Like many English words, such as Kleenex (for tissue) or Band-Aid (for an adhesive bandage), Leatherman has become the common term for a multitool. As a child, being someone who didn’t own a Leatherman tool, I envied my cousin Karrie, who is 7 years younger than me. She was like a magician. Just as someone involved in tinkering would begin to say, “Hey, does anyone have a …”or, “Would someone get me a …”her Leatherman multi-tool would seem to appear in her hand, out of thin air. Without skipping a beat, she would mysteriously pass it to the person in need. Was she a mind reader? A future David Copperfield? No, just a Girl Scout and woman of the outdoors — always prepared.
She Shoos 2 is sponsored by Vertx
Twenty years later, I finally have my own Leatherman tools. Not just any multitool, these high-quality Leatherman PocketTools are manufactured for specific purposes. Made from 100% heat-treated stainless steel, at 4.8-inches long and weighing only 2.3 ounces, they easily fit just about anywhere.
The Rail
The Leatherman Rail PocketTool ($45) has everything I need to easily make adjustments to my AR15. Whether shooting competitively, or out on a hunt, I never know when I am going to have to perform maintenance or make adjustments. The Rail includes 2 bits: a Phillips #2 with a ¼-inch screwdriver and a Hex 7/64-inch with a Torx 15. There also is a replaceable disassembly punch that can be used for easy removal of a trigger assembly. All of the attachments fit in the bit drivers located along the side. Also, built in, are a 3/8-inch open-end wrench and a front-sight adjustment tool. Having The Rail attached by its carabineer to my pack, ensures that I always have it on hand.
Michelle uses The Rail on her AR.
The Pump
The Leatherman Pump ($40) is a small, lightweight PocketTool that every shotgunner should keep in his or her pack. It has many of the same tools as The Rail, plus a few more. Additionally built in are ¼-inch, 8mm and 3/8-inch box wrenches and a handy gut hook. The pump doesn’t have a carabineer, but it does come boast a sturdy Cordura Molly case with a Velcro closure that can be attached and stored anywhere.
The Pump. (Leatherman photo)
The Cam
Admittedly, The Cam ($45) is my favorite Leatherman PocketTool, so far. Since I began hunting with a crossbow, I find it extremely useful. There are numerous Hex bits: 7/32-inch, 3/16-inch, 5/32-inch, 9/64-inch, 3/32-inch, 5/64-inch, 1/8-inch and 7/64-inch that all fit in an included bit driver. With a broadhead sharpener that can be secured into an opening on the side, I can carefully sharpen dull blades while protecting my fingertips. The built in carabineer can attach wherever is convenient on my pack, and the gut hook is there in case my arrow rings true.
My favorite feature is the broadhead wrench. My broadheads always seem to work their way loose, and sometimes need to be replaced. Especially when they get stuck in a tree. Remember, I haven’t been hunting with a crossbow very long.
Michelle uses the broad head wrench on The Cam. (Chris Cerino photo)
Leatherman makes a wide array of PocketTools, and they all make great gifts. For my youngest son who enjoys shooting both compound bow and crossbow, I am going to buy the Cam PocketTool. I surely can’t have him borrowing mine!
Then, there’s my son who likes skateboarding. I plan on getting him The Jam+Style PS ($47), The Grind ($20) or The Jam ($20). They all contain the tools necessary for any skateboarder and easily fit in a pocket while riding.
For other family members, I am going to look into the 10 Do It Yourself PocketTools ($11 to $13). Since they are all TSA compliant, I know the traveling members in my family won’t have to worry about them when going through an airport screening. Some contain metric wrenches, Phillips and flat screwdriver bits, box openers and have the ability to pry or scrape. There also are many other PocketTools, including those for use with skies, surfboards and wakeboards.
What Leatherman tools are on your wish list? It always pays to be prepared!
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
