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Most multi-tools open like a pocket knife. You unfold the handles, swing them around and lock the pliers into place, usually with both hands. The Gerber Multi-Plier 600 works differently. Its pliers slide out of the body with a single motion, so you can get to them while your other hand holds a wire, a fishing line or a part you are fixing. That one idea is what makes the Multi-Plier 600 stand out in a crowded field.
Who makes it
The Multi-Plier 600 comes from Gerber, the American knife and tool maker. Gerber describes the MP600 series as the number one selling multi-tool platform to the United States military, and says the tool was built to be tough and accessible for the people who rely on it. The brand backs its products with a limited lifetime warranty.
What the Multi-Plier 600 is
The Multi-Plier 600 is a full size multi-tool with needle nose pliers at its heart. Gerber's patented one hand opening design lets the pliers slide forward out of the handles, and they lock into place ready to use. Close it up and the pliers retract back inside the body. The construction is solid stainless steel, and it comes with a sheath.
Gerber lists 14 tools on the basic version:
- Needle nose pliers
- Carbide wire cutters
- Wire crimper
- Plain edge knife
- Serrated knife
- Cross point screwdriver
- Small, medium and large flat blade screwdrivers
- Can opener and bottle opener
- File
- Ruler
- Lanyard ring
Gerber gives the overall length as 6.6 inches and the closed length as 4.6 inches. The knife blade is 3.0 inches long, and the tool weighs 9.0 ounces. Gerber says it is built in the United States with global parts.
Why it is cool
The sliding pliers are the big draw. On a boat, a ladder or a job site, having one hand free is a real advantage. You can hold a part with one hand and deploy the pliers with the other in a quick motion. Many users find that this design also makes the tool feel sturdy, because the pliers are supported by the full length of the handles when extended.
The carbide cutters are another strong point. Carbide inserts stay sharp longer than plain steel when cutting wire, which matters for anyone doing electrical or fencing work. The wire crimper adds to that, making the Multi-Plier 600 a practical choice for basic electrical jobs.
The tool selection is focused rather than exotic. There are two knife edges, a set of screwdrivers, openers, a file and a ruler. These are the tools people actually use day to day. Gerber also makes several versions of the MP600 that are specialized for different situations, so you can choose a variant that suits your work.
How to care for it
Stainless steel resists rust, but a multi-tool still needs basic care. Rinse off dirt, salt water or grime after a hard day and dry the tool fully, paying attention to the pliers channel where moisture can hide. A drop of light oil on the pivots and sliding surfaces keeps the action smooth. Touch up the plain edge with a fine sharpener and use a tapered rod on the serrations. Store it in its sheath so the jaws and blades are protected.
How it compares
The big difference between the Multi-Plier 600 and a classic butterfly opening multi-tool is the deployment. A butterfly tool usually gives you access to some blades without opening the pliers, while the Multi-Plier 600 is designed around getting to the pliers fast. At 9.0 ounces it is a substantial tool that sits best on a belt or in a bag rather than in a trouser pocket. If you want something smaller and lighter, a compact keychain tool will be easier to carry but far less capable.
Who should buy it
Buy the Multi-Plier 600 if you use pliers more than any other tool, if you work outdoors, on boats, on farms or with wire, or if you want a rugged tool that opens with one hand. It is also a solid choice for a vehicle or home toolkit.
Skip it if you want a light everyday carry tool for a pocket, or if you mostly use a knife blade and rarely need pliers. In those cases a smaller multi-tool or a simple folding knife may suit you better.
Multi-Plier 600 at Gerber
Gerber Multi-Plier 600 in black with sheath
Gerber Multi-Plier 600 in stainless
Comparing multi-tools? Read our best multi-tools guide, the Leatherman Wave Plus, the Leatherman Skeletool and our Swiss Army Knife explainer. Find more in our everyday carry hub.
