At first glance the Skeletool appears to be a radically new device for Leatherman, but in fact it incorporates several design features from earlier Leatherman products, including layered backsprings similar to the Juice line, the carabiner/bottle opener from their knife line, and a flattened bit driver similar to those found on the Wave and Charge tools. Designed with an eye towards minimum weight and maximum carryability, the Skeletool embodies the belief that a tool is no good unless you have it with you. As such, it offers both a pocket clip and a carabiner to encourage EDC.
Jaws
Plier jaws are larger than the Squirt P4 jaws, but considerably smaller than full size jaws found on the Kick or Charge. Best comparison would be with the Juice series of tools.There are fine serrations near the nose, a gripping area below that, and a wire cutter area near the pivot. (Including a hard wire notch)
Shallow pockets are liberally scattered around the surface of the pliers. The effect on reducing weight is minimal, they are primarily for appearance.
Handles/Frame
Skeletool handles are perhaps more complex than that of any other multitool. Not counting rivets, the handles are made up of over ten separate components.On the "carabiner handle" a skeletonized channel of sheet metal is wrapped around a stack of three backspring plates. Attached to that is a contoured piece of aluminum, containing a pocket for holding the spare screwdriver bit. The bit is held in place by yet another piece of sheet metal.
The ""bit driver handle" also consists of a sheet metal channel, this one wrapped around a stack of two backspring plates. Attached is another sheet metal channel, this one containing the knife blade.
Finish is brushed stainless all over.
There is no date coding on the Skeletool.
Blades and Tools
The only folding device on the Skeletool is its locking knife blade. The blade measures 2-1/2" long. (63mm) It is made from 420HC stainless.A bit driver is mounted in one handle that accepts Leatherman's flattened hex bits. A spring-loaded locking tab prevents the bit from falling out during carry.
Locking Mechanism
The knife blade locks open via a standard liner lock.Other Features
Carabiner with spring-loaded gate. The carabiner is intended to also function as a bottle opener.A spare screwdriver bit is contained in one handle, held in place by a piece of flat spring stock on the handle.
Removable pocket clip.
Sheath
None.Dimensions
- Length open= 6" (150mm)
- Length closed = 4-1/4" (108mm)
- Width closed = 1-1/4" (33mm)
- Thickness = 5/8" (16mm)
- Weight = 5 oz (142g)
Variations
First year models (2008) will have a plain edged 420HC steel blade, while newer models (2009 and up) will have partially serrated 420HC steel blades. This change according to Leatherman was based on customer feedback and real world testing. This is valuable information for the collector as the Skeletool series does not have a date stamp as other Leatherman models do. The Skeletool is also available now in different colors (limited time probably) green, blue, tan and you can still get plain stainless steel. In 2017 REI Outdoors released a topographical graphics edition blade and black oxide frame of the Skeletool along side the Signal that are lasered etched on.History
Announced at the 2007 Shot Show. Did not become generally available until early 2008.Related Tools
The Skeletool is very similar to the Skeletool CX, Skeletool RX, Freestyle and Freestyle CX. There are also two keychain Leatherman tools that are based on the Skeletool chasis the Style PS and the Style CS. The MUT albeit bigger has very many similarities to the Skeletool in that the frame is very similar it uses same type of fasteners and has a carabiner clip much like the Skeletool as well. The Signal also has many of the same similarities to the Skeletool as the MUT does.More Info
- Skeletool Review at Multitool.org
- Skeletool and Skeletool CX User's Guide
- Skeletool advertisement - from early 2008.
- Let's Look at the Skeletool Family - in the Multitool.org forums
- The Skeletool Owner's Club - in the Multitool.org forums
- Skeletool on Leatherman Website
Off The Record
- Occasionally Skeletool bit holders were found to be too loose. A simple bend of the sheet metal is all it takes to put them in fine order. More details can be found HERE.
- A common complaint about the Skeletool is that the detent bump "catches" when trying to deploy the knife blade. This becomes less of an issue with use, as the bump eventually wears down. Details on a quicker fix can be found HERE.