Charge's pliers have been redesigned to handle
133% more squeezing load. | |
Charge locks are 50% stronger than
Leatherman's original tools. |
Bronze bushings make the interior tools smooth
and quick to open. | |
Each Charge tool has multiple bit drivers, and the
Charge sheath allows you to carry the additional
bits anywhere you go. | |
The AL comes packed with long-lasting scissors. | |
When it comes to multitools, there's one brand that stands out from the rest: Leatherman. The name is synonymous with quality and innovation, and each successive generation of Leatherman tools improves upon the last. Sticking with its tradition of pushing the design envelope, Leatherman introduces the Charge AL, an ultra-compact multitool featuring aerospace aluminum handles. If you're looking to carry the best of what Leatherman has to offer, the AL could be for you.The Charge Family
The Charge AL is part of a broader line of Leatherman multitools bearing the Charge name. Originally, the Charge line consisted of the Ti and the XTi, two high-end tools whose major distinguishing characteristic was having handles made from titanium. For 2007, Leatherman has added three new members to the Charge family: the TTi, the AL, and the ALX. As you might expect, the TTi is essentially an upgraded version of the Ti and XTi. The AL and ALX, meanwhile, come with handles made from 6061 T6 aluminum, an ultra-light and super-strong material used in aircraft construction.
Leatherman has added several key design elements to all of these gorgeous new Charge tools. For instance, the knife blades are bigger and wider, allowing you to cut more efficiently. The pliers can withstand 133% higher squeezing load than Leatherman's original tools, enabling a tighter hold for tough jobs, and you'll never have to worry about it coming unhinged, either, thanks to a 50% increase in lock strength. Multiple bit drivers also are a standard feature, and each Charge has bronze bushings at the hinges to make opening tools a snap.
The Charge AL
Like the ALX, the AL has handles made from heat-treated, hard-anodized aluminum. However, there are differences between the two, the main one being that the AL features scissors instead of a cutting hook. This is a nice feature for anyone who thinks they'll do more cutting than ripping. The AL also lacks a crimper, which is an ideal accessory for anyone working with electrical wires or metals. It does have a saw, and it has the same 154CM stainless steel knife as the ALX. In terms of weight, the AL is the heaviest of the three, weighing in at 8.4 ounces. (The ALX weighs 8.3 ounces and the titanium TTi weighs 8.2 ounces.)
To sum up, the AL is a superb multitool that will meet demanding users' needs. If you value scissors over a cutting hook and a crimper, the AL is a perfect option. Full product specs:
- Hard-anodized aluminum handles
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Wire cutters
- Hard-wire cutters
- Clip-point knife
- Serrated knife
- Saw
- Scissors
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Large bit driver
- Small bit driver
- 8 double-end bits
- Ruler (8 inch)
- Bottle/can opener
- Wire stripper
- Fixed lanyard ring
- Quick-release lanyard ring
- Removable pocket clip
Leather or Nylon Carrying Case
All three Charge iterations come with a premium leather or nylon sheath. Both versions will carry the tools in their open or closed position and two side pockets hold your extra necessities—even a mini-flashlight. An inside back pocket holds Charge's included bits and has room for a full Bit Kit (sold separately) giving you up to 42 bits to choose from. Don't want to wear a sheath? Then clip your Charge to your jacket, backpack or car's visor with the removable pocket clip. Or, choose the quick-release lanyard ring. With it, you're able to safely keep the tool on any lanyard and detach it quickly when you need it.
What's in the Box
Charge AL multitool, 8 drill and screw bits, nylon carrying case, removable pocket clip, quick-release lanyard ring, gift tin
The Leatherman Story
The Leatherman phenomenon began in 1975 when founder Tim Leatherman embarked on a trip across Europe and the Middle East in a cranky Fiat. Leatherman, an engineer by training, became so fed up with breakdowns and other hassles that he fashioned a prototype of what he called a Pocket Survival Tool out of cardboard. Two years later the first PST was born in his basement, and the rest is history. Today the Leatherman company produces dozens of different multitools, knives, pruners, and accessories, and is recognized across the world for its cutting edge designs and superior quality.
