I use tools a lot. Most aren’t worth talking about. But the Leatherman Wingman stays in my pocket every single day. It’s simple. It’s useful. It works.
First Impressions
When I first got the Wingman (years and years ago), I thought: “Okay, it’s compact. Looks solid.”
It measures 3.8 inches closed and 6 inches open, weighing around seven ounces, so it stays in your pocket without getting in the way.
The body feels sturdy and the edges are rounded enough to avoid cutting into my pocket. It has a clip, which is my preferred method of carrying, and when I’m carrying it, I barely notice it.
What I Use It For (All the Time)
I use it on the farm, at home, in the pickup, or wherever I need it.
- Opening boxes, bags of feed, hay bales: The package opener on this tool is just right. That hooked blade cuts open tough packaging without slicing into what’s inside.
- Tightening and loosening screws: The flat and Phillips drivers are tucked inside, simple but effective. They work for quick fixes…nothing major.
- Cutting feed bags or rope: The combo blade has a serrated edge and a plain edge. It works well enough without being fancy.
- Opening bottles: The bottle opener is on the outside and opens bottles fast. Useful when the sun’s gone down and you’re cracking open that sparkling water.
- Scissors for odd jobs: They’re larger than most multitool scissors and spring-loaded. I’ve used them to cut twine, tape, and even a soda straw for the kids.
My farm use is heavy, and I open feed sacks, deal with packaging, trim rope, fix fence wires, and more daily. This tool isn’t flashy, but it handles all that without complaint.
Why It Feels Right
The Wingman has a few features that make it stand out for me.
The spring-action pliers make repetitive tasks much easier, and after using them, I wouldn’t go back to a tool without that function.
I like that I can access the blade and scissors with one hand, which saves time when I’m on a hay bale or ladder (not recommended) and don’t want to unfold the whole tool.
The pocket clip is another plus because I don’t need a sheath, and it rides quietly at the front of my pocket until I need it.
And for the price, it’s built well. It may cost less than some of the bigger Leathermans, but it still uses 420HC stainless steel and comes with a 25-year warranty.
What It Doesn’t Do
It’s not perfect. I’ve learned where it falls short over time.
- Blade is just average: Serrated combo blade is fine. But sharpening could be easier.
- File and ruler are tiny: The file is small. The ruler marks are almost useless.
- Drivers aren’t deep: The Phillips driver is kind of shallow. I end up using the tip of the file or ruler for hard-to-reach screws.
Still, all of that is manageable. I know where this tool excels and what it avoids, and that’s why it stays in my pocket.
Long-Term Use and Durability
A guy shared he used his Wingman during a house renovation. After weeks of demolition, carpentry, wiring, and installing light fixtures, he said the Wingman surprised him with how well it held up.
The pliers stayed aligned after heavy torqueing, and the blade stayed somewhat sharp considering the use.
I’ve put mine through farm life, seasonal projects, and daily chores. It’s been beaten up a bit, but it still works.
Bottom Line
This is a tool you can live with and use daily. It doesn’t feel fancy, and it doesn’t promise more than it gives. But it gives what matters:
- It’s light enough to carry every day.
- It’s ready when you need it.
- It meets real needs on a farm and at home.
- It holds up longer than you expect for its price.
If you want a practical, honest tool that stays ready for real life, the Wingman earns its keep.