunch is much lighter but also offers more limited tools, with the design centered on a set of pliers.
Durability
Like all Leatherman products, both the Crunch and Surge multitools are durable and possess excellent construction quality. The Surge pulls no punches and has optimized ergonomics. Since it is so heavy, the materials and tools used are also thick and stiff. This means a robust design.
The Crunch is one of the only products out there with locking pliers. Its design is durable but optimized for the pliers. Due to that, other included tools suffer in performance. However, when it comes to pliers, the Crunch is a market-leading product that can compete with dedicated locking pliers.
What Users Say
Both tools have excellent customer feedback and product ratings. The Leatherman Surge has some customer complaints related to its weight. However, most customers recognize that a tool of this quality and variety will weigh a bit more than other products.
With slightly less effusive reviews, the Crunch has impressed most users with its weight and compact design. However, some customers complain about the flathead screwdrivers’ utility and the vice grips.
Conclusion
You cannot beat multitools when it comes to optimizing space or cost. A tool containing 15 or more products within it is simply unparalleled. Moreover, the Leatherman name is enough to guarantee high quality.
The Leatherman Surge and Crunch products are both cutting-edge tools, both for different purposes. If your primary concern is getting an excellent pair of locking pliers, go for the Crunch. If you are looking for a product that has it all and does it all, there is no better option than the Surge.
Hi, I’m Johnny, the chief editor at Svetools.com. Since I was a kid, DIY has been my thing – playing around with all sorts of tools, from power tools to classic wrenches. I started the Svetools blog to share my love for DIY and all things a house Handyman should know. Whether it’s product reviews or essential how-to’s articles, I cover it all. Need assistance or have a question? Hit me up using the details on our contact us page.