Leatherman Squirt PS4 Review

Overview

The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is a keychain-sized, pliers-forward multi-tool that squeezes nine functions into a 56.4g package roughly the size of a mini Bic lighter. Introduced in 2002 as part of Leatherman’s keychain-sized multi-tool line, it ran for over two decades before being discontinued in Fall 2023. The quest for the perfect backpacking multi-tool is one in which many hikers have engaged, trying to find the right balance between features, weight, and utility — and for a lot of us, the PS4 was the closest thing to an answer.

Key Specs

Spec	Value
Weight	56.4g (2.0 oz)
Closed Length	5.72 cm (2.25 in)
Blade Length	4.06 cm (1.6 in)
Blade Steel	420HC Stainless Steel
Handle Material	6061-T6 Hard-Anodized Aluminum
Tool Count	9
Tools	Spring-action Needlenose & Regular Pliers, Wire Cutters, Knife, Scissors, Flat/Phillips Screwdriver, Medium Screwdriver, Bottle Opener, Wood/Metal File
Key Ring	Yes
Warranty	25 years
Made In	Portland, Oregon, USA
Status	Discontinued (Fall 2023)
Comparison	See how Squirt PS4 compares to similar gear

Performance

Pliers

The pliers are the star of the show and what distinguish the PS4 from scissors-based keychain tools. Spring loading means they open automatically when you release pressure, making one-handed operation significantly easier compared to non-spring alternatives.

On the trail, the pliers earn their keep in ways you don’t anticipate:

they work as a pot grabber that’s safer than using a bandana, and are small enough to serve as general-purpose tweezers for removing splinters and thorns — though not small enough for tick removal.

The spring action does make prolonged use easier, but

smaller multi-tools are inherently tougher to use — you can’t exert the same leverage, and the small handles are simply more difficult to manipulate.

Don’t expect to apply serious torque. Treat these like the precision instrument they are, not a miniature version of a full-size Leatherman.

Knife

The 1.6-inch chisel-ground blade is a good everyday cutter.

It’s handled cord, food prep, and package opening without complaint. What it won’t do is replace a dedicated trail knife for anything demanding — the blade is short and, critically, there’s no locking mechanism. The blade doesn’t lock, so be careful. That’s worth repeating: treat it as a utility blade, not a working knife.

Scissors

The scissors are surprisingly capable for their size, with a spring-loaded design that provides smooth cutting action.

On longer trips, I’ve found them genuinely useful for nail trimming, trimming cord ends, and cutting moleskin. The bad news:

the scissors spring can fail over time, with multiple users reporting the spring breaking after 2-3 years of regular use — the most common complaint about the PS4.

Leatherman’s warranty has historically covered this, but with the tool now discontinued, warranty service on secondary-market units is less certain.

Screwdrivers & File

The screwdrivers get used for glasses adjustments and trekking pole tightening

— two tasks that come up surprisingly often in the backcountry.

The screwdrivers are adequate: the Phillips driver is not a true 3D driver but can work in a pinch, and the flat head is about a quarter-inch wide and works well.

The file is possibly the most underrated tool on the Squirt — over an inch long and double-sided, with one single-cut side and one double-cut side, both abrasive and useful for small jobs.

Bottle Opener

It works, but only just. The bottle opener is small and shallow — it will get a bottle opened, but takes some work. There are better bottle openers on tools half this price. Minor gripe, but worth knowing.

Build Quality & Ergonomics

Manufacturing happens at Leatherman’s Portland, Oregon facility, and that domestic production shows in the quality control — no tool play, rough edges, or misaligned components.

The tools are well-placed, showing real design intent: the knife blade, scissors, and screwdriver open from the bottom side of the tool, allowing easy use without the square shape impeding grip, and when the pliers are open, all the tools face inward so they don’t dig into your palm under pressure.

One genuine ergonomic criticism: the squarish, blocky shape ill-suits pocket carry, and it can be difficult to orient the tool correctly in your hand when you pull it out quickly. On a keychain this is a non-issue, but if you’re fishing it out of a hip belt pocket in the dark, expect a moment of fumbling.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Remarkably capable tool set for 56.4g — pliers, scissors, knife, file, screwdrivers all on one keychain
• Spring-action pliers enable genuine one-handed use

• All secondary tools are accessible without engaging the pliers

• Exceptional build quality with USA-made fit and finish
• 25-year Leatherman warranty (on new/warrantied units)
• Pliers double as a pot grabber, thorn puller, and splinter remover on trail
• Compact enough that you’ll actually carry it

Cons

• Blade has no locking mechanism — a real safety consideration

• Scissors spring is a known failure point, with reports of breakage after 2-3 years of use

• Bottle opener is frustratingly shallow
• Blocky shape is harder to orient by feel than a traditional SAK

• Discontinued in Fall 2023, available only on the secondary market

  at a significant premium
• Pliers too coarse for tick removal

Who Should Buy This

This tool earns a recommendation for backcountry use — most multi-tools are simply too heavy for inclusion on human-powered adventures.

At 56.4g, the PS4 is the kind of repair kit you won’t leave behind. It’s the right pick for ultralight backpackers who want one tool to handle trekking pole screws, cord cutting, splinter removal, and food prep without dedicated knives or drivers.

It’s an outstanding backpacking multi-tool and backup blade, and for ultralight hikers it’s a reasonable primary cutting tool.

If you’re already carrying a dedicated fixed blade, the PS4 makes an excellent complement, not a replacement.

Given the discontinuation, the calculus shifts depending on what you pay. If you find one at original pricing (~$35-40), it’s a no-brainer purchase — but at current market prices driven by discontinuation, the value proposition falls apart. Since discontinuation, the PS4 has become something of a collector’s item, with prices on secondary markets ranging from $60 to over $300 for new-in-box units. Pay accordingly.

Verdict

The Squirt PS4 spent over 20 years earning its reputation, and it deserved every bit of it. It’s a tiny chunk of well-built and functional steel and aluminum — strong pliers, an excellent blade, and precise scissors in a keychain-ready package that fulfills the needs of many daily multi-tool users. The unlocking blade and the scissor spring fragility are real limitations, but neither is a dealbreaker if you know what you’re buying. I’d rate it 8/10: as close to a perfect keychain tool as this size class has seen, and a genuine gap in the market now that it’s gone.