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- Not all multitools are built around a central tool like a set of pliers.
- Take this one. The Gerber Gear Lockdown Pry has no central tool, meaning the body doesn’t fold out and the footprint of the device is much more compact.
- The multitool also comes with a small replaceable blade so you can open boxes without having to worry about sharpening over time.
One of the only real complaints I have with multitools built around a set of pliers or scissors is that some of the tools attached to the handles end up feeling like afterthoughts. Especially in the case of multitools where you have to open up the handles just to access certain items, I often end up wanting something simpler. The Gerber Gear Lockdown Pry multitool provides that simplicity without compromising much performance.
Because it isn’t built around one centralized tool, the Lockdown is compact and clean and all the tools are easily accessible. At the same time, the slim profile and clip make it perfect for slipping into a pocket and forgetting about until you need it most.
Each Tool Is Equally Easy to Use (Mostly)
The first thing I noticed out of the box was that there were only two foldout tools per side: a knife, a file, a plain edge no. 11 blade, and a pair of scissors. The steel blade is sharp and 2.5 inches long, which was enough for most basic cutting. The file is actually a bit thicker than those I’ve tried on other multitools and has a chisel edge that works great for breaking up chunks of ice. I particularly liked the no. 11 blade, which serves as a box cutter and Exacto knife. And once it dulls, you can replace that blade with a fresh, sharp one. The only slight disappointment was the scissors. They (like most multitool scissors) were too small to be effective for anything more than an emergency. If you want a more powerful pair of scissors on your multitool, I recommend the Leatherman Wave Alpha.
The body of the multitool is also thinner than others I’ve tested. This simple design allows for it to function more easily as a handle for any of the tools, more like that on a pocket knife. When I folded out the knife, it was easy to slice through cardboard without feeling the bulk and cumbersome size of the handle like I often do with larger multitools, such as my best heavy-duty recommendation, the Gerber Gear Center Drive.
In addition to its size, the body has a textured grip for better handling. I like the feel of it, especially because there’s no split between the two handles, like on a plier-based multitool.
The simple foldout design on an otherwise static multitool means that each tool is given ample space and handle grip when in use. I was able to use the knife just as well as the blade just as well as the file, and so on. No tool is less accessible than any other, and each had essentially the same handle feel.
The Pry Bar is Endlessly Useful
Outside of the four foldout tools, the Lockdown Pry also comes with a pry bar and nail puller on the back. Admittedly, at first glance this felt like a glorified bottle opener. But after a few days of carrying it around, I can say it was the tool I ended up using the most. It was perfect for cracking open a stubborn can of paint, lifting a nail from my wall, even hooking the divot into my drain grate and using the leverage to pop it out. If I needed help getting a bit of extra elbow grease opening something up, I knew exactly where to turn.
It Requires a Bit of Breaking In
Every tool on the Lockdown could benefit from a bit of loosening. Gerber gave each tool a handy bar to help you pull them out. And after testing, I don’t think I could physically get any of the tools out without it. Even with the bar, it took a lot of effort and some added prying with a fingernail to get them folded out from the handle.
This stiffness was doubly as apparent for the locking mechanism. Like most multitools, the Lockdown Pry has a frame lock that snaps forward when a tool is fully extended out. To unlock, simply press it in and fold the tool back down. For the Lockdown, I was genuinely straining to unlock and fold tools back down. At one point I actually had to use a separate multitool to press the lock down enough to fold in the blade.
The Verdict: A True EDC Option
The Gerber Gear Lockdown Pry has boiled itself down to bare essentials in a tight body that doesn’t waste space—or your money, given this is $70 on Gerber’s site but hovers around $40 on Amazon. The four foldout tools are sturdy and effective, though I wanted more from the scissors. The body is compact and comfortably fits in my pocket even next to a wallet and set of keys. While it takes a bit of breaking in, that shouldn’t take long when it’s perfect for carrying with you every single day.
