Why hasn't Leatherman gotten tools to open properly?

R

randomcut

Joined
Sep 8, 2004
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22
Just received a Leatherman Juice S2 and the 3 piece flat head screwdrivers are almost impossible to get out. And when they do open they clump up.
I'm just wondering why in all these years of making multi-tools has Leatherman not perfected the art of opening a tool?

That's really the difference between Victorinox and Leatherman: fit and finish.
It's really like a car. They both can get you there but how you get there is the difference. I would understand if Leatherman's cost less then Victorinox but they don't.

Leatherman really needs to invest in some good UI designers and QA personnel.
 
I also have noticed that, I think it's common; stiff/tight when new, and clumping. Usually with usage the stiffness will fade (think of it as a finger-nail workout).

As for clumping, they pride themselves on it and do it on purpose; "The idea of “clumping” was originally introduced with the first Super Tool. By pulling on only one tool, you would get them all from the handle at once" and once I understood that, didn't seem like a bad idea, sorta :D

Some people like clumping, they just push the tools they don't need back, it's fast. Victorinox has a higher polish finish which adds to smoothness but the downside is the whole tool can be slippery and some tools don't work as effective, like the phillips driver, it could slip out of the slot when used.

It depends on what you like I guess ;)
 
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My Charge tools do not clump. They can get rid of the clumping when they choose to. On the new SuperTool 300 the knives do not clump but the rest of the tools in the handle do. So basically it's a design decision. As the previous poster mentioned some like it some don't. Personally it doesn't matter to me at all.
 
I got a Juice a about a month ago and it was ridiculously hard to get the drivers out of the handle, so hard that I chipped my thumb nail twice and had many cuts on my knuckle from the driver gouging me as my nail slipped off. I RMA'd that one and got a replacement, nice and smooth with no problems or clumping at all. I got a lemon, maybe you did too.
 
Yeah, maybe I did get a lemon but I read elsewhere that others had the same problem.
I'm in the process of trying to just return it. I didn't think the uneven scales would bother me but with the difficult screwdrivers I'm just gonna give up.

Don't get me wrong I like Leathermans and what they have done. I currently have a Freestyle CX and it fit my needs perfectly. Plus, there isn't any screwdrivers for them to screw up :)
 
Not all Leatherman tools clump. Most of the post-2004 models have special washers and pivot pins that reduce/prevent clumping. The Juice series are an exception to this, as is the new Supertool 300. The latter was done on purpose as I understand it.

Since it's a issue of preference and not actually a defect in design there really isn't anything wrong with clumping, it's just that a large, vocal portion of the hobby does not like it. Some people don't like nail nicks, some hate clumping but once you get to the top 4 multi-manufacturers the main differences are preferential and not functional.

Now, since you have a new tool the best bet may be to wash it with hot, soapy water and then after drying lubricate the pivots with your choice lubricant. Should improve the opening and may help reducing the clumping.
 
Had a Juice that required another tool to lift the drivers :thumbdn:

What a POS. I returned that one. No more Juices for me.
 
spoonrobot said:
Not all Leatherman tools clump. Most of the post-2004 models have special washers and pivot pins that reduce/prevent clumping. The Juice series are an exception to this, as is the new Supertool 300. The latter was done on purpose as I understand it.

Since it's a issue of preference and not actually a defect in design there really isn't anything wrong with clumping, it's just that a large, vocal portion of the hobby does not like it. Some people don't like nail nicks, some hate clumping but once you get to the top 4 multi-manufacturers the main differences are preferential and not functional.

Now, since you have a new tool the best bet may be to wash it with hot, soapy water and then after drying lubricate the pivots with your choice lubricant. Should improve the opening and may help reducing the clumping.
Click to expand...

Good points, all. In my Juice CS4, implements come out okay without breaking fingernails or drawing blood, but it took a trip back to Leatherman Warranty to make that happen. Although f&f do not match Swiss standards, there is no SAK available that offers functional pliers in its size category. That simplifies things for me; I just learned to love it. :rolleyes::grumpy::), at least until a worthy competitor comes to market.

Other than that, I don't mind tools coming out in a bunch, as they do in the original PST and Super Tool, but the multitool with easiest access, including Vic's, is the Core. Blades and tools can be raised with the flat of my thumb, even while wearing gloves. That makes it my go-to when doing actual work, while the Juice is for casual carry. Neither has ever let me down.
 
That's always been my dilemma with multitools - there was never a perfect one for me. I would love the quality of Victorniox and the tool selections of a Leatherman. Not finding one I currently have to carry both. An Outrider for the basics (Large blade, scissors, saw, drivers, and corkscrew) and a Freestyle CX for the pliers and a one hand opening blade. I was hoping that a Juice S2 would fill a void where if I wanted to bring just one tool but . . . those damn stuck drivers.

Anyway I found out that it's a 20% restocking fee to return so I'm off to craigslist instead.
 
I have to use either removable clip or lanyard to access internal tools, no fingernails to speak of,

My Charge TTi is really to tight, but rather that than to loose.

I'm hopin' it'll losen with use.
 
Hi,

On thought to open tools, a LITTLE 3-1 oil seems to speed break-in. Be sure to clean it up afterwards as it will attract "gunk" and you'll be back to where you started.

Best - Joe
 
What about those of us who chew our fingernails?? ha ha We are really screwed. I always have to use some other tool to open the tools on my leatherman.
 
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