Tech Review: Leatherman Sidekick
If you have never heard of a multi-tool or the iconic company Leatherman, your life is about to change. A multi-tool is just what it sounds like: think of it like a tool box in the size of a tool that is about as big as typical folding knife. Another way to look at these wonders of clever engineering is a Swiss Army Knife that out Swisses the Swiss Army Knife.
The Sidekick is a multi-tool for the 99%. This well crafted device contains fifteen useful tools in a compact package. Tools include two types of pliers, wire cutters, two types of knives, a file, a saw, three kinds of screw drivers, a small ruler, a bottle/can opener, a wire stripper, and a non-load bearing carabiner accessory with a hex bit driver and bottle opener. All of this in a solidly crafted 3.8 inch ((9.7 cm) closed), 7oz (198.4 g) stainless steel beauty. And to top it off, the knife and saw blade can be opened without opening the entire device and both have locking blades.
I have been using Leatherman tools for well over twenty years and the Sidekick is a wonderful example of not only the evolution of the Leatherman multi-tool line, but just what amazing improvements a company can make when it actually listens to its customers. I used the first model, the now retired PST and while functional, you had to open the entire device to get to any of the blades and when opened full to use the pliers, you could really tear up ungloved hands if you needed to really torque down on something. The Sidekick does not suffer from these problems. Add the locking blades and spring action pliers and you’ve got a winner.
Admittedly, I am mechanically declined and almost had to have my 14 year old daughter show me how to use all of the tools, but this tool fits easily in a pocket. Even better yet, clipped to a pocket, waistband, belt loop, or just about any other place the side clip or the included carabiner will fit. The folks over at Leatherman were smart to add a folding lanyard ring. This ring allows the user to easily attach the device to a lanyard or what we called a “dummy cord” in the military. A Dummy cord is a cord you attach to an important item with the dummy cord’s loop through a strap or belt loop so you don’t lose it. Think of it like a big boy/girl child leash for gear. I attached the Sidekick to a badge lanyard, the kind you seem to get at every theme park these days. I left it tucked into my shirt and after the first hour or so I forgot I was wearing a toolbox around my neck.
I don’t have a job that requires the day-to-day use of the Sidekick, but if you are reading Geek Life, there is a good chance you or someone you know is an IT person or messes with minis (not the car you silly!). This is a great tool for those people in your life. The side clip and included carabiner allow this cornucopia of tool goodness to easily be carried and accessed by “Techies” and gamers everywhere. My buddy, James, tried to show me how to build twisted pair cables and a tool like this makes the job much easier. When dealing with models or minis, the pliers and the assortment of knives will help you mod your space marines to your heart’s content.
Wait, I almost forgot about the zombies! How can I talk about an awesomely useful gadget without mentioning zombies? This is a piece of gear you have to have in your bug out bag. Bug out bag: that bag you keep packed for adverse situations like hurricanes, tornados, and brain eating undead rising from the grave. I would not recommend this as a primary weapon as it would require you to get in close to use; however, it would be wonderful for setting up traps or to alter electronics and automobiles to suit your zombie hunting habits [Editor’s Note: Sold --R].
With the holiday season fast approaching, this is a great gift for just about anyone in your life. It makes a great stocking stuffer, and even if you are mechanically declined like me, having a Sidekick in your top drawer, tackle box, or glove compartment is the way to go. It’s also a parent’s best friend on Christmas morning. It can cut through packaging as well at those horrible plastic bits that secure toys, also coming in handy for unscrewing battery compartments and assembling those items that have the “some assembly required” caveat.
This is a well made, well priced piece of gear that comes with a twenty-five year warranty. Leatherman is a company that cares about its customers and the world they live in.
If you are interested in the Sidekick or any of their other products head on over to Leatherman.
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Laurie
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