Locks on LM Pulse?

[pinnah]

I've been perusing the used market and old reviews on this sight and others and have come across the discontinued LM Pulse.

It is the size I'm looking for with the right selection of tools. Most attractive aspect is the lock on the tools. It's also the most controversial aspect, with several reviews suggesting that it's awkward to disengage.

Was wondering/hoping somebody has or has had one and could offer more insight on the lock.

Does it loosen up with time? Is it a matter of learning just the right touch with it? Does lubrication help?


Note, I pocket carry a Micra so I have the convience use already covered. This will be a tool carried in my daypack and when used instead of the Micra, the ability to lock the screwdriver bits would be a big benefit.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[Yalius]

It's definitely a different sort of lock. Lubrication doesn't really help, most of the resistance is due to the steel of the lock flexing. I've only had my Pulse for about 6 months, but my Super Tool 200 is years old and hasn't appreciably loosened up. Both are tricky to work with cold, wet, or oily hands, and wearing gloves, especially. Practice with it does help, but it's really a matter of preference whether it's a good fit for you or not. If at all possible, I would try one out first, either play with a Pulse, or an easier-to-find ST200, to see how the lock feels in your hand.

On the other hand, if you do pull the trigger and pick one up, if it's not to your liking, they're easy enough to pass down the line for pretty close to what you paid for it.

 

[pinnah]

Yalius,

Thanks for the input.

Have you use the Blast (or similar tools) with the press down style lock? Can you comment on the locks compared to each other? If the Blast style lock offers both extra strength and easier use, perhaps that is the better way to go.

Thoughts?

 

[Yalius]

I greatly prefer the Blast-style locks. Easier to disengage in adverse condition, more comfortable, practically zero chance of your finger or thumb slipping off the lock, and as far as I can tell, no difference in security or lock strength. One thing you would lose in going to the Blast series is the diamond file on the Pulse, which is probably the best file ever put on any multitool. The only ones that compare are the files on the Wave and Surge, and even those lack the point-sharpening groove.