My Kick just broke.

[pixelhub]

Hi,

So this is the 2nd multi tool to break on me within the last few weeks. First was a Gerber BG compact and now my LM Kick.

I was just rinsing some muck from the tools under the tap (repaced carbon brushes on a washing machine) and when i was drying it with a towel the back spring part of the handle just fell off.

Looking at the other side you can see an identical crack as well as a fracture that runs along the handle.

Has any one had this problem?

[Gareth]

Not myself, but I'm sure we've seen that before on the forum.  Not common I think, but not unprecedented.  A clear and definite case for a warranty claim.

[pixelhub]

I managed get to the post office in time and send it off.

Before I packed it up i pushed on cracked side and you could feel it move, after that the Philips  an bottle opener wouldn't stay open.

I'm curious to see what i get in return. I'm hoping they have a refurbished Kick, but I have a feeling its going to be a Wingman.

 

[Gareth]

Let us know what you get.

[ThePeacent]

I am sad it broke, it is a very very nice lightweight carry option.
Sadness aside, I think there's a better and similar alternative to the wingman to replace your now dead Kick

[Poncho65]

I am sad it broke, it is a very very nice lightweight carry option.
Sadness aside, I think there's a better and similar alternative to the wingman to replace your now dead Kick

Probably not in LM eyes though I think they see the Sidekick, Wingman and even the Rev as the replacements for that series of tools I just hope it isn't a Rev I think I would genuinely throw a fit if that was the case

Hope they sort you out though

[pixelhub]

I forgot about the Rev.

I had a Sidekick I was going to remove the blade to make it UK friendly, but i wasn't that impressed with it so i returned it the next day. The pliers had to much play and the wire cutters didn't touch.

I know its one of the cheaper LM but if they can't get the pliers right, whats the point. I expect alot more from Leatherman.

Saying that, i can't fault them with the warranty, replacing/fixing tools that are broken after years of use, that is impressive and also a reason people buy.

Heres some pictures of the Sidekick

[pixelhub]

6 days after I posted the broken Kick for repair/ replacement, today I received a.....Wingman.

Its fairly new, date stamped 0316, clean and seems to be in good shape.

It has the same problems that the Sidekick had, play in the pliers  and the wire cutters are
not touching. You can also feel the handles shifting when using one of the screwdrivers or when you open the knife/scissors.
I take it thats just how these models are?

I got a chance to use it not long after opening it. I was impressed with the Philips I an didnt think the  2d driver was going to be any good but i didn't have any problems with it. The spring loaded pliers worked great and i love the scissors but i dont see the point of the ruler.

The box opener is interesting i dont think i will be cutting open many boxes with it but it looks like one of those tools that get used regularly for jobs that it was not intended for.

The big down side for me is it has a locking blade so I'm unable to carry it out and about.
I was thinking of removing the knife but im not sure on how the locking scissors would be viewed by the police.

I think it will end up in the kitchen draw to be used as an when its needed for quick jobs around the house.

  Leatherman




.

[Poncho65]

Well the Wingman is a good MT but bad that it isn't a legal carry like you had before LM really needs to come out with something like the Blast, Fuse and Kick family again similar handles to the Rebar with the toolset of there Zytel counterparts

Glad they took care of you though

[AimlessWanderer]

Sorry to hear you got lumbered with a Wingman instead of a repair. It is a big step down from the Kick, but the simple truth is that they don't currently offer a tool with a Kick equivalent tool set and the same quality. The quality is having to be engineered out to cut costs.

Do you have another tool you can carry when out and about, for when you don't have good reason to be carrying a locking blade?

[Gareth]

Sorry to hear you're less than happy with the Wingman.  I think I'd feel the same.   Perhaps time to post in our Tools Needed?  Even if you can't get a Kick then a good late model PST might suit your needs.

[firiki]

Oooh, I'd be really pissed had I sent in a Kick and received a Wingman... That's like sending Victorinox a alox Pioneer only to get a alox Classic back: sure, it's got scissors but it's not the same tool, not even remotely!

Maybe get in touch with them and mention the issues their bloody warranty replacement piece has?

+1 on the PST suggestion.

[IvanDrago]

I had similar issue with my old Pulse, but only part of backspring crushed. I sent it to local LM dealer for warranty claim and they proposed me Wingman. Of course I refused, so the second proposition was Rebar. More or less OK for my needs, despite lack of scissors. I received Rebar but something was wrong with one of pliers axle I have a feeling, that LM send 2nd class warranty replacements. I mean functional but not good enough to put them on the market.

[pixelhub]

It may have been that I chose to have a replacement if it could not have been repaired, that I received it so quickly.
I can see why they would send a replacement out rather then do a repair, it would save them time, money, they phase the old ones out and you're getting it for free.

It would be nice though if LM brought out something similar to the kick range, none locking and full size. I have a Juice S2 and XE6 which are UK friendly and I do carry so I'm not a lost soul. I tend to treat them more delicately then I would a full size MT, I don't know why I do this as they haven't let me down, I just don't want to mess them up. 

I didn't think of asking for a replacement of the replacement, I just looked at the terms and you get 10 days to let them know if your happy with it or you can get your old one back, I would feel like I was taking the piss a bit asking for another one, and I don't know what they could offer as a alternative.

I probably will look for a LM like the PST or remove the blade from the Wingman and see how that goes.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I would love to send in a Wingman to get a Kick, but the other way around?  Not so much...

Yeah the Wingman has scissors, but I am really not fond of it at all.  The only way I'd consider it an upgrade from anything is if I had sent in a Rev.

Def

[pixelhub]

Yeah its definitely not an upgrade but its about as close as you can get with the current models, Size and price wise.

I noticed that the thumb hole to open the knife has sharp edges and cuts into you thumb. But the opposite side is rounded off? It looks as if the knife is on the wrong side.

[pixelhub]

Update.
 
Just before Christmas I gave them a call and explained that i wasnt that happy with the Wingman. They told me that they dont do repairs on the older modles like the kick and Leatherman has told them to replace them with the wingman as its the closest equivalent they have.

I was told they could send the Kick to America to see it it could be repaired there but chances are it would be replaced with a Wingman.

As I wasnt impressed with the wingman the very nice people at Witby & Co offered me a Rebar ( which they described at the next step up) as a replacement which arrived 2 days ago.

I haven't had chance to use it yet but it feels solid, has a great range of tools and I like the older style look. I was looking for a leagal carry but after looking at some of the threads on here i may mod this.  Chees.

[Aloha]

The Rebar is a big step up from both the Kick and the Wingman.  The Rebar should be easy to mod making it UK legal.  Lots of threads on those who have modded this tool.  Best of luck to you. 

[Gareth]

Good to hear Whitby took good care of you.    In terms of "form" there's nothing closer to the Kick than the Rebar, but in function you're getting a lot more features.  The only way you can equate the Wingman and the Kick is in terms of retail value.  I think you've definitely come out with the better tool.

[Padre]

Wingman sure was a step down, but Rebar is a fantastic tool! Im sure you are happy with it.

[Poncho65]

Well that is a lot better replacement than a Wingman   Rebar is right at the top of my list and a very easy to mod tool (well it was for me and I equate that as easy ) Glad that Whitby went the extra mile and helped you out