If you’re still confused, then there is no harm in going to your local workshop or the hardware store and testing out these units for yourself. However, some owners might claim that the increased number of tools on the P4 is better for robust projects. Once the initial playtime is over, however, it’s time to get at the tools. Unlike almost all of Leatherman’s other pliers-based multis, all tools on the FREE are accessed externally. I prefer this mode, as it simplifies navigating the tool during use. It looks pretty much the same, and with one look, you might be confusing it with the Free P2 at times.

The Leatherman Free P4 is a great multi tool on its own. As anyone who’s ever owned a multi tool can tell you though, there’s always an accessory or add on that will make it a bit better.The first thing you’ll notice with the Free P4 is that Leatherman kept the classic butterfly fold design. Even more fitting, the use of a magnetic clasp system actually allows you to swing the P4 open just like you would a butterfly knife. Bit Driver– One of the design compromises Leatherman made with the P4 was removing the bit driver found on the Wave+ and Surge. This wasn’t an incredibly popular decision among heavy-duty users, so Leatherman also created a fix. If you’re already on the prowl for a new multi tool though you should seriously consider the Free P4.

The only downside here is that the P2 brings a combo blade, and you can’t use it for precision projects.When put to work, the FREE works like the Leathermans of old. A 420HC serrated/plain combo knife cuts swiftly. Phillips and flathead implements drive screws as expected. The FREE P2 I tested also sports mainstays like a can and bottle opener, metal file, awl, scissors, and mini pry bar.

Once it was ‘broken in’ they didn’t want Leatherman resetting it to factory tolerances. With this in mind Leatherman designed the Free P4 with a revolutionary magnetic architecture. On to the basics. The Free P4 is a 4.25 inch long, 8.6 oz multi tool. This puts it firmly in the full size to heavy duty class of multi tools and gives it substantial capabilities. Leatherman Free P4 Tools The can opener is a stand alone tool that was easily able to cut through the can we tried it on. The ruler and file felt a lot like the one found on the Wingman. The ruler is significantly shorter than we would have liked at just 1.41 inches. The file is your standard wood/metal file and worked as well as any we’ve seen.If you’re an expert and don’t mind the robust structure offered by P4, then going with this tool will serve you well. The best selling multi tool on the market has a bit holder, yet the Free has Wingman style screw drivers. Why? Well the Wingman tools are cheaper to make and hipsters aren’t actually going to use this for work. You’ll surely find an expert with both units in his kit, and you can get some detail on which unit better fits certain projects. The variety of tools here might not be that extensive, but 19 tools are more than enough for most projects.

You can easily rely on these different options to manage the project accordingly. There is no need to struggle with the limited mobility of the combo blade. BRANDON M FISHER · May 5, 2020 I can't stand hearing the word "hipster". I'm 40 and still don't know what it really means LoL 😁 There is no such thing as one perfect unit for all jobs. You will have to carefully judge what type of tools will best complement your work and then move forward from there.The only part [the FREE] shares with anything else is the wire-cutting inserts for the jaw and the jaw rivet,” said design engineer Adam Lazenby. “The moral of the story is that this tool has the most original content since the very first Leatherman tool.” The added tools are for those who are looking to go the extra mile and have any needs with cutting or some other similar projects. Replacement Parts– As with all their products Leatherman covers the Free P4 with their 25 year limited warranty. They’re well known for the commitment they show to the quality of their products and to customer satisfaction. If you have any problems with your Free make sure you send it in. Leatherman will take care of you. In most respects the Free P4 and P2 are nearly identical. They’re both 4.25 inches long and are just one ounce apart in weight. The P4 has 21 tools while the P2 only has 19. You give up the saw and the second knife blade but otherwise have an identical tool loadout. They’re also priced very close to one another. With that said, owners have also complained about the combo blade on the P2. A combo blade is never a good idea, and you will struggle to get the desired precision with this setup.