ST 200 spring release trigger broke

D

Dave53

Joined
Mar 11, 2007
Messages
18
Seems that these two small investment castings(?) should have been made a bit beefier around the pivot hole, or the steel less brittle. (The two are a mirror-image pair - in this case it was the one on the 'knife-side' handle that broke. Haven't had any success getting the other one to break yet!)

As you may know, you don't really need to use these anyway - you can just pull out another blade halfway to release the lock - but it was disappointing nevertheless.

I bought this tool on ebay, NIB, a couple of weeks ago. I doubt that LM would have these older tools in stock anymore to do an exchange, or am I wrong about that?

I still think the ST 200 is a decent piece of work - never saw the necessity for the releases anyway. A bit of over-design, IMO.

Anyone else had one of these things break?

Dave
 
They can probably look after you. Check the date stamped inside the handles to see if it's covered by the 25 year warranty. then I would call them to see if they'd be able to fix or replace it, or whether they'd have to send you a newer model. Youll probly end up with a Core
 
Dave53 said:
Seems that these two small investment castings(?) should have been made a bit beefier around the pivot hole, or the steel less brittle. (The two are a mirror-image pair - in this case it was the one on the 'knife-side' handle that broke. Haven't had any success getting the other one to break yet!)

As you may know, you don't really need to use these anyway - you can just pull out another blade halfway to release the lock - but it was disappointing nevertheless.

I bought this tool on ebay, NIB, a couple of weeks ago. I doubt that LM would have these older tools in stock anymore to do an exchange, or am I wrong about that?

I still think the ST 200 is a decent piece of work - never saw the necessity for the releases anyway. A bit of over-design, IMO.

Anyone else had one of these things break?

Dave
Click to expand...

Never had mine break, but I haven't had it very long.

After 9 years of excellent service, my original Super Tool went to a good friend and I replaced it with an ST 200. In general, it's okay, actually my preferred over several other multi-tools I own. All considered, however, I liked my Super Tool better.

Basically, it is almost the same except for lock releases, good for the convenience and enhanced safety, less so because of hand discomfort when using blades and implements. Compared to the original, it's a bit thicker and because of the pointy protrusions, harder on the pocket and less comfortable to carry that way.

First time out, IMHO, Leatherman got it right. Although the original Super Tool lock release method seems crude, there is merit in simplicity.
 
I would say there's a good chance they (LM) still have some. The Core replaced the ST200 when it was released and that was only two years ago. Definitely worth a shot.
 
OK, I'll give them a call and see. Or I'll just keep it and use it without the releases. Don't want a Core though, don't like 'em - I just returned one last week!

Dave
 
Dave53 said:
OK, I'll give them a call and see. Or I'll just keep it and use it without the releases. Don't want a Core though, don't like 'em - I just returned one last week!

Dave
Click to expand...

Lately I have been getting acquainted with a Core picked up on sale a few months ago. It seems okay to me, maybe an improved version of my old Super Tool, but I haven't used it enough to form a definite opinion one way or another. What don't you like about it?
 
znapschatz said:
Lately I have been getting acquainted with a Core picked up on sale a few months ago. It seems okay to me, maybe an improved version of my old Super Tool, but I haven't used it enough to form a definite opinion one way or another. What don't you like about it?
Click to expand...

IMHO, it looks poorly designed, and feels clumsy (compared to the ST 200, which is bulky enough), due to the non-tapering ('fatness') of the handles at the plier head joints; plus I don't like the plastic spacer there.
Just a personal thing; I can't say it would noticeably affect use or durability, so if you like yours that's fine, I'm not putting down any one else's opinion.

Dave
 
OK, about the Supertool 200 - I have to admit that I couldn't care less about it's lock release mechanism (In fact it's not a feature I have put to good use, mainly due to it's inherent stiffness. Besides the old method of lifting out another tool blade for release works just fine by me). For it was the beefed-up frame/handles that made it a much more superior tool when compared to its predecessor.
 
I emailed the ebay seller: no response so far.

Emailed Leatherman and got a nice response two days later saying I could return the tool with a request for repair (not replacement). So I guess they still have a few old models in stock.

Now I've just gotta get around to shipping it. Thanks Leatherman!

Dave
 
I've taken the quick release out of my st200, because they are uncomfortable when I'm using a blade and not the pliers.
 
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