Vintage PST question

Nickthecook · **on:** September 20, 2015, 01:51:59 AM

Hello, not sure if you guys can provide info about the old PST's but I just bought an older one. It's a no date model PST with the REG TM number on it. Anyhow, I noticed when the tool is closed the knurled screws with the lanyard will spin and they have a bit of play whereas the rest are tight. Sometimes when I open the tool, the hinge/screw will click and it doesn't feel right (almost feel like a snap). It seems to click only if the screw is pushed out to one side. When the pliers are in the open position however, the screws are tight and have no play. Overall function seems fine but I was just wondering if that is normal since the lanyard sits underneath allowing it to move or if I should have it repaired. Thank you! I have provided a photo as well

gregozedobe · **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2015, 03:27:32 AM

None of my PSTs are like that, in fact the screw with the lanyard on it is almost too tight to rotate the lanyard at all on most of them. I wonder if it is a different (longer) screw from a different model LM tool.

BTW, welcome to MTo

SteveC · **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2015, 05:52:34 AM

It looks like the screw has backed out a bit. You could try to tighten it up.

Nickthecook · **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2015, 06:38:22 AM

I tried already but it didn't even budge, any special socket or wrench for these types of screws?

HarleyXJGuy · **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2015, 07:09:03 AM

Turns out you got a fake, send it to me and I will be happy to dispose of it for you.

gregozedobe · **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2015, 07:09:57 AM

Quote from: Nickthecook on September 20, 2015, 06:38:22 AM

I tried already but it didn't even budge, any special socket or wrench for these types of screws?

Not readily commercially available, many people use locking pliers (eg vise grips). Loki-mobile recently did a limited run of wrenches for LM knurled screws:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,61708.0.html

Note that these screws need to be heated up a bit to loosen the loctite normally used (about 10-15 seconds with a regular cigarette lighter is usually enough), and one side is fixed, only one side is meant to rotate when undoing them.

zoidberg · **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2015, 12:37:21 PM

Quote from: gregozedobe on September 20, 2015, 07:09:57 AM

Quote from: Nickthecook on September 20, 2015, 06:38:22 AM
I tried already but it didn't even budge, any special socket or wrench for these types of screws?

Not readily commercially available, many people use locking pliers (eg vise grips). Loki-mobile recently did a limited run of wrenches for LM knurled screws:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,61708.0.html

Note that these screws need to be heated up a bit to loosen the loctite normally used (about 10-15 seconds with a regular cigarette lighter is usually enough), and one side is fixed, only one side is meant to rotate when undoing them.

The plier end shouldn't be keyed, both sides should be able to rotate but the screw side will move a lot easier than the post side.

I would heat the fastener and remove the screw using a couple blunt nosed pliers or vice grips.
Then heat the post side again and using a pin or similar scrap out all the old loctite.
Make sure the post side of the fastener is through both sides of the handle.
Apply some fresh loctite or thread locker and put the screw back in.
Be patient, take your time and it should work out for you.

Welcome to the forum Nick.

Nickthecook · **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2015, 05:28:22 PM

I'm assuming the screw side would be the back end of the tool? (the blank side with no stampings I.e. Leatherman tool, Portland OR, REG TM) when I look at the base of the screws the back side looks narrower, and the end with the lanyard is wide assuming that side is the fastener. Haha I apologize if my concerns sound amateur, I've never done any work to multitools before, I'm used to welding stuff if it breaks lol thanks in advance though guys and I'm glad to be apart of the forum!