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Multi-tools are sometimes too giant for pocket carry and carried in packs or a belt pouch. This is just not at all times the specified or sensible resolution for our wants. In the previous, if you happen to needed to hold a bunch of instruments in your pocket you’d carry a Swiss Army Knife. These days there are different choices, and Leatherman Sidekick is considered one of them.
Last replace on 2020-08-09 at 06:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leatherman Sidekick Multitool Review
The Sidekick is a chrome steel multitool whose design mirrors different Leatherman instruments however is sufficiently small for pocket carry. The Leatherman Sidekick has a plain edged knife and a noticed accessible from the skin of the instrument. The pliers and the remainder of the instruments are accessible by unfolding the Sidekick. It comes with a pocket clip to assist safe it in your pocket and in addition a nylon belt pouch so it may experience on the belt.
Specs
- Weight 7 ounces
- Dimensions 3.8″
- Nylon belt pouch
- Stainless metal detachable pocket clip
- Stainless metal building
- Includes a carabiner (Carabiner not listed on amazon description)
- 25 Year Warranty
Leatherman Sidekick’s 14 Tools
According to Leatherman, the Sidekick comprises these 14 instruments.
- Spring Loaded Needle Nose Pliers
- Spring Loaded Regular Pliers
- Spring Loaded Wire Cutters
- Wire Stripper
- 420HC Plain Edge Blade
- 420HC Serrated Blade
- Saw
- Ruler 1.5″
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Medium Flathead Screwdriver
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
The pliers and wire cutters might be thought of one instrument somewhat than three. Also, the bottle opener, can opener, and wire stripper are on the identical instrument. The ruler (which is ineffective), file, and small screwdriver are all on one other instrument as properly. So actually the Sidekick has nearer to eight instruments somewhat than fourteen.
The Pliers
This is why we purchase Leatherman multi-tools isn’t it? The Sidekick’s pliers are spring-loaded which, for such a small instrument is sweet to have. The pliers are the needle-nose/common/wirecutter combo pliers you’ll discover on most Leatherman multi-tools. The handles really feel good within the hand and the plier’s joint maneuvers freely. The enamel of the needle-nose pliers mesh collectively very properly which is essential for pliers.
The Cutting Tools
Plain Edge Knife
With a size of solely 2.6 inches, it is a small blade with a plain edge. This knife opens from the skin with one hand and locks into place. The blade metal is 420HC Stainless Steel and comes razor sharp out of the container.
Serrated Knife
The 420HC Stainless Steel serrated knife is contained in the instrument, and like all the inner instruments, doesn’t lock. It can be about half the size of the principle blade to accommodate the pliers that fold contained in the handles. For its small measurement, the serrated blade has some utility for these smaller slicing jobs.
Saw
The Sidekick comes with a small however very purposeful wood noticed about the identical size because the plain edge blade. The noticed opens from the skin and in addition locks into place. A double row of aggressive enamel reduce via wood with ease.
The Rest of the Tools
Bottle Opener/Can Opener/ Wire Stripper
Nothing too particular right here, each the can and bottle opener work as highly anticipated and do a ok job. The wire stripper is extra of a notch however is purposeful. The wire stripper is an possibility that can in all probability get forgotten and stay unused by most individuals.
Wood/Metal File/Ruler/Small Screwdriver
The file works however very small which is tough to do any vital thing elimination. The ruler is a gimmick as most multi-tool rulers are. Being solely an inch and a half lengthy it’s not lengthy sufficient to serve any sensible use. The small screwdriver is on the tip of the file and does its job properly sufficient.
Phillips and Medium Flathead Screwdrivers
These are accessible from the within and do precisely the job you’d anticipate from them. The absence of a locking mechanism isn’t a deal-breaker however is a little bit of an annoyance. The Phillips screwdriver is nice for medium to bigger screws. Because of its profile, it tends to slide greater than a standard Phillips screwdriver. The medium flathead is nice for some very mild prying comparable to opening paint cans.
Carabiner
The Sidekick features a carabiner that has a built-in bottle opener and 1/4″ hex wrench. This is just not a carabiner that’s for climbing or must be trusted to assist any vital weight.
Leatherman Sidekick Multitool Pros and Cons
Pros
- Small sufficient for pocket carry
- Outside instruments are one-hand opening
- Pliers are spring-loaded
- Affordable
- 25-year guarantee
Cons
- Inside instruments are very small and don’t lock
- Ruler is ineffective
- Entry-level instrument and lacks the match and end of dearer Leatherman merchandise
Last replace on 2020-08-09 at 06:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What do the Customers Say?
The Leatherman Sidekick has numerous optimistic critiques and prospects appear to love that there are numerous instruments in such a small bundle. Of all of the critiques I’ve learn, many of the negativity is a results of person error or receiving a broken product. There have been some complaints of the pliers breaking or the guidelines of blades snapping off. These, in my expertise, are because of the end-user abusing the instrument somewhat than a faulty product.
FAQs
Is the Leatherman Sidekick TSA compliant?
No, the Leatherman Sidekick is just not TSA compliant due to the knife blades that it comprises.
How do I Clean and Maintain my Leatherman?
The Leatherman Sidekick is constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless-steel, not corrosion-proof. The steel itself must be oiled typically with a low viscosity oil like Three in 1 oil or WD40. It is greatest to make use of a Teflon based mostly lubricant to lube up any pivot points. To clean use water and a gentle detergent however for tar or paint, mineral spirits will work.
Who is the Leatherman Sidekick Best Suited For?
The Leatherman Sidekick is an entry-level instrument. This can be an excellent instrument for anybody who wants an EDC multi-tool or is shopping for their first multi-tool. Since the Sidekick is so reasonably priced it might be an excellent possibility for a youth’s first multi-tool as properly.
Verdict
The Leatherman Sidekick is a superb entry-level multi-tool as a result of it’s reasonably priced and ideal for pocket carry. For these identical causes, it might make a terrific EDC multitool for the city jungle. The Sidekick has an excellent sharp knife that may open with one hand for all the conventional slicing jobs. The serrated blade could also be small however can be splendid for duties like opening containers slicing small rope, webbing, and so forth. In my case, i’ve discovered that I take advantage of the screwdrivers on a multi-tool typically in addition to the pliers day after day. For an city surroundings, the noticed blade could seem misplaced however I cannot rely the variety of occasions in city life i’ve used a multi-tool noticed. If you might be on the lookout for an excellent pocket carry multi-tool, give the Leatherman Sidekick multi-tool a glance.
Last replace on 2020-08-09 at 06:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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