Sticky Leatherman

[dresnor]

I found an original Leatherman (old school Marlboro miles one) that I have had since I was a kid that I thought was lost forever. I never really used it much but I kept it because my Dad gave it to me.

The one issue that it has had since I got it was that the pliers stick shut and I have to pop them open to use them. Anytime the pliers are closed fully I have to pop them open again. This gets old soon.

Is there any way to fix this issue? I have tried light lubricants like bike chain oil and WD-40 but that didn't seem to help.

Any advice would be great.

Jeremy

 

[comis]

For those rusted up or sticky joints, I usually have my MT do some opening/closing under warm soapy water and overnight WD40 bath. If it starts to move a little better, repeat the process.

 

[znapschatz]

For those rusted up or sticky joints, I usually have my MT do some opening/closing under warm soapy water and overnight WD40 bath. If it starts to move a little better, repeat the process.

If that doesn't help, send it to Leatherman Warranty. Either they will fix it or send you a Super Tool 300 as replacement. If you want to keep the original, enclose a note to that effect and they will either make the extra effort or send it back unrepaired. All it costs you is postage to them.

 

[powernoodle]

Not sure which Leatherman you have there (maybe a PST), but check to see if the wire cutters are binding. Those cutters can get jacked up a little from cutting wire, etc., and can bind, which causes the symptom you speak of. So take a close look at them, and if required lightly run a file over the cutters where they mate, as if you were sharpening them. This will smooth the action and alleviate the binding, if its caused by the cutters.

 

[gadgetgeek]

If you do send it back, be very sure to tell them about its sentimental value, if they can't fix it, they will replace it, and you'll likely loose it.

 

[Capt. Spaulding]

Not sure which Leatherman you have there (maybe a PST), but check to see if the wire cutters are binding. Those cutters can get jacked up a little from cutting wire, etc., and can bind, which causes the symptom you speak of. So take a close look at them, and if required lightly run a file over the cutters where they mate, as if you were sharpening them. This will smooth the action and alleviate the binding, if its caused by the cutters.

This^^^^^


From what you described that was my first assumption.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

For those rusted up or sticky joints, I usually have my MT do some opening/closing under warm soapy water and overnight WD40 bath. If it starts to move a little better, repeat the process.

This is basically how to do it. Any decent lube will work.

I've had old slipjoints rust up and the easiest way to restore them is to soak them. I use lots of mineral oil poured into the knife while it's closed. Leave it a couple of days, sitting on folded up paper towel. Then open a blade and work it open and shut a few times to see what you've got.

My grandpas's old jackknife took some work, but it's back in working shape now.