Gerber Armbar Multitool Review

Bottom Line

The Gerber Armbar Drive is a sleek, modern multitool with a slim, minimalist design that makes it an excellent choice for everyday carry and light-duty tasks. 

It is easy to slip into a pocket or pack without adding bulk, and it’s comfortable to use, even for extended periods. Its 7 tools, including pliers, a fine-edge knife, a screwdriver, and a bottle opener, are perfect for most everyday needs without overwhelming you with too many options.

We like the clean design and thoughtful ergonomics. Its tools are easy to access, and overall, it feels well-balanced and durable. The Armbar performed reliably every time we pulled it out to cut baling twine, with its stainless and sharp, corrosion-resistant blade that locks securely when in use. While the locking mechanism can be fussy—narrow and harder to manipulate with gloves or wet hands—the tool still performs well. The magnetic bit driver adds flexibility for jobs at awkward angles, and its awl and pry bar are standout features for precision tasks. The scissors are particularly impressive as well, with a reliable, sturdy design ideal for light cutting needs.

While it won’t compete with heavy-duty multitools like the Leatherman Surge, the Armbar Drive is a great choice for users who value simplicity, portability, and ease of use over a full arsenal of tools. The Armbar hits the mark for basic repairs or general daily use without unnecessary bulk.

How We Tested

Over a 60-day period, we tested the Armbar’s mettle on Minnesota farms, maintaining everything from fencelines to faulty electrical breakers, and then brought the tool north to single-digit temps where the Armbar proved invaluable preparing equipment for a cold hike.  

Weight & Portability

At just 5.2 ounces and 3.5 inches closed, the Gerber Armbar Drive is light and compact, making it one of the most portable multi-tools around. It’s easy to carry in your pocket, clip to our gear, or stash in a bag, and we hardly notice it’s there. Despite its slim design, the Armbar Drive packs plenty of punch, with essential tools like a knife, screwdriver, and bottle opener all neatly tucked into a sleek, minimalistic frame. 

We frequently reached for the Armbar on a mishap-laden fall backpack trip in Colorado’s Rawah Wilderness, and the tool saved the day. For hikes, tackling everyday tasks, or just needing a reliable tool on hand, the Armbar delivers all the essentials.

Ease of Use

The Armbar Drive offers smooth and intuitive operation. The fine-edge blade, magnetic bit driver, and other features deploy easily every time, and the tools feel well-designed and responsive. The knife glides effortlessly into place and locks securely, while the magnetic bit driver works well at awkward angles, adding versatility. Scissors and a pry bar also engage with minimal effort.

However, the Armbar isn’t all roses. The blade’s locking mechanism is a bit finicky, with a narrow release area that can be tricky to operate, especially with gloves. Additionally, the lack of a fully ambidextrous design can make one-handed operation less convenient for left-handed users. While the tools are smooth and reliable, they aren’t meant for heavy-duty use—this multitool is better suited for light-duty tasks and everyday repairs rather than extreme conditions.

Despite a few downsides, the Armbar’s smooth operation, versatile features, and affordability won us over as a solid everyday carry choice.

Ergonomics

The Armbar Drive scores high for comfort and ergonomics. We love the slim design and natural fit in hand, without any unnecessary bulk, which makes it easy to handle for extended use. The contoured edges and balanced design offer easy grip, regardless of the tool. The lightweight build further enhances comfort, especially for tasks that require precise, careful maneuvering, like manipulating a tractor’s faulty water pump or stripping electrical wire.

The scissors, pry bar, and other tools are thoughtfully positioned, allowing for naturally comfortable use without strain. The 2.5-inch blade is easy to control, and the magnetic bit driver provides a comfortable, stable grip for jobs at various angles.

The knife’s locking mechanism can feel awkward, particularly for users with larger hands or when wearing gloves. Additionally, the design isn’t fully ambidextrous, which can make use a bit less ergonomic for left-handed users. Despite this, the Armbar Drive remains comfortable for most light-duty tasks and offers a user-friendly experience at a budget-friendly price.

Tool Deployment

The Armbar Drive prioritizes one-handed deployment, and everyday carry convenience. The tools are well-designed and accessible, with its standout feature being quick access to the dedicated magnetic bit driver without unfolding the entire tool. Its lightweight design, compact form factor, and smooth opening mechanism feel satisfyingly precise. The scissors and pry bar are just as easy to engage, providing reliable performance without extra effort. 

However, the tool’s limited functionality might disappoint serious DIY enthusiasts—you’re getting basic tools like a knife, scissors, and bit driver but not the comprehensive toolkit of larger multi-tools. 

While the knife’s locking mechanism can feel a bit finicky—narrow and requiring precision to unlock—this doesn’t detract from the tool’s overall seamless operation. The bit storage could be more secure, and the tools feel slightly less robust than full-sized options. All told, everything feels well-engineered, with tools that respond quickly and predictably.

Load Bearing Capacity

The Armbar Drive has a solid load-bearing capacity for its size and intended use. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and the tools—fine-edge blade, magnetic bit driver, awl, and pry bar—easily handled a variety of daily chores with little sign of excessive wear. The pliers and bit driver offer enough strength to tackle tasks like loosening screws, light prying, and repairing small appliances or gear.

But this powerful little tool does have limitations. While it’s strong enough for general DIY projects and everyday repairs, it isn’t designed for extreme heavy-duty use or excessive force. The locking mechanisms and components feel well-made, but some users noticed some struggle under intense pressure or prolonged use compared to higher-end multitools. The small hammer and pry bar perform well but are best for light, controlled use rather than heavy-duty prying or construction tasks.

All in all, the Armbar is more than sufficient for most casual users and everyday DIYers.

Material Quality

The Armbar Drive is purpose-built with durability in mind, made from high-quality stainless steel, ready to take on most anything that comes your way. 

From opening bottles to tightening screws, this tool feels solid in your hand and holds up well against the wear and tear of repeated use. The stainless steel construction ensures it won’t rust or corrode, even when battered in rough conditions. The Armbar Drive strikes the perfect balance between toughness and lightweight convenience, offering strength where you need it most in a slim and compact design. 

Should You Buy the Gerber Armbar Drive?

The Armbar Drive Combines practicality with portability and is a solid choice for anyone who values affordability, portability, and everyday versatility. The blade performs well, the scissors are sturdy, and the pry bar and bit driver add versatility for most casual jobs. The smooth operation and intuitive tool deployment also make it simple to use.

It’s a great option for light repairs, outdoor activities, or everyday carrying. However, if you expect to tackle more extreme or heavy-duty work, consider a more robust multitool instead.

What Other Multitools Should You Consider?

The Gerber Armbar Drive is only one of many options on our best multitools gear guide. Here are some alternatives worth checking out:

Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Review: The Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman is an excellent alternative for those who value versatility and tradition in a multitool. With 15 integrated tools—including a large blade, scissors, can opener, screwdriver, and a saw—the Huntsman offers a well-rounded set of features. While the Gerber Armbar focuses on a modern, minimal design, the Huntsman provides a more comprehensive multitool. Its ergonomic design and classic Swiss Army aesthetic make it comfortable and familiar in the hand, with intuitive, reliable operation.

However, the Huntsman is bulkier than the Armbar Drive, which may make it less convenient for everyday carry. Its load-bearing capacity is dependable, but it leans toward traditional multitool use rather than heavy-duty repairs.

Leatherman Skeletool Review: The Leatherman Skeletool offers a more streamlined and lightweight alternative to its cousin the Surge, catering to users who value portability over the sheer number of tools. While the Surge is a full-sized multitool with 21 tools geared toward heavy-duty tasks, the Skeletool focuses on versatility with 7 core tools, including pliers, a knife, a screwdriver, and a bottle opener. It’s much slimmer, easier to carry, and perfect for everyday use or minimalistic tasks. However, it sacrifices some of the heavier-duty features and load-bearing strength of the Surge. The choice comes down to preference: the Skeletool for portability and simplicity or the Surge for versatility and power.

SOG PowerAssist Review: The SOG PowerAssist offers a different approach to everyday carry functionality with some unique features. It stands out with compound leverage pliers, with impressive gripping power compared to standard multi-tool pliers, and packs 18 tools into a slightly more robust package. The PowerAssist uses SOG’s innovative Compound Leverage technology, which essentially gives you more mechanical advantage when gripping or cutting.

Unlike the Armbar’s minimalist design, this tool has a more traditional multi-tool layout but maintains reasonable portability. It’s a bit heavier than the Armbar but still manageable for belt carry or a tool bag. The assisted-opening mechanism on the pliers is a nice touch as well, making tool deployment quick and smooth.