Leatherman Wave Plus vs Rebar: which multitool should you pick?
Choose the Wave Plus for outside access, scissors, and bit drivers. Choose the Rebar when lower weight, an awl, and fixed screwdrivers fit the work. Extra tools only earn their weight when they leave the pouch.
Published September 24, 2026
Decision table
| Attribute | Leatherman Wave Plus | Leatherman Rebar |
|---|---|---|
Tool count | 18 | 17 |
Weight | 8.5 oz | 6.7 oz |
Closed length | 4 inches | 4 inches |
Open length | 6.25 inches | 6.25 inches |
Width | 1.2 inches | 1.18 inches |
Overall thickness | 0.7 inches | 0.65 inches |
Primary blade length | 2.92 inches | 2.9 inches |
Primary blade material | 420HC stainless steel | 420HC stainless steel |
Blade hardness | 55-59 HRC | 55-59 HRC |
Primary blade type | Modified drop point | Drop point |
Primary blade edge | Plain. The tool list also names a separate 420HC serrated knife. | Plain. The tool list also names a separate 420HC serrated knife. |
Tool access | Outside-accessible features and one-hand operable features | Internal only. Unfold the handles to deploy implements. |
Locks | Every feature except the plier head locks | Every feature except the plier head locks |
Scissors | Spring-action scissors | None |
Awl | None | Awl with thread loop |
Driver setup | Large bit driver, small bit driver, and medium screwdriver | Phillips screwdriver, large screwdriver, and small screwdriver |
Included bits | Eyeglass screwdriver; Phillips #1-2 and 3/16 screwdriver | None (fixed screwdrivers only) |
Files | Wood and metal file; diamond-coated file | Wood and metal file only (no diamond file) |
Sheath | Verify package contents | Verify package contents |
Warranty on the product block | 25-year | 25-year |
Source | Leatherman Wave Plus product page | Leatherman Rebar product page |
Who should pick which
Choose Wave Plus
Choose it when you regularly switch among a blade, scissors, and drivers and want those implements without opening the plier handles. When the job is waiting, opening fewer handles is the point. The extra 1.8 oz buys that access and a broader tool set.
Choose Rebar
Choose it when 6.7 oz, an awl, and fixed Phillips, large, and small screwdrivers match the job. You give up scissors, bit drivers, and outside access. No mystery, just a cleaner trade.
Maker and retailer links
Frequently asked questions
Which is lighter, the Wave Plus or the Rebar?
Leatherman states 6.7 oz for the Rebar and 8.5 oz for the Wave Plus.
Are the Wave Plus and Rebar the same size when closed?
No. Both are 4 inches long when closed, but the Rebar is 1.18 inches wide and 0.65 inches thick versus 1.2 inches wide and 0.7 inches thick for the Wave Plus.
Which one has scissors and bit drivers?
The Wave Plus tool list includes spring-action scissors, a large bit driver, and a small bit driver. The complete Rebar tool list does not state scissors or a bit driver.
Which one has an awl?
The Rebar tool list includes an awl with thread loop. The complete Wave Plus tool list does not state an awl.
Are both tools outside-accessible?
No. Wave Plus implements deploy while the handles are closed. The Rebar must be unfolded to reach its implements.
Keep the decision in context
This comparison focuses on these Leatherman tool sets. Use the multitool guide to compare lighter and larger alternatives, then visit our multitool comparison index for the full catalog.