Awls and Chisels for LM Charge, Wave, Surge

J-sews · **Reply #30 on:** April 22, 2007, 02:42:42 AM

I must confess, I don't often have a need for a chisel/scraper either. But both the Victorinox SwissTool and the Spirit have a scraper blade, so I assume some folks must have a regular need for one. I suppose the large screwdriver could be sharpened up and do double-duty as a scraper. It seems like using it in the screwdriver mode might dull or damage the sharp chisel edge though?

Raukodur · **Reply #31 on:** April 22, 2007, 11:25:32 AM

Yeah, wouldnt really want to use a sharp edge to open screws, on tough screwes youd be likely to twist the metal I think and wreck your scewdriver and chisel.

So Bob, I am feeling a desperate need to own a chisel and awl bit for my charge, but realise they are preproduction atm :grin:

If more people are interested in them for their LMs aswell, would you consider creating, selling and shipping them? The thought of adding two more functions to my multitool without compromising anything is quite exciting. Especially since both bits would fit so neatly into the bit sheath.

J-sews · **Reply #32 on:** April 22, 2007, 01:19:28 PM

Well Raukodur, since this was all mostly your idea anyhow, how about if I just send you a pair of "pre-production samples"?

(Y'know, for field testing trials and such, just like the big manufacturers do.)

Raukodur · **Reply #33 on:** April 22, 2007, 01:29:59 PM

Well now Bob, that would be mighty generous of you

I would highly appreciate that!

When you get around to it, if you tell me the transatlantic shipping fee I will transfer it to your account.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #34 on:** April 22, 2007, 02:11:13 PM

One Meeelion dollars!

Def

Raukodur · **Reply #35 on:** April 27, 2007, 12:42:59 AM

Anyone got any ideas for another tool which could be made to fit in the bit driver (i.e. a tool that functiosn by being pushed or twisted, not pulled, or bent)

Tom Munch · **Reply #36 on:** April 27, 2007, 01:18:11 AM

How about a drill of some sort? We could even modify drills with 1/4" driver fittings.

Tom

Tom Munch · **Reply #37 on:** April 27, 2007, 01:22:07 AM

Maybe a socket driver.

terry13111 · **Reply #38 on:** May 10, 2007, 03:20:30 PM

To the original poster, what did you use to grind the bit down?

J-sews · **Reply #39 on:** May 10, 2007, 07:16:08 PM

Quote from: terry13111 on May 10, 2007, 03:20:30 PM

To the original poster, what did you use to grind the bit down?

Welcome Terry!

I used an ordinary bench grinder in my garage to do most of the work, then used a dremel grinder to bevel some of the edges. However, you could easily do the entire job with either a bench grinder OR a Dremel grinder. You really don't need both.

J-sews · **Reply #40 on:** May 26, 2007, 04:11:52 PM

Got a couple of bits waiting to send to you here Raukodur. (If that darn bit extender from L'man ever shows up!)

I made the bevel angle on the chisel steeper, so that it won't tend to "dive in" as much when cutting. I also rubbed them up with gun black, so that they would match the rest of your tool. (After all, we multitool enthusiasts wouldn't want to commit an embarrassing faux pas in public by having our bits clash with our tool now would we?)

Raukodur · **Reply #41 on:** May 26, 2007, 04:51:17 PM

Those look amazing Bob

Cannot wait to test them out, hopefully LM will have their bit extender in stock soon.

Thanks for going the extra step and blackening them

Can always tell a master craftsman by the attention to detail.

One point, maybe I missed it on the photos (my screen isnt too good), do the bits need to have a small slot on either side where they 'slot' into the bit driver, like we see on the sides of the bits provided by LM? If not, are they not necessary? I guess the bits may be held quite tightly without the slots.

J-sews · **Reply #42 on:** May 26, 2007, 05:22:50 PM

Ummm...hang on a moment. (Sound of dremel tool in the background. Sounds of cleaning solution being opened, black oxiding, re-oiling.....)

There we go! :grin:

J-sews · **Reply #43 on:** May 26, 2007, 05:24:13 PM

Quote from: Raukodur on May 26, 2007, 04:51:17 PM

Thanks for going the extra step and blackening them Can always tell a master craftsman by the attention to detail.

Hah! THAT is a good one!

Raukodur · **Reply #44 on:** May 26, 2007, 07:57:07 PM

They look stunning Bob! As if made by leatherman themselves. You should find out if there is a market for these things and start selling them, I mean who doesnt want to add two new functions to their multitool without having to alter it in any way?

J-sews · **Reply #45 on:** May 27, 2007, 04:58:28 PM

Quote from: Raukodur on May 26, 2007, 07:57:07 PM

They look stunning Bob! As if made by leatherman themselves. You should find out if there is a market for these things and start selling them, I mean who doesnt want to add two new functions to their multitool without having to alter it in any way?

Anyone with a Leatherman bit driver should want them, especially the awl. There are just so many occasions where an awl is needed, yet so many multitools that don't have one.

However, the whole idea about discussing this topic in the Mod Forum is to show how easy it is for folks to "do it themselves." Seriously, I've got less than $2 invested in a 5/16 spade drill bit, and about ten minutes on either a dremel grinder or an ordinary bench grinder. Go give it a try guys!

damota · **Reply #46 on:** May 27, 2007, 11:14:38 PM

I think it is also worth mentioning that the metal that these bits are made of will also braze (silver solder) very well so those bits with drill bit or long driver extensions are quite easy to do after a bit of practice. This also works with standard bits. The way to look at it is if you want something just try it, if it fails you have just waisted 5-10 minutes

but if it is successful you will have exactly what you were after with the knowledge that you made it happen.

Dave

Raukodur · **Reply #47 on:** June 08, 2007, 10:22:14 PM

Recieved those bits today Bob, they are awesome! I am really busy at the moment (have a three week clinical anatomy course) so cannot post any pictures right now, but as soon as I am free I will test them out and post my findings. Cannot wait!

The saw also looks brilliant, will also test that out when I get the chance.

Amazing to think that my Charge acquired two new functions today!

J-sews · **Reply #48 on:** June 09, 2007, 05:26:14 AM

Glad to hear that they arrived safely sir!

Raukodur · **Reply #49 on:** June 09, 2007, 05:09:43 PM

Tried out the awl really quickly, works like a charm! Makes holes in a wide variety of hard meterials in no time, can really work the thing too because its made out of a drill bit which is made for this type of use, and because at the end of the day its replacable.

Same with the chisel, works perfectly for little jobs, and it is so easy to use in the charge bit holder, the fact that you can flip it over to use the other side of the edge is also quite useful.

I have to say Bob, you have outdone yourself with these, I really think you should start making and selling them.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #50 on:** June 09, 2007, 05:15:11 PM

Does it work on Mother In Laws? Cause if so, I'll take a dozen...

Seriously, Bob does some good work!

Def

J-sews · **Reply #51 on:** June 10, 2007, 02:05:36 AM

Hey, I'll take just a wee bit of the credit for this one...it was all Raukodur's idea in the first place. I never would have thought of it. And like I've stated earlier in this thread, ANYONE with a bench grinder or a dremel tool can make these extra bits. They're very easy, very inexpensive, and very useful.

(And how often does that ever happen these days?)

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #52 on:** June 10, 2007, 04:57:47 AM

I hope you kept some to yourself to play with?

Def

Raukodur · **Reply #53 on:** June 10, 2007, 10:53:51 AM

Quote

They're very easy, very inexpensive, and very useful

When you combine that with the fact that most people are either inept at using such tools, too lazy to do so, or just want to buy ready made stuff, then you have a saleable product

The fact that the bits are cheap, and it doesnt take long to make them means you would have low cost of production both in terms of money and time, and they are so small you could easily package them and sell them at a relatively cheap price but also make a nice little profit per each bit.

Maybe Multitool.org should start producing a selling some of its modding ideas...would help raise money for the website, if the tools are stamped with the logo, would help act as the best form of advertisement.

J-sews · **Reply #54 on:** June 10, 2007, 01:42:04 PM

Hmmm...you may be on to something there.

Raukodur · **Reply #55 on:** June 10, 2007, 02:26:50 PM

Along with the bits, there is the metal (and wood) saws you have been handing out free to multitool members, they could very nicely have the multitool logo on the side...

ToolManTim · **Reply #56 on:** February 02, 2008, 01:19:14 PM

Just now getting the chance to read this thread. This sounds like a great idea to me. I'm planning to make a couple of my own. Now that they've had a few months in the field, any feedback as to how they're working/holding up/suggestions for improvement? Thanks.

J-sews · **Reply #57 on:** February 03, 2008, 08:35:10 AM

The awl works great as a general purpose poker/knife tip saver/hole starter. No problems at all, and very easy to make.

The chisel I haven't really needed to use very much. $:-\$

Sea Monster · **Reply #58 on:** February 03, 2008, 09:08:56 AM

Quote

And like I've stated earlier in this thread, ANYONE with a bench grinder or a dremel tool can make these extra bits. They're very easy, very inexpensive, and very useful.

I just happen to have a bench grinder.

I challenge you!

I bet a golden goose egg I can't make one (I wonder if I get a discount for buying 100 drill bits to practice on?)

ToolManTim · **Reply #59 on:** February 03, 2008, 03:02:08 PM

J-sews,
I picked up a 5/16" bit this week and went to work on it last night, but when I pulled it out of the plastic and measured the thickness, it was just over 1/16" thick, whereas the LM flat bits are a full 1/8" thick. I checked several of my other larger spade bits and they were all just as thin as the new one. Was the bit you used just as thick as the flat bits, or were you able to make it work even though the material is thinner? Just wanted to check before I go tearing up a new bit and then not having anything useful when I'm done. Thanks!
Tim

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