Gerber Shard Keychain Tool

I expected this to be handy, it's more useful than I thought it would be.I've only had it 4 days but I've already used it to work Philips head screws (including accessing a loose indicator bulb on my car while in the middle of nowhere), tighten a loose mic holder mid-gig, open a couple of beers and pry some short nails. I'm a musician and recording engineer, both jobs involve me hauling a lot of gear around, and working to tight time margins. Having this in my pocket has already saved me a couple of trips to my car for a proper screwdriver, and a couple of trips from the couch to the kitchen for a proper bottle opener (there's a Rugby World Cup on, dontcha know).I'm not a tradesman. I'm not drilling into walls, cutting sheet metal or sawing through 2x4s while on a gig. I just need small, capable tools that'll do the job well enough, without adding much weight or bulk to the pile of gear I'm already hauling around. Between this and the Leatherman Surge that lives in my cable bag (the Surge is too big and heavy to keep in a pocket), I've got pretty much all the hand tools I find myself needing while out and about. Obviously, neither are replacements for the full size hand tools they share functions with. However, the Shard is excellent to have on a key chain for those simple little jobs when you don't have your tool box at hand. When I'm doing something that requires real tools, I use real tools.I'd assumed the Philips driver would be pokey in the pocket, but I've not noticed this thing on my keychain at all (my keychain also has a car key, some house keys, a drum key and a small pill box containing ear plugs, all hanging off a locking carabiner for quick removal).I was deciding between this and the Leatherman Brewzer. I'm very pleased I went with the Gerber Shard, it costs less and seems to do more. It's smaller than it looks from the photos online, but it's well designed and fits surprisingly well in my XL hands. I'll probably buy a few more of these to give as presents.Pros:Useful Philips/flat head drivers (these are the winners for me so far)Useful mini pry barDecent bottle opener (Better than the cheapo aluminium one it replaced)Solid build quality. I don't expect this to fail, ever (it'll take a lot of abuse before the steel is stripped off the Philips driver)Disappears onto your keychain until you need itComfortable to use, plus the shape of the body lends a surprising amount of torque to the Philips driverCons:£6+ is a lot for 5p worth of steelThe flat-head drivers are too thick for glasses screws (not an issue for me, but it might be for you)Because of the pry bend, it doesn't sit well in pockets on its own

The Shard is a nice looking, solid and practical bit of kit that is perfect for keeping on your keys. I purchased to keep on my keys should I need any of the tools and for light use at work. It claims to have 7 tools:Large flat head screwdriverSmall flat head screwdriverPry barBottle openerPhillips head screwdriverWire stripperLanyard holeOk, the lanyard hole isn't exactly a tool, but it is what I use to attach it to my key ring, where it is the perfect size to sit and is a pretty cool looking thing.I have used all but one of the functions (I have not had cause to use the wire stripper) and all have performed well. The Phillips head may perhaps be a little too pointed to be totally useful, but it has done the job when called upon and actually makes a half decent bradawl if nothing else. For me the pry bar is invaluable at work where I open a lot of paint cans and remove a lot of tacks/nails and I have even used the flat heads to cut through tape on boxes as a last resort if my knife wasn't handy. It is a really sturdy piece that has taken a lot of hammer from me, but still appears almost ad good as new.It wont, nor is it really intended too, replace your main tools, but all in all it is a really nice, little yet strong, bit of kit that comes in handy if you find your main tools have been misplaced.

The Gerber Shard will likely not replace anything you already have but it does give you a few more options. I purchased it for those situations where you find you could've or should've taken a tool with you but didn't.Its functions offer a basic fix to situations you might encounter on the go. The build is solid and size wise the shard fits nicely on a key fob. I would've like the option to buy a graphite or metallic version but its no big issue. I've had mine a few weeks now and the black coating is showing some wear around the edges as a result of being in my pocket with my keys. I don't think that this detracts from the look, and has given it a bronze/gold hue around the edges.Perhaps a little pricey but a solid addition to everybody's pocket and a great little gift for someone.*Update*Been using the Shard 4 years, as good as when I got it, no wear or tear. Lots of use opening bottles and packages when there weren't any other tools available. A bargain at the current price point.

great for a keyring device for opening bottles and packaging.

This is a good quality lightweight tool. In the short time I've owned it I've already found use for the bottle opener, Philips screwdriver and used the pry tool the other end as a flathead screwdriver as well as for prying open a can of paint. I was carrying it around with me all the time but have reverted to a small multi-tool I used to carry for the reason described below...My one issue with it (and hence -1 star) is that it is pretty painful to carry around on your normal keyring (e.g. house keys.) Pretty much every edge on it has one or more sharp pointy bits. It's already poked me in leg repeatedly and even ripped a pocket on one pair of my jeans and drawn blood! I've given up keeping it on my normal keyring and have it separately on a clip keyring I can attach loosely to clothing or a bag instead.