Gerber MP400 vs. MP600 – Which multi-tool is best?
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When it comes to multi-tools, Gerber is one of, if not the most, well known and best multi-tool brands out there. Over the years the company has manufactured a wide variety of high quality multi-tools and knives that are most definitely worth their premium price tag. However, Gerber do offer some multi-tools such as the MP400 and MP600 that are marketed at those individuals on a restricted budget. There is no surprise then that these two models have proved hugely popular.
The MP400 is the more compact of the two multi-tools and has a lighter, sleeker body with fewer tools built into it. The MP600 is Gerber’s original model that is issued to the military and has a heavier, larger body with more tools built in to it.
Gerber MP400
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This is a highly sturdy and reliable multi-tool. It is both easy to use and safe to operate thanks to the Saf.T.Plus locking system that has been innovatively engineered by Gerber and implemented into the MP400. With this system, all of the tools simply click in and out of place and remain fully locked when they are in use. The MP400 is nicely compact and when folded away measures just 4.37 inch long. When it is put inside of the protective case then the size is increased slightly. Constructed from a heavy stainless steel the multi-tool weighs in at 6.8 ounce.
Its ergonomic design means that it sits comfortably in your hand so can be used for extended periods of time without fatigue. You will notice the multi-tool has three slits along each handle which act to not only provide smooth grip but also enhances the users level of grip.
When pulling out the pliers, the handles of the MP400 separate which allows for access to the rest of its tools. To do this, you simply unfold them and then lock them into the outward position. In order to fold the tools back in, simply slide the leveller on the handle upwards (this releases the lock) and then the tool will fold right back in to place.
It comes armed with a good selection of screwdrivers – three flatheads of varying sizes and one Phillips head. Some of the tools you may use less often on the Gerber include the Fiskars scissor, bottle opener and can opener. There is not much to say about these other than they work well and are dependable. The MP400 also includes wire strippers, wire cutters, electrical wire crimpers and a serrated / straight combination knife blade.
Check out the price of the Gerber MP400
Specifications
- Has 11 tools
- Made from stainless steel
- 4.37 inch long
- Weighs 6.8 ounces
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- High quality
- Durable and reliable
- Requires little maintenance
Cons
- Is heavy in relation to its size
Gerber MP600
This multi-tool has a unique plier opening design that can be done so with just one hand to revel a host of tools internally. Different from the butterfly fold, which is the tradition amongst multi-tools, instead the MP600 pliers slid up from inside its body. In order to release this mechanism there are two switches either side of the multi-tool that need to be flicked. What is unique about the MP600 is that these switches can be flicked without the need to unfold it completely.
This means the pliers can be flicked out without having to unfold the multi-tool. The Gerber measures in at 4.9 long and weighs 9 ounces. This is somewhat heavier and larger than other similar multi-tools but is not overly bulky. It comes with all the standard tools that you would expect from such a multi-tool; along with a few you would not. The pliers on this model can be used for just about any application. It comes with either the standard style pliers or needle nose pliers.
The multi-tool comes armed with either a basic pair of wire cutters or triangular blades that are replaceable and specifically designed for cutting wires that are particularly stubborn. These are made of tungsten carbide that is one of the toughest materials out there. Many miter saws have tungsten carbide blades – to see the best models currently available click here.
There are four different screwdrivers that come with the MP600. These include three flatheads (of varying sizes) and one Phillips head.
Check out the price of the Gerber MP600
Specifications
- Has 14 tools
- Made from stainless steel
- 4.9 inch long
- Weighs 9 ounces
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Can be opened with one hand
- An abundance of variants
- Well designed
- Locking tools
Cons
- Lacks a pair of scissors
- Struggle to use the rule due to design of body
Conclusion
Having looked at both the MP400 and the MP600 in great detail it is clear to see that they are of the highest quality and are highly dependable. This is backed up by Gerber’s lifetime warranty on both of these particular models. So regardless of which one you go for, you will be getting a multi-tool that can handle most jobs you put its way.
What it comes down to with these two is what you need to use a multi-too for. If you are looking for one that is more compact to easily fit in your pocket but do not mind having less tools at your disposal, then go for the MP400. However, if like us you want a full suite of tools and do not mind carrying round a slightly larger and heavier multi-tool then we recommend you go for the MP600 instead.
Check out the price of the Gerber MP600
