Leatherman Squirt PS4 Review | Mini Keyring Multitool

Last Updated on 06/03/2022

Leatherman Squirt PS4 Review

This Leatherman Squirt PS4 Review comes after downsizing some of my EDC pocket tools. I have been using a Victorinox Spartan Swiss Army Knife for the past 2 years but constantly found myself needing a small pair of pliers.

I was debating between the Gerber Dime and the Gerber Vise before settling on the Leatherman Squirt PS4.

Leatherman is well known for making quality tools and having held both the Dime and the Squirt in my hands, I was satisfied that the PS4 pocket multi-tool was the right choice. The build quality felt better and the movements smoother to operate. Having used the Squirt for over 3 months now, I am happy with the choice I made.

Specifications

• WEIGHT: 2 oz / 56.4 g
• SIZE: 2.25 in / 5.7 cm
• BLADE LENGTH: 1.6 in / 4 cm
• CASE MATERIAL: 6061-T hard-anodized aluminum
• TOOL MATERIAL: 420 high-carbon stainless steel

Features

• Spring action pliers with needle-nose tips
• Wire cutters
• 420HC knife
• Spring-action scissors
• Wood / metal file
• Bottle opener
• Small slot screwdriver works with Phillips
• Medium screwdriver
• Keyring

Initial Thoughts

When I first opened the box I was reminded how small it was. I then compared it to some of my other pocket tools and it really is the pound-for-pound champ. The 6061-T heat treatable, aero-grade, hard-anodized aluminum alloy casing feels and looks great. The casing is also tapered towards one side so you can locate the blade easily with one hand or without looking. As expected, all the movements are precision made with a nice spring action on the pliers. There is no movement in the tools when extended and the knife comes pre-sharpened. Very impressed.

Size

The size and portability are what drew me to this multi-tool and are no doubt the main selling point for most other people too. The simple rectangular shape also makes it very keychain and pocket-friendly. Smaller than a disposable lighter, you hardly notice you have it with you, but having it on your keys means you always have it when you need it. As far as the smallest keychain pen knives and multi-tools go, for its size, the Leatherman Squirt PS4 will not be beaten on features and build quality.

Performance

Spring Action Pliers

The precise cast pinching tool is ideal for gripping and manipulation materials and have needle nose tips for detailed work. Something I was concerned about before buying the Squirt was the fact that I would not have any tweezers. I never even considered the fact that the needle-nose tips would work just as well if not better at getting thorns and splinters out of me. The spring-loaded mechanism is, for lack of a better word, satisfying to use. It also helps with repetitive tasks and adjusting your grip.

Wire Cutters

The wire cutters will come in handy for electrical wire, snares, and even trimming your nails, but they will not be able to cut through thicker or tougher things like barbed wire or chain. They will however cut through paperclips and chicken wire like butter. I don’t often use this feature but I find it useful every now and again and I am sure some people will get a lot of use from it.

• If you are an electrician or know an electrician then check out the Leatherman Squirt ES4 now!

420HC Knife

The 420 high-carbon stainless steel blade is corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain.The blade has a smooth folding action and locks tightly into place with no unwanted friction or movement. Thicker than most tiny penknives, the blade is solid and great for carving and chopping. It is, as you might expect, fairly short and stout at only 1.6-inches long (4 cm) and about 1.2 mm wide, but it has no problem peeling fruit and veg or carving wood for bushcraft.

After getting used to the tool, the tapered casing actually helps you find the blade without looking. This is useful when concentrating on something in your other hand and also helps you open the knife with one hand. Something I especially appreciate.

Spring Action Scissors

The scissors have a nice spring-loaded action which, like the pliers, is satisfyingly simple in design. They feel sturdier than those found on my Swiss Army Knife and are incredibly easy to use on light materials like paper, string, or fabric. The shape of the tips come to a tapered point for the super fine snips and a neat cut.

Wood / Metal File

The file is another tool I haven’t actually used that much but know there will come a time when it gets fair use. The 420HC stainless steel has a criss-cross pattern on one side for metal and a diagonal pattern on the other for wood. The patterns continue down the edges for a fine detailed filing and would work ok for sharpening blunt tools in the field.

Small Slot Screwdriver Works With Phillips

The 420HC stainless steel flat angled screwdriver will work on small slotted screws and some Phillip head screws. I use this all the time and so far so good, no issues here.

Medium Screwdriver

The flat-headed screwdriver is made from 420HC stainless steel and intended for use on medium-slotted screws. Again, I use this all the time, and no signs of wear from forcing open old rusty screws.

Bottle Opener

Pretty much a deal breaker if a penknife doesn’t have one of these, just kidding, but it is one of those things many people already keep on their keys so why combine it with a knife and pliers?

Best Uses

Obviously, the best use for this is to keep it on your house keys at all times, but being so small, there are dozens of other places you could keep it for times of need. Keep it in your pocket, backpack, purse, car, first aid kit, or wear it around your neck if you like. The point being – it is so small you can take it anywhere, and so you should. I guarantee that after getting one and keeping it on your keychain, you will find it useful in one way or another within the first few days. Tough packaging, bottled beer, and screws don’t stand a chance against this mighty little tool.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

As you can probably tell from reading this Leatherman Squirt PS4 review, I would recommend it to anyone looking to either add a multi-tool to their keyring, or anyone looking to downsize or shed weight on their gear. All the functions work great and the build quality is solid so you don’t have to be too gentle with it. The Squirt PS4 is not only smaller and lighter than almost any other keychain multi-tool, it is also tougher and more reliable. If you are considering getting one, just do it, you won’t regret it for a second.

Where to Buy?

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