Gerber Center Drive Rescue Review

The Gerber Center Drive Rescue makes most multitools feel like children’s toys. I’m talking bombproof weight I’m talking power behind all the tools this little tool has and it’s got a lot. I’m talking a sleek black look and feel I’m talking military-gear compatibility and some tough tools I hardly ever see in a multi.

But these are just vague descriptions. What is the Gerber Center Drive?

Gerber Multi-Tool

Let’s start with what this multi-tool has. The Gerber Center Drive Rescue is packing a magnetic flathead and Phillips bit driver. The spring-loaded needle nose pliers with x-channel rail system pop out, revealing not only the carbide-tipped wire cutters in them but also opening the toom for some real magic. There’s a partially serrated blade, an awl, a file, a pry bay with a nail puller and a bottle opener, held open by a locking system. And all are accessible with Gerber’s one-thumb opening system.

One more thing you can open with one-hand? The strap cutter on the backside of the tool. As in, if you find somebody in a car accident and need to get them out, or you’re in one yourself, you can cut the seatbelt with this tool. Plus it has a MOLLE-compatible (or Berry-compliant) sheath. All of this in a 10-ounce weight with about a 5-inch length.

I was stoked to take this out for some test-runs and it nailed my expectations.

Usage

To start with, just putting this tool in my pocket I feel even more prepared than ever.  While it’s been good on my couple hikes, where I really tested it was on a recent trip to my burnt-out house to empty the appliances.

The wire cutters helped me disconnecting the dryer tube; the knife came in handy cutting a plastic base to a punching bag to empty out the sand (cap had melted on), and slicing the water hose connecting my dishwasher. The little prybar even helped with ripping out some molding to start disassembling what is left of the house.

I’ve also used it when stringing lacrosse heads (coach duties), opening boxes (partner duties), and cleaning up after birthday parties (dad duties), and pulling hooks out of fish mouths (angler duties). Every time I grab the Gerber Center Drive Rescue, whether using it in a burnt-out house, on a dirt trail, or in a well-appointed living room a little tingle of adventure issues down my hand. It was great. For carving wet bark off firewood at camp. And for snipping wires while I cleaned up the yard. Yeah, it’s an all around super tool for.

Gerber Center Drive Rescue Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Bombproof weight and power behind all tools
• Sleek black look and military-gear compatibility
• Strap cutter for emergency situations

Cons:

• Weight may be too heavy for some users
• Size may be bulky for everyday carry

Overall Impression

The Gerber Center Driver Rescue ($145.00) was designed for the adventurous hero in us all. I remember the pocket knife I had as a kid. It was full of flimsy tools, lots of them, and was red, and smooth.  It felt like a novelty. The Gerber Center Drive Rescue multitool feels like if that powerloader from “Aliens” was turned into a pocket partner. Rugged, adaptable, strong, with all the things you need, and, in one word, badass. Plus, if you if you ever have a real rescue situation, you’ll want it more than anything else.

So if you’re looking for a multitool to get the job done and get grunt of reassurance from the homies while you’re doing it, the Gerber Center Drive Rescue is a must.

Related Tools We Reviewed

1. Pit Commander Backyard Fire Tool
2. Gerber Downwind Hunting Knife