Gerber Center-Drive vs Dime
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 14 of 26 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Dime weighs 62 g (2.2 oz) and the Center-Drive 269 g (9.5 oz), so the Dime is 207 g lighter, 77% less. Only the Center-Drive has carbide wire cutters, wire stripper, serrated knife, bit driver, phillips screwdriver, pry bar, nail puller, awl and combination-edge knife. The blade steel is 420HC on the Center-Drive and Stainless steel on the Dime.
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Dime weighs 62 g (2.2 oz) and the Center-Drive 269 g (9.5 oz), so the Dime is 207 g lighter, 77% less. Folded, the Center-Drive is 119.4 mm (4.70 in) long and the Dime 69.9 mm (2.75 in).
Sources: Center-Drive: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Dime: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26)
Tools
Only the Center-Drive has carbide wire cutters, wire stripper, serrated knife, bit driver, phillips screwdriver, pry bar, nail puller, awl and combination-edge knife. Only the Dime has tweezers, package opener and lanyard ring.
Sources: Center-Drive: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Dime: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26)
Blade
The blade steel is 420HC on the Center-Drive and Stainless steel on the Dime. Blade length is 82.6 mm (3.25 in) against 38.1 mm (1.50 in).
Sources: Center-Drive: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Dime: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26)
Price and availability
At list price the Dime is $120 cheaper: $34.99 against $154.99 for the Center-Drive.
Sources: Center-Drive: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Dime: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26)
What they share
Both carry needlenose pliers, plain-edge knife, flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, file, scissors.
What reviewers say
Points raised by at least two independent reviewers on YouTube or Reddit, with how many made each one. The quotes behind every point are on the product pages.
Gerber Center-Drive
5 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Overall tool design and build quality are high 5
- ✓ Center drive screwdriver is well-designed and easy to use 3
- ✓ Knife is large and sharp 3
- − Tool is bulky and takes up pocket space 2
Gerber Dime
7 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Durable and well-made construction 2
- ✓ Suitable for light duty tasks 2
- ✓ Pliers are functional and convenient 2
- − Pliers are weak and break easily 3
- − Screwdriver and file are useless 2
Questions
Which is better, the Center-Drive or the Dime?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Center-Drive if you need a tool only it carries (carbide wire cutters, wire stripper, bit driver, phillips screwdriver and 3 more), you want a serrated blade or you prefer a combination edge. Choose the Dime if weight matters (it is 207 g lighter), price matters (it is $120 cheaper at list price) or you need a tool only it carries (tweezers, package opener and lanyard ring).
Which is lighter, the Center-Drive or the Dime?
The Dime, at 62 g against 269 g for the Center-Drive, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the Center-Drive worth it?
The Center-Drive lists at $154.99. Among 5 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Overall tool design and build quality are high" (5 of 5), and the most repeated criticism is "Tool is bulky and takes up pocket space" (2 of 5).
Is the Dime worth it?
The Dime lists at $34.99, $2.92 per counted tool. Among 7 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Durable and well-made construction" (2 of 7), and the most repeated criticism is "Pliers are weak and break easily" (3 of 7).