Quick Facts
- The Price Point: At $39.99, the Harbor Freight Gordon 20-in-1 provides a 33% to 42% cost saving over entry-level premium rivals like the Leatherman Bond ($60) or Wingman ($70).
- The Steel Specs: It features 5CR15MOV stainless steel, which is softer than the industry-standard 420HC, making it incredibly easy to sharpen but requiring more frequent touch-ups.
- The "Gritty" Fix: The rough out-of-the-box action is caused by machining burrs and factory residue. A thorough degreasing followed by high-quality tool oil and a "dry break-in" usually solves the issue.
- The Verdict: It’s a high-value "beater" tool that matches the form factor of a Leatherman Wave but lacks the refined fit, finish, and edge retention of the premium original.
Introduction: The $40 Leatherman Challenger
If you’ve spent any time in the backcountry or under the hood of a truck, you know the Harbor Freight gamble. It’s the land of "steals" and "junk," where you either find a lifetime companion for ten bucks or a piece of pot metal that snaps the second you apply real torque. When Harbor Freight dropped the Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool, the EDC (Everyday Carry) community went into a frenzy. Why? Because it looks, weighs, and acts almost exactly like a Leatherman Wave—the gold standard of multi-tools—but costs about a third of the price.
I picked mine up a few weeks ago, curious if this $40 challenger could survive a solo trek through the North Cascades. My first impression? The design is remarkably solid, featuring a heavy-duty stainless steel frame and a tool set that covers everything from wire strippers to a diamond-coated file. However, the execution out of the box was... rough. Opening the main blade felt like dragging a shovel across a gravel driveway. It had that classic "gritty" Harbor Freight feel that separates the budget buys from the precision-engineered masterpieces.
Why Your Gordon Feels Gritty (Direct Answer)
The "sand in the gears" phenomenon isn't just in your head. Budget tools like the Gordon are mass-produced with less time spent on the final "tumbling" or polishing stage. This leaves microscopic metal burrs and factory dust trapped in the pivot points. Furthermore, the shipping oil used to prevent rust during its journey from overseas is often tacky and attracts pocket lint like a magnet.
The quick fix? To eliminate the gritty action on a Harbor Freight Gordon multi-tool, you need to flush the joints with a degreaser and then apply a high-quality, lightweight tool oil (like 3-in-1 or sewing machine oil) to the pivots. While WD-40 works as a temporary cleaner, it’s a solvent, not a long-term lubricant. Dedicated machine oil provides the sustained smoothness needed for the 20-in-1’s stainless steel joints, allowing the blades to deploy with a satisfying, clicky snap rather than a laborious grind.
Step-by-Step: Fixing the Gritty Action
If you want your Gordon to punch above its weight class, you have to put in a little "sweat equity." I’ve spent years tuning tools for expeditions where a jammed blade isn't just an inconvenience—it's a liability. Here is my proven method for smoothing out a budget multi-tool.
- The Deep Clean/Degrease: Start by opening every tool on the Gordon. Spray the pivot points liberally with a non-chlorinated contact cleaner or a dedicated degreaser. You’ll likely see dark, gray-tinted liquid dripping out—that’s the factory "grit" leaving the building.
- The "Dry Break-in" Method: Before you add new oil, dry the tool completely. Then, sit down in front of the TV and cycle the main blades and pliers 400 to 500 times. It sounds tedious, but this "dry" friction helps the harder steel components "lap" or grind down any remaining microscopic burrs against each other, essentially self-polishing the internal contact surfaces.
- Strategic Lubrication: Once the action feels significantly smoother, apply a single drop of high-quality tool oil to each pivot. Don't overdo it—excess oil just attracts dirt.
- Wipe and Repeat: Work the oil into the joints, then wipe away any excess with a clean rag. Your Gordon should now deploy with about 80% of the smoothness of a broken-in Leatherman.
Steel Comparison: 5CR15MOV vs. The Industry Standards
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the Gordon is the blade steel. Harbor Freight uses 5CR15MOV, a Chinese-made stainless steel often found in budget kitchen cutlery. In contrast, Leatherman typically uses 420HC for their standard models.
The biggest difference is in the "flavor" of the performance. 5CR15MOV has a slightly lower carbon content than 420HC. In real-world terms, this means the Gordon is a "softer" tool. During my heavy-duty cardboard and denim cutting tests, the Gordon’s edge rolled significantly sooner than a Leatherman Wave would. However, there’s a silver lining: it is incredibly easy to sharpen. You can bring this thing back to a shaving-sharp edge in about two minutes with a basic field whetstone.
| Feature | 5CR15MOV (Gordon) | 420HC (Leatherman Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Hardness (HRC) | 55-57 | 57-59 |
| Edge Retention | Low to Moderate | Moderate |
| Corrosion Resistance | High | High |
| Ease of Sharpening | Very High | High |
| Main Advantage | Extremely Budget-Friendly | Proven All-Rounder |
Pro Tip: Because 5CR15MOV is softer, don't use the knife blade for prying. You'll likely bend the tip or chip the edge. Treat it as a dedicated slicer and let the pliers or the flathead drivers handle the heavy lifting.
Component Deep-Dive: The Good, The Bad, and The Clunky
The Pliers: The Heart of the Tool
The pliers are surprisingly robust. They feature replaceable wire cutters, which is a massive win at this price point. However, I noticed a common "catch" in the wire-cutter portion where the two blades meet. If yours feels like it’s sticking when you close the pliers, it’s likely a slight misalignment of the replaceable cutters. A quick loosening and re-tightening of the Torx screws usually aligns them perfectly.
The Scissors: The Unsung Hero
Surprisingly, the scissors on the Gordon might be some of the best I've used on a budget tool. They are spring-loaded and large enough to actually cut through paracord or heavy moleskin for blister care. Unlike the flimsy scissors found on many clones, these feel substantial and don't "slip" when cutting through thicker materials.
The Bit Driver: A Minor Grievance
The Gordon uses a proprietary flat-bit system, much like Leatherman. It’s versatile, but the retention isn't perfect. I’ve had bits fall out when the tool was jostled in my pocket. If you’re planning to use this in the field, I’d recommend carrying a small bit kit separately or being very mindful of how you seat the bits in the driver.
Value Proposition: Gordon ($40) vs. Premium Models
Let’s talk numbers. The Harbor Freight Gordon retails for $39.99. A Leatherman Bond—their basic, non-locking entry—is $60. The Wingman, which is more comparable in terms of features, sits around $70. That’s a 33% to 42% price gap.
When you buy a Leatherman, you’re paying for the 25-year warranty, the premium 420HC or S30V steel, and the refined machining that ensures every edge is rounded and comfortable in the hand. The Gordon handles, by comparison, can feel a bit like "a tin cup pounded into the shape of a tool"—there are some sharp edges on the interior frame that can bite into your palm during a heavy squeeze.
However, for a "truck tool" or something you keep in your tackle box, the Gordon is unbeatable. If you lose it in a river or it gets stolen from your glovebox, you're out 40 bucks instead of 120. For many adventurers, that peace of mind is worth the extra ten minutes of maintenance required to get it running smoothly.
Check out the Gordon 20-in-1 at Harbor Freight →
FAQ
Q: Can I use WD-40 to fix the gritty action? A: You can use WD-40 to clean out the factory gunk, but don't rely on it as your primary lubricant. It evaporates quickly and doesn't provide the long-term protection that a dedicated machine oil or 3-in-1 oil offers.
Q: Are the parts interchangeable with Leatherman tools? A: While the design is very similar, the tolerances are different. Most parts, like the blades or pliers, are not direct "drop-in" replacements for Leatherman models without significant modification.
Q: Does the Gordon multi-tool have a warranty? A: Harbor Freight typically offers a 90-day warranty on hand tools, though some items fall under their lifetime guarantee. Always check your local store's policy, but don't expect the 25-year comprehensive coverage you get with premium brands.
Final Verdict
The Harbor Freight Gordon 20-in-1 is a diamond in the rough—literally. It’s a tool that requires a little bit of DIY love to reach its full potential. If you’re willing to spend an afternoon degreasing, oiling, and breaking in the pivots, you’ll end up with a highly capable multi-tool that performs at 90% of the level of a tool three times its price. It’s the perfect "beater" for those of us who aren't afraid to get our hands dirty.
Ready to upgrade your EDC without breaking the bank? Grab a bottle of oil, head to Harbor Freight, and start breaking in your new favorite companion.
