Leatherman Free P2 (Retired) vs Skeletool: 2026 Pick

Quick picks: Free P2 vs Skeletool (prices at publish, Oct 2026)

Quick Picks

Our top recommendations at a glance:

• 1
  Leatherman Skeletool$89.95, price at publish (Oct 2026)
• 2
  Leatherman Skeletool CX$99.95, price at publish (Oct 2026)
• 3
  Leatherman ARC$249.95, price at publish (Oct 2026)

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• Lowest-weight pliers tool: Leatherman Skeletool, 7 tools, 5 oz, $89.95.
• Skeletool with a better blade: Leatherman Skeletool CX, 7 tools, 154CM blade, $99.95.
• Most tools, magnetic FREE opening: Leatherman Free P2, 19 tools. Leatherman has retired it, and we couldn't find it in stock at publish.
• Current FREE-technology tool: Leatherman ARC, 20 tools, MagnaCut blade, $249.95.

The short answer: if you want a light pocket tool with pliers, a blade and a real bit driver, buy the Skeletool. If you want scissors, a crimper, a file and one-handed access to every tool, the Free P2 was the better design. But Leatherman now lists the Free P2 on its retired products page, so you'll have to find leftover stock, or step up to the ARC, which uses the same FREE technology.

Specs are from Leatherman product pages: Skeletool, Leatherman HK Free P2 and Leatherman's retired products page. Prices are from the maker's site; retailer prices vary.

Design and opening: magnetic FREE vs skeletonized frame

The Free P2 was built around Leatherman's FREE system. Magnets hold the handles closed, every tool sits on the outside of the handles, and all 19 tools can be opened with one hand and lock in place, according to Leatherman's listing. That's the main reason people chose it over older Leathermans: you don't have to unfold the pliers to reach a screwdriver.

The Skeletool takes the opposite approach. Leatherman cut the frame down to seven tools: needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, a 420HC combo knife, a carabiner/bottle opener and a large bit driver. The knife and bit driver are reachable from outside, and the blade locks. Fewer tools means less to carry, and Leatherman lists it at 5 oz and 4 in closed.

Pliers, cutters and drivers

Both tools have needlenose and regular pliers with regular and hard-wire cutters. The Free P2's cutters are replaceable, per Leatherman, which matters if you cut a lot of wire.

The drivers are where they split. The Skeletool has a large bit driver that takes Leatherman bits, and Leatherman lists the included bits as Phillips #1 and #2 plus 1/4 in and 3/16 in screwdrivers, with bit storage in the handle. The Free P2 has fixed medium, small and extra-small screwdrivers plus a Phillips, so you can't swap in a Torx or hex bit. If driving screws is your main job, the Skeletool has the edge. If you need scissors, a file, an awl, a can opener, a crimper or a wire stripper, only the Free P2 has them.

For how each fits into a full tool lineup by job, see our best multi-tools by profession guide. Our piece on why mini screwdrivers matter in EDC covers which driver sizes come up most.

Size, weight and pocket carry

The Skeletool is the lighter carry: 5 oz and 4 in closed on Leatherman's spec table, against 4.25 in for the Free P2. Leatherman's figures for the Free P2's weight don't agree. Its Hong Kong distributor lists 7.6 oz, while the US retired-products page lists 8.6 oz. Either way, the P2 carries about 50% to 70% more weight. Both have a pocket clip. Leatherman says the Skeletool's sheath is sold separately.

Blades and air travel

Both tools have a knife blade (2.76 in on the Free P2, 2.6 in on the Skeletool), so neither belongs in a carry-on bag. TSA officers decide at the checkpoint, and bladed tools are usually turned away, so pack either one in checked luggage. If you want something blade-free for your keys, see our keychain tools guide.

If you wanted the Free P2: what to buy now

Retailers we checked still have Free P2 pages, but the ones we could load showed it sold out (for example Photon Light, listed at $129.95). If you find new old stock, check the listing for the full 19-tool layout and Leatherman's 25-year warranty.

Leatherman's current tool built on FREE technology is the ARC. It has 20 tools, including a MagnaCut blade, replaceable wire cutters, spring-action scissors, a saw and large and small bit drivers. Leatherman lists it at 4.25 in closed and 8.6 oz. It costs a lot more at $249.95 (price at publish, Oct 2026, Leatherman).

Who should buy which

Pick the Skeletool if you carry in a front pocket, mostly drive screws and cut light wire, and want the lowest-weight Leatherman with full-size pliers. Choose the CX for the 154CM blade.

Pick a Free P2 (if you can find one) or the ARC if you want scissors, a file, a crimper and more screwdriver sizes, and you like one-handed access to every tool.

FAQ

Is the Leatherman Free P2 better than the Skeletool?

It has more tools: 19 vs 7, including scissors, a file and a crimper. The Skeletool is lighter and has a real bit driver. The bigger factor in 2026 is that Leatherman has retired the Free P2, so the Skeletool is the one you can buy new from Leatherman.

Which is lighter, the Free P2 or the Skeletool?

The Skeletool, at 5 oz on Leatherman's spec table. The Free P2 is listed at 7.6 oz by Leatherman HK and 8.6 oz on Leatherman's US retired-products page.

Does the Skeletool have scissors?

No. Leatherman's tool list for the Skeletool has pliers, wire cutters, a knife, a carabiner/bottle opener and a bit driver, but no scissors. The Free P2 and ARC both have spring-action scissors.

Can you take a Leatherman Free P2 or Skeletool on a plane?

Not in your carry-on in most cases, because both have a knife blade. TSA officers decide at the checkpoint, so pack them in checked luggage.

Bottom line

For most pocket carry, the Skeletool is the practical pick at $89.95: light, with full pliers and a swappable bit driver. The Free P2 had more tools, but it's retired. If you want that one-handed FREE design new, the ARC is Leatherman's current option at a much higher price.