best way to get an awl in/on your Charge/Wave?

[buck]

You can't just buy LM parts, right?  I'd like to have a Surge awl instead of the large flathead screwdriver.  I figure you can cover that base with a bit from the bit kit.  It would also be cool if someone made an awl bit for the driver. 

Is there some other awl like bit out there that would work?

I guess it would be possible to grind one out of the large flathead screwdriver.

What else is there?

It seems like an awl is a glaring omission out of this branch of the Leatherman family.

[Crow]

Some members have grinded awl from long LM bit. I think JAfromMN did it on one of his threads.

[buck]

Would an awl from an old PST work?

[hiraethus]

Rebar awl drops straight in, in place of the flat driver - though I'd replace the mini bit driver instead.

Grinding your own from a MUT bit, or even a short flat bit (the 1/4" / 6mm hex would probably be best) is easy if you don't want to take your LM apart.

[Kampfer]

Here are the opinions I tried:
Rebar awl, direct drop in. You decide what to give up for it.
Long MUT bit grinded down to awl, works ok, carrying the awl bit sperately was another challenge itself.
Grind down can opener to awl, done this few days ago I am pretty happy with the result. The awl is a bit short comparing to rebar's, but I feel it drills better. Maybe because I put a good edge on it.

[buck]

Gathered up some searched options:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,1111.0.html

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,57571.msg1039818.html#msg1039818

http://blog.kotarak.net/2011/08/awl-modification-for-leatherman-wave.html

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?166568-Building-a-Leatherman-ReCharge

[buck]

Would a Mut carbon scraper fit under one of the pivot screws in a Charge (or Wave)?  If it would, does that a suitable awl make?  It is bronze to purposely be softer than steel so it would suck for poking through metal but would it at least be useful for creating a new belt hole?  Might have to sharpen it a bit.  If you jack it up a replacement is a coupla Amazon clicks away.

And then there is the question of how it would lay flat against the closed charge/wave.

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-Mut-Accessory-Kit/dp/B004PJ6OQ6/ref=pd_sim_hi_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0NAPQ3JF1CJHWAFGHNEJ

[buck]

Well I bought a Dremel and was going to cut up my large flathead but chickened out since I'm inexperienced and don't have a good workshop with a vise.  Plus if I screw up a bit no big loss.

I started with a 5/16" spade bit like one of the links I searched up and posted previously.  This one looks like it has a pretty good tip as is for an awl, no need to cut off the "wings".  Here it is marked for cutting to fit a bit kit slot.



Some (nervous) cutting and grinding away (with Dremel in one hand and bit in the other) and voila!



Here it is in a bit kit slot.

[buck]

I noticed that the part that I cut off of the spade bit fits in the hex side of the Leatherman bit extension.  Maybe  a short spade bit that fits the hex end of the extension would work with no cutting and grinding involved. 

[Etherealicer]

Here are the opinions I tried:
Rebar awl, direct drop in. You decide what to give up for it.
Long MUT bit grinded down to awl, works ok, carrying the awl bit sperately was another challenge itself.
Grind down can opener to awl, done this few days ago I am pretty happy with the result. The awl is a bit short comparing to rebar's, but I feel it drills better. Maybe because I put a good edge on it.

You sure about that? In what position? I did exactly that and the pliers head does not close properly anymore (will have to grind a bit off the awl).

[zoidberg]

Here are the opinions I tried:
Rebar awl, direct drop in. You decide what to give up for it.
Long MUT bit grinded down to awl, works ok, carrying the awl bit sperately was another challenge itself.
Grind down can opener to awl, done this few days ago I am pretty happy with the result. The awl is a bit short comparing to rebar's, but I feel it drills better. Maybe because I put a good edge on it.

You sure about that? In what position? I did exactly that and the pliers head does not close properly anymore (will have to grind a bit off the awl).

E were you trying it with the Charge or ReCharge?

[Kampfer]

Here are the opinions I tried:
Rebar awl, direct drop in. You decide what to give up for it.
Long MUT bit grinded down to awl, works ok, carrying the awl bit sperately was another challenge itself.
Grind down can opener to awl, done this few days ago I am pretty happy with the result. The awl is a bit short comparing to rebar's, but I feel it drills better. Maybe because I put a good edge on it.

You sure about that? In what position? I did exactly that and the pliers head does not close properly anymore (will have to grind a bit off the awl).

E were you trying it with the Charge or ReCharge?

For ReCharge the awl needs to be re-profile a little.

[Etherealicer]

Here are the opinions I tried:
Rebar awl, direct drop in. You decide what to give up for it.
Long MUT bit grinded down to awl, works ok, carrying the awl bit sperately was another challenge itself.
Grind down can opener to awl, done this few days ago I am pretty happy with the result. The awl is a bit short comparing to rebar's, but I feel it drills better. Maybe because I put a good edge on it.

You sure about that? In what position? I did exactly that and the pliers head does not close properly anymore (will have to grind a bit off the awl).

E were you trying it with the Charge or ReCharge?

For ReCharge the awl needs to be re-profile a little.
(Image removed from quote.)

ReCharge, all clear

[buck]

I can hold a charge and a bit holder in this Remora accessory holder in my pocket together with a monkey fist on a lanyard.





I have a one hand blade and a war club in my pocket if I run out of bullets.  It might not save me, but it will make a heck of a final story, by Crom!

[AndrewBird]

What exactly do you guys use the awl for? I've never found a use for one. Guess I just don't poke enough holes in things.

[Etherealicer]

What exactly do you guys use the awl for? I've never found a use for one. Guess I just don't poke enough holes in things.

I mostly use it for scraping, if I want to be more on the point , but I have used it as:

- Ice-pick (for cocktails and for getting ice of my gear).
- Lancete (puncturing holes in my thumbnail, opening blisters, getting a splinter out)
- Rarely to make a hole in some gear to modify it (e.g. so you can tie a string through)

and in the absence of a fish scaler
- Pick up olives

[SteveC]

What exactly do you guys use the awl for? I've never found a use for one. Guess I just don't poke enough holes in things.

Along with it's intended use I also use mine to mark a hole to get a screw started. It also works pretty well as a scribe for marking sheet goods ie. sheet metal, plastic laminate, plexi etc.

[hiraethus]

What exactly do you guys use the awl for? I've never found a use for one. Guess I just don't poke enough holes in things.

Anything that you might be tempted to use the tip of a knife blade for but shouldn't.

[buck]

I've been losing weight and been using an awl to make new belt holes.  I've dropped 5 in the last few months.  The locking kind are by far the best for this because you are bearing down on it pretty forcefully.  The Surge and the Victorinox plier based model I forget what they call it are both very good.

[buck]

Some use it like a marlinspike to untie knots but if it has a sharp edge you have to take care not to cut the line, string, or rope.

[Aloha]

What exactly do you guys use the awl for? I've never found a use for one. Guess I just don't poke enough holes in things.

Anything that you might be tempted to use the tip of a knife blade for but shouldn't.

I see way to many broken knife tips.  A good sharp awl as mentioned has many uses beyond what I believe it was designed for.  The great thing about an awl is it's a multitool.   

[evil510]

What exactly do you guys use the awl for? I've never found a use for one. Guess I just don't poke enough holes in things.

Anything that you might be tempted to use the tip of a knife blade for but shouldn't.

I see way to many broken knife tips.  A good sharp awl as mentioned has many uses beyond what I believe it was designed for.  The great thing about an awl is it's a multitool.   

Evil loves awls. One broken knife tip is all it took to convert me from someone that never used an awl to a firm believer in having one in all of my multitools, if possible. I mostly use mine as a makeshift drill to drill holes in wood, plastic sheets and thin gauge metal. I also use them as a scribe to score lines. The list goes on. Having an awl has saved me countless times from having to go through the chore of getting out a real drill for just a few holes. Five years ago, I set out to find an awl design that best suited my needs. You can read up on the post here...Best Awl Design and Shape. It is an interesting read on different designs and what people use them for, with plenty of photos.....

Buck, here is a post, also from five years ago, specific to what you are looking for...Direct Bolt-In Awl for Wave/Charge. I made and sold a few of them back in the day, however, I don't anymore. Since then, I see there have been other viable options.....


~ evil ~

Direct bolt-in awl for Wave/Charge.....


Awl to fit bit card.....


Awl in Micra, even bigger than the ST300.....


Monstrosity of an awl in my Wave.....


My wicked beast of an awl. This double edged bad boy can drill over 1/2" holes.....(upper left photo)

[buck]

Just awesome.  Does the wicked awl make light sabre sounds?

Thanks so much for sharing!

[Kampfer]

Evil,
You are a sick man. 

[buck]

I think we should ransom them for, oh I don't know, let's say

ONE MEELLION AWLS!

[evil510]

Just awesome.  Does the wicked awl make light sabre sounds?

Thanks so much for sharing!

Thank you, buck. Only hear sounds if it pokes somebody....,

Evil,
You are a sick man. 

Thank you, Kampfer. I take pride in my illness..... 

I think we should ransom them for, oh I don't know, let's say

ONE MEELLION AWLS!

One meellion reasons to poke things..... 

[txdm]

Here's a few pics of where I took a flathead driver from a busted up Wingman and made an Awl for my Charge ALX.



The pivot hole and notch for the lock will fit perfectly without any modification. The nail nick was a bit tall and needed to be shaved down some so the Charge could close completely flush.

I replaced the micro-driver with the awl. Yes, my grinding skills need improvement.


Overall, the hardest part was just reassembling it properly with all the little washers.


I also took out the rib on the crimper for the pliers... making it much more useful as an archery setup/maintenance tool.

I'd like to know if anyone has ever removed the riveted on name plates from the side of the charge.

[NKlamerus]

Sweet mod!

I'll be doing something similar soon. I want to lose a driver, and add a revar awl and wave scissors.

I can't recall anyone removing the plates, any reason in particular you would?

[Mextreme]

Here are the opinions I tried:
Rebar awl, direct drop in. You decide what to give up for it.
Long MUT bit grinded down to awl, works ok, carrying the awl bit sperately was another challenge itself.
Grind down can opener to awl, done this few days ago I am pretty happy with the result. The awl is a bit short comparing to rebar's, but I feel it drills better. Maybe because I put a good edge on it.

You are saying I can drop the eye glass bit driver and substitute with rebar awl? That would be a perfect swap for me.

[zoidberg]

Here are the opinions I tried:
Rebar awl, direct drop in. You decide what to give up for it.
Long MUT bit grinded down to awl, works ok, carrying the awl bit sperately was another challenge itself.
Grind down can opener to awl, done this few days ago I am pretty happy with the result. The awl is a bit short comparing to rebar's, but I feel it drills better. Maybe because I put a good edge on it.

You are saying I can drop the eye glass bit driver and substitute with rebar awl? That would be a perfect swap for me.

If you remove the plier rest to accommodate the length of the awl then yes.

Edit: sometimes the tolerances are such that one has to thin down the awl a little to allow the handles to fully close.

Check out the Knifeless Charge thread for pics of the small bit driver replaced by a ground down driver awl.