Leatherman Squirt PS4 Review (January 2026) Buying Guide
I’ve owned more multi-tools than I can count over the past decade.
From full-sized Leathermans to miniature keychain implements, I’ve carried them through camping trips, office jobs, and everyday life.
The Leatherman Squirt PS4 has always held a special place in my rotation.
After Leatherman discontinued the Squirt line in 2023, I watched prices climb on eBay as collectors snapped up remaining inventory.
The Leatherman Squirt PS4 remains one of the best compact keychain multi-tools ever made, with excellent spring-loaded pliers and quality construction, though limited availability and scissor durability issues are worth considering.
This review draws from my experience carrying the Squirt PS4 for three years, plus insights from the EDC community who’ve relied on this tiny tool for everything from bike repairs to office tasks.
Article Includes
Quick Overview: The Squirt PS4 at a Glance 2026
The Squirt PS4 packs remarkable functionality into a 2.1-ounce package that barely adds bulk to your keychain.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length (Closed) | 2.25 inches |
| Weight | 2.1 ounces |
| Materials | 420HC stainless steel, hard-anodized aluminum |
| Number of Tools | 9 tools |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Origin | Made in USA |
| Status | Discontinued (2023) |
EDC (Every Day Carry): Items you carry daily to handle common tasks and unexpected situations. A good EDC tool solves problems without requiring a trip to the toolbox or hardware store.
Build Quality and Construction
Leatherman builds the Squirt PS4 in Portland, Oregon, and the American manufacturing shows.
The hard-anodized aluminum handles resist wear and maintain their appearance through years of pocket carry.
420HC stainless steel makes up all the functional tools, offering a solid balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening.
I’ve carried my Squirt PS4 daily for over three years.
The anodizing has worn slightly at high points, but the structural integrity remains flawless.
The fit and finish exceed anything in its size class.
Tools deploy smoothly with satisfying detents, and the spring-loaded pliers open and close with authority.
Quick Summary: The Squirt PS4 represents exceptional build quality for its size, with USA manufacturing and premium materials that justify the original MSRP and current secondary-market pricing.
Compared to the Gerber Dime, the Squirt feels like a different class of tool entirely.
One forum member summed it up perfectly: “The build quality of this Leatherman blows the Dime out of the water.”
Tool-by-Tool Breakdown 2026
The Squirt PS4 includes nine tools packed into its tiny frame.
Let me walk you through each one based on my experience.
1. Needle-Nose Pliers
The pliers are definitely the standout tool on the Squirt PS4.
Spring-loaded action provides a satisfying snap when you deploy them.
The needle-nose shape handles fine work like bending wire or gripping small components.
I’ve used these pliers for everything from pulling staples to tightening loose bolts on my bike.
One Reddit cyclist noted: “The pliers came in handy so many times—particularly in the desert.”
The spring mechanism has remained consistent through years of use.
2. Wire Cutters
Integrated into the pliers jaws, the wire cutters handle light gauge wire without issue.
They excel at cutting zip ties, small electrical wire, and fishing leaders.
Don’t expect them to slice through heavy hardware store wire—they’re designed for light tasks.
3. 420HC Knife Blade
The drop-point blade measures just under 1.5 inches but handles everyday cutting tasks admirably.
420HC steel won’t hold an edge as long as premium steels, but it’s easy to resharpen.
I use this blade primarily for opening packages, cutting cord, and light whittling.
The blade lacks a locking mechanism, relying on spring tension from the pliers joint instead.
This works fine for light cutting but requires caution for anything demanding.
4. Scissors
The scissors represent the weak point on the Squirt PS4.
When they work, they cut through paper, thread, and light cardboard cleanly.
Unfortunately, multiple users report breakage issues.
One commenter noted: “The scissors are the weak link here. Mine broke after only occasional use.”
The good news: Leatherman’s warranty covers scissor replacement without question.
Several users report receiving free replacements after scissors failed.
⚠️ Important: The scissors are the most common failure point on the Squirt PS4. If yours breaks under warranty, Leatherman will replace the entire tool.
5. Flat/Phillips Combo Screwdriver
This medium-sized driver integrates a Phillips head into a flathead screwdriver.
The Phillips works well for eyeglass screws and light electronics repair.
The flathead handles standard small screws but lacks the width for larger applications.
6. Medium Flathead Screwdriver
A dedicated flathead provides more torque than the combo driver.
I reach for this when tightening cabinet hardware or adjusting equipment.
7. Wood/Metal File
The single-cut file works well for smoothing rough edges on metal or wood.
I’ve used it to deburr cut pipe and smooth splintered wood.
It’s not a workshop-grade file, but perfect for field adjustments.
8. Bottle Opener
The bottle opener works, but it’s shallower than ideal.
Many users wish Leatherman had designed it with more depth.
One review noted: “Only complaint is that they should have designed the bottle opener a smidge deeper.”
It still opens bottles, but requires more leverage than dedicated openers.
9. Key Ring Attachment
The built-in split ring attachment lets the Squirt live directly on your keychain.
This is where the Squirt truly shines—always available without adding noticeable bulk.
You’ll hardly notice it until you need it.
| Tool | Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Needle-Nose Pliers | Excellent | Spring-loaded, strong for size |
| Wire Cutters | Good | Light gauge only |
| Knife Blade | Very Good | No lock, 420HC steel |
| Scissors | Fair | Durability concerns, warranty covers |
| Combo Screwdriver | Good | Phillips + small flathead |
| Flathead Screwdriver | Good | Better torque than combo |
| File | Good | Deburring and smoothing |
| Bottle Opener | Fair | Shallow design |
| Key Ring | Excellent | True keychain carry |
Best Use Cases for the Squirt PS4 2026
After years of carrying this tool, I’ve identified the scenarios where it truly excels.
Every Day Carry
The Squirt PS4 shines as an EDC tool for light-duty tasks.
You won’t rebuild an engine with it, but for everyday jobs it’s perfect.
One long-time owner shared: “I’ve been EDCing a PS4 for a couple of years now, and while I don’t need it every day, the pliers do regularly come in handy.”
The compact size means you’ll actually carry it, unlike larger tools that get left at home.
Bike Toolbag Carry
Cyclists have discovered the Squirt makes an excellent bike companion.
It fits perfectly in small toolbags and handles roadside repairs.
One Reddit user loves it “for mountain and road bike toolbags. The pliers came in handy so many times.”
Office and Professional Settings
The discreet size makes the Squirt appropriate for office environments.
One user carries theirs “in my wallet for many years” even during “frequent visits to government institutions including court.”
It doesn’t draw attention like larger multi-tools.
✅ Pro Tip: The Squirt PS4 works perfectly as a “B tool”—a backup carried alongside a primary knife or full-sized multi-tool. Many EDC enthusiasts carry it in a secondary pocket for specialized tasks.
Travel and TSA Considerations
Here’s the harsh reality: TSA will confiscate your Squirt PS4 if they find it.
Multiple users have lost their Squirts at airport security.
One unlucky traveler reported: “TSA Nashville is now the proud owner of my 3 month old Squirt PS4. Sigh.”
Never pack the Squirt PS4 in your carry-on luggage.
Checked bags only, or leave it at home when flying.
How Does It Compare? Squirt PS4 vs Gerber Dime
The Gerber Dime is the Squirt PS4’s most direct competitor and currently available alternative.
| Feature | Leatherman Squirt PS4 | Gerber Dime |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued (2023) | In Production |
| Price | $60-80+ (secondary market) | $20-25 |
| Weight | 2.1 ounces | 2.2 ounces |
| Length (Closed) | 2.25 inches | 2.75 inches |
| Pliers | Spring-loaded | Spring-loaded |
| Warranty | 25 years | Limited lifetime |
| Origin | Made in USA | Made in China |
| Build Quality | Superior | Adequate |
The Dime costs about one-third as much as a current-market Squirt PS4.
However, quality differences are significant.
One user who owned both noted the Dime’s “pliers collapsed during light use,” prompting a return to the Squirt.
The Squirt’s superior fit, finish, and materials justify the price difference if you can afford it.
But the Dime offers decent functionality at a much lower entry point.
Discontinued Status: Is It Still Worth Buying In 2026?
Leatherman officially discontinued the Squirt PS4 in Fall 2023.
You can no longer buy new from Leatherman or major retailers.
Secondary market prices have climbed to $60-80+, a 50-100% premium over the original $40 MSRP.
So is it still worth buying?
If you find one under $50 in good condition, I’d say yes—assuming you value quality construction and spring-loaded pliers in a tiny package.
If you’re budget-conscious, the Gerber Dime provides most of the functionality at a fraction of the price.
Collectors have also taken interest in the Squirt since discontinuation.
Prices on eBay continue rising as inventory dwindles.
For EDC enthusiasts who want the best keychain tool ever made, the Squirt PS4 remains a compelling choice despite the secondary market premium.
For casual users just needing a small multi-tool, the Dime or Leatherman’s current Style PS make more financial sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Leatherman Squirt PS4 discontinued?
Yes, Leatherman officially discontinued the Squirt PS4 in Fall 2023. It is no longer available from Leatherman or major retailers, though limited inventory can be found on secondary markets like eBay.
What tools are on the Leatherman Squirt PS4?
The Squirt PS4 includes 9 tools: needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, 420HC knife blade, scissors, flat and Phillips combo screwdriver, medium flathead screwdriver, wood and metal file, bottle opener, and key ring attachment.
Is the Leatherman Squirt PS4 TSA approved?
No, the Squirt PS4 is not TSA approved. Multi-tools with blades are not permitted through TSA security checkpoints. Multiple users have reported having their Squirt confiscated at airport security. Always pack it in checked luggage when flying.
How durable is the Leatherman Squirt PS4?
The Squirt PS4 is very durable overall, with quality construction holding up through years of daily carry. The scissors are the weak point and can break under moderate use, but Leatherman’s 25-year warranty covers replacement at no cost.
Is the Squirt PS4 better than the Gerber Dime?
The Squirt PS4 offers superior build quality, better materials, and smoother action compared to the Gerber Dime. However, the Dime costs one-third as much and remains in production. The Squirt is better if budget allows, but the Dime provides excellent value.
Final Recommendations
The Leatherman Squirt PS4 represents a high-water mark for keychain multi-tools.
Its combination of spring-loaded pliers, quality materials, and compact size has never been fully replicated by competitors.
The discontinuation is unfortunate, but understandable given the niche positioning between cheaper alternatives and Leatherman’s own larger tools.
If you can find a Squirt PS4 at a reasonable price and value American-made quality, it remains an excellent EDC companion in 2026.
Just be aware of the scissor durability issue and consider the Gerber Dime if budget is a concern.
After three years of daily carry, my Squirt PS4 still rides on my keychain—and I have no plans to replace it with anything else.
