Super Tool

Introduced in 1994, the Leatherman Super Tool broke new ground in the world of multitools. Not only was it larger and tougher than the competition, it also featured blades and tools that locked open, the first Leatherman to do so. Long a favorite of construction workers and tradesmen, the Super Tool remained in production until being replaced by the Super Tool 200 in 2001.

plier jaws

Super Tool vs PST

blade comparison courtesy of Dave K''

stainless finish

black oxide finish

black oxide, cap crimper

stainless, cap crimper

Patent Drawing

Compared to the PST

• Folded, the overall length of an ST is 4-1/2" (115mm) versus a PST which is 4" (100mm)
• Plier jaws on the Super Tool are much larger and stronger (see picture at right)
• The Super Tool houses five blades and tools in each handle, compared to only four for the PST.
• The Super Tool handles are made from heavier gauge steel than the PST. This makes the handles stronger, as well as more comfortable to use.
• Larger pivot screws are used on the plier end of the Super Tool.
• Super Tools were equipped with a hard wire cutting notch from the very start, whereas PST models did not include a hard wire notch until the mid-1990's

Blades and Tools

• plain edge knife blade, clip point profile, double side grind bevel. Measures 3" long. (75mm)
• awl
• medium flathead screwdriver
• large flathead screwdriver
• file, three toothed surfaces
• serrated knife blade with drop point profile. Measures 3" long. (75mm) (This is the first tool in the Leatherman line that had a blade of this type).
• can opener
• phillips screwdriver
• small flathead screwdriver
• saw blade (This was the first tool in the Leatherman line that had this type of tool).

• Note that there were changes to the knife blade and file blade around 1997. More discussion of these changes can be found HERE on the Multitool.org Forums

Blade characteristics

• All of the blades lock open.
• Like almost all multitools of this era, the blades tend to clump together when opening.
• All blades are given a high polish.

Sheath

• Heavy leather, with snap closure. Loop allows vertical carry only.
• Nylon, with velcro closure. Vertical carry only.

Dimensions

• Length open = 7" (177mm)
• Length closed = 4-1/2" (115mm)
• Width closed = 1-1/4" (32mm)
• Thickness = 5/8" (16mm)
• Weight = 8.7 oz (248g)

Variations

• The Super Tool was produced in both stainless steel finish and black oxide finish. In addition, Cap Crimper models were offered in both finishes (photos at right)

Background

• Introduced in 1994. Made in the USA. Discontinued in 2001.

Related Tools

• The Super Tool 200 is virtually the same as the Super Tool, with new lock releases and rolled handle edges. The Core has push locks and Zytel inserts. The Super Tool 300 has a similar chasis to the Super Tool 200 but has push locks.

More Info

• Leatherman Super Tool review - at Multitool.org main site
• Super Tool patent documents - at Google Patent Search
• Super Tool Owners Club- in the Multitool.org forums
• Who has a BO Super Tool?- in the Multitool.org forums
• The Original Super Tool- in the Multitool.org forums
• Differences in Super Tool Blades- in the Multitool.org forums
• The Super Tool user's guide
• The Super Tool at Leathermans website

Off The Record

• A serious issue with the Super Tool blade locks will occur if ALL the blades in a given handle are opened at once. All the blades lock open, leaving none to be used for unlocking. A screwdriver or other such device must be used to pry the lock open when this occurs.