Just got a core.

[SouthDakotan]

Well I'm now the owner of a core that is going to be alternated with my new model wave. So far I like the looks of it except for two things. The first is when closed the handles have a bit of play. The other is I wonder if the screwdrivers are a little soft, because after I tried the medium screwdriver on a screw i noticed under a light that the edges of the screwdrivers had given a little. I tried the same thing with the large screwdriver on my wave and the tip looked perfectly fine. Anyone else experience this?

 

[josekym]

I wonder if the screwdrivers are a little soft, because after I tried the medium screwdriver on a screw i noticed under a light that the edges of the screwdrivers had given a little

I experienced the same with my previous Leatherman tools that have fixed drivers (Old Wave, PST, SuperTool, Micra). I observe this especially with the Philips head. After I loosen or tighten some screws, the edges get rounded out fairly quickly compared to the PH on my SwissTool. On my LM Charge, the removable driver bits seem much more improved and stands up to regular use. The edges are still nice, square and sharp (though the black coating (zinc) has already worn off somewhat. =)

 

[SouthDakotan]

Josekym, did the edges round off fast enough to make the screwdrivers unusable after a while or are they still good on your leathermans? I'm a little disapointed by the softness of the screwdrivers because that was the primary reason I got the core was for them.

 

[znapschatz]

I experienced the same with my previous Leatherman tools that have fixed drivers (Old Wave, PST, SuperTool, Micra). I observe this especially with the Philips head. After I loosen or tighten some screws, the edges get rounded out fairly quickly compared to the PH on my SwissTool. On my LM Charge, the removable driver bits seem much more improved and stands up to regular use. The edges are still nice, square and sharp (though the black coating (zinc) has already worn off somewhat. =)

Hm. After 9 years of use, the screwdriver blades on my Supertool (original) look scarred but are still perfectly square and useable. Same goes for my even older PST, although I haven't used it nearly as much.

Lately, I put a Supertool 200 into the rotation and so far the drivers look pretty good, although time will tell. There are conflicting reports, so I wonder if maybe Leatherman has lately switched to a different, softer grade of steel, or maybe it varies from one batch to another.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Charge bits are tougher. They seem to be more of a tool grade steel than other LTs. Unfortunately for me, they are also too stubby.

What a world. It's always something.

 

[jtb49er2000]

I have numerous Leatherman multi tools. My PST and Supertool 200 look terrific after years of service. (I EDC the supertool 200 7 days a week and use it just about every single day) The newer models though, such as the core, have already began showing signs of weakness. As brought up in this thread, the straight slot screw driver blades are all starting to warp. (I used it on the same sort of stuff that I constantly use the supertool on, which handles fine). I guess more gimicks and fancier changes = lower quality. I have to say that the more I handle the newer multi tools, the more I realize just how much I appreciate my supertool.

 

[josekym]

@SouthDakotan,

Well, for me it was fast enough. =\ When my LM Wave was new ('99 model), I used the Philips to undo screws on a computer casing. After just 4 screws, I noticed that the square corners have already been rounded off. By rounded off, I mean that the "blasted" finish was gone and the corners were shiny and a bit deformed. I was so disappointed about this.

My '95 SuperTool had a harder edge on the drivers IMO, but rounded off after a few months use. Furthermore, I twisted the small flathead driver while screwing in a multiplexer card one time. =(

In stark contrast, my original SwissTool which I EDCed for 3 years or so, doing computer repair tasks, still has it's drivers intact (almost the same as when I first got it). The SwissTool is my most battered tool and it has stood up to everything I threw at it. =)

OT: While I used to scorn at the "poor" plier design of the ST (being originally an LM user for many years), I came to respect the more burly ST design and greatly appreciated the strength behind the pliers when I was working with aerial cabling.

To answer your question, the LM screwdrivers are still usable to me although they don't look "right" anymore. But, I am also more careful in using them now. =)

 

[Leatherman4life]

I put a little twist in the large flat blade screwdriver bit on my surge.

The screw head was a little larger then the screwdriver and I had the handles at 90 deg. so I was putting a lot of torx on it. I could not bust the screw lose eather. Was all rusted up.