My Leatherman isn't perfect!

Joined
Mar 30, 2009
Messages
14
Hello everyone.
I love my leathermans and am fairly anal about their function.
I have a fairly insignificant issue with my brand new Leathernan Wave, and wanted to know if others have had this issue. With the lanyard ring in the retracted position, the saw blade will not close without me bending it a bit so that the tip of the saw avoids coming into contact with the lanyard ring. This prevents the saw from closing fully. With the lanyard ring in the extended position, the blade will close easier, but still makes contact with the inside of the tool. It appears that the liner lock may not be providing enough pressure to ensure that there is no interference, since the lock does not engage as far the locks on the other blades.

Has anyone else had this issue?
Should I bother sending it in?

Thank you
 
welcome to the forums:)

Well, you can TRY to send it in to LM. However, I just think their fit and finish has not been the same since 2004. I've had jamming issues with the pliers jaws and internal tools on both my new Wave and my Surge.

You might think about moving onto a tool that is much more exact in their fit/finish tolerances like Victorinox. You will lose the one hand opening function though.
 
welcome to the forums:)

Thanks!

Well, you can TRY to send it in to LM. However, I just think their fit and finish has not been the same since 2004. I've had jamming issues with the pliers jaws and internal tools on both my new Wave and my Surge.

You might think about moving onto a tool that is much more exact in their fit/finish tolerances like Victorinox. You will lose the one hand opening function though.

I always thought Leatherman was the pinnacle of pocket tools, but I now realize they aren't flawless (a tad unrealistic)... but they are still pretty darn good. I dont think i will bother leatherman with my nitpick issue, but now i know their QC is not at the top of their game.

I actually dont have any Victorinox products. Is the silver tech line any good? Any suggestions for Victorinox?

Thanks again.
 
I always thought Leatherman was the pinnacle of pocket tools, but I now realize they aren't flawless (a tad unrealistic)... but they are still pretty darn good. I dont think i will bother leatherman with my nitpick issue, but now i know their QC is not at the top of their game.

I actually dont have any Victorinox products. Is the silver tech line any good? Any suggestions for Victorinox?

Thanks again.
the victorinox line of mulitools are the SwissTools. Silvertech is a line of select swiss army knives by victorinox. I only have one silvertech model, a Huntsman. As far as I can tell, it's just fancier scales.

But if you don't have any Victorinox SAK's, do yourself a huge favor and get one. They are inexpensive and last forever. I don't even go to the mailbox without one.
 
I always thought Leatherman was the pinnacle of pocket tools, but I now realize they aren't flawless (a tad unrealistic)... but they are still pretty darn good. I dont think i will bother leatherman with my nitpick issue, but now i know their QC is not at the top of their game.

I actually dont have any Victorinox products. Is the silver tech line any good? Any suggestions for Victorinox?

Thanks again.

Their QC and return time repairs are nothing but exemplary in my opinion. I have NEVER, ever had such good turn around time and experience as I have had with Leatherman.

Seriously. I do not know anything about 2004, except that I got my XTi then:)

Ron LaBella, die hard Leatherman user
 
Their QC and return time repairs are nothing but exemplary in my opinion. I have NEVER, ever had such good turn around time and experience as I have had with Leatherman.

Seriously. I do not know anything about 2004, except that I got my XTi then:)

Ron LaBella, die hard Leatherman user


Out of 20+ Leathermen purchased over a 14 year span (majority of them for gifts,) one had to go back for a warranty repair and was returned in perfect condition. A few others also made that trip, but due to my abuse rather than any product defect. In all cases they were properly fixed with turn around times as fast or faster than anticipated, without charge, plus good response always on e-mailed questions. For my part, I continue as a loyal customer.
 
I just got a new Wave after mulling it over for quite some time reading all of the posts about them. Do any of you guys think that LM has issues with CONSISTANT QC, as I am impressed with the fit of mine though I have only owned it for one day. My Powerlock is my go-to MT up to this point and has been a great tool for me for years. I am very curious to see how much I will like my Wave in the long run.
 
I've had no problem with Leatherman QC issues at all. However, I do think the Wave is a designs that's a bit too clever for it's own good. Lots of curves and cams and pivots and slidey things that seem to invite more troubles than the older style multitools. While it's a remarkable mechanical gizmo to behold, I'm less impressed with it as a hard use tool.
 
I've had no problem with Leatherman QC issues at all. However, I do think the Wave is a designs that's a bit too clever for it's own good. Lots of curves and cams and pivots and slidey things that seem to invite more troubles than the older style multitools. While it's a remarkable mechanical gizmo to behold, I'm less impressed with it as a hard use tool.

I am constantly amazed at the thought of a multi tool replacing the actual intended tool for any hard use job. With that sort of mentality I do not think one would ever be satisfied with a multi tool.


:(


Just food for thought. I have had the same experience as most other posters in this thread, nothing but excellence and think claims of diminishing QC are false and not real world.


Ron LaBella (I have a Leatherman, I can help you);)
 
Does anybody recommend using a lubricant on a new wave to help it along in the break-in phase, could that help with any of the above listed issues?
 
I always add wd-40 and work the pliers and tools vigorously. Then wipe the excess and blow it out with air. The liquid has evaporated but the chemical is still there.

Hope this helps,

Ron LaBella
 
I have several LM's that I have had Zero issues with (knock on wood) but I understand a lemon can slip out now and then. I recently purchased a VIC Swiss Tool and can tell you it is the Cadillac of multitools in my opinion. Just a wonderful piece of work regarding fit & finish.;)

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:D:thumbup:
 
I would send it in to be fixed. No excuse for a new tool to have problems. My wave dosen't have this problem. Just like people with crappy guns, make them fix it, it's the only way they know there is a qc problem.
 
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