There are a large number of variations to the original Bear Jaws tool. These variations basically fall into three categories. Manufacturing Variations; that occured through the years as the manufacturing process changed. Related Bear Models; a number of which were based on the original model 155. Rebrands; nearly identical tools produced by Bear for other companies.
Manufacturing Variations
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Manufacturing Variations
Plier Jaws
Plier Pivots
Bolsters
Backsprings
- Jaws
- Early models have needlenose jaws that are quite narrow and pointy. Later models have a more blunt profile to their jaws.
- Plier Pivots
- Pivots on early models have a center post with flats, and BEAR JAWS USA cast in. Later models have full round pivots with no cast logo.
- Bolsters
- Earlys have plier pivot bolsters welded on the outside of handles then polished smooth. Later bolsters were trapped on the inside of the handles.
- Backsprings
- patent pending was originally stamped on the backsprings. Later on the full US Patent numbers were stamped on. Backsprings on 155L locking models have a hole through them in order to allow easier flexing.
Related Bear Models
- Bear Jaws 155L
- A locking version of the Bear Jaws was introduced at the 2001 Shot Show. It incorporates an L-shaped tab on each backspring that engages a notch in the blades. (method first seen on the Leatherman Super Tool)
- Depressing a lever in the blade set releases the locked blade. Early levers were blank, later they were stamped with "depress here to unlock components"
- The blade can also be released by opening a neighboring blade part way.
- Color Variations
- Handles were colored with a crinkle finish powder coat paint. No other portion of the tool was colored.
- Black, blue, green, and red models were available.
- Bear Jaws 155LN
- The LN model is simply a Locking Bear Jaws with an ordinary set of fingernail clippers attached. (Locking Nailclippers)
- Clippers were attached by fitting the head of the clipper's pivot pin through a notch cut in one handle of the Bear Jaws. A bent piece of metal held down by the blade torx screw stabilized the other end of the clipper.
- Bear Jaws Sportsman 155SM
- The Sportsman model differed only in its blade selection:
- Partially serrated knife blade instead of plain edge
- Small flathead screwdriver instead of serrated sheepsfoot blade
- Saw blade instead of file
- The word SPORTSMAN was stamped into both handles
Rebrands
In addition to tools sold with the Bear logo, the company also produced and rebranded tools for a number of other firms. Following is a partial list: (Unique characteristics are mentioned)
- Crescent ToolZall Pro
- ToolZall PRO is stamped on one handle in large font. MADE IN USA is stamped on the other.
- Sears Craftsman 45521
- CRAFTSMAN is stamped in large font on one handle. 45521 and USA is on the other.
- A sharp awl blade has replaced the serrated sheepsfoot knife blade.
- Seen in both non-locking and locking variations.
- Moore Maker
- Moore Maker logo on one handle
- Nicholson MultiMax Pro
- Model number NMP14V
- NICHOLSON is stamped on one handle in large font. MULTIMAX PRO is stamped on the other.
- LL Bean
- Titanium nitride (TiN) gold finish.
- L.L. Bean stamped in one handle.
- promotional model
- One side of both handles left completely blank (no logo, no inch scale) allowing space for etching.
- Review of Hard Hat model - at Multitool.org
click any picture to view large
Plier Jaws | ||
Plier Pivots | ||
Bolsters | ||
Backsprings |
- Jaws
- Early models have needlenose jaws that are quite narrow and pointy. Later models have a more blunt profile to their jaws.
- Plier Pivots
- Pivots on early models have a center post with flats, and BEAR JAWS USA cast in. Later models have full round pivots with no cast logo.
- Bolsters
- Earlys have plier pivot bolsters welded on the outside of handles then polished smooth. Later bolsters were trapped on the inside of the handles.
- Backsprings
- patent pending was originally stamped on the backsprings. Later on the full US Patent numbers were stamped on. Backsprings on 155L locking models have a hole through them in order to allow easier flexing.
Related Bear Models
- Bear Jaws 155L
- A locking version of the Bear Jaws was introduced at the 2001 Shot Show. It incorporates an L-shaped tab on each backspring that engages a notch in the blades. (method first seen on the Leatherman Super Tool)
- Depressing a lever in the blade set releases the locked blade. Early levers were blank, later they were stamped with "depress here to unlock components"
- The blade can also be released by opening a neighboring blade part way.
- Color Variations
- Handles were colored with a crinkle finish powder coat paint. No other portion of the tool was colored.
- Black, blue, green, and red models were available.
- Bear Jaws 155LN
- The LN model is simply a Locking Bear Jaws with an ordinary set of fingernail clippers attached. (Locking Nailclippers)
- Clippers were attached by fitting the head of the clipper's pivot pin through a notch cut in one handle of the Bear Jaws. A bent piece of metal held down by the blade torx screw stabilized the other end of the clipper.
- Bear Jaws Sportsman 155SM
- The Sportsman model differed only in its blade selection:
- Partially serrated knife blade instead of plain edge
- Small flathead screwdriver instead of serrated sheepsfoot blade
- Saw blade instead of file
- The word SPORTSMAN was stamped into both handles
- The Sportsman model differed only in its blade selection:
Rebrands
In addition to tools sold with the Bear logo, the company also produced and rebranded tools for a number of other firms. Following is a partial list: (Unique characteristics are mentioned)- Crescent ToolZall Pro
- ToolZall PRO is stamped on one handle in large font. MADE IN USA is stamped on the other.
- Sears Craftsman 45521
- CRAFTSMAN is stamped in large font on one handle. 45521 and USA is on the other.
- A sharp awl blade has replaced the serrated sheepsfoot knife blade.
- Seen in both non-locking and locking variations.
- Moore Maker
- Moore Maker logo on one handle
- Nicholson MultiMax Pro
- Model number NMP14V
- NICHOLSON is stamped on one handle in large font. MULTIMAX PRO is stamped on the other.
- LL Bean
- Titanium nitride (TiN) gold finish.
- L.L. Bean stamped in one handle.
- promotional model
- One side of both handles left completely blank (no logo, no inch scale) allowing space for etching.
- Review of Hard Hat model - at Multitool.org
click any picture to view large