Leatherman wave vertical blade play

S

Scrazy

Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Messages
36
Hey everyone,

So...I've noticed that my most recent Leatherman tools with liner locks all came with a bit of vertical blade play. I know that in normal folding knives, this is a no-no but are multitools held up to the same standard?

I ask this because about three weeks ago, I sent in two Leathermans for warranty repair to fix the vertical play (Black Oxide Wave and Skeletool CX). After taking so long without getting my tools back, I emailed Leatherman and I received a response stating that my tools are being held and they are "within specs".

In addition, I've noticed that a lot of Leatherman multitool blades have their liner locks travel all the way across the blade tang. Maybe this is whats causing the up and down play. Can anyone tell me how the lockup is on your tools? I'd appreciate it a lot.

On a related note...I'm a bit frustrated with Leatherman customer service. They told me my tools were received on 3/12. So...my tools have just been sitting there for two weeks. I just want them fixed so I can start using them again.
 
Last edited:
The locks on my charge are touching the other side but no play. It came like that new from the box.
 
Yep i've had the post 2004 Wave any all of the external tools have play. So does the Surge and the pre 2004 Wave. The liner lock doesn't make complete contact with the bottom of the tang but rather relies on the screw pivot to stop over travel. Kinda sucks and I wish they'd fix that.
 
Probably not but unless it was designed to wobble it shows poor craftsmanship.
 
I would agree with you there but I'm also a person who don't fix sometime if its really not broke.

Sent from Ash forum mobile
 
Scrazy said:
Agreed.

I guess it was a mistake to judge a dedicated folder's liner lock to a liner lock on a multitool.
Click to expand...

That doesn't seem right to me. A liner lock on a multi-tool has the same purpose as one on a dedicated folder, so it should be judged by the same standard. There could be a bit of play in a blade without it being hazardous, but any condition that would compromise safety should be no more acceptable on one than the other. That could be tested by pressing (not whacking!) the spine to see if the lock fails. If so, return the multi-tool for adjustment or replacement.
 
I think it’s a recurring problem. I’ve got the Charge tti which has the same problem but only on the file the liner doesn’t rest against the tang, The blade has minute play but nothing worth complaining about. When you think about it they are not meant to be really heavy use tools, but I agree the fit and finish should be better for the price.
 
Scrazy said:
Hey everyone,

So...I've noticed that my most recent Leatherman tools with liner locks all came with a bit of vertical blade play. I know that in normal folding knives, this is a no-no but are multitools held up to the same standard?

(snip)

In addition, I've noticed that a lot of Leatherman multitool blades have their liner locks travel all the way across the blade tang. Maybe this is whats causing the up and down play. Can anyone tell me how the lockup is on your tools? I'd appreciate it a lot.

(snip)
Click to expand...

magicspace2001 said:
I think it’s a recurring problem. I’ve got the Charge tti which has the same problem but only on the file the liner doesn’t rest against the tang, The blade has minute play but nothing worth complaining about. When you think about it they are not meant to be really heavy use tools, but I agree the fit and finish should be better for the price.
Click to expand...

My 10 year old TTi, used moderately, has zero play with either of its blades, both perfectly centered and early to middle lockup, and very minor movement with some of its implements. I have no complaints with its f&f. Most of the complaints I have read in re the Charge/Wave seem to be about consistency in their manufacture, and maybe I just got lucky. When was yours made? Maybe that has something to do with the issue.
 
Which one? The six year old OP or the resurrector?

Frankly, I think you are all making mountains out of molehills. The purpose of the lock is to keep the blade or tool from accidentally folding in use. As long as it does that, what difference does it make if there is a little play in it?
 
I disagree. You should own and use something you're proud of. The main blade having vertical play is ridiculous. Return it. I have dropped a 100$ on a surge that had the same issue. I returned it. My wingman has no issues (other than the pliers are not being aligned... I'll live with it cause it was 30$).
 
Oetheous said:
I disagree. You should own and use something you're proud of. The main blade having vertical play is ridiculous. Return it. I have dropped a 100$ on a surge that had the same issue. I returned it. My wingman has no issues (other than the pliers are not being aligned... I'll live with it cause it was 30$).
Click to expand...
Welcome, but you do realize how old the thread is right? Whatever happened, it was a long time ago.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top