1/29/2012

Leatherman Fuse Multitool and Monarch 200 Multitool/Flashlight Combo Set Review

Leatherman Fuse Multitool and Monarch 200 Multitool/Flashlight Combo Set
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(More customer reviews)
The Leatherman Fuse Multitool and Monarch 200 Multitool/Flashlight Combo Set is a good gift set or even a nice buy if you want it for yourself. For me, the combination is a great value given the price. Leatherman tools are expensive in general. This combo set is priced competitively versus buying the multi-tool by itself.
THE ALTERNATIVES
First and foremost, this set includes the smaller Monarch 200 flashlight that runs on button cell batteries. Note also that, to my surprise, batteries are included. Three LR44 batteries are included, for those that want to find out exactly how much replacements would cost. 50 of AG13 357A LR44 A76 Alkaline Button Cell Watch Battery seem to be compatible, though I haven't bought replacements through that listing yet.
The use of button cell batteries was not a problem for me, but other gift sets that include the Monarch 300 are definitely more convenient in that they use AAA batteries instead. The Leatherman 831087 Wave Multitool and Monarch 300 Multitool/Flashlight Combo Set is an example of one such set, but at twice the price I didn't think it was worth it just to get the slightly better Monarch 300.
THE FUSE MULTI-TOOL
The Fuse included with with set is larger than I was expecting. It also includes nice rubber finger grips on the inside edge. That's an extra that makes it more comfortable than some of the other larger tools without rubber grips. There is a belt case included to carry the tool in.
The Fuse also has 13 tool features built-in:
1. Pliers - The regular and needle-nose tips are listed as two separate features; these are the key feature on this tool and are a nice large size for a wide variety of uses
2. Wire cutters - Blades are included for both regular and hard-wire cutters, also listed as two features
3. Wire stripper - Highly functional for basic electrical work
4. Screwdrivers - A medium, small and Phillips screwdriver are included on the inside handle
5. Ruler - up to 8 inches (19 cm) can be measured using the handles (4 inches each) if fully extended
6. Bottle opener
7. Can opener
8. Scissors
9. Knife
THE MONARCH 200 MINI LED FLASH-LIGHT
The Monarch 200 is a little smaller than the Monarch 300 and perfect for use on a key-chain, which is what I wanted it for. Obviously it has a key-ring on the back end of it. It has an aluminum body and a sufficiently bright LED light to use it for finding a key-hole or other such random tasks. It's not enough light to perform repairs in complete darkness, but it's good enough for occasional use.
CONCLUSION
I am very satisfied with my purchase. At 4 inches when closed and about 6 inches when opened, this tool is only slightly smaller than most full-sized Leatherman tools. But it has enough features to be very functional. The included mini flash-light is a nice extra, and together they make this set a good value for the price. Consider this as a good gift set or for yourself.
Enjoy.

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Leatherman—the gift people ask for by name.The gift you choose for friends and family says so much. One such as a Leatherman, that illustrates superior craftsmanship and the highest quality standards, is a significant gesture. This holiday season give them the best, with the handy Leatherman Fuse most popular multi-tool and powerful Monarch 300 LED light. Fuse Fuse packs 12 tools into a lean, four-inch frame. What is probably most surprising about the Fuse is its weight; this full-size multi-tool is only 6 ounces. In addition to being lightweight, the Fuse is very slim, so if a belt sheath isn't your style, putting it in a front pocket, won't weight you down. The Fuse is made from 420HC stainless steel and each component is heat treated for its individual purpose. For example, handles are treated at a lower temperature to retain flexibility, where items like knife blades and saws are treated at a higher temperature for edge-retention. The Fuse features Zytel handle inserts for extra comfort when you're giving it everything you've got. Zytel has an extremely high melting point (300+-degrees F), and is chemical resistant so it works wonders as a lightweight alternative to sculpting steel. For those who have known Leatherman since the beginning, the Fuse is one of the newer Leatherman tools that is perhaps most similar to the original Leatherman PST. The exception is that the PST's file and awl are replaced by scissors and a wire stripper on the Fuse. But the biggest difference is that all the features on the Fuse lock for safety. When they are fully extended they lock into place and can be unlocked by pressing down on a thumb pad at the base of the handle. The screwdrivers on the Fuse have been both punched and ground for a better fit. Many screwdrivers are only punched and without the grind on the sides, can easily slip out of holding a screw. Likewise the can opener on the tool has been cut in such a way that when the user punches through a can lid, the opener simultaneously folds the cut metal down onto itself keeping the user safe from ragged metal edges. The tool's file is cross-cut side for aggressive work. The filing surface on both sides goes all the way to the edge and down the sides, giving the user more workable surface area for filing projects. The Fuse features regular wire cutters and hard-wire cutters. Leatherman cutters are so precise they have to cut paper before they can leave the factory. In addition to the cutters, there is a wire stripper built into a notch at the base of the can/bottle opener. No space goes unused in a Leatherman tool, meaning the precision of each feature is unmatched in the industry and the blades, files and saws are the longest for the relative frame size.Fuse SpecsZytel Contoured Handle GripsNeedlenose PliersRegular PliersWire CuttersHard-wire Cutters420HC Knife ScissorsLarge ScrewdriverSmall ScrewdriverPhillips ScrewdriverRuler (8 inch/19 cm) Bottle/Can OpenerWire StripperLanyard AttachmentLength: 4 in / 10 cm Weight: 6 oz / 170 g Monarch 300 With the new Monarch 300 Leatherman has developed a keychain model, that's great for the everyday-user whether it's on the job or on the family camping trip. Even though you may not be in an "extreme" situation, you still want great functionality and durability and the Monarch 300 LED light definitely provides that. The Monarch 300 produces a powerful 16 lumens on one AAA battery (included) and has easy-to-operate, one-hand, tail switch on/off functionality. The light's body and bezel are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum making it lightweight and extremely durable. Output degradation on many lights begins immediately after the light is first turned on. With Leatherman's advanced circuitry design, the Monarch 300 maintains strong, output for a considerable time before gradual light dissipation begins.Monarch 300 Specs6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum Body and Bezel Detachable Keychain RingRemovable Pocket ClipWater Resistant–IPX4 Impact ResistantIncludes AAA Battery (1)Lumens: 16 Battery life: 2 hrs* Weight (with battery): 1.2 oz | 35 g*As tested with one AAA battery The Leatherman Warranty The Leatherman warranty is one of the best in the business. All tools and knives are covered under a 25-year warranty and all lights are covered under a 10-year warranty. Simply return the tool, knife or light to Leatherman and their full-time staff of warranty technicians will assess the problem and repair or replace the tool, sending it back to you at no charge.

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