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A multi-tool is a small kit that typically contains several different tools for basic household repairs and other tasks. As the name implies, it is usually geared towards jobs requiring more than one tool and so is designed to be very compact. With so many different models to choose from you need to be careful not to buy a multi-tool that you won’t need, in this article we will compare two popular heavy-duty multi-tools the Leatherman Signal vs Rebar.
Leatherman Signal vs Rebar – Overview
Leatherman Signal
Key Features
- 19 Tools
- 420HC Combo Knife
- Hammer
- Weighs 7.5 oz
Designed for urban and outdoor survival, Leatherman Signal is a must-have for any prepper’s bug-out bag. Signal was designed to be used with one hand just like many other multi-tool from Leatherman. The Signal is also a lightweight multitool with stainless steel construction. It’s packed with 19 tools that you’ll need on an adventurous day.
Read the complete review: Leatherman Signal
Leatherman Rebar
Key Features
- 17 Tools
- 420HC Straight and Serrated Knives
- Ruler
- Weighs 6.7 oz
Rebar is a compact, stylish, and tough multitool that handles heavy-duty jobs with ease. Whether you’re a home builder, mechanic, or outdoor enthusiast, this 21st-century multi-tool will be your new go-to partner for tackling day-to-day challenges. It has all the essentials that make a great tool, with a modern design and timeless durability.
Read the complete review: Leatherman Rebar
Signal vs Rebar – The Comparison
It’s important to know the differences between each tool before picking one. We’ll look at what are the benefits of each one and which one is best for you.
Tools
Just like many other Leatherman multi-tools, the Signal and the Rebar have some essential tools which both have.
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
- Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Saw
- Awl w/ Thread Loop
- Wire Stripper
Leatherman Signal comes with 19 functions while the Rebar has only 17.
- Knife – Signal comes with a 420HC Combo knife, while Rebar has two 420HC blades: one straight and one serrated.
- File – Leatherman Rebar features a wood/metal file while Signal doesn’t have this feature.
- Ruler – Rebar has an 8-inch ruler while Signal doesn’t have any.
- Screwdrivers & Bit Driver – Rebar has a small, large, and Phillips screwdriver, while Signal comes with a 1/4” hex-bit drive.
- Electrical Crimper – The Rebar comes with an electrical crimper while the Signal doesn’t have this function.
- Wrenches – Signal comes with 1/4″ and 3/16″ box wrenches while Rebar doesn’t have any wrench.
- Other Tools – Signal also has some additional tools: Hammer, Carabiner, Safety whistle, Ferrocerium rod, and a Diamond-coated sharpener.
Size & Weight
Leatherman Signal
- Weight: 7.5 oz
- Open Length 6.75 in
- Closed Length: 4.5 in
- Primary Blade Length: 2.73 in
- Width: 1.5 in
Leatherman Rebar
- Weight: 6.7 oz
- Open Length 6.25 in
- Closed Length: 4 in
- Primary Blade Length: 2.9 in
- Width: 1.18 in
When it comes to the size and weight of these two multi-tools you can see that Signal is bigger, heavier, and slightly bulkier than the Rebar. The differences in the main knife of each multi-tool are insignificant.
Warranty
Both multi-tools are made by the same company, Leatherman. They come with their 25-year warranty which will help out if anything happens to your multi-tool.
Other Features
There are some other functionalities these two multi-tools have:
- All locking features – Both the Signal and the Rebar have this feature which will lock all tools into place except for the plier’s head.
- Lanyard Ring – Leatherman Rebar has a secured ring to easily and safely attach your multi-tool to your lanyard. On the other hand while Leatherman Signal doesn’t feature a lanyard ring it does have a carabiner and a removable pocket clip which should be enough to replace a lanyard ring.
- Outside Accessible feature – All tools found on the Signal can be easily used while the multi-tool is folded, Rebar doesn’t have this feature.
- One Hand Operable feature – With this function you can use all tools found in the Signal with only one hand. This is another feature that the Rebar doesn’t have.
Conclusion
We conclude our comparison of Leatherman Signal and Rebar by saying that both multi-tools are great, although if we would pick one of the two to use daily it would be the Leatherman Rebar that’s only for day-to-day fixes. On the other hand, if you know that you will need a multi-tool to take it on your camping trip or outdoor activities in general, then we recommend Leatherman Signal. The decision rest in your hand: One for outdoors or one for everyday carry. Which one you would pick?
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.