Charge Ti issues

T

Timblade

Joined
May 31, 2006
Messages
82
I posted this in the Multitool forum in March, and received some great insight from some very helpful folks there (Thanks if your reading!), but I thought perhaps that those of you here might have some helpful input as well.

I just purchased a Leatherman Charge Ti and have to say I'm not completely overjoyed with it.

Issue #1: 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 did treat the joint with mineral oil, which freed it up a little bit, but not that much, still too tight in my opinion.

Issue #2: I've noticed that the liner locks on the serrated blade, saw, and file each only engage partially. I'm thinking this could become dangerous. Any suggestions on how to tighten them up?

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? I'm trying to keep the tool safe to use in food prep if necessary while camping...thus my switching to mineral oil and trying not to use stronger lubricants. But if that's what it takes...

So here are my issues: something too tight (main blade) and something too loose (liner locks). Thanks for any and all suggestions.

-Tim
 
The blades should loosen up over time with use. Because you can't take the tool apart yourself, you can try to get rid of the grit with soap/water and compressed air. It won't get everything, but it may help to loosen the action a bit until they are broke-in.

The liner locks on all 4 of the outside tools on my Charge Ti met half-way and seemed to lock up very tight. No play in any of the blades/saw/file. Great, right? All 4 would fail light-to-moderate spine whacks. I really wanted to like the tool. I have several Leatherman tools (couple Juice models, Blast, Flair) and have been pleased with them all, but there's no way in hell that I was going to trust either of those blades for anything other than light work. The rest of the tool was so well-made, except for those liner locks. And I even like liner locks! My EDC is a liner lock that has a very well-engineered lock. These Leatherman liner locks suck. Hard. Really a shame. I returned mine and am currently deciding on getting a Core or a SwissTool X.

My point? You really can't do much about the liner not fully engaging, except to send it into Leatherman. They'll either tweek the locks or send it back saying "everything is within spec." Even when the locks engage fully, I find (at least on my model) they still aren't very strong. You could maybe find someone who can modify the lock by sanding it down until it engages better.

Sorry you're having issues with yours. The Charge Ti was the first multi-tool that I've had a problem with from Leatherman. It seems like you either get a really good one, or one with minor to major quality control problems.
 
You could take it apart. Here is a place that sells an exotic bit set that should work. That is if your Charge Ti takes the same screws as my Wave.
 
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