Leatherman Charge+ TTi Review

The Charge+ TTi is this venerable manufacturer's top-of-the-line, no-holds-barred, full-service folding toolbox. It has all the attributes we look for. As always, some of them can be refined and improved - any multi-tool could get smaller and more portable. But, given the realistic limitations of these designs and the state of the art, this is one of the best tools we know of. We've tested versions of the Charge since 2014; our original test model is still in use and floats around the test team. (That original is the Charge TTi, by the way, with no “plus” designation. A few years back, Leatherman updated the Charge with interchangeable wire cutter surfaces, which are very nice).

Performance Comparison

Functions

As listed, the Charge+ TTi has just about the most included functions in our test. If you include in the tally the auxiliary bits that are included with purchase, the total comes to twice the average. For the most part, each function is a compact yet fully functional version of its purpose-built counterpart. The pliers on the Charge+ TTi are 4-in-1: from a tapered and precise needle nose, to serrated jaws for torquing on nuts and bolts, to replaceable “wire cutters” and “hard-wire cutters” that Leatherman calls out separately. It's worth noting that the electrical crimpers also previously located on the pliers are now nested between the handles underneath. The takeaway is that the pliers alone are an engineering marvel.

Moving back to the titanium-cased handles, the selection of tools is nearly perfect. First, on all four outside “corners” of the closed plier handles is a selection of the tools you'll use the most. Two blades, one serrated and one straight, live on the tool edges, which can be opened with the owner's right thumb. The straight blade is made of high-end S30V stainless steel that we are more accustomed to seeing on high-end pocket knives than on an all-around multi-tool. On the back of the serrated blade is a hook-shaped webbing cutter. If you have the wherewithal, this guy will slice the seatbelt of your submerged car faster than you can say, “extremely unlikely but still frightening nightmare.”

On the other edges are a pair of saws. The wood saw appears shiny and precise, as if it were laser-cut. This little three-inch wonder rivals full-size tools in its sharpness and tenacity. The metal saw will suffice for small tasks. However, the real beauty of the metal saw is on its sides. One side is cut into a standard file. This file cuts both ways, polishing burrs and smoothing metal. The other side is a diamond-embedded file. That's right, titanium side plates and diamond on the file—high rolling. The diamond file sharpens carbide steel tools. Unreal. Each of these four external tools locks in place with its own “liner lock” style tab.

The remainder of the tools requires opening the pliers before deployment. On one side is a small pair of precise scissors. These are better than not having scissors, but they are mildly dangerous to access. When the scissors are closed into the handle, the blades are spread apart with the sharp edges facing outward, and an unfamiliar user could press the pad of their finger against them while opening. Next to the scissors is a small bit holder featuring a flippable, double-ended tiny screwdriver. This combination is handier than one might think, like for on-the-fly repairs of eyewear. Finally, on this arm of the pliers is a simple straight screwdriver. If there were any tool we'd leave off the Charge+ TTi, it would be this because Leatherman's proprietary bit driver is on the other arm. The dedicated screwdriver is mostly redundant with the options in the interchangeable bit driver, and it's so large that it's almost more useful as a small pry bar (picture opening a paint can).

A widespread standard for bit drivers is a six-sided interface 1/4 inch across. This “1/4 hex drive” interface is used in many different contexts, with virtually unlimited options available in this format. Leatherman has designed their own thinner bit holder and driver to fit in its multi-tools. Some bits, like a straight screwdriver, make no compromises to fit in the Leatherman driver. However, larger tools like Allen drivers bigger than 9/64 inch (3.5mm), Torx bits larger than #15, and all Phillip's heads require thinning to work. This thinned profile works fine for light duty. However, for high-torque jobs, these compromised, with less working surface area, tools risk slipping and damaging the fastener, the bit, or both. “Proper” 1/4-inch drive bits are sturdier. Further, there are more options on the market for standard 1/4-inch bits. Moving the combo can and bottle opener to the opposite side to replace the pry bar would leave room to turn their quick-switch bit system to accept full-sized bits.

Construction Quality

What can we say? This is the Cadillac of multi-tools. We had no problems, and Leatherman users have said the same thing about all of the iterations of this tool over the years. Our original Charge test model is still going strong after over a decade of use, and the design has only changed in minor ways from that original model. Hinges and locks are made to close with lasting tolerances. The materials are carefully selected to be appropriate for their application. Every pivot, aside from the main plier hinge, is user-serviceable. Before disassembling your Charge+ TTi, note that the service of small mechanical objects like a high-end multi-tool is potentially more complicated than you might first hope.

The Charge+ TTi blades are set up to lock closed when, and only when, the pliers are engaged. This subtle detail may only matter in dire circumstances, but its presence merely reinforces Leatherman's commitment to detail and lasting function. In 2019 Leatherman updated the Charge to the “Charge+ TTi”. The only change with the update is the inclusion of changeable wire cutter jaws. This change may seem like overkill, but for many users over the years, this was the first tool to wear out, thus effectively shortening the product life since replacing the pliers means replacing the full multi-tool. The minor upgrade shows Leatherman's commitment to making an actual buy-it-for-life product.

Ergonomics

The Charge+ TTi is a full-size, multi-purpose tool. It is a solid, no-compromise chunk of high-tech materials. It is curved in the right places, and the tools are located where you want them. Regardless of which feature you are using, the handles are rounded and fill up a loosely clenched fist. For right-handed users especially, the Leatherman Charge+ TTi is set up brilliantly. Most frequently, the user will use one of the blades. Both blades are configured and engaged by the right hand on its own. You can also open them with two hands. If the user uses the included pocket clip in a pants pocket, the standard blade is right there at the thumb without repositioning the tool. Lefties, unfortunately, will need to figure out their blade deployment sequence, which will require at least one additional regripping.

The saws each open with a fingernail notch near the end. The internal tools also open with a fingernail notch near the end or a groove along the side. Each tool locks in place. The liner locks on the external tools are precise and easily disengaged when it is time. The inner tools are secured with a spring-loaded tongue-and-groove arrangement. All of the internal tools on each arm lock with the same lever.

In a perfect world, we'd have an ergonomic multi-tool that would be “full-sized” like the Charge+ TTi. It would have a plier profile that matches this one and let the user access all the tools from the outside. The Charge+ makes one significant compromise in obscuring some of the tools inside the plier's handles. There is a reason for this, but we are unable to ascertain what this reason is. If Leatherman got all the tools accessible from the outside, the Charge+ would be perfect, ergonomically speaking.

Portability

In our test, the Charge+ TTi comes from the factory equipped with the most diverse carrying options. First of all, it comes with a sturdy nylon belt sheath. The sheath velcros closed securely. In the back of the sheath is an elastic pouch to store a sleeve of accessory bits. Slots for the other carry accessories are on each side of the belt pouch. This top performer has a removable pocket clip and a lanyard/keychain loop. We found ourselves storing the Charge+ in its holster in the car and duffel bag and then pocket-clipping it when puttering around the house, campsite, or garage.

The tool is cumbersome and bulky (though some, to be sure, are heavier). Everyday extended carry in the pocket or on a keychain is cumbersome. No other tool in the review, though, comes with so many options for carrying. Tiny tools equipped for key chain carry (or, of course, to be carried loose in your pocket) earn high portability scores by virtue of their tiny stature. These small tools are way easier to cart around than the Charge+ TTi.

Should You Buy the Leatherman Charge+ TTi?

The Charge+ TTi has just about everything you'd need, and with the material upgrades to the blades and jaws, it's made to last indefinitely. We still have an original Charge that's well over 10 years old with a lot of use, and it's nearly indistinguishable from the brand-new one relative to wear and design. These are built rock solid, and Leatherman has not needed to make very many tweaks to this tool through its production history (though we're glad to see them address the pliers). The hefty price tag is the main reason to consider another model – and it's a good reason depending on your needs and budget.

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