How do Leatherman 1/4" adapters compare?

B

bindibadgi

Joined
Oct 23, 2007
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I'm looking to extend the usefulness of my Leatherman. I've had the Supertool for ten years or so now (well, a few years ago I broke it and Leatherman replaced it with the Supertool 200). I just ordered a Surge as well.

Well to cut a long post short, has anybody had experience with more than one of the adapters available? I'm not that interested in the normal one, which is bulky and requires its own carry case on the belt (I already get called Inspector Gadget at work). What I'm talking about are the ones which go in the bit holder. I can find two; a genuine Leatherman one, called the "Bit Driver Extender," and another one sold on ebay by "Linnovative Solutions." I won't post links because it would mean linking to auctions, but a Google search on "Leatherman bit driver extender 931009" will find the genuine one and "Custom Bit Adapter for Leatherman" will find the other one.

As far as I can see, both of these things go in the large bit driver, and both of them fit standard 1/4" bits.

Can anyone comment on the following please?

a. What is the quality of each of these?

b. Do these fit in the sheath or would I need to carry them separately?

c. How securely do bits sit in the end of these?

d. will double ended bits fit in these, or are the sockets too short?

Cheers
 
I thought about buying one but they were a bit overpriced in my opinion: $12 + $5 for shipping direct from Leatherman. I don't have the Leatherman or custom adapter so hopefully someone else will have more information for you but...

leatherman_bit_extender.jpg


The guy on Ebay took a standard bit holder and ground it flat to fit the Wave/Charge/Surge large bit adapter. He used a Black & Decker adapter (probably cost $1). All you need is a bench grinder to make your own. It might be a fun, quick project.

According to the auction description, the adapter fits in the sheath with the Charge. I'd bet that the one from Leatherman will fit as well.

The Leatherman bits are double ended so I think that the extender should take standard double ended hex bits. I don't know about the Black & Decker adapter.

I wouldn't buy the custom one on Ebay (I'd rather make my own) but I'd email the seller if you have any questions about his auction.

BTW, I visited Canberra a few years ago and enjoyed my stay.
 
bindibadgi said:
a. What is the quality of each of these?
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Can't say for the Leatherman bit, I have the ebay version. It is grinded, and you can make out as such, and fits just fine.

bindibadgi said:
b. Do these fit in the sheath or would I need to carry them separately?
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It slides into the Charge TTi leather pouch just fine.

bindibadgi said:
c. How securely do bits sit in the end of these?
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It's magnetic, so standard bits fit very well. Leatherman bits is very loose though. And I don't feel too comfortable using it with force either.

bindibadgi said:
d. will double ended bits fit in these, or are the sockets too short?
Click to expand...
The Leatherman double bits does fit. I hadn't gone around to try full length 1/4" double bit though.
 
Thanks supratentorial and pgs77042. I'd still be interested to hear from someone who can directly compare them, but it seems that they should both suit my needs fairly well.

I'm leaning towards the genuine Leatherman one, not simply because of the name, but more because it is knurled and could be used on its own for light purposes (at least, slightly more easily than the ebay one). My only concern is that it looks mighty long and I wonder if it will still fit well in the sheath.

Pity I can't seem to find one in a local store somewhere to try it out.
 
No problem. A couple of points that I forgot to mention:

(1) The Leatherman adapter is probably machined whereas the custom adapter is ground on a bench grinder. Although both adapters probably work fine, I'd think that the Leatherman adapter would have the best fit. If I was to choose, I'd either buy the Leatherman adapter or make my own.

(2) It's a 3.25" bit driver extender. The Surge is 4.5" long and the Charge is 4" long. I'd be willing to bet that the Leatherman bit driver extender is short enough to fit in your Surge sheath.

(3) Doesn't the Surge sheath have a hole in the bottom? I'm wondering how you'd keep the bit driver extender from falling out of the sheath?? The Leatherman site says the nylon Surge sheath has "Two side pockets hold your extra necessities, such as a mini-flashlight or steel sharpener. An inside back pocket hold Surge's included bits." Maybe you could put the bit driver extender in one of the side pockets. My Charge sheath doesn't have any side pockets (just has a back pocket which is open at the bottom).

surge_nylon.gif
 
Yes good point about the sheath. I'm actually getting the Leather sheath but was thinking of getting the nylon sheath too, so that I could put these things in the side/back.

I was going to put my "Arc AAA" LED torch (an awesome thing!) in the side, but it stopped working! That is a huge shame because the business is no longer running (thanks Mag...not) and I'm not sure whether I should pay to have some modder fix it for me or not. Well that's my problem I guess, but for the moment it means the side pocket would be free for the driver extender.
 
Ah yes, I remember them coming back online, but AFAIK they don't still honour the warranty on the originals. I think I'll drop them an email though, thanks.

Back on topic, I never realised that the leather Surge sheath had the side pockets. Is that right? If so, I guess I won't have to think about the nylon sheath after all.

I don't much like velcro (too noisy) and I prefer leather anyway, so that would be good if I could stick with that one. I'll wait and see when the thing arrives whether I think it'll be adequate. If not, I know I can find a nylon sheath in a shop around here somewhere, so I can check it out in person. I just wish I could do that with the extender!
 
Thanks. It looks good.

It's kind of a pity in a way. I've had the same leather sheath ever since I bought my Supertool. The 200 is a tight fit due to the lock releases but the sheath stretched and it fits. I think that the Surge's sheath couldn't be as robust as my old faithful one here, since it has the cloth sides stitched on, and my original one is all leather with big heavy duty studs holding it together. Oh well, at least it will fit some extra bits and pieces inside.

On another note, I got a reply from Arc, and they are willing to replace my AAA torch for me! I'm very pleased, because I love that thing. Only problem now is what will I put in the side of the Leatherman sheath? lol.
 
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