Lateral deformation of MT handles?

[pinnah]

Hey folks...

I have an older Leatherman Wave. It's got to be close to 15 years old. Seen some use but not a ton. But when I use, I don't baby it.

Over the years, the handles have "bent" and no long line up with each other. It's most noticeable when the tool is closed. The ends of the handles are offset from each other by a good 3mm. When open, the offset is still noticeable, but less so.

There is a bit of wobble in the pliers head but not enough to account for the offset. The tool has been back to LM once (it closes early on the tip of the pliers, making gripping small things a pain) but LM returned as being within spec.

Judging from how the tool sits in my hand when I really squeeze hard on something, it would appear that over time, I've deformed the tool off to the side a bit.

This not a complaint really. It's entirely cosmetic and doesn't really hurt the functionality.

But it's surprising.

I'm wondering if anybody else has had this happen to their MTs?

 

[SAK Guy]

Clearly your grip strength has exceeded Leatherman specs!

 

[Capt. Spaulding]

This is not a surprise at all. Even with a new out of the box Wave their is nothing stopping the handles from "twisting" when the tool is closed and you are using the tool. I have always wondered why they do not adopt the design of the Micra to the larger models to addresses that exact issue. I will get a picture of the Micra to explain what I am talking about. Give me a few minutes.

 

[Capt. Spaulding]

The first two pictures show the little nubs that are so simple, but are a huge problem solver and keep the handles from "twisting" while in use.





Now you will see how they come together and stop the "twisting."







I would assume they could do this with the bigger line of tools quite easily.