Leatherman’s Clever, Affordable New Release Could Be a Game Changer

Defying easy description, this little dynamo offers a ton of handy functionality without taking up much space.

Close-up of a gray and black metal folding knife hinge against a blue background.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published 1 hour ago

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As most Leatherman aficionados probably know, the Garage is a unique side hustle for the Portland, Oregon-based brand.

Launched in early 2022, it is essentially a little laboratory through which the brand develops and releases limited, sometimes experimental knives and multi-tools.

Hand holding a compact multi-tool screwdriver tightening a bolt on a black bicycle wheel. — The Leatherman Adapter’s most prominent feature is a versatile, multi-positionable ratcheting system.

In the past, it has brought us everything from the fixed-bladed Malloy Special to the locking pliers-enabled Captain’s Crunch.

As intriguing as releases like those are, the latest is not only one of the most affordable but also the most useful: the plainly named but surprisingly versatile Adapter.

Small wonder

Right off the bat, some bad news: this thing sold out (at $75 a pop) almost as soon as the product page went live this afternoon.

The good news is, Leatherman may take this as a sign they should make more, transferring this project from the Garage to the showcase of the main site … and you can sign up to be notified when it returns.

Close-up of a metallic gray and blue multi-tool with a textured grip and a small blue component on a light gray background. — Folded, the Adapter is less than four inches long and just over an inch wide, so you can stash it just about anywhere.

So what is the Adapter? In simplest terms, a dynamic mini multi-tool with a rather unconventional feature set.

Measuring less than 4″ x 1.2″ x 0.7″ when folded, the Adapter’s most prominent function is a three-way ratcheting system (forward, reverse and locked) that allows you to keep turning to keep driving a screw without constant repositioning.

Gray and silver foldable torch lighter with a green ignition strip on a white background. — In the 90-degree angle position, you have maximum bit-driving leverage, using the included bits.

Made of 3D-printed titanium, it can be oriented three ways, too: straight for extended reach, 90 degrees for maximum leverage and fully closed for both very compact ratchet use and easy pocket carry.

Meanwhile, the 30% glass-filled nylon “handle” doubles as a modular cache storage system, sealed with a threaded metal cap.

Within, you’ll find several handy ratchet bits: Torx #6 and #8, plus Phillips 1/2″ and 3/16″ and an eyeglass screwdriver.

Set of metal and plastic multitool components including files, screwdrivers, bits, and a gray handle with "LEATHERMAN GARAGE" embossed. — At the risk of sounding like a ’90s toy commercial, the Leatherman Adapter comes with everything you see here!

That’s not all, however, as it also stores a D1 ballpoint pen cartridge, T-shank wood saw and a T-shank file with double cut, saw cut and diamond surfaces.

The first of those can be inserted into the end of the ratchet to turn it into a stylus, while the T-shanks attach at the pivot point.

Compact gray multitool with a serrated saw blade extended and a green accent strip. — The T-Shanks attach in a similar fashion to the Captain’s Crunch, though the mechanism here looks a bit simpler.

What’s more, the storage cavity can also be used to carry extra hardware, specific tools, sharpening gear or a small repair kit.

Considering the space it occupies and functionality it offers, the Adapter could be the smartest $75 you spend this year.

Availability and pricing

As mentioned above, the $75 Leatherman Adapter sold out almost instantly upon launching this afternoon.

However, you can sign up on the product page for Garage updates … and to be in the loop when it inevitably resurfaces.

Compact gray and silver multi-tool with a green accent and "LEATHERMAN GARAGE" embossed on the side.

Leatherman Adapter

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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