Leatherman Wave - file completely loose, the liner lock failed.

Hashishiin

Hashishiin

Joined
Dec 29, 2021
Messages
4,138
Hello everybody! The liner lock up on my Leatherman Wave failed the other day, using it for real the first time. I was not putting any torque on it or anything, was actually sliding it left and right on a metal nut in a "U" shape, just filing the threads down gently. It is floppy and impotent, now. I can see, though, maybe I could tighten it back up cause it seems that the main screw is just coming out a little.

I understand they require original ownership; I don't have anything to indicate original ownership. I am not really worried about paying ten dollars or whatever to get it fixed, though, if they would like a fee paid. Would they repair this for a fee? The language they used about not sending things back made me want to ask about their warranty first - maybe see if this is fixable myself. Never fiddled with me Leatherman - does anyone know what tool it even uses? It's not a Torx... I could try to fix it if I can find the right bit.

Thanks, all.
 
They're security torx bits. You can do a lot of messing around with them at home, but it will void the warranty. It's been a few years since I've sent one back, but I've never paid a fee and they've replaced everything I've abused, broken, or bent in the four or five I've sent back.
 
Ratatoskr said:
They're security torx bits. You can do a lot of messing around with them at home, but it will void the warranty. It's been a few years since I've sent one back, but I've never paid a fee and they've replaced everything I've abused, broken, or bent in the four or five I've sent back.
Click to expand...
Huh... okay, you know what, I have an S30V blade on my Wave, so this could have already voided the warranty.

Your experiences give me confidence about sending it in, all but for my modified blade. But like I said, this is simply the bit coming loose, no bending or damage to the lock, no nothing like that, just does not lock up because it is loose. Was very gently used by me. So, if they will fix abused or bent tools, then I don't see why they would not fix a file's lock because the blade has had a successful change. I hope.

How strict is the "You must be original owner?" thing, did you have to provide proof? I'm only asking because of this language in the policy "This warranty does not cover accessories, sheaths (exception: Ainsworth Sheath is covered by a 2-year warranty), imprinting, color finishes, cleaning, or sharpening. Any of the aforementioned will not be returned to sender with the exception of the Ainsworth Sheath.".

So, if I was too quick on the draw, sent my tool in for sharpening, a service they do not providide, they would just... keep the tool? That bothered me to read. My fear is that, if they deem it not warrantable, they will not send it back.
 
Since you've already changed the blade, I suggest you get a pair of security Torx T10 bits and fix it yourself. It should be very simple if it's merely a question of tightening the pivot screw. I wouldn't bother sending it to Leatherman for this.

To prevent the screw from coming loose again, you can add some medium strength threadlock.
 
hsherzfeld said:
Since you've already changed the blade, I suggest you get a pair of security Torx T10 bits and fix it yourself. It should be very simple if it's merely a question of tightening the pivot screw. I wouldn't bother sending it to Leatherman for this.

To prevent the screw from coming loose again, you can add some medium strength threadlock.
Click to expand...
This term is used - security torx - this is distinct from my regular Wiha T10? I didn't try the T10 yet. But yeah, most likely will go this route. and try to fix it myself because the liner lock still works just fine, just will not engage with tang because of the pivot screw (that was the term I was looking for).
afishhunter said:
Is it a Wave+? I believe the Plus came with an S30V blade.
Click to expand...
No sir, it's just a regular Wave, got a 440HC blade with it. Not attached. When it was given to me, the guy did that modification by putting that S30V blade in.
 
Hashishiin said:
This term is used - security torx - this is distinct from my regular Wiha T10?
Click to expand...
Security Torx has a peg or post in the center. A security bit has a hole for the peg.
The peg/post prevents a regular bit from entering.
 
afishhunter said:
Security Torx has a peg or post in the center. A security bit has a hole for the peg.
The peg/post prevents a regular bit from entering.
Click to expand...
Ahhh, I see. Good thing I just got something for this purpose of attaching bits to. Seems like I can get some for 6 bucks at HF, but I might go for something a little more "expensive" (9 bucks) because I have had some cheap Torx bits snap off and simultaneously mess up the pivot on a knife. Husky brand Torx bits - by the way, is the one I would beware of.
 
They require original ownership? I don't think so...I just sent them my Surge because the backlock wouldn't engage on the exchangeable bit driver. They did the warranty quickly and without question, it was a good experience. I think all they check for is the within 25yr mfg date..

Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top