COAST LED 155 Multi-Tool
Kirk Deeter
November 10, 2024
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I like the COAST brand, their deep array of functional work tools and where the company is headed. I especially like the fact that they offer multi-tools, some with pretty innovative design twists (like the LED light that shines on where you’re working). I like the well-designed ergonomics–how the pliers snap back in shape without much effort.
I also like the fact that the products cost a fraction of what you might spend to buy a multi-tool from Leatherman or elsewhere. This LED 155 Multi-Tool costs $50.
But this COAST multi-tool isn’t for the serious angler.
After testing in various fresh and saltwater environments, I found the wire cutter (in the pliers) to be substandard. Any angler will want to be able to cut wires, leaders and tippets of various gauges with a snap, and these pliers couldn’t cut the mustard.
I didn’t just test them while fishing; I also used them to restring my guitar. And while they cut though the fat “E” string no problem, they crimped, bent and failed to cut through all the other wire strings. Perplexed, I got my fishing kit and pulled out the Manley pliers, and snip, snip, snip–no problem.
All the other included tools perform as advertised–the serrated knife is sharp; the openers and such do the job. The purchase on the pliers is good enough, and I like the snap-back recovery. The LED light is a unique bonus that works.
But in the fishing context, the cutters fail miserably. And, for fishing, you’ll probably want scissors included in the mix too, and there are none on this tool.
For an angler, I’d take a hard pass.
Pros
LED light illuminates your work focus area.
Snap-back pliers aid one-hand handling.
Sharp, serrated knife is durable and works well.
Cons
Wire cutter underperforms: won’t even cleanly cut through an “A” guitar string.
No scissors.
Extra tools are cumbersome to extract and use.
Time to kill the single-use plastic packaging.
At $49.99 for the LED 155 Multi-Tool, the price is right, no doubt. And the looks, ergonomics and unique design features are all appealing. But where the rubber meets the road for the fresh and saltwater angler, the wire cutter fails. If you want to save a few bucks and do lots of other stuff with this multi-tool, it still maintains some value. But if you’re planning to fish and use the LED 155 in terminal tackle scenarios, we’d find another, more effective solution.
- Price: $49.99
- Weight: 9.8 ounces
- Color: Black
- Blade length: 3 inches
- Length closed: 4 inches
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Batteries: 2 x CR1616 (alkaline)
- Warranty information: COAST warranty
“COAST warranties its COAST knives, tools and COAST LED Flashlights/Headlamps to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original purchaser. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, nor damage resulting from misuse or neglect. Warranty does not cover batteries and charging accessories (or damage caused by either).”
I wanted to love this product. I like what COAST does with headlamps, knives and rechargeable batteries. But I can’t take this multi-tool on the water with confidence, and I can’t recommend it for anyone who fishes.
If you want a perfectly functional multi-tool to stick in the glove box of your truck, it’s a reasonably priced consideration. If you want to whittle, open beers and not much more, go for it.
But if you want to take it to the flats, store in your boat’s dry box or pack to the trout river, you’ll inevitably be disappointed. You get what you pay for with multi-tools.
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