How to close a LM Wave

[the-accumulator]

Yes, I'm a die-hard Leatherman devotee; if I could have only one mt, it would be a Wave. But, I'll be the first to admit that they have their shortcomings, the primary one being the jaws getting caught up in the screwdrivers when you close them. I, however, virtually never have that problem as I have taught myself how to avoid it. Instead of closing the pliers by manipulating the handles, I hold the jaws closed with one hand and fold each handle closed, one at a time. I've done it this way for so long that now I just do it instinctively. Here are photos that show where the fault lies: Within each handle there is a little post sticking up that is supposed to keep the jaws out of the screwdrivers during closing. Tool #1 has the early, skinny little posts that are prone to bending/breaking, while #2 has improved thicker posts. Tool #3 is a Charge with the posts missing due to breakage, while #4 is a Surge with a different style of post, but still prone to bending. Unfortunately, even with the improvements that LM has made with the thicker posts, I don't think the issue has been completely resolved. You would think that, with all the great features that have been engineered into LM tools, and for the tools cost, this would no longer be an issue.
FYI: yes, you can open and close the Wave-style tools one-handed. I can do it with my EDC Surge, holding the jaws with my right hand and manipulating the handles with my right leg just above the knee. It's a little harder with a Wave/Surge because of their smaller size. It takes practice.
If you're still reading this, thanks for staying with me. Hope this helps you utilize your LM multitools with a bit less frustration. T-A
P.S. I didn't break the posts in tool #3, I acquired it that way.

 

[Hickory n steel]

The wave is not for me, but I'm glad there are solutions to issues for people who do like them.
There really is something for everyone, whether it's still in production or not.
No issues with my Fuse or PST, so I'll stick with them.

 

[comis]

I think it is all about pliers geometry and tool retention when it's closing.

I brought out an old wave of mine and there wasn't even a post to begin with. The tip of the pliers might be scrapping the tool implements inside the handle while it closes, but besides the cosmetic, I don't feel there is any difference in how they perform.

 

[yablanowitz]

Those problems don't exist with the original Wave. One more example of "not all changes are improvements".

 

[jazzz]

Those problems don't exist with the original Wave. One more example of "not all changes are improvements".

And the screwdrivers are better on the old Wave.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

The damn jaw-stick is what soured me on the Wave and the Surge. I know how to close them so that they don't jam, but I'm cantankerous and don't feel that I should have to tickle the tool to close "correctly".

One of the nice things about the P4 is that the whole tool is open. Nothing to jam up. Does it justify $130...no. no it does not. However, at least I'm not aggravated trying to close my tool with one hand and get it in my pocket while my other hand is holding onto the thing I'm trying to fix.

 

[David Nowlin]

Just got the wave. Very happy and had no idea there is a or problem closing. I have already used it dozens of times with no apparent issues. Will have to check this out.