I’ve carried a keychain tool daily for over eight years. In that time, I’ve owned everything from cheap Chinese knockoffs to boutique titanium widgets. When a tool lives on your keyring, it needs to be virtually unnoticeable until you need it.
The Leatherman Squirt PS4 is the best compact keychain multi-tool for everyday carry if you prioritize spring-loaded scissors and needlenose pliers over heavy-duty capability. Originally retailing at $35-40, this discontinued tool now commands 100-160% premium pricing from third-party sellers.
Leatherman discontinued the Squirt PS4 in Fall 2023. This guide covers everything you need to know before paying inflated prices.
After testing this tool alongside its competitors, I’ll break down what it excels at, where it falls short, and whether it’s worth the money in 2026.
Important: The Leatherman Squirt PS4 was discontinued in Fall 2023. Current availability is limited to third-party sellers at 100-160% above original MSRP. See our alternatives section for tools still in production.
The first time I held a Squirt PS4, I was genuinely surprised by how small it feels. At just 2 ounces and 2.25 inches closed, it disappears on a keychain.
I’ve carried it on my keyring for months without noticing the weight. Compare that to some other keychain tools that feel like you’re towing a boat anchor.
The anodized aluminum handles give it a premium feel. The blue finish on my review unit has held up well after six months of daily carry. No major scratches or chips despite sharing space with keys and a car fob.
The key ring attachment point is a small loop on the end. I’ll address the known issues with this design later in the review.
Before diving into each tool, here are the key specs at a glance:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Closed Length | 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) |
| Weight | 2 ounces (57 grams) |
| Handle Material | Anodized Aluminum (6061-T6) |
| Blade/Tool Material | 420HC Stainless Steel |
| Number of Tools | 9 integrated functions |
| Made In | Portland, Oregon, USA |
| Warranty | 25-year warranty |
| Status | Discontinued Fall 2023 |
Tools: 9 in 1
Weight: 2 oz
Closed: 2.25 inch
Material: 420HC steel
Made: USA
Status: Discontinued
420HC steel is Leatherman’s standard blade material. It’s not premium steel like S30V or 154CM, but it strikes a good balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening. For a keychain tool meant for light tasks, it’s entirely appropriate.
420HC Steel: A high-carbon stainless steel that balances corrosion resistance with edge-holding ability. It’s easier to sharpen than premium steels and performs well for everyday cutting tasks.
The pliers are the centerpiece of the PS4 design. When deployed, they spring open smoothly thanks to an internal spring mechanism.
I’ve used these for everything from pulling small staples to manipulating wires on electronics projects. The needlenose design lets you get into tight spaces that bulkier pliers can’t reach.
That said, these are light-duty pliers. Don’t expect to crank down on stubborn bolts or cut through heavy-gauge wire. You’ll hit the limits pretty quickly.
Integrated into the pliers jaws are wire cutters. They work fine for small gauge wire and Zip Tie cleanup.
I wouldn’t trust them for anything heavier than 16-18 gauge copper. For electronics work and light household tasks, they’re adequate.
The main knife blade measures about 1.6 inches. In my testing, it holds an edge reasonably well for 420HC steel.
I’ve used it for opening packages, cutting tape, and even whittling a few tent stakes on camping trips. It’s not a replacement for a dedicated pocket knife, but it handles unexpected cutting tasks admirably.
The blade is accessible without opening the pliers, which is a nice convenience factor.
These scissors are arguably the Squirt PS4’s strongest feature. They cut cleanly through paper, plastic packaging, and light cardboard.
I compared them directly to the scissors on the Gerber Dime, and the Leatherman’s scissors feel more substantial and cut more smoothly.
However, there’s a known issue here. The scissors spring can fail over time. Multiple Reddit users report the spring breaking after 2-3 years of regular use. This seems to be the most common complaint about the PS4.
The flat screwdriver is medium-sized and works for household screws. I’ve tightened eyeglass screws and cabinet hinges with it.
It’s not going to replace a dedicated screwdriver set, but for emergency adjustments, it gets the job done.
The Phillips driver is a #1 size, suitable for small to medium screws. It works fine for light tasks but lacks the torque for stubborn fasteners.
I’ve used it successfully on electronics cases and light fixtures. Don’t expect to drive deck screws with this thing.
The bottle opener works, but it’s not ideal. The design requires the tool to be partially opened, which feels awkward compared to dedicated bottle openers.
That said, it has successfully opened many beverages during testing. Gerber’s Dime has a better integrated bottle opener if that’s a priority for you.
The wood/metal file is adequate for light deburring tasks. I’ve used it to smooth rough cut edges on plastic parts.
It’s not a workshop-grade file, but for emergency touch-ups, it serves its purpose.
The awl is a pointed tool for punching holes in leather, wood, or soft materials. It’s a niche tool that I rarely find use for, but some users swear by it.
Overall build quality is solid. The fit and finish are what you’d expect from a USA-made tool with a 25-year warranty.
The aluminum handles feel premium in hand. The anodized finish is smooth and resists wear better than painted alternatives.
Tool deployment is tight from new. All tools require some force to extract, which is actually good—they won’t accidentally flop open in your pocket.
However, there are documented issues owners should know about:
Common Problems: Based on forum research and Reddit discussions, the most frequently reported issues are: (1) Scissors spring failure after 2-3 years of use, (2) Key ring loop breaking under stress, (3) Tools becoming difficult to access as the tool ages and accumulates debris. These issues don’t affect every unit, but they’re worth knowing about.
The pliers pivot is another potential weak point. Some users report failure under heavy use. Remember, this is a light-duty tool. If you need industrial-strength capability, look at Leatherman’s larger multi-tools like the Wave+ or Charge.
For normal EDC use—opening packages, light repairs, occasional cutting—the PS4 should serve you well. Just keep expectations realistic given its size.
After months of carry, here’s who I think will get the most value from a Squirt PS4:
Here’s who should probably look elsewhere:
In my experience, the PS4 shines as an “always-with-you” backup rather than a primary tool. It’s there when you need it, but you’re not relying on it for everything.
Given the discontinued status and inflated pricing, it’s worth looking at alternatives:
| Tool | Price Range | Key Advantages | Main Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman Squirt PS4 | $60-100 (inflated) | Best scissors, premium build, spring-loaded pliers | Discontinued, expensive, known spring issues |
| Gerber Dime | $25-35 | Still in production, better bottle opener, cheaper | Lower build quality, weaker scissors |
| Leatherman Micra | $35-45 | Still made, excellent scissors, lighter weight | No pliers, scissors-focused design |
| Leatherman Squirt ES4 | $50-80 (inflated) | Electrical-specific tools, also has scissors | Also discontinued, niche use case |
The Gerber Dime is probably the most practical alternative in 2026. It’s still in production, significantly cheaper, and covers most of the same functions. However, the build quality isn’t on par with the Squirt PS4.
The Leatherman Micra is another solid option if you don’t need pliers. It has the best scissors in the keychain category and is still being made.
For camping and outdoor applications, consider stepping up to a full-size multi-tool like the Leatherman Wave+. You’ll pay more, but get significantly more capability.
No, Leatherman discontinued the Squirt PS4 in Fall 2023. Current availability is limited to third-party sellers and remaining inventory, which has driven prices 100-160% above the original MSRP.
The Squirt PS4 is built with 420HC stainless steel and anodized aluminum handles, offering solid durability for light EDC tasks. However, common issues include scissors spring failure after 2-3 years and potential key ring loop breakage under stress.
Yes, the PS4 features spring-action needlenose pliers and spring-loaded scissors. The spring mechanism makes both tools easier to use one-handed compared to non-spring alternatives.
The PS4 focuses on general-purpose tools with pliers and scissors, while the ES4 is designed for electricians with additional wire-stripping features. Both models have been discontinued, but the ES4 is more specialized for electrical work.
At current inflated prices ($60-100+), the Squirt PS4 is difficult to recommend for new buyers. The original MSRP of $35-40 made it a great value, but at today’s prices, alternatives like the Gerber Dime or Leatherman Micra offer better value for most users.
After six months of daily carry, I have mixed feelings about recommending the Squirt PS4 in 2026.
As a tool, it’s excellent. The scissors are among the best in the keychain category, the pliers are surprisingly capable for their size, and the build quality reflects its Made in USA heritage. If you find one at original pricing ($35-40), it’s a no-brainer purchase.
But at current market prices driven by discontinuation, the value proposition falls apart. Paying $80+ for a keychain tool with known durability issues is hard to justify.
The Squirt PS4 was one of the best keychain tools ever made. That doesn’t mean it’s worth buying at inflated prices in 2026. If you can find one reasonably priced, go for it. Otherwise, the alternatives mentioned above will serve you just as well for a fraction of the cost.
For more multi-tool options to complement your outdoor gear collection, check out our other guides covering EDC essentials for hikers and lightweight travel tools for hunters who need reliable backup tools in the field.
