First day out, and my Surge bit the big one.

[AimlessWanderer]

I certainly hope this is an isolated anomaly with this particular Surge. If all the tools with that plier head act in the same manner it would not be good. I feel like I didn't put very much force on the pliers, and certainly don't think it should have broken in the manner that it did.

If the Wave did it, the Surge should have too. The break is away from the wire cutters, so there's no reason to blame them (this time) from what I can see. If the larger blades and scissors (though smaller saw and file) work for you and the pliers fit your hand well, then by all means stick with the surge. Personally, I find the Surge to large and too splayed to use it efficiently, and find the Wave a better "fit", though I would like to see Surger type scissors on the outside at the expense of one of the blades (not saw or file)

If you haven't noticed already in other threads, I am very critical of Leatherman tools, particularly the newer ones, but a casting defect of this kind could happen on any cast pliers on any tool by any manufacturer. You just got a duff one, and they'll put that right  Despite my own opinions I would recommend reserving judgement until you get the replacement and see what that one is capable of.

 

[zoidberg]

I certainly hope this is an isolated anomaly with this particular Surge. If all the tools with that plier head act in the same manner it would not be good. I feel like I didn't put very much force on the pliers, and certainly don't think it should have broken in the manner that it did.

If the Wave did it, the Surge should have too. The break is away from the wire cutters, so there's no reason to blame them (this time) from what I can see. If the larger blades and scissors (though smaller saw and file) work for you and the pliers fit your hand well, then by all means stick with the surge. Personally, I find the Surge to large and too splayed to use it efficiently, and find the Wave a better "fit", though I would like to see Surger type scissors on the outside at the expense of one of the blades (not saw or file)

If you haven't noticed already in other threads, I am very critical of Leatherman tools, particularly the newer ones, but a casting defect of this kind could happen on any cast pliers on any tool by any manufacturer. You just got a duff one, and they'll put that right  Despite my own opinions I would recommend reserving judgement until you get the replacement and see what that one is capable of.

 

Saw and file aren't smaller.   

[mley1]

I believe your right. This is a very rare case. The Surge is a heavy duty tool and I have put my threw hell and back and it ask for more with a side of barb wire and nails.

I'll be anxiously waiting for my new Surge to get here!! I gots me more work to do!!! 

Time to use the ST300.   

I actually have a new in the box black oxide ST 300 in my safe. It's getting wrapped as a Christmas gift to my step dad. He loves tools, and doesn't have a good Leatherman. So, it's being saved, in pristine new shape for him. I have a black oxide Surge, new in the box, in my safe. Alas, it's being wrapped as a Christmas gift for my 16yr old son. So, it's being saved. The only Leatherman I can use, IF she'll let me, is my wife's Wave. So, till I get my Surge back, or luck into a deal on the auction site, I'll be asking permission to use my WIFE's tool!!! Oh the indignity................

[mley1]

I certainly hope this is an isolated anomaly with this particular Surge. If all the tools with that plier head act in the same manner it would not be good. I feel like I didn't put very much force on the pliers, and certainly don't think it should have broken in the manner that it did.

If the Wave did it, the Surge should have too. The break is away from the wire cutters, so there's no reason to blame them (this time) from what I can see. If the larger blades and scissors (though smaller saw and file) work for you and the pliers fit your hand well, then by all means stick with the surge. Personally, I find the Surge to large and too splayed to use it efficiently, and find the Wave a better "fit", though I would like to see Surger type scissors on the outside at the expense of one of the blades (not saw or file)

If you haven't noticed already in other threads, I am very critical of Leatherman tools, particularly the newer ones, but a casting defect of this kind could happen on any cast pliers on any tool by any manufacturer. You just got a duff one, and they'll put that right  Despite my own opinions I would recommend reserving judgement until you get the replacement and see what that one is capable of.

 

The Wave fits my hand well, but does seem a bit smallish. The Surge had EVERYTHING I wanted in a multi-tool. While it is a large tool I liked using it, the short time I got to use it. And, had it not broken I'm quite sure I would have put most all the other tools on it to good use. I really loved the versatility of being able to use different saw blades with it. And, I purchased a real nice bit kit and bit extension for it. Everything fit real nice in the supplied nylon sheath that it came with. So, I really do like the Surge. It was on my belt all day, even after it got broken. I put the broken piece in my pocket, and I ended up using the saw blade on it to clear out some of the brush that was along the fence.

[AimlessWanderer]

Saw and file aren't smaller.   

Now you've said that, I've a feeling you might have pulled me up on that point before (though it is nearly 1:30am). Why have I got that stuck in my head?  I know there's some reason why I felt the Wave's saw and file are better, and thought it was the size, but after looking at pics it seems the working length doesn't suffer at all. Must be another reason - can't remember. It's a long time since I handled a Surge. I'll probably forget the Surge ones aren't smaller and say they are at a later time anyway, so maybe next time you pull me up on it I'll remember what the issue really is 

[zoidberg]

Saw and file aren't smaller.   

Now you've said that, I've a feeling you might have pulled me up on that point before (though it is nearly 1:30am). Why have I got that stuck in my head?  I know there's some reason why I felt the Wave's saw and file are better, and thought it was the size, but after looking at pics it seems the working length doesn't suffer at all. Must be another reason - can't remember. It's a long time since I handled a Surge. I'll probably forget the Surge ones aren't smaller and say they are at a later time anyway, so maybe next time you pull me up on it I'll remember what the issue really is 

Back to normal programming eh.      They might be easier to use on the Wave.

I find it funny (more when talking about knives) how people often consider the tool but not their own know how or physical ability.

Money can't buy you experience.

[AimlessWanderer]

Saw and file aren't smaller.   

Now you've said that, I've a feeling you might have pulled me up on that point before (though it is nearly 1:30am). Why have I got that stuck in my head?  I know there's some reason why I felt the Wave's saw and file are better, and thought it was the size, but after looking at pics it seems the working length doesn't suffer at all. Must be another reason - can't remember. It's a long time since I handled a Surge. I'll probably forget the Surge ones aren't smaller and say they are at a later time anyway, so maybe next time you pull me up on it I'll remember what the issue really is 

Back to normal programming eh.      They might be easier to use on the Wave.

I find it funny (more when talking about knives) how people often consider the tool but not their own know how or physical ability.

Money can't buy you experience.

I know what you mean mate. I feel the same way on the lock vs slippie agenda. Some feel more comfortable with the lock, and I generally feel more comfortable without. Different techniques, different experience. Not better or worse, just different  Much of my tool preference these days is based on what I know about me not the product, what I can get from a tool set, and where my own limitations are.

As to the saw and file thing, it may have just been a perception thing, like me finding a PPP's tools inside a Powerlock and feeling a bit short changed

[SAK Guy]

My CORE broke in the exact same place when I was straightening stays on a barb wire fence. Leatherman replaced with another one. It was the torquing that snapped it. I didn't even twist very hard.

Added:

Re-read your post and my wife was working with me too and I finished the job with her CORE.

Could the wives be bad luck??

We'll see. I now have a replacement CORE and no wife so the testing parameters are in place.

[detron]

My CORE broke in the exact same place when I was straightening stays on a barb wire fence. Leatherman replaced with another one. It was the torquing that snapped it. I didn't even twist very hard.

Added:

Re-read your post and my wife was working with me too and I finished the job with her CORE.

Could the wives be bad luck??

We'll see. I now have a replacement CORE and no wife so the testing parameters are in place.

well stated!

[SAK Guy]

My CORE broke in the exact same place when I was straightening stays on a barb wire fence. Leatherman replaced with another one. It was the torquing that snapped it. I didn't even twist very hard.

Added:

Re-read your post and my wife was working with me too and I finished the job with her CORE.

Side loading it?

One of the stays (a heavy twisted pair of wires that stabilize the the barbed wire between fence posts) was bent at a 90 on the bottom so I tried to twist it back and SNAP!!! So I guess it was.

[pietervn]

G'Day Mate,

Sorry to see that your pliers broke. They 'should' be stronger than that.

I wonder if there has been a dodgy batch of plier-heads. I have had two Muts tighten up after some electrical wiring cutting and a brand new SS Surge that has gone back once already with a biting / tight plier head. The first time I took it back they said to me the two plier bits were not "in" properly. I am going to take it in again tomorrow as it is just not right. Date code Mr Z 0814. I don't have the codes for the two MUTs though. My BO Surge with Date code 1113 (I think) is perfect. Go figure.

Will report back tomorrow.

Pete

[zoidberg]

G'Day Mate,

Sorry to see that your pliers broke. They 'should' be stronger than that.

I wonder if there has been a dodgy batch of plier-heads. I have had two Muts tighten up after some electrical wiring cutting and a brand new SS Surge that has gone back once already with a biting / tight plier head. The first time I took it back they said to me the two plier bits were not "in" properly. I am going to take it in again tomorrow as it is just not right. Date code Mr Z 0814. I don't have the codes for the two MUTs though. My BO Surge with Date code 1113 (I think) is perfect. Go figure.

Will report back tomorrow.

Pete

Fine or coarse plier heads?   

[pietervn]

Both Surges have the Fine Head. I'm not to sure about the MUTs, it was last year during the December Challenge. I'll have a look at the old pictures and see if I can find which ones.

[mley1]

Sent my Surge out in the mail this morning to Portland. Hopefully, it won't take them long to either fix it or send me a new one. I sure liked the tool, and I certainly hope the new one lasts longer than the last one.

[pietervn]

G'Day,

Well I finally got to go to Leatherman Oz on Monday. They took the Surge away and it came back a few minutes later smooth and working as the pliers should. There were a few more marks on the one side of the head. I could not get any more info out of  them other then "Try it now". It will get a workout over the next few days and see how it holds up. It is still not as smooth as the BO one.

I'll update the thread in a few more days once I have given the Surge a good workout. Cutting and squeezing...

Cheers,

Pete

[mley1]

I got my Surge back today, good as new. They replaced the plier head. The new plier head seems to work a bit smoother than the last one. Looks like they did a good job. The tools inside are a bit looser than before. I'm guessing because they had to take the tool apart to repair it. I may buy the security bits to tighten it up a bit if necessary. I'm happy with the customer service of Leatherman in this case. They responded quickly to my email. And, the turn around was only 12 days to get a fully repaired and functional tool. There's not many companies who can beat that.

So, now I gotta see how tough this tool really is. I'm gonna have to find some hard work for this Surge to do. We'll see how it goes from here.

[mley1]

Good as new. And seems to work much smoother than the previous pliers head.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[styx]

Glad to see you got that fixed

[ducttapetech]

Good deal!

[ToolJoe]

LM customer service comes through again! 

[mley1]

Yea, Leatherman customer service did come through. A 12 day turnaround is not too bad, less than two weeks, and right before Christmas. So, I'd say EXCELLENT customer service. I really wasn't expecting the tool to be back until after the first of the year. So, It was a pleasant surprise yesterday.

[WoodsDuck]

If I may weigh in on the point about pliers tightening up-

Both my Surge and my Rebar will tighten up a bit after being squeezed hard. The Rebar was damn near impossible to re-open after I used it to cut a bit of coat hanger early on. But after some use, and multiple tightening incidents, the effect grew less and less until it all but vanished. I've seen numerous mentions of this online, and one video on the subject.

On a partially related note, I just recently realized my Surge has two date codes stamped in it 

[zoidberg]

On a partially related note, I just recently realized my Surge has two date codes stamped in it 

Each handle is date stamped. Tools are put together from parts bins. It is not unusual to have mismatched date codes on a new tool.

[WoodsDuck]

On a partially related note, I just recently realized my Surge has two date codes stamped in it 

Each handle is date stamped. Tools are put together from parts bins. It is not unusual to have mismatched date codes on a new tool.

Huh. I'm always learning something on this forum 

[zoidberg]

On a partially related note, I just recently realized my Surge has two date codes stamped in it 

Each handle is date stamped. Tools are put together from parts bins. It is not unusual to have mismatched date codes on a new tool.

Huh. I'm always learning something on this forum 

As am I.