Multitool repair needed...

[TeeJay]

I was hoping there might be someone able/willing to repair my multitool? The can opener snapped during use today, but rather than binning it, I wondered if it might be repairable? I'm not sure if it would require a tool to be custom-fabricated or if a commercially available replacement might fit, but I'm willing to pay for the work, if it's possible, and of course, assuming anyone is able to do so?  Replies here or in PM are fine, thanks in advance

[Farmman]

What kind of tool is it? Pictures would also help.

[badwolf]

What kind of tool is it? Pictures would also help.

+1

[Syph007]

The manufacturer is your best bet even if out of warranty, they usually do the work pretty cheap.. and well..  have access to the parts.

[TeeJay]

Macro pics're an issue, as I'm limited to my iPhone 2g for all net access. The multitool in question is an unbranded piece, similar to a leatherman Micra. Essentially, what happened, is the front part of the can opener snapped off, so there is only a rotatable shard of metal in the tool line up... I have no idea where the multitool came from, so no chance of manufacturer warranty, which was why I thought that a repair with either a custom-made, or suitable aftermarket replacement can opener would be the way to go with it  

[Syph007]

It would probably cost you less just to buy a new one, vs paying someone to repair it.  Or is this a configuration of tools you cant find on another?

[TeeJay]

It would probably cost you less just to buy a new one, vs paying someone to repair it.  Or is this a configuration of tools you cant find on another?

It probably would be cheaper, and not so much a hard to find configuration, more a matter of finding a replacent tool at the same size, as the Micras I've seen so far, are now using scissors instead of pliars (although to be fair, I've only been looking for a few hours )

[MirrorEdge]

It would probably cost you less just to buy a new one, vs paying someone to repair it.  Or is this a configuration of tools you cant find on another?

It probably would be cheaper, and not so much a hard to find configuration, more a matter of finding a replacent tool at the same size, as the Micras I've seen so far, are now using scissors instead of pliars (although to be fair, I've only been looking for a few hours )

Look at the LM squirt
And look also at the new gerber dime .

[TeeJay]

Look at the LM squirt
And look also at the new gerber dime .

Thanks for the suggestions I've just found a Stanley-branded multitool online, and from the look of the smaller tools, I think they may be compatible with my multitool (the small screwdriver and braddle look identical) so I'm thinking it might make a good parts donor   Can anyone recommend a good modder? I'm fairly handy with tools and could probably do the job myself, but don't have access to the tools I'd need...

[Sparky415]

  Go on have a go at it (and take some before and after pictures please)

 

[frugalscotty]

a no cost option might be to file the broken end into the shape of an awl. 

[TeeJay]

If I had access to the necessary tools, I'd definitely be up for the challenge, but I don't have a power drill to remove the existing bolts, and I'm not sure how I'd then close everything back up once the new can opener was installed...

The arm of the can opener snapped at the edge of 'the loop', it is literally just a rotatable cuff of metal on the pin, with a roughened edge (which I've filed down so as not to cut my hand when using the pliars) It's definitely a case of replacing it, rather than modifying it into anything else

[tattoosteve99]

Well where are you from?

[TeeJay]

I'm in the UK, but happy to ship abroad if need be to get the work done properly

[badwolf]

I'm in the UK, but happy to ship abroad if need be to get the work done properly

Tim, unless this tool you want repairing is very special in some way to you, the costs are mounting, please consider posting a want ad in the trade section, I'm sure something will come up at a good price and have you seen this here a Leatherman Kick at a very good UK price of £19.98, very good compact and UK legal tool, well worth considering, you can even take it apart and fiddle with it

[Farmman]

That's good advice from badwolf mate.  A kick is a very good tool and at that price cheaper than modding your old one.
Below pick showing size difference between a micra and kick.

There is room inside for at least two other tools which could come from your old one if you wish.

[TeeJay]

Tim, unless this tool you want repairing is very special in some way to you, the costs are mounting, please consider posting a want ad in the trade section, I'm sure something will come up at a good price and have you seen this here a Leatherman Kick at a very good UK price of £19.98, very good compact and UK legal tool, well worth considering, you can even take it apart and fiddle with it

Thanks for the link, Jeff, I think the Kick is a little too big for my current carry method (jeans watch pocket) but I'll certainly keep it in mind as a future option should I be unable to effect repairs on my multitool The piece itself is quite important to me as not only my first multitool, but also my first attempts at tool modification, so I don't want to give up on it just yet I'm so far looking at about £12 for the donor tool, and then any additional costs. I've also come up with a revised order of the tool layout to maximize group efficiency, just a case of either finding someone to take on the job, or learning more about peening so I can give it a go myself

That's good advice from badwolf mate.  A kick is a very good tool and at that price cheaper than modding your old one.
Below pick showing size difference between a micra and kick.
(Image removed from quote.)
There is room inside for at least two other tools which could come from your old one if you wish.

Thanks for the comparison photo I do think it might be worth considering, but I really would like to try and get my own fixed before considering a replacement

[tattoosteve99]

I believe with a little know how here you will be able to accomplish this on your own. We are available here and by pm (me) for extra help if needed.

[TeeJay]

I believe with a little know how here you will be able to accomplish this on your own. We are available here and by pm (me) for extra help if needed.

Thanks for the support I've been doing some reading, and is it simply a case of drilling the ends off the existing pins, and after swapping the tools round, hammering the ends of the new pins to make them spread out and form the closed end? As another option, are there any pins which can be re-opened with screw or hex ends?

[Sparky415]

TeeJay,

  Pictures would really us out with helping you Mate

I have a penknife that I dismantled last year if the bits look like they might fit I can send them to you 

I did  a little 'Peening' in the thread below if that helps
Start at around reply No24

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,28303.msg492

[Syph007]

I believe with a little know how here you will be able to accomplish this on your own. We are available here and by pm (me) for extra help if needed.

Thanks for the support I've been doing some reading, and is it simply a case of drilling the ends off the existing pins, and after swapping the tools round, hammering the ends of the new pins to make them spread out and form the closed end? As another option, are there any pins which can be re-opened with screw or hex ends?

I don't know of any metric sized pivot pins, but Im sure they exist.  If the rivet is imperial sized then there are a few places that sell pivots.  Unfortunately you wouldn't be able to measure the rivet diameter until you take it apart. 

[badwolf]

Just to say, good luck with trying to repair it yourself, well worth attempting, your'll be surprised at the skills you didn't know you had and on another note, its just amazing that members from all other the world have offered help, advice and suggestions, something this forum constantly does, makes you feel all warm inside what a great forum this is

[TeeJay]

TeeJay,

  Pictures would really us out with helping you Mate

I have a penknife that I dismantled last year if the bits look like they might fit I can send them to you 

I did  a little 'Peening' in the thread below if that helps
Start at around reply No24

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,28303.msg492

Thanks for the offer of the part, having seen the can opener you mean, I know it won't be compatible with the frame, but the offer is very much appreciated Here's a pic of the damage, apologies for the poor quality, but the iPhone isn't really made for quality macro work



I've found this tool, which, despite having a different shape of can opener, has other identical tools which mine has, so I'm thinking that they may be interchangeable

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B002KFZ83C/ref=aw_d_iv_diy?is=l

I don't know of any metric sized pivot pins, but Im sure they exist.  If the rivet is imperial sized then there are a few places that sell pivots.  Unfortunately you wouldn't be able to measure the rivet diameter until you take it apart.

This is definitely starting to look like a 'get it done in one hit' project

Just to say, good luck with trying to repair it yourself, well worth attempting, your'll be surprised at the skills you didn't know you had and on another note, its just amazing that members from all other the world have offered help, advice and suggestions, something this forum constantly does, makes you feel all warm inside what a great forum this is

Thanks for the encouragement, I think it's going to be a good project when I have some spare cash

[Sparky415]

That link was just to show a bit of peening     I had forgotten about that opener

I was thinking about this one but it looks like its too long and will foul the pliers, and the nail indent is on the wrong side 
You are welcome to it if you want to try it (I got a feeling that the pivot hole will be too small)

[TeeJay]

That link was just to show a bit of peening     I had forgotten about that opener

I was thinking about this one but it looks like its too long and will foul the pliers, and the nail indent is on the wrong side 
You are welcome to it if you want to try it (I got a feeling that the pivot hole will be too small)

(Image removed from quote.)

Thanks for the offer, but I think it will be long enough to foul the pliars... Is the complete tool shown the Stanley multitool I linked to? Even though the thumb nick would be in the inside, as it will be next to a small low-sitting philips headdriver, it should still be accessible, so I'll pick one up when finances allow

[Sparky415]

Yep thats my Stanley multitool, it lives in my car 

[TeeJay]

Yep thats my Stanley multitool, it lives in my car 

Cool, I see from the photo it has sprung pliars, but from the description online, I couldn't see any mention of a bottle opener, does it have one? I definitely think that it would provide a suitable replacement part for my multitool when funds allow