Charge Ti blade sticking

T

Timblade

Joined
May 31, 2006
Messages
82
I just purchased a Leatherman Charge Ti and have to say I'm not completely overjoyed with it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know...this forum had more than a couple posts about corrosion being a problem on the Charge Ti. So I won't say you all didn't warn me. But I'm wondering what the solution is, short of sending it back to Leatherman.

There is some "mystery corrosion" on the serated blade, even though I haven't really used it yet. But my big issue is that the main blade is incredibly tight and one-handed opening of that blade is almost painful, much worse than the serated blade and much harder to open than either of my Waves. I tried both WD-40 and 3-in-one oil on the joint, but it seemed to make the action even more stiff. I can see a little bit of browning on the part of the blade than contacts the bushings, which are bronze. It looks like a bit of corrosion there too, but not too bad.

I think I'll keep this tool if I can just get the opening action to be nice and smooth on that main blade. The CM154 is incredibly sharp. So here's the question, what else can I try to free up the action on the main blade? Thanks for all suggestions.

-Tim
 
I know it's a long shot, but have you cleaned it? I find that after cleaning the tools need to be at least wiped down - just letting it air dry isn't good enough, you can't leave sitting water.

As for the rough blade opening, I would blow out the area with compressed air (there may be some gritty material in there), and use a better lubricant, like Militec-1, and open and close it repeatedly to work in the lubricant and to break the opening in. I had a similar issue with my Charge TTi, but it's now much smoother, and the Charge XTi I've had for about two years now is silky smooth.
 
Had to send mine back to Leaterman. Looks like this might be a manufacturing problem/defect. Put some oil on the joint and it seemed to get tighter. (?). Lets see how the company handles this.
 
Timblade said:
Thanks Loug! I just sent them an e-mail. We'll see what happens.

I appreciate the help.
Click to expand...

Your welcom Timblade. Received an email a little while ago, said the Charge is on its way back. Should be here by the 4th.:thumbup: Howd you make out
 
Loug,

Unfortunately, I never heard back from Leatherman. I hope an e-mail didn't get caught in my spam filter...tried to keep an eye on it and added the Leatherman address to my Outlook database. I tried to call Leatherman, but was just put into a recording giving detailed return instructions.

I think I'm just going to type up my issue in a note and return the Ti to the Warranty department. I've had good results with an older Wave I had to send in for repair. If I remember correctly, only took a week or two to get a refurbished tool to replace mine (couldn't repair).

Glad to hear you got results though. I hope it's up to snuff when you get it.

-Tim
 
Timblade said:
Loug,

Unfortunately, I never heard back from Leatherman. I hope an e-mail didn't get caught in my spam filter...tried to keep an eye on it and added the Leatherman address to my Outlook database. I tried to call Leatherman, but was just put into a recording giving detailed return instructions.

I think I'm just going to type up my issue in a note and return the Ti to the Warranty department. I've had good results with an older Wave I had to send in for repair. If I remember correctly, only took a week or two to get a refurbished tool to replace mine (couldn't repair).

Glad to hear you got results though. I hope it's up to snuff when you get it.

-Tim
Click to expand...

Got it back and the blade is looser. Also moved the diamond file over so it doesn't rub as much when closed. When I sent it back I found an TTi on sale and ended up liking it better. Gave the XTi to my son.
 
Loug,

Is the TTi that much of an improvement over the Ti? Is the blade steel on the main blade that much better? Is it lighter? What is the best improvement?

Thanks.
-Tim
 
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