Need advise for a Mod on a Surge

GPS12 · **on:** November 05, 2014, 11:57:25 AM

I`ve asked the nice people from Leatherman Germany if they could send me a bitholder for my Surge. I use the Surge daily at work and I need a cross head and a allen key most of the time. So a second bitholder makes the tool more useful for me.
Today the bitholder arrives, without any cost.....thanks to Leatherman

Tomorrow I want to install the bitholder but I have some questions before, maybe somebody over here has done the same Mod :

- does the new bitholder and the big screwdriver fit in one handle?
- can I replace the can opener against the ale?
- any thing else that could help me with this mod?

I would appreciate any tip

Lichtbote · **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2014, 12:26:48 PM

First - i havn´t modded my Surge, as i´ve seen no way yet to improve it for my needs (for me it´s perfect as it is), and i havn´t measured the tools thickness with my calipers. My answers are purely based on the look at the tools.

Quote from: GPS12 on November 05, 2014, 11:57:25 AM

- does the new bitholder and the big screwdriver fit in one handle?

I would guess it will.

Quote from: GPS12 on November 05, 2014, 11:57:25 AM

- can I replace the can opener against the ale?

I would guess you can.

Quote from: GPS12 on November 05, 2014, 11:57:25 AM

- any thing else that could help me with this mod?

Later this day i can measure the tools thickness, or you try it anyway. Sometimes trying is better than measurements.

Quote from: GPS12 on November 05, 2014, 11:57:25 AM

I would appreciate any tip

After touching your Surge, your whole 25 year guarantee is gone. And as they sent you the replacement part, they know it. I wouldn´t hesitate myself, i just wanted to remind you on that.

ducttapetech · **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2014, 12:27:13 PM

I am not sure about that. I will have to check my Surge when I get home. I have the feeling you may end up loosing the big flat head to keep the Awl. Not 100% sure til I check mine.

zoidberg · **Reply #3 on:** November 05, 2014, 01:00:37 PM

Yes, the large screwdriver and large bit driver fit into one handle.

Yes, you can swap out the opener for the awl.

Install like in the pic, thicker tool below and thinner tool above.

Unlike the Original Surge the fasteners on the new Surge are not keyed.
You will need two T10H bits, one for each side.
The screw should be on the same side as shown in the pic.
Sometimes a bic lighter is needed to heat and loosen the loctite.

To fit in the awl you may need to remove the larger thicker washer.

Hope that helps.

zoidberg · **Reply #4 on:** November 05, 2014, 01:02:04 PM

Oh smurf, forgot about the plier rests.

zoidberg · **Reply #5 on:** November 05, 2014, 01:16:13 PM

You will have to remove the plier rest to fit the awl and possibly for the large screwdriver as well.

You can see (sorry I don't have a better pic) just to the right of the screwdriver where I broke the plier rest off.

Take your time and pry the plier rest from side to side until it breaks off.
Don't grab it with plier and pull it upwards, that will bend the spring which softens the lock.

Clicking any of the pics will take you to larger ones on flickr.

GPS12 · **Reply #6 on:** November 05, 2014, 01:29:04 PM

Thanks for all the tips but why should I remove the plier rest?
I only use the tools that are also available in my (new) Surge right now except the new bitholder. For better understanding.........I will keep the big slit screwdriver and remove the small screwdriver and the can opener for the bitholder.

Quote from: Lichtbote on November 05, 2014, 12:26:48 PM

Sometimes trying is better than measurements.

Thats right but I will do the mod tomorrow because today I work and with a little help of some MT.o forum members I can start tomorrow immediately and know what I have to do and if it works the way I think.

zoidberg · **Reply #7 on:** November 05, 2014, 01:38:23 PM

The large bit driver only fits to one side, the awl must go on the other side, where it will hit the plier rest.

I could be wrong though, I don't have a Surge in front of me, just going off a faint memory and some old pics.

GPS12 · **Reply #8 on:** November 05, 2014, 01:44:32 PM

Quote from: zoidberg on November 05, 2014, 01:38:23 PM

The large bit driver only fits to one side, the awl must go on the other side, where it will hit the plier rest.

Thanks that helps me, for me it doesn`t matter on which side the awl or the large bit driver is.

zoidberg · **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2014, 04:25:40 AM

So how did it go?

JAfromMn · **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2014, 04:30:22 AM

I'm really surprised leatherman sent you a bit driver.

You must of got em on a good day.

TazzieRob · **Reply #11 on:** November 07, 2014, 06:41:44 AM

I'd be surprised if he was able to fit it in. The large screw driver and the awl look thicker than the can opener, which the bit holder is next to. Possible to grind down the thickness of the awl or flat driver or do away with the extra washers but it may be tight. Also, awl would need to stay where it is but large driver could sit left of right of bit driver without needing to remove plier rests.