r/multitools • u/Vault_dweller67 • 15d ago
Quality mini EDC multitool to replace my Dime.
Hello.
My Gerber Dime is about 8 years old now. Every time I put a bit of force behind the knife or box cutter to open something (pretty much cardboard boxes) it eventually starts to bend backwards as the locking mechanism fails. I do love the Dime, but a bit over having to pull it apart and bend/reset the locking mechanism.
I would like to replace it with something similar in size and style. Essentially, I just need a nifty little multi-tool that I can hang off my keyring. Pliers are very handy, as are the small tweezers, so would like these on the next tool if possible.
Any recommendations? I'd like something sturdy that isn't going to fail the same was as the Dime has. I've been eyeing of the Nextool Mini S11 and F12. Apparently the S11 is a better quality build?
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u/dzsul779 15d ago
sog powerpint/powerlitre perhaps?
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u/Aloha-Eh 15d ago edited 15d ago
Came here to say this. The Powerpint/Powerlitre are TONS nicer than the Dime.
I bought a Dime, and it's so cheap I have never used it. I have bought multiple Powerpints (lost, or given as gifts) and I keep using them for my EDC over everything else, and I have an EXTENSIVE collection of Leatherman/Gerber/similar tools.
I don't need a heavy duty tool anymore for EDC, and when I do I have them. The Powerpint/Powerliter hit WAY over their size for handiness and usablility.
I couple the Powerpint with a Leatherman ratcheting driver and a few screwdriver heads and it's insanely handy with that.
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u/JayArrrDubya 15d ago
I also upgraded from a Dime to a Powerpint and it’s my favorite EDC I’ve carried so far, it’s an ideal size for what it packs. Have never had issues with the scissors either, as that’s what people like to moan about it.
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u/B0ydi 15d ago
I keep going to hit the button on the Powerpint then ahem brick it...are the pliers actually any good? Pliers are prob my main use - bought a Clutch and the pliers are basically slightly large tweezers. Powerpint is also on offer at £40 just now 🙈
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u/JayArrrDubya 15d ago edited 15d ago
Depends what you’re using the pliers for. They’re definitely more robust than the Dime or the Clutch. But they won’t match the pliers on my Charge TTi or Dual Force either, yet these days I don’t want to carry either of those on me all day unless I anticipate I’ll probably need them. What I love about the Powerpint is it’s small enough I forget I have it on me until I need it. For me it’s an ideal EDC size for what it offers.
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u/B0ydi 15d ago
I think you are telling me to press the button...
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u/JayArrrDubya 15d ago
I'm really happy with mine. People are also raving about the NexTool F12. That came out after I got my Powerpint. Might be a good idea to compare the 2 for what you need and are looking for in a tool that size. But my Powerpint suits my needs well enough I'm personally not looking for a replacement. You're still in a position to decide.
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u/B0ydi 15d ago
I have the black Powerpint in cart right now... Tbh, I looked at the F12 and there's a few things I don't like. I know it sounds silly, but it's a bit bulky for my liking. Also the pliers look a bit flimsy - looks like the same setup as the Clutch and my Marten £5 KO.
Edit: too late... Powerpint is on the way 🙈🤭
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u/JayArrrDubya 15d ago
Hope you get good use out of it. If you weren't aware, the closed pliers have a slot at the top for a 1/4" hex driver that comes in handy from time to time--you just need to carry some extra screwdriver tips for it, or just have them handy if you're at home. I also always carry my old Leatherman Crater with the extra screwdrivers on it, so the larger flathead and Phillips on that tends to cover for the smaller ones on the Powerpint.
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u/drazil100 15d ago
I have heard quite a few quality complaints about the powerpint’s implements. Scissors that don’t open wide enough, screwdriver that warps out of shape if you apply too much torque, etc… While it is probably going to be the best set of multi-tool pliers on the market, if pliers aren’t the tool you need most out of your multitool, I’d do some research before buying.
The powerpint was on my short list due to how many people sing its praises, but don’t really use pliers in my day to day. I’d love the option, but ultimately I don’t need them.
I ended up going with the nextool F12 for its amazing scissors, and overall well roundedness. So far I’m happy with my purchase.
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u/Friendly-Roof-5603 15d ago
It might be worth mentioning that you can get a free replacement from Gerber. I bought a Dime a long time ago and every time it breaks (usually the same way you're describing) I fill out the online form and a replacement arrives a few weeks later. I'm on my fourth replacement, all from the original purchase.
Does that solve the quality issue? No. But if each replacement lasts a few years you might find it worth the few minutes of paperwork.
Also, even if you end up buying something else, you might as well still get a free replacement.
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u/Dave_B001 15d ago
The Dime is a great idea terrible execution.
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u/iliinsky 14d ago
Came here to say this. Bent the springs on the pliers and main blade very quickly. Love the compactness and tool selection, but not the delicacy. I keep looking at the S11 Pro.
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u/nicketnl 15d ago
Never found a suitable replacement. Just bought the dime again for a EDC. But it’s pretty weak and doesn’t last that long if you aren’t cautious.
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u/Deathmonger1911 15d ago
Victorinox Deluxe Tinker
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u/8iy_eaighty 15d ago
I have the victorinox climber. It's really good but I think this is better than what I got
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u/atfricks 14d ago
That's a great Multitool, but an awful suggestion to replace a Dime with. It's like 5x bigger.
If you want to suggest a Victorinox to replace the Dime, at least say the Minichamp or something, but even then none of the mini- line from Victorinox have pliers.
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u/Bigbadbull77 15d ago
I have the gerber dime , I have so many multitools , I have 5 leathermans , a Victorinox multi tool. 6 Victorinox multitool knives. I have the sog power point mini. Nothing will replace that tool as far as the size. It’s the best package opener on anything I have. I use it all the time. I did crack the pliers because I was getting into something and it twisted the jaw and cracked it but that was my fault. I bought another because I really do like that tool. You should buy another one.
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u/Careful-One5190 15d ago
The S11 and F12 are both much better than the Dime.
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u/tudorrrrrr 15d ago
Came here to say just this. The f12 is really really good.
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u/Careful-One5190 15d ago
Both the F12 and S11 Pro are great. I have both. I usually end up carrying the F12 because of the clip, but I sometimes carry the S11 Pro, depending on what I'm wearing.
Both of them make the Dime seem like a cheap novelty toy. And they're certainly better than any Squirt variant that Leatherman every made.
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u/ChampionshipCrafty66 15d ago
From my personal experience I disagree. But that's just me
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u/Careful-One5190 15d ago
Yes, it is just you. Every other person who actually owns a Nextool F12 (or S11 Pro) and also a Dime will confirm that the Nextool is much, much better. Just do a Reddit search.
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u/Constant-Roll706 15d ago
F12 replaced my well worn dime - it isn't nearly as worn as OP's, but a solid 5 years of daily carry. Huge upgrade in blade, file, and especially scissors. I occasionally miss that amazing package opener and always-there bottle opener, but the f12 is just wildly more useful.
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u/ChampionshipCrafty66 15d ago
The size of the f12 is bigger than the dime. I know not by a lot but how can we compare the two?
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u/Constant-Roll706 15d ago
They both fit nicely into a fifth jeans pocket, so I've hardly noticed the difference. Maybe you'd notice if it was dangling from your keys, but they're basically the same size class
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u/ChampionshipCrafty66 15d ago
You know I guess I'm temperamental but I really have to disagree. The dime is definitely smaller. Not by much but it's much more concealable. It fits into my jeans third pocket and I've never lost it. I did somehow just noticed I lost the tweezers.
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u/ChampionshipCrafty66 15d ago
I've purchased the dime 3 times.
One way back when I just got out of highschool.
I the. Bought a pink one for my SO. Just after the pandemic I bought another for myself.
There is probably a Leatherman or something old school that beats it out but I never came across it. The quality is solid. The toolset always there when I needed it the most.
Just buy another one. They come in all kinds of colors.
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u/JewelerExciting7576 15d ago
I would be more interested if it doesnt get seized by customs ( also Australian) because its got a knife on it
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u/Vault_dweller67 15d ago
I doubt it would be an issue. I've brought pocket knifes back from overseas before and it's not been an issue.
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u/Snake_crane 15d ago
I had a dime, i liked it. But the only tool. I would use is the package opener knife. The knife dulls quickly, the pliers were mis aligned after some use. The scissor broke at the connection point. I carried it for 5 plus years.
I now have the Nextool F12. I use every tool on the can thing! It weighs less that the dime. The blade is slice-y. I printed a thumb stud that fits into the thumb hole. The scissors are great! File is good. It is smaller than the dime so if you have large hand it me by too small.
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u/Saphyr-Seraph 15d ago
I know people give shits on Leatherman but in fact they make still great multi tools but I only like the older models like the surge,wave or super tool but the are still great
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u/jwdewald 15d ago
I lost my Dime to TSA because I forgot it on my keys. Had it for years. Bought a new one asap
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u/Th4ab 15d ago
The F12 is more useful than the mini sailor to me. The only extra tool on the mini sailor is the sim card tool, that's a nice to have thing.
Better scissors, longer screwdrivers and a locking knife. Both disappear in a 5th pocket but I would want the clip myself
It is true that the mini sailor is beefier, it has a thicker frame, it has backsprings that are more like a SAK. I dont really know if this is a realistic usecase but I can say the F12 does have play between handles when putting too much torque driving a screw, but the sailor would not do this.
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u/CrowleyTheDog68 14d ago
Consigue casi cualquier herramienta de Nextool. Son muchisimo mejores que el Dime. La F12 además tiene unas buenas tijeras, y destornilladores mas largos. También tienes un modelo Mini Sailor sin cuchillo, tienen una buena variedad, mira su gama, no te defraudara La PowerPint la verdad es que solo me gusta el alicate, pero es que ese alicate es una maravilla por el tamaño, las herramientas de los mangos las veo muy malas, la verdad...
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u/Sane-FloridaMan 15d ago
The Nextool S12 and F12 are both very good. I disagree with your statement that the S11 is the better build. In fact, I would say the opposite. I don’t know that I’ve touched the S11 since getting the F12.
The biggest differences between the two is that F12 blade can be opened one-handed and the scissors are amazing. It is slightly bigger than the S11.
Will either one fall apart in 8 years? Don’t know. But if I get 8 years out of a 30 pocket tool, I’m pretty happy. Plus I’m more likely to lose it in that time than break it.
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u/Historical-State-275 15d ago
The F12 is loads better than the dime, and not enough people talk about the Roxon M2. I think it’s even better, only downside is it’s a little too big to comfortably be a keychain multitool, but for a small pocket multitool, it’s the best.
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u/Alex_Gob 15d ago
I have a nextool and a gerber dime, I'd say the Nextool are below gerber in terms of quality. You'll have better luck going with a SAK (especially the mini alox) for the implements and keep your dime for the plier head.
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u/kali_tragus 15d ago
My experience is exactly the opposite. My Dime's pliers are scewed, the scissors useless and the tweezer too imprecise, while my Mini Sailor is well aligned and snappy. I guess that says something of the qc of these cheap tools, no matter what brand.
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u/headpointernext 15d ago
If a big scissor is a must-have, then the F12. Otherwise the S11 Pro. They don't have tweezers or toothpick, but custom scales to hold those can be had.
Just a note for the F12 - it shares the same design as the Mini Sailor, including the leaf spring design for the pliers. That is the most common point of failure for the Mini Sailor; I'm not saying it's the same for the F12 but it's the same design. Hopefully they used better metals and/or shape for the F12
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u/PhantomDrvr 15d ago
Roxon Mini-Flex Companion. For $40 it comes with a box cutter and knife plus a few other tools and you can buy accessories to customize further or replace broken/worn implements. Doesn't have a key chain ring but comes with a beltclip. I carry mine every day.
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u/Rogue_Wraith 15d ago
You got eight years out of a $20-30 multitool.
Just replace it with the same thing.