PREP Another Leatherman Broke

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This is the second time I've had one jaw of the pliers in a Leatherman just break off. The first time, I was trying to lock a hub on my 4-W-D truck (the hub needed to be, and has since been, replaced). I figured it was too much torque for the pliers and wrote it off. This time, however, I was just closing the Leatherman after using the knife! It wouldn't close right, so I opened it back up and looked, and the broken-off jaw fell out into my hand!

I know that I can send it back and get it replaced, and I may do that, though I have another identical one already. But my question is, which brand of multi-tool out there uses good steel for all the parts? Leatherman seems to be using pot metal for the pliers!

Kathleen

 

[Faroe]

Mine is about 12 or 15 years old. Hope it never needs replacing.
Have heard good things about SOG (spell? caps?).

 

[Freeholder]

Mine is about 12 or 15 years old. Hope it never needs replacing.
Have heard good things about SOG (spell? caps?).

This one that broke is almost brand new. And the other one I broke a few years ago on the truck hub was also nearly new at the time. So I think they've changed something, and not for the better. I still have my old one, from 1993, and it's fine except that I've stripped out the philips screwdriver tip.

Kathleen

 

[hiwall]

Gerber are supposed to be good but I have always used a regular Leatherman(yes I have a couple spares)

 

[naegling62]

I lose them before I break them.

 

[Doc1]

Kathleen,

Any multi-tool is a compromise at best. You really need a dedicated basic tool set. Also, as far as knives go, a full tang blade is invariably stronger than any folding variety.

Best
Doc

 

[Freeholder]

Kathleen,

Any multi-tool is a compromise at best. You really need a dedicated basic tool set. Also, as far as knives go, a full tang blade is invariably stronger than any folding variety.

Best
Doc

I know they are a compromise, and I do have a lot of regular tools and better knives. But the Leatherman is what I ALWAYS have with me. It lives in my left-front jeans pocket except for the very rare occasion when I need to wear a dress (and then it's in my purse). So if we are away from home and I need to cut up an apple, I reach for the Leatherman. If I happen to notice a screw is loose, rather than go get a screwdriver, I get the Leatherman out. One piece of wire to cut? Leatherman. Need to grip a small lid in order to get it open -- Leatherman. And on and on. I use it nearly every day, just because it's on me, and it saves me a lot of running back and forth to the tool chest.

Kathleen

 

[Jackalope]

I have a Victorinox multitool, and a couple spares. I gave up on the Leatherman tools many years ago, because the quality had diminished. I try to use the proper tool needed, and usually resort to a multitool as a last resort if I'm not anywhere near my other tools.

 

[Cyclonemom]

I love my Gerber!

 

[Publius]

Leatherman is a great tool but it and the knock offs has it's limits.
I have an original and for it's age it looks like it's in near new condition. They still sell that model but it's way more than most are willing to spend to have one.

 

[Red Baron]

I know they are a compromise, and I do have a lot of regular tools and better knives. But the Leatherman is what I ALWAYS have with me. It lives in my left-front jeans pocket except for the very rare occasion when I need to wear a dress (and then it's in my purse). So if we are away from home and I need to cut up an apple, I reach for the Leatherman. If I happen to notice a screw is loose, rather than go get a screwdriver, I get the Leatherman out. One piece of wire to cut? Leatherman. Need to grip a small lid in order to get it open -- Leatherman. And on and on. I use it nearly every day, just because it's on me, and it saves me a lot of running back and forth to the tool chest.

Kathleen

My Leatherman has to be well over 30+ years old. I did manage to break the can opener tool by trying to use it as a bottle opener on a very stubborn beer bottle.

Otherwise, for all of the reasons you stated, I use it every day for some minor chore.

The plier function on a Leatherman was a game changer when introduced. Invariably you will need a plier for some reason and the corkscrew, tweezer or plastic toothpick on a Swiss Army knife just doesn't cut it.

We were in a canoe having some hot waterfowl hunting action when a buddy frantically tried to stuff one too many shells in his magazine. The magazine spring got all compressed and bound up in a knot. I essentially had to remove the magazine tube on the Mossberg which really required a plier. The Leatherman saved the day!

 

[Freeholder]

My Leatherman has to be well over 30+ years old. I did manage to break the can opener tool by trying to use it as a bottle opener on a very stubborn beer bottle.

Otherwise, for all of the reasons you stated, I use it every day for some minor chore.

The plier function on a Leatherman was a game changer when introduced. Invariably you will need a plier for some reason and the corkscrew, tweezer or plastic toothpick on a Swiss Army knife just doesn't cut it.

We were in a canoe having some hot waterfowl hunting action when a buddy frantically tried to stuff one too many shells in his magazine. The magazine spring got all compressed and bound up in a knot. I essentially had to remove the magazine tube on the Mossberg which really required a plier. The Leatherman saved the day!

Yes, the pliers are one of the most-used tools on mine (which is why I'm so dismayed at the pliers breaking so easily). I have a large dresser full of tools, plus many more that don't fit in the dresser, and a tool bag that rides in the back seat of the truck. But for some quick little job, the Leatherman is always right there.

Kathleen

 

[Red Baron]

Yes, the pliers are one of the most-used tools on mine (which is why I'm so dismayed at the pliers breaking so easily). I have a large dresser full of tools, plus many more that don't fit in the dresser, and a tool bag that rides in the back seat of the truck. But for some quick little job, the Leatherman is always right there.

Kathleen

I'm not certain if the pliers are forged or cast. A forging will be much stronger than cast.

I'm hesitant to get my original Leatherman replaced although a spare would be the best way to go?

 

[Panner]

I just looked it up and 5 of the 30 parts used by Leatherman are imported. I would say you can guess where they com from.

 

[Red Baron]

I just looked it up and 5 of the 30 parts used by Leatherman are imported. I would say you can guess where they com from.

Thanks for checking that.

 

[Sportsman]

I've been using Gerber multitools for over 20 years. Never had a problem with one, and I've really abused some of them. Moved to Gerber because I liked the pliers head and handle better than the leatherman. SOG for knives, Gerber for multitools. These have suited me well and are relatively inexpensive.

 

[Freeholder]

I'm not certain if the pliers are forged or cast. A forging will be much stronger than cast.

I'm hesitant to get my original Leatherman replaced although a spare would be the best way to go?

Just from looking at my broken Leatherman, I would say the pliers are cast. I'll see if I can get a good picture to post here.

Kathleen

So, I am adding a picture -- the broken bit is right there next to the place it broke off of -- but it's not a very good one. I don't have a good camera anymore. Sorry.