Gerber Gear Cable Dawg Multi-Tool [30-000399]

You have to bear in mind this isn't really meant for cable dogs. It's meant for IT professionals who occasionally have a need to run cat5/6. And in that aspect, it excels. Yeah I have 3-4 individual tools that are better, but for the simplicity of this, I love it. Saves me the hassle of a toolbag if I have a tip get ripped off or something

This is the perfect all around tool to have. It is not for full on installations but more for adds moves and changes or troubleshooting while at a site and you don't have a tool kit with you. I always have mine in my backpack.

Product operates as it should. I have had to re make a few cables but I haven't ruled out the rj45 ends I was using. The knife blade lock broke after the 2nd use but I believe it comes with a lifetime warranty. Haven't attempted an RMA since I only use these once every 3-6 months.

Expensive but really handy device. I've been doing a lot of cabling over the last couple of weeks and this tool has been invaluable, everything I've needed is right there.

nice handy tool.

Great tool -

I've made more cable in tactical environments than I want to remember. I heard about this tool and had to give it a try. I like that it has more to offer than ordinary crimpers. Its very large, larger than I expected. Its no smaller than any other crimper. The pouch is pointless, that gargantuan thing isn't going on anyone's belt and the huge velcro straps behind it aren't helpful in any way. The knife didnt come sharp by my standards, but it was soft enough steel so it is easy to sharpen. The knife isn't easy to open with one hand, and the locking mechanism feels weak (it hasnt failed on me). The knife doesn't open to a full 180, maybe 170 or so? The gut hook on the back had burrs on it, but was very sharp. I would venture a guess that anyone using this tool has a knifeI do like the straight-edge cutter for the individual cat5/6 wires, and the the circular cat5/6 sheath cutter is a great idea, but no 2 brands or types of cable are the same, I worry about it cutting too deep into the wires, but that is something you can figure out with trial/error really easily. The locking lever/tab that keeps it closed is kind of loose, I like things to lock shut completely with 0 wiggle when its closed and locked. This still has several degrees of freedom and movement even once closed and locked.Strong volute spring, which is good. That type of spring is tough.The screwdriver bits are *very* hard to remove from the little tray they come in. I almost had to use a leatherman to get the bits out of my gerber. I do like that they are magnetic and have punchdown tips in there, and are standard size so I can customize the tray with stuff I use more frequently. Maybe making the tray magnetic as well and not using rubber that will deteriorate or get weak with time.overall, it works, but is very expensive (not much competition for tactical cable tools) for not being the quality I expect for spending this much. If you are ordering via nsn and uncle sam is footing the bill, go right ahead, but dont spend your own money on this.what gerber needs to do:-better knife blade, possibly something more delicate/thin/sharp/pointy, maybe a tanto?-stronger and more confident liner lock-better tray that holds the screwdriver tips-more secure tab that locks the pliers shut with 0 wiggle-better pouch, possibly molle.

The first time I saw a  GERBER 30-000399 Cable Dawg Telcom Multi-Tool with Sheath  I knew I had to have one. It is nearly the perfect tool for working with telecom, Cat-5 and Ethernet. I suppose the only complaints I have about the design of the tool is that it won't do RJ-11 or crimp connectors though if they added those features, I might find they made the tool too big and unwieldy. As it is, there is plenty of heft to the tool. One of the features I really love is the removable handle that allows you to use the knife and the bit driver without the weight, size and awkwardness of the rest of the tool. While the advantage of a multi-tool is you have most everything you need in one package that is also a disadvantage when you are trying to work in a tight area. The removable handle overcomes that disadvantage to give you the parts you spin and cut with in a compact package. You can also adjust the bit driver handle to 90° and get extra leverage on stubborn fasteners. The bits are standard 1/4 inch hex so you can substitute in some other ones you may frequently use like a security bit or a Torx bit.You could spend less money and have multiple tools that perform their individual tasks better than the  GERBER 30-000399 Cable Dawg Telcom Multi-Tool with Sheath . That is not the point of this tool. Don't get this if you work all day in a shop with cabinet sized tool boxes within arms reach. This is for the person who has to roam all over and wants to carry the least amount of gear that will get the job done. This tool gets the job done well and it fits in my back pocket.I don't really care for the loop and hook belt loop on the back of the sheath. I will probably keep the tool in a pouch or tool bag rather than use the supplied sheath.The tool I received had a manufacturing flaw. The magnetic bit driver does not retain the magnet when you remove the bit. The magnet comes out with the bit. Rather than go through the hassle of shipping the whole tool back to Amazon or Gerber, I'll probably fix that myself with some JB Weld. I sent an email about it to Gerber Warranty repair and I will update the review once I have their response.

I've had this guy since late 2014, and often work with CAT5 cables while working on Elevators. In late 2015, the blade lost it's edge, and had some issues closing. Not really surprising, but I was kind of let down. I contacted Gerber and asked them if I could RMA it and have this part repaired, or replaced. They said send it in, so I did. Then they sent me a full new one. With all current revisions- Fresh off the manufacturing line in the US.I really have nothing bad to say about the product, and less about the service! Yes the tool is a decent bit of money, but you're also paying for the service, but I can really say is top notch!