Universal Tool Adapter

This is another one of those things that I looked at for years and could never really see the point of. In fact, I couldn’t even figure out how the darned thing worked from most of the pictures I saw, so I never really paid it that close attention. Until now.

I found it in a local store for sale with some other Leatherman goodies. In fact, it was in a gardening shop. I needed help with spider mites and they were the top ranked place to talk to, and while in there I noticed a Leatherman display. I have been back many times since as a result!

The UTA is a pretty simple and handy little doodad. Basically the odd shaped adapter body is a simple way to convince Leatherman styled folding plier type tools to accept standard hex bits. It does this by fitting in between the handles, and over the folded plier head inside. The handles are the squeezed shut and the UTA is ready for action. Just insert whichever screwdriver bit you need and away you go. It’s important to mention as well that the UTA accepts standard hex bits available anywhere, not just the flattened Leatherman bits.

In addition the UTA can be used either straight, bent at 45 degrees or 90 degrees from the handle. This is great for storage and for getting to hard to reach areas, as well as allowing you to get extra torque on tough screws.

When Leatherman chose a name like Universal Tool Adapter, they weren’t kidding. With many manufacturers in almost every industry, “universal” often means that it fits most (or all) products from that company. Not so with this one. In fact, I have personally tested it on almost every other major brand and many not so major brands and it fits well with almost all of them. Following is a list of what I have tried it on and whether it fit or not for reference purposes. The UTA will not fit Paladin tools, SOG tools or sliding head Gerber tools because it has to be gripped between the handles and the handles have to separate in order to get the adaptor inside. With SOG and Paladin tools the compound leverage gears keep the adaptor from being inserted and with sliding head Gerber tools the hinged handles and inaccessible plier head make it impossible. SOG, Paladin and Gerber owners can take heart though, as the UTA can be used on it’s own as well. The multitool part is merely a way to increase grip and comfort on the UTA, but it can be used by itself.

My Universal Tool Adaptor came with six standard hex screwdriver bits- two phillips, two Robertson bits, one flathead and one Torx- and a handy plastic case with belt clip. It’s a pretty solidly constructed add on and I think it is worth the roughly $20 it sells for in most places, especially now that many Leatherman models are using the flattened bits.

Pros:

• Uses standard hex bitsa
• Fits most tools, Leatherman or not
• Compact size and price

Cons:

• Will not fit certain types of tools
• Does not snap or lock into place
• Shouldn’t need an adaptor to take standard bits