Gerber is no stranger to the tactical gear world, and as such a well-respected brand in the market. Gerber has been making multi-tools that have maintained a strong presence on the market and rightfully so. Today, we are looking at the Gerber Dime which they have produced for a few years now. Although there might have been some revisions, it has largely stayed the same. It is an extremely popular plier-based mini multi-tool that offers a lot in one small package. Before we get too far into it, this is not going to be the multi-tool to replace all of your multi-tool needs but if you need a small EDC then read on.
Gerber markets the Dime as a “keychain multi-tool” that has several tools on it. It includes 10 tools; needle nose spring-loaded pliers, wire cutter, plain edge blade, retail package opener, scissors, medium flat driver, crosshead driver, bottle opener, tweezers, and file. It has an overall length of 4.25 inches and a closed length of 2.75 inches. The Gerber Dime weighs just 2.2 ounces and the steel used is 3Cr13 stainless steel.
Of course, this is what makes the Dime everything Gerber markets it to be, the size or lack thereof. The Dime is about the size of an electric lighter which undoubtedly raises some eyebrows over how effective it could possibly be as an EDC multi-tool with that size. But the Dime features an impressive set of tools that are actually quite functional.
The main point of any multi-tool will always be the pilers and with the Dime you get a pair of pliers with significant bending and tightening capabilities. The plier’s serrations provide a good grip. It includes a wire cutter as well which tested well. Additionally, you receive a little blade that is both extremely sharp and pointless. It is thus excellent for some modest cutting tasks. the same as every other tool on the Dime. You do require two hands to offer the blade because it lacks a locking mechanism, but I think that’s expected with most multi-tools, especially one this small.
Of course, there are two screwdrivers available, one for crossheads up to a medium size and the other for flat-head screws. Additionally, one of the screwdrivers has a metal and wood file texture. Sadly, because you only truly have surface interaction, this is more of an afterthought. But having it is good. The pincer that is provided is what I truly appreciate. When picking up tiny objects or removing thorns from the skin, it is really helpful. a feature that many large multi-tools lack. You also discover a tiny pair of scissors. They are excellent for slicing tiny bits of tape, paper, or frayed threads. An impressive bottle opener that truly works well is built into the case.
But perhaps one of the most unique features of the Dime is the Retail Package Opener which is meant to open packages without damaging the contents. It actually does an excellent job of this and as humorous as it is that Gerber included it, this actually makes a lot of sense for an EDC multi-tool that the average joe will carry. Of course, the retail package opener can be utilized to cut other things and I found it to do a great job of opening zip ties.
I really do like the small size of the Gerber Dime. Because the best tool isn’t usually the biggest, but rather the one you actually carry around with you all the time. whether they’re dressed casually, professionally, or even in a suit. Carrying the Dime on person is not prohibited by the dress code. You can avoid legal difficulties thanks to the Dime’s modest size and non-locking tools. Most of the time, I keep mine in the watch pocket of my jeans. The Dime is a great middle-ground option between a complete multitool and a Swiss pocket knife. This gap is especially necessary now that more and more individuals are beginning to question the foundations of EDC. When using your multitool for daily tasks or when practising fieldcraft, you shouldn’t use the Dime.
I would highly recommend the Gerber Dime for someone looking for an EDC multi-tool to carry on the daily. 8.5/10.
Ben