Skinny Charge TTI

[waveman19]

I must admit, the Leatherman Charge is my favorite multitool. The biggest issue for me, is it's hard to carry everyday, as I refuse to carry a sheath, unless I'm backpacking. It's just fat. I had carried a Wingman, but I want locking tools. After using non-locking tools, and having the screwdriver fold up too many times, there's no way I'll carry non-locking tools anymore.

I thought I'd try to lighten one up, and make it skinnier; Fuse-sized. I removed one side of the one-hand tools, and did all of the work necessary to make the tool function properly, and did my best to keep it looking good. Overall width ended up at 0.632" which is about 0.020" thicker than a Fuse. This one also has a standard Phillips in place of the bit driver, long medium flathead in place of scissors, and a Blast plier head since the cap crimpers were only good for getting in the way of things. A Rebar plier head is in the future, too.

[Crouton]

I like the Charge just the way it is but this is a very nice Mod.  Way to make it your own.

[David]

Interesting mod!

[Metropolicity]

Nice work!

Its like a super elegant Wingman!

[rdub934]

I fully agree with Metro. IMO, This is what the Wingman/Sidekick should have been. Great job.

Can you go into more detail about how you did it?

[captain spaulding]

Very cool. Great work.   

[nuphoria]

Very interesting idea... well executed too

[MultiMat]

Anorexic Charge  .

Nice job mate 

[waveman19]

I fully agree with Metro. IMO, This is what the Wingman/Sidekick should have been. Great job.

Can you go into more detail about how you did it?

Sure, I started off with a total disassembly and thorough cleaning, after figuring out my plan. I decided the side I would remove would be the metric side. I would have done this to a Wave since they're cheaper, but the Charge would be much easier with its removable scales. This Charge I picked up used for about $65.

I carefully ground off the metric ruler with a grinding wheel, and removed half of the tool lock that stuck out. I also ground off the lock symbol for the liner locks I wouldn't be using. I then removed the raised portion on the back of 2 of the scales, making them completely flat. After, I figured out how long my screws needed to be, and ground them down carefully, and cleaned out the threads. I used all hand tools with a bench vise, and it took a couple hours to complete, start to finish.

I should add, it weighs slightly more than 7 oz, but less than 7.5 oz. My scale isn't very good so that's as close as I can get. It's almost the same weight as a Wingman/Sidekick, but less than an old Wave. I've been carrying it, and it fits nicely in the pocket, like the Fuse did.

[rdub934]

Thanks for the breakdown, and again, great job. I would really like to do this, but I would want a different tool loadout (personal preference, you see).

[Gareth]

Superb mod mate.

[ducttapetech]

That is pretty cool. Nice modding!

[J-sews]

Nice work Waveman!

[jimmiewalker]

great work! now i wanna do the same diet to my CHARGE AL!

[Metropolicity]

great work! now i wanna do the same diet to my CHARGE AL!

Should even be easier for the AL. The scales are already flat!

[waveman19]

great work! now i wanna do the same diet to my CHARGE AL!

Go for it brother, this has been the perfect pocket EDC tool for me.

[Metropolicity]

Necro thread!

Made my own skinny charge but I have a different load out I'll share soon. More specific to working in the garden.

But right now I have it loaded up for a bit of a EDC tool. I did some dual Anodizing on the scales.

[Gareth]

Excellent tool selection on that Eric.

[Metropolicity]

Excellent tool selection on that Eric.

I changed it up a bit and reverted back to my originally intended tool, a gardening one.

The hook is great for pruning and the saw is...good for sawing.

I milled a pill slot into the saw for some OHO action.

Robertson bit, fixed long reach Phillips, scissors and a flat bit really make this a nice pared down tool.



I also redid the annodizing so it's more a rainbow, in case it gets misplaced in the yard, it'll catch sunlight and reflect better.

[Cupboard]

I've done a similar thing to the inside tools in my Wave but there's something stopping the small flat driver from closing all the way. I think it's the little sticking out nub in the handle but it might be the lock pivot - do the Charges not have that problem or am I doing something wrong?

[Metropolicity]

I've done a similar thing to the inside tools in my Wave but there's something stopping the small flat driver from closing all the way. I think it's the little sticking out nub in the handle but it might be the lock pivot - do the Charges not have that problem or am I doing something wrong?

You are sorta of doing it wrong. The little nub is a scissor rest so they stay level with the rest of the tools. You can easily grind it away with no consequence.

[Nikos]

Hey Metro, what's the overall thickness of the Skinny TTi? Is it still thicker than a Spirit?

[Metropolicity]

Hey Metro, what's the overall thickness of the Skinny TTi? Is it still thicker than a Spirit?

just barely. If you count the locks on the Spirit, then they are the same size. I also made a skinny Charge ALX which is a nice compromise between ergonomics. The smooth aluminum scales are a nice comfortable grip.

[andyroo54]

I wish the pictures still worked? I'd love to make my charge TTi "Skinny" because I love it but I think it's too big and heavy...