Questionable Quality Control On My New Leatherman Surge

[markjclemmens]

I just wanted to post this hear and get some more opinions from those who have owned leatherman tools in the past. I just got the leatherman surge tool a few days ago, and I immediately noticed that the hole for the "bolt"/hinge point on the main pliers is slightly enlarged on the one half of the tool.  The hole on the other side is perfect.  It doesn't seem to affect the tool opening/closing, however I just didn't expect that kind of issue on a $100+ tool like this.  I see potential for dirt, etc, to collect in this space and cause issues in the future.  Measured with a caliper, the "gap" is about +/- 1/64".  The photos are linked below.

http://imgur.com/a/MDvle

The tool was bought from REI (they had to order it).  If it is worth returning it, should I contact REI or contact leatherman directly?

Thanks for the help,

[mley1]

Looks normal to me. Is it binding or making the pliers tips not meet up?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[markjclemmens]

Did you see all 3 photos in the link?  The first is the good side, the second and third photo are of the questionable side.

[ducttapetech]

Looks normal to me. Although, pics and seeing it in person are two different things.

[powernoodle]

Hey, Mark.  Welcome to MTO.   

I own 4x Surges, and just picked up the one that I carried through December.  It looks just like yours, meaning that it has that gap around the pivot (on one side of the tool).

I never noticed it before.

I can understand how you want things perfect, and so do I.  But in my view there is nothing wrong there, and it is probably within Leatherman's tolerances.  I've used the heck out of my Surge(s) and had no issues whatsoever arising from the pivot gap.  And as I say, I never noticed it until now. 

My view would be that you are good to go.  Just use that sucker and rock on.  Maybe give that pivot a micro sip of oil every 6 months, but I don't think you even have to do that.  If you get any issues in the next 25 years, send it back.  But that's not likely.

[captain spaulding]

Its normal as long as it is not causing functionality problems.

Is it raised up or flush?

[Aloha]

I see what you are saying.  The pivot hole or the actual pivot may not be perfectly round.  First let me Welcome you to MTO.  I had a look at what is on my desk and I am noticing the same in varying degrees.  The pic I took doesn't show it as well as your sorry but believe me.  I'd say if it really bothers you take it back to REI see what they say.  It should not hinder performance in any way and if it does LM has a 25 year warranty so your safe to use the tool as is.   

[bdAmmo]

Howdy, welcome to MTO. I personally don't see any issues with your Surge, here are a couple pics of mine for comparison.
 

[bdAmmo]

Ah! I see it now.  Yeah, pretty normal from what I've seen.

[markjclemmens]

Thanks for the replies.  Now that I know that this is not abnormal, I think I'll keep it.  I don't really see it being a problem other than collecting some dirt maybe; just wanted to check.  Thanks again,

Side note, does anybody know where to get replacement "tamper torx" screws that are used on this tool?

[bdAmmo]

Thanks for the replies.  Now that I know that this is not abnormal, I think I'll keep it.  I don't really see it being a problem other than collecting some dirt maybe; just wanted to check.  Thanks again,

Side note, does anybody know where to get replacement "tamper torx" screws that are used on this tool?

You got me on that one .  I think a lot of Leatherman screws are unique to their tools and getting Leatherman to send you any would be like pulling teeth.  Which screws exactly are you looking for?

[captain spaulding]

Thanks for the replies.  Now that I know that this is not abnormal, I think I'll keep it.  I don't really see it being a problem other than collecting some dirt maybe; just wanted to check.  Thanks again,

Side note, does anybody know where to get replacement "tamper torx" screws that are used on this tool?

Do you mean standard Torx? I am not aware of any Leatherman bits that are security Torx. 

Welcome to the forum by the way. 

[captain spaulding]

Wait do you mean the removable bits in the bit driver or the round (with teeth all the way around) pivot pin and screw that hold the tool toghether?

[mley1]

oooops. nevermind.

[mley1]

Thanks for the replies.  Now that I know that this is not abnormal, I think I'll keep it.  I don't really see it being a problem other than collecting some dirt maybe; just wanted to check.  Thanks again,

Side note, does anybody know where to get replacement "tamper torx" screws that are used on this tool?

Yes. Sears sells the security torx bits. And, you can get them from Texas Tool Crafters. In fact, Texas Tool Crafters sends two of the security torx bits with their replacement blades, if you buy the blades from them.

[taropal]

Hi My new Surge looks pretty even without the noticeable gap. My guess it is cosmetic in the manufacturing process. Leatherman Rocks!