LEATHERMAN 17-In-1 Original Multitool

Last updated: June 6, 2023


The spacing of the tools on the Leatherman Rebar means you can access them without undue strain, and they won't pinch your fingers when released. Made of sturdy stainless steel, the gadget comes with a locking mechanism for all tools. Other highlights include the replaceable wire cutters and rugged, thin-profile pliers.

LEATHERMAN 17-In-1 Original Multitool

We looked at the top Multitools and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Multitool you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: Tools come out quick and easy on this versatile LEATHERMAN Rebar Multitool.

In our analysis of 124 expert reviews, the LEATHERMAN 17-In-1 Original Multitool placed 8th when we looked at the top 22 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

The Rebar is inspired by Tim Leatherman’s original PST. With all the features for the toughest tasks in a smaller, slimmer size, the Rebar is right at home on the job or around the house. FIT MORE FUNCTIONALITY: The Rebar is equipped with 17 tools, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw, an awl, and a ruler. ALWAYS ON HAND: With its compact size, lightweight design, and lanyard ring, your Rebar is always within reach and ready to work. SAFE AND SECURE: All-locking features means that every tool and knife will lock when fully opened, keeping you safe and the tools securely in place. GUARANTEED: Our 25-year limited warranty ensures that your Leatherman will give you many years of dependable service. Just send it in and we’ll fix it up. All Leatherman multitools are made and repaired right here in the USA.

Our Expert Consultant

Vicki Liston 
Home Improvement Expert

Vicki Liston writes, produces, and narrates “On The Fly…DIY,” an award-winning home improvement and DIY show of unique project tutorials for the casual DIY’er.

Home improvement and all things DIY have been Liston’s passion since she bought her first house in 2007 and she started making video blogs in 2014. She’s performed hundreds of DIY projects, from small ones to major, wall-smashing renovations and can teach you how to make a trendy DIY barn door for cheap. The proceeds earned from “On The Fly…DIY” are donated to no-kill animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Rugged 100% stainless steel construction with 17 functional tools.
The Rebar stands out for its user-replaceable wire cutters.
The pliers deploy quickly and easily, as with all Leatherman multi-tools. Handle edges are thick and rolled-over, and there are no noticeable pinch points. This is an advantage of multi-tools with no outside-accessible knife blades or tools – the greater and more uniform handle spacing reduces the likelihood of pinched-palm blood blisters.
The performance of this tool is really impressive. It is strong and innovative.
The Rebar sports fully locking tools including two knives, a saw, wire cutters with replaceable cutting edges, a wire stripper and crimper, a bottle and can opener, a wood and metal file, two flat head screwdrivers and a Philips screwdriver, an awl with thread loop, and, of course, the classic PST ruler design on the body. It’s a classic through and through.
Leatherman – Rebar is a durable stainless steel multi-tool. The material withstands abuse well (both physical and environmental). It also has dependable tools, each with a 25-year limited cover. If yours breaks in a few months, you can request a replacement hassle-free.
This is the lightest of Leatherman's full-size tools. Can comfortably rest in a pocket or on your belt, while still having most tools you'll need, plus one of the best plier heads in the multitool world.
The Leatherman Rebar is a full sized tool built to be as strong as larger heavy duty tools. It has the tool set to meet just about any need without the high weight of many larger tools. In our opinion, Leatherman really packed the Rebar with value. It’s a good bit cheaper than most of the company’s other full size tools but still provides excellent utility.
We loved the thin-profile pliers. When we used them in the field in areas where there were tight clearance issues, they performed flawlessly.
The rebar is awesome. I own a super tool 300 also. Great tools. Thank you Leatherman.
This is a great tool, and its reliability is quite amazing. However, the performance of this multi-tool especially the smaller tools are very impressive.The pliers can turn bolt and knots, and the wire cutters are sharp. I like its serrated knife, which allows you to slice various items easily.
The tool is designed to conveniently bring out the multi-tools with ease. You can easily access the toolset and can readily identify which is which. You won’t chip a fingernail when bringing out the tools. So, ladies, this might be a nice every day carry multi-tool for you.
The Phillips driver fits #2 screws perfectly and does not slip, while the small flat driver fits small slotted screws as well.The large flat driver also does well at probably the most common use for a large flathead screwdriver, yes admit it, you do it all the time, prying things.
Replaceable Wire Cutters: the replaceable wire cutters are very well aligned so they can almost cut like scissors. When they are dull they can be replaced, but you'll need a specialty bit to do it.
It has a simple but effective locking mechanism, whereby all tools are lockable once you extend them to their fully-deployed positions.

What reviewers didn't like

More expensive than some models with similar features.
Deploying any of the tools requires opening the pliers entirely.
Smaller knife blades compared to Super Tool 300 and full-size 4-inch tools.
No outside handle accessibilty.
This is a great DIY mult -tool but when you get it in the the new black color the black comes off like oil I appreciate if it didn't do that but the more you work with the great multi-tool the black oil stops
Both knife blades aren’t accessible from the outside. For veteran multi-tool users this may seem a bit counter-intuitive.
It has smaller knife blades compared to other Leatherman multi-tools
No Scissors – Some users may prefer to have a pair of scissors in their multi-tool, and if so, the Rebar isn’t for you.
No quick way to ID plain/serrated blade.
The Leatherman Rebar lacks the following tools: scissors, diamond-coated file, removable file, spring-loaded pliers, tweezers, cork screw, glasses screwdriver.
There is no pair of scissors in this set.
View our Multitool buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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