A Review of the Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool

The Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool is designed and developed by Leatherman, based out of Portland, Oregon since 1983 and founded by Tim Leatherman. Leatherman has specialized in creating high functioning multitools for over thirty years and the Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool is one in a line of well built, high quality, various scenarios specific multitools.

The Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool is a sleek design which provides many of the basic features necessary for a variety of tasks and settings but provides an innovative, high caliber upgrade to each of these very important featured tools. The Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool purposefully draws back on over the top features by providing the most necessary tools in one effective but highly efficient multitool.

skeletool cxIncluded in the Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool are needle nose pliers, regular pliers, hard wire cutters, wire cutters, 154 CM knife, carabiner and bottle opener, and large bit driver. The overall multitool combines each of these tools into a relatively small, light weight unit with a closed length of only four inches (4″) and an overall weight of only 5 ounces, making this tool easy to carry on your person, in your bag and just about anywhere else you may need to take it. Below, we will investigate each of the specific featured tools within the Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool.

Needle Nose Pliers

This cast pinching tool is perfect for clamping, holding, or twisting small materials with its angled nose. By designing the tool in this manner, these can be utilized ideally within small spaces when necessary.

Regular Pliers

Designed to lay back within the further reaching needle nose pliers, the regular pliers operate in a more traditional manner, allowing the user to clamp, manipulate, or hold larger gauged items.

Hard Wire Cutters

These cutters bypass one another making them ideal for cutting stubborn, hard wires with far more ease than an open blade and can be used in tight quarters which is often necessary when dealing with wiring.

Wire Cutters

Made out of 420 high carbon stainless steel, these wire cutters also bypass and are best used for cutting through thicker, regular gauged wires. Designed with the same consolidated approach as the needle nose pliers / regular pliers combination, these wire cutters lay back further than the hardwire cutters within the same unit arm.

154 CM Knife

With a blade length of 2.6 inches, this knife is created from high carbon, high alloy stainless steel which is resistant to corrosion, making it perfect for use when out in the elements without fear of deterioration. Additionally, by utilizing 154 CM instead of 420 CM, the blade holds its edge for up to three times longer, making it far more durable for a variety of purposes.

Carabiner and Bottle Opener

With an one way opening gate, the Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool easily attaches to rope or other objects, allowing you to tote this multitool on your belt loop, your backpack, or any other number of loops available. Additionally, with the one way gate opened, the edge serves as a bottle opener, thus allowing you to enjoy a bottled beverage wherever you are.

Large Bit Driver

Perhaps the most diverse tool within the Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool, the large bit driver allows the user to utilize any of the full size Leatherman tool bits offered and is guaranteed to fit them, making this tool functional in as many ways as you have bits. The only bit this unit is not intended for is the Leatherman eyeglass screwdriver tip.

The Case

The Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool combines each of these efficient featured tools within a carbon fiber and DLC coated case. The carbon fiber allows for this unit to take advantage of high tensile strength, high stiffness, high chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion without adding unnecessary weight. The DLC (diamond like coating) coated case is also carbon based and helps the unit to guard against scratches and corrosion. By utilizing carbon fiber, the Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool benefits from a high strength, low weight combination which makes this highly effective multitool far easier to bring with you regardless of the circumstances.