Best Multi-Tools · #8
Rebar
Leatherman
Reader rating
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Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
The workhorse value pick. Replaceable wire cutters, box-section handles, and 17 locking tools at roughly half the price of the flagship models.
Pros
- Replaceable 154CM wire cutters significantly extend tool life
- Solid, robust construction for demanding tasks
- All tools lock securely for safe operation
- Excellent value for the features and durability
- Comfortable box-section handles provide good grip
Cons
- Tools are accessed by opening the pliers, not externally
- Heavier than some minimalist multi-tools
- Included sheath is often basic
Best uses
- Field repairs
- Camping and backpacking
- Workshop tasks
- Emergency kit
- Everyday carry for tradesmen
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Leatherman
- Tools
- 17
- Weight
- 6.7 oz
- Closed Length
- 4 in
- Main Blade Length
- 2.9 in
- Wire Cutters
- Replaceable
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Field repairs, Camping and backpacking, Workshop tasks, Emergency kit, Everyday carry for tradesmen
Where to buy the Rebar
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Leatherman Rebar is, quite simply, a workhorse. It doesn't dazzle with exotic materials or a sleek, minimalist design. Instead, it focuses on core functionality, delivering a robust toolkit that feels like it was designed by someone who actually uses these things in the field. Its appeal lies in its no-nonsense construction and a toolset that covers the vast majority of common outdoor and DIY tasks. We've seen these endure years of abuse, from backcountry repairs to workshop projects, and they just keep going. While it might not have the brand cachet of some of Leatherman's pricier models, it offers a compelling blend of utility and durability that's hard to beat at its price point. This isn't a tool you baby; it's a tool you put to work, and it consistently delivers. What truly sets the Rebar apart in its class, especially given its ranking as a value pick, is the inclusion of replaceable wire cutters. This might seem minor, but for anyone who's ever dulled or chipped integrated cutters, the ability to swap them out extends the life and utility of the entire tool significantly. The box-section handles, while not as sculpted as some competitors, provide a solid, comfortable grip for applying leverage. Its 17 locking tools ensure safety and confidence during use, a critical feature often overlooked in cheaper alternatives. It’s a tool that earns its keep through consistent, reliable performance rather than flashy features.
Construction & Materials
The Rebar is built with 420HC stainless steel for the blades and main tools, a common and reliable choice for its balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The handles are also stainless steel, with a box-section design that prioritizes strength and a secure grip over ergonomic refinement. This choice of materials and construction means the tool can withstand significant force without flexing or breaking, a testament to its 'workhorse' designation. You won't find exotic alloys here, but what you do get is proven performance and robust durability, ensuring it stands up to real-world demands without complaint.
Real-World Performance
In hand, the Rebar feels solid and capable. The pliers are precise, with good grip, and the replaceable wire cutters are a standout feature, performing admirably on everything from fencing wire to electrical cable. Blades are sharp out of the box and hold an edge reasonably well for general use. The various drivers, files, and saws all function as expected, without excessive wobble or flex when locked. While some tools, like the can opener, might feel less refined than dedicated versions, they certainly get the job done in a pinch. This tool consistently punches above its weight in terms of actual utility.
Weight & Packability
At 6.7 ounces, the Rebar sits comfortably in the middle ground for multi-tools. It's noticeably heavier than ultralight options, but it’s light enough that it won't be a burden for most day-to-day carry or even lighter backpacking trips where utility is paramount. The 4-inch closed length makes it pocketable, though it carries best in a sheath on a belt or slipped into a backpack pocket. Its robust construction means it doesn't try to shave ounces by compromising on material thickness, which contributes to its perceived durability. This is a tool you'll carry when you know you might actually need to use it.
Durability & Longevity
This is where the Rebar truly shines. We've seen these tools come back year after year, often showing significant cosmetic wear but maintaining full functionality. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion well with basic care, and the locking mechanisms remain solid over time. The biggest factor in its long-term durability is undoubtedly the replaceable wire cutters, which allow a high-wear component to be refreshed. Compared to many competitors at a similar price point, the Rebar's robust design and attention to serviceable parts mean it's built to last for many years of demanding use, rather than becoming a disposable item.
Value & Alternatives
For its price, the Rebar offers exceptional value, particularly considering its feature set and build quality. Comparable alternatives often either lack the replaceable wire cutters or feel significantly less robust in hand. While you could spend more for models like the Leatherman Wave+, you'd primarily gain external tool access and a slightly more refined finish, not necessarily superior core functionality for heavy tasks. Cheaper options often compromise on steel quality or lock strength, leading to a less reliable and ultimately less durable tool. The Rebar hits a sweet spot, providing premium features without the premium price tag.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best multi-tools that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Edge geometry and steel
- Grind, stock thickness, and how the steel behaves between sharpenings in real camp tasks.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Rebar — frequently asked questions
- Is the Rebar worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Best Multi-Tools. The workhorse value pick. Replaceable wire cutters, box-section handles, and 17 locking tools at roughly half the price of the flagship models.
- What is the Rebar best for?
- Best for field repairs, camping and backpacking, workshop tasks and emergency kit. Standouts: replaceable 154cm wire cutters significantly extend tool life and solid, robust construction for demanding tasks.
- What are the downsides of the Rebar?
- Tools are accessed by opening the pliers, not externally, Heavier than some minimalist multi-tools and Included sheath is often basic.
- What are the key specs of the Rebar?
- Manufacturer: Leatherman · Tools: 17 · Weight: 6.7 oz · Closed Length: 4 in · Main Blade Length: 2.9 in
- Construction & Materials — what should I know about the Rebar?
- The Rebar is built with 420HC stainless steel for the blades and main tools, a common and reliable choice for its balance of hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. The handles are also stainless steel, with a box-section design that prioritizes strength and a secure grip over ergonomic refinement.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Rebar?
- In hand, the Rebar feels solid and capable. The pliers are precise, with good grip, and the replaceable wire cutters are a standout feature, performing admirably on everything from fencing wire to electrical cable.
Compare side by side
Put the Rebar against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.