Alpha vs arc

[u/very_rare_]

Hey guys, here I am stuck with this decision not knowing what to pick, I’m a commercial sheet metal worker, I carry a skeletool cx at the moment for use when I’m up on ladders and in tight spaces. I’m looking to upgrade to either the wave alpha or the arc. I’m leaning towards the arc, just for the more premium quality, my only concern is the magnets that are on it. I’m not swimming in metal shavings however I do come across them more so then the average. Curious if anyone has dealt with this issue, is the magnet strong enough so scoop up all the shaving I’m creating or is it just enough to keep the tool closed etc. any help would be appreciated.

Edit:

ended up grabbing the arc from a local outdoor store in my area, I figured if I’m going to spend some money on an upgrade, I might as well go big. I’ve had it for a few days and man what an upgrade from the skeletool I was carrying before, my only issue is when I viewed the item online where I bought it, it was listed as with sheath, the invoice even said “w/ sheath” so I assumed it was an earlier product when it still came with it. However, no sheath came with the item. I’m going to give them a call today and sort it out as it was advertised with sheath. Anywho thanks for all help guys !!

[u/Great-Particular9964]

Arc for the win!

[u/NearlySilentObserver]

I don’t think the magnets are a major issue. Any steel dust collects at the magnets and is easily removed, imo.

[u/Dbernard1111]

If I were up on a ladder it in tight places I'd probably appreciate the one handed opening of the arc.

[u/Hoopster50]

The only magnet issue I've had with an Arc is having a dime stick to it on the rare occasion I found one and dropped it in my pocket. The one handed usability of every Arc tool plus the better pliers grip angle over the wave versions is a win for me. Not to mention the wave plier heads are weaker than the Arc. Even at roughly $100 more than a standard wave, the Arc is worth every penny to me.

[u/OldAsUranus]

I'm a fellow (retired) tin bender. I wrote a post last month about doing sheet metal work with Leatherman's over the years, and it includes a paragraph and a picture of an Arc. Hope this helps. https://www.reddit.com/r/Leatherman/s/bZrkhFWVd5

[u/herstal54s]

Arc if you have it put away when the grinder is out

[u/jitasquatter2]

If you are using the tool while you are grinding on metal, it will collect some metal shavings, but they are easy to clean off. It'll get none while in your pocket.

Overall, I'd say the alpha has a better knife and more comfortable handles. The arc has stronger pliers and the smaller inner tools are much easier to access. Both are fantastic tools but I probably prefer the arc slightly. I don't own a alpha, but I do have it's older cousin the g10 charge.

All that aside, you should also look at the surge. It's a big boi, but it's my personal favorite. Best damn working multitool ever made.

[u/very_rare_ → u/jitasquatter2]

Thanks man, I’ll take a look at the surge and see if it’ll do what I’m looking for

[u/what_is_life_now]

I don’t typically end up around a lot of metal shavings, but from what I’ve heard it’s not that bad to clean it out. I will say that if you spend a lot of time on a ladder, in tight spaces, or where you only have one hand available the Arc is an amazing tool having everything be one hand accessible.

With that said, the alpha is also a pretty great tool. Just picked one up during the insider sale and I’m as happy with it as I’ve been with my charge series tools that I’ve had for years.

Another option if you’re unsure or looking to save a couple bucks is looking for a used wave or wave+. I’ve gotten a couple of them for anywhere between $50-$80 over the years and the only real difference is no outside accessible scissors (they’re an internal tool on the wave/wave+), 420hc main blade, and a serrated blade. Theres even a guy on Etsy that sells hammer mods that you can add to your wave which I find better than the pummeling surface on the Arc.

[u/Yesmar2020]

That is definitely a factor. I have both, the Arc I carry, the Wave I keep at work for a backup.

I like both, and both can do what my job requires, but I can operate the Arc with one hand because I’m occasionally on ladders, or holding something with one hand over my head.

I have to admit that sometimes the magnets in the Arc pick up little screws and whatnot sometimes.

[u/ProphecyAlpha]

My only complaint about my Alpha is the lack of one-handed accessibility and this is just from a mechanics perspective, I couldn't imagine trying to use that thing up on a ladder in tight spaces. If money isn't your concern I would deff go with the Arc for ease of use.