๐ ️Review: The Gerber MP400 Compact Sport Multi-Plier
Many years ago, my parents gave me a Gerber multi-plier tool as a graduation gift.
It was an incredible piece of gear, and I used it for everything: sorting fishing tackle, opening beers, and all sorts of MacGyver-esque fixes.
I once even used its precise pliers to remove a fishhook from a dog's throat.
That tool was a trusted companion for years.
Then, some low-life robbed my house and stole it along with a lot of other gear. With a new baby in the house, the insurance money went to more pressing needs.
No regrets there, but I often thought wistfully about that multi-tool. So, when I finally had a little spare cash, I knew exactly what I needed to get. I bought myself a replacement: the Gerber MP400 Compact Sport Multi-Plier.
⚙️First Impressions & Breaking It In
This MP400 was slightly different from my original, which I suspect was an early MP600 model.
The new one lacked a saw, but the knife and scissors were just as sharp as I remembered. However, my one and only complaint arose right away.
Gerber multi-tools are famous for their one-handed, "flick of the wrist" opening. My new MP400 was a bit stiff out of the box and didn't quite perform the trick.
It took a fair bit of use and a small application of CRC to loosen it up. Now, it works every time, but it's worth noting that new tools sometimes need a little breaking in due to tight manufacturing tolerances.
✅Real-World Performance: A Toolbox in Your Palm
Despite that initial stiffness, this tool has been nothing short of fantastic. It's so handy that I bought one for my brother last Christmas.
The blade quality is where Gerber truly shines.
The knife is surgically sharp right out of the package, a result of using high-quality stainless steel with excellent edge retention.
Even after tons of use cutting string, opening packages, and trimming garden plants, I still haven't needed to sharpen it.
This multi-tool has proven its worth time and again. Just last month, I was building a coat rack out of some tough Rimu wood. My trusty Makita electric drill just couldn't drive the last screw home.
I grabbed the Gerber, and its powerful pliers gave me the torque I needed to finish the job. It’s that perfect blend of precision and power that makes it so indispensable.
Official Specs & Features
The Gerber MP400 is more than just a pair of pliers. It's a fully functional toolbox that includes:
- Needle nose pliers
- Wire cutter & wire crimper
- Serrated knife blade
- Fiskars® scissors
- Cross point (Phillips) screwdriver
- Small, medium, and large flat blade screwdrivers
- Can opener & bottle opener
The inclusion of Fiskars scissors is a mark of quality. Fiskars is a renowned brand famous for its incredibly sharp and durable cutting tools, and the scissors on the MP400 are no exception; they are sharp enough for any task you throw at them.
๐The Final Verdict: A Legacy of Quality
The solid stainless steel construction gives this tool a satisfying weight and balance in your hand. You can feel the durability. If you drop it, you're more likely to dent the floor than the tool.
It's proudly made in the USA at Gerber's Portland, Oregon factory, and that quality is evident in every component.
It's no surprise to learn that this unit has been one of Gerber's most popular multi-tools for over a decade. It comes down to a trusted brand delivering a high-quality, reliable, and incredibly useful tool.
I am completely sold on Gerber multi-pliers, and I don't expect I'll ever need to look elsewhere.
Check Out Options & Reviews on Amazon
And if you're looking for something even more compact, you might also be interested in my review of a keychain multi-tool that features a handy box cutter.