The Leatherman Rebar and Sidekick are lightweight multi-tools packed with features and Leatherman quality. These two multi-tool are very similar so I combined them for this review.
The Rebar packs 17 tools into a compact, stainless steel body. Unfold the Rebar to access the pliers and the other tools. The body of the tool uses rounded edges to make it more comfortable on your hand. The Rebar includes a nylon sheath.
The Sidekick includes 17 tools in a compact, stainless steel body. The large knife and saw are accessible when the tool is folded. The other tools can be accessed with the Sidekick is unfolded. The pliers and wire cutters are spring action and stay open by default. Most other Leatherman multi-tools do NOT stay open. The rounded edges on the tool body make it even more comfortable to use than the Rebar. The Sidekick includes a large, rugged metal clip but NO sheath.
Rebar includes:- Pliers: needlenose nose and regular
- Replaceable Wire Cutters (2): 154cm regular, 154cm hard-wire
- Electrical (2): electrical crimper, wire stripper
- Knives (420HC): straight blade & serrated blade (blade length 2.75″)
- Wood/Metal File
- Saw
- Screwdrivers: Phillips, small slotted, large slotted
- Awl with Thread Loop
- Ruler: 8″ / 19 cm
- Bottle Opener and Can Opener
- Lanyard Ring
- Strong, nylon sheath
- Weight: 6.7 oz.
- Length (Closed): 4.0″
- Spring-Action Pliers: Needlenose and Regular
- Spring-action Wire Cutters (not replaceable)
- Wire Stripper
- 420HC Knifes: Straight and Serrated (Primary Blade Length 2.6″)
- Saw
- Ruler: 1.5″ / 3.8 cm
- Can Opener and Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Screwdrivers: Phillips, small slotted, large slotted
- Large metal clip (no sheath)
- Weight: 7 oz / 198.4 g
- Length (closed): 3.8″ / 9.7 cm
- Large clip
Rebar and Sidekick include the Leatherman 25-year no hassle warranty. All of the tools in the handles securely lock into place. You must manually unlock a tool to stow it back into the handle. I personally want a multi-tool that includes a wood saw. The Rebar and Sidekick are lightweight, compact, and they have a very useful complement of tools and features. I purchased a Leatherman Super Tool many years ago and it has served me well over the decades. If I were buying my first multi-tool I would seriously consider either the Rebar or Sidekick because they are a little smaller and lighter and they have the tools that I would most use.
Rebar Advantages:
- Larger saw
- Replaceable wire cutters
Sidekick Advantages:
- 420 steel blades
- Spring-action pliers
- Blade and saw can be access while closed
- Slightly more comfortable in the hand
- Large clip that makes it easy to attach in a pocket
