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Leatherman, a renowned multi-tools manufacturer headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a name synonymous with quality and versatility. With an extensive portfolio of multi-tools at their disposal, newcomers to the world of multi-tools often face a daunting task when selecting their first multi-tool. In this comprehensive article, we narrow our focus to two exceptional multi-tools: the Leatherman Signal and the Charge Plus.
In this article we’ll uncover their distinctive features, functions, and specifications, providing you with the knowledge needed to make an informed choice. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the utility of a multi-tool, this article will serve as your guide to selecting the perfect companion for your adventures and everyday needs.
Leatherman Signal vs Charge Plus – Overview
Leatherman Signal
The Leatherman Signal is the ultimate adventure companion, packing 19 essential tools into a compact 4.5-inch size. It’s equipped with a fire-starting ferro rod, a versatile 420HC combo blade, and a life-saving emergency whistle. With a customizable bit driver and a built-in hammer for tent stakes, it’s a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re camping or simply need an everyday tool, the Signal’s locking blade and lightweight design make it perfect for everyday carry (EDC). Get ready for any adventure with the Leatherman Signal.
Read the complete review: Leatherman Signal
Leatherman Charge Plus
The Leatherman Charge Plus is the epitome of adventure-ready tools. It boasts versatile features, including sharp scissors, durable and replaceable wire cutters, and a robust knife blade crafted from corrosion-resistant 154CM steel. With one-handed operation and a convenient pocket clip, it’s the perfect companion for any handyman. The Charge Plus is a clear example of exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering quality, ensuring that your Leatherman multi-tool will never let you down.
Read the complete review: Leatherman Charge Plus
Charge+ vs Signal – The Comparison
Tools
Both the Signal and Charge Plus multi-tools feature a robust selection of 19 tools each, but they do exhibit variations in their functions. Let’s explore the distinctions that set them apart while highlighting the common functions they share.
Leatherman Signal and Charge+ have some tools in common:
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- Wire Stripper
- Saw
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
Key Differences
- Electrical Crimper – Charge Plus offers an electrical crimping tool, perfect for ensuring secure electrical connections. This tool crimps metal connectors onto the ends of electrical wires, providing a reliable alternative to traditional screw-on or lug attachment methods.
- Knife – Signal features a 420HC Combo Knife, a blend of straight and serrated edges in 420HC steel. In contrast, Charge Plus offers two blades: a straight 154CM steel blade and a serrated 420HC steel one.
- Hammer – Signal offers a versatile Hammer function, making it a valuable tool for outdoor activities. It’s perfect for tent setup and other camping needs.
- Awl with thread loop – Signal includes an awl, handy for on-the-spot sewing needs. While it may not be a crucial feature for everyone, it offers versatility in various situations.
- Scissors – The Charge Plus boasts a spring-actioned, compact pair of scissors, making it a handy tool for various situations. While smaller than stand-alone scissors, it remains a valuable addition for on-the-go tasks.
- File – Charge+ offers both metal/wood and diamond-coated files, ideal for blade sharpening and maintenance. These versatile tools ensure your blades stay in top condition.
- Screwdrivers – When it comes to screwdrivers, Charge+ offers small, medium, and large separate screwdrivers, whereas Signal includes a bit driver and a 1/4 Hex bit drive. Signal gains an edge by allowing the use of various screwdriver bits with its bit driver.
- Ruler – Charge Plus includes a 9-inch ruler, but its utility depends on your intended use. In our view, a 9-inch ruler may not be a particularly practical feature for most users.
- Cutting hook – Charge Plus includes a cutting hook for box opening, but its usefulness is debatable since the blade can perform the same task efficiently.
- Carabiner – Signal comes with a convenient carabiner for easy belt attachment, while Charge+ offers a lanyard ring for alternative carrying options. These features cater to different user preferences.
- Survival tools – Signal multi-tool incorporates survival functions like a safety whistle for rescue signaling and a ferrocerium rod to ignite fires, ensuring preparedness in challenging situations.
- Sharpener – Signal offers a blade sharpener, while Charge Plus features a diamond-coated file, both capable of sharpening blades and saws.
- Wrench – Signal multi-tool includes a 1/4″ Box Wrench and a 3/16″ Box Wrench, providing versatility for various tasks. In contrast, the Charge+ lacks any type of wrenches in its toolset.
Size & Weight
In terms of size, the Leatherman Signal takes the lead with its larger yet slightly lighter design compared to the Charge Plus. However, the Charge Plus has a marginally longer blade.
Product Leatherman Signal Leatherman Charge Plus Weight 7.5 oz 8.3 oz Closed Length 4.5 in 4 in Open Length 6.75 in 6.25 in Main Blade Length 2.73 in 2.9 in Width 1.5 in 1.2 in Overall Thickness 0.63 in 0.76 in
Other Features
When it comes to other features found on these two multi-tools there is a similarities and also a difference:
- All Locking Features – All features, except the plier head, securely lock in place, ensuring safe and efficient tool use.
- Outside-accessible Features – Both multi-tools offer accessibility to their tools even when folded or in a closed position.
- One-hand Operable Features – Both multi-tools are designed for one-handed use, allowing you to keep the other hand free.
Differences
- Removable Pocket Clip – Signal features a removable pocket clip, offering the flexibility to detach it at your convenience.
- Replaceable Pocket Clip & Quick-release Lanyard Ring – Charge Plus provides the convenience of a removable clip and a removable quick-release lanyard ring. These options ensure secure and effortless tool carry, catering to your preferences.
- Lanyard Ring – Charge Plus features a lanyard ring for secure attachment to a lanyard, ensuring the tool is safely and firmly secured.
Warranty
Signal and Charge Plus, both crafted by Leatherman, are backed by the reliable Leatherman 25-year warranty. This guarantee ensures that you’ll experience the utmost satisfaction with your Leatherman multi-tool, offering peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
Conclusion
In our concluding remarks for the Leatherman Signal vs. Charge Plus comparison, both multi-tools share an equal number of functions, making them functionally on par. The distinction lies in their specialization; the Signal caters more to survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts, while the Charge Plus focuses on common tasks. If we had to choose one, our preference leans towards the Leatherman Signal for its versatility in various outdoor scenarios and its extra survival-oriented features, offering a robust and dependable tool for adventurers.
Which one is your favorite? We would love to know your opinion.
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.