Issue with Juice S2

[chrono]

So I recently acquired a old-version Juice S2. While I am happy with the tool condition overall (all implements look unused, minimal paint loss), I have two issues with this one:
- Plier jaw wedge: when closing the tool, the plier jaw on the three flat-head screwdriver side tends to get wedged with the middle one. A close observation shows that there is very little mismatch between the screwdriver angle and the jaw, plus a small play (wiggle-able) between the jaw and the pivot. These two conditions make it possible for the two parts wedging each other. I ended up scratching both parts when first tried closing the tool. I think others stated this problem before.

- The scissor spring bar stuck: not sure if it is correct to call it a "spring bar", you know the piece of metal that help with scissor blade release. Mine does not spring back clockwise, rendering the scissor pretty much useless. You can see in my attached picture this condition.

Does anyone have remedy for the scissors problem? I really like this tool for its color and form factor. I hesitate to send this in for a warranty claim, as I may lose this design, but the loss of the scissors really annoys me. Is the new design any good?
 

[rishardh]

The scissors need to be opened all the way until it snaps into position for the spring to function. I think the backbone spring (not the scissor spring) and a notch in the scissors does this. By looking at your pic it seems like it could be opened a little more compared to my S2 but pics can be deceiving (due to camera angles). Did you try cleaning that pivot area?

From what I know the only difference between the old and new Juice line are the scales and blade length. I have seen old Juice models with broken back springs on ebay so may be LM strengthen those as well but do not know for sure.

[rishardh]

Upon closer inspection I see two back springs used for the scissors. One for the scissor body and one for the scissor spring. If the scissors snaps open (no sound btw, feel only) inspect the scissor spring.

[chrono]

Thank you for a reply. Yes, the scissors are open all the way, with the scissor body spring locked in. The problem is with the other one (closest to the scale). After the first cut, the spring is stuck and does not spring back. I did not try cleaning the pivot area yet. How do you suggest the cleaning procedure? Just spray some oil and work it back and forth?

[rishardh]

I generally use WD 40. I know some who have put theirs in the dishwasher and then WD 40 but I have never had to do that. The heat and soap will loosen up sticky substances and then WD 40 will dry out any moisture left and also lubricate it lightly.

[captain spaulding]

If you have not cleaned it I can safely say that will most likely fix the spring not "springing" back. I would personally wash the entire tool with warm water and dish soap using a old toothbrush to scrub with. Really focus on the spring area and once its all soapy manually open and close the scissors as well as manually move the spring around to hopefully clean underneath the spring. Rinse everything well and make sure to move all tools and the spring back and forth under the water to help clear any debris out.

[chrono]

Cap,

Thank you for the tip. The warm water and soap trick worked.  I didn't get around it until today. Now only if the wedging problem disappears on its own 

[captain spaulding]

Glad it worked out for you. 

The pliers wedging between the drivers when closing is probably not going to get fixed. Hate to tell you, but that's how it goes. On the upside you can ovoid it jamming by changing the way you close the tool. I do this for all Leathermans as I have had this problem with multiple models. I will try to explain but its tough. If you do not understand I will take some pictures. What I do is when the tool is folded open completely position the tool with pliers facing the sky. Place both pointer fingers on both sides of the pliers head. Grab both handles and place thumbs on the back of the tool. Put pressure on the pliers head to keep them from opening and push both handles closed. Once the handles reach your finger continue to close and slide your fingers down and out. The plier head will completely bypass where it would of got hung up and its closed. I know this sounds like a lot of work to close the tool, but its not at all it just sounds like it because I am trying to explain it. It becomes second nature and I naturally close all folding multitools like that now. One thing is I do not do this with the Juice regularly and do not have my juice handy to try it as the size of the tool is smaller than the tools I close this way. Should work just try not to pinch your fingers.

[rishardh]

Awesome 

[chrono]

Yeah, I am "training" myself to deal with the issue on the S2. The way I am getting around it is to close it twice basically. First, I close the tool normally with both hands holding the handles. Then, just when both jaws of the pliers enter the channels, I reopen the tool slightly, and close normally. The extra step is to get the jaws pass the position, which can get them wedged in the flat head screwdriver group, then the jaws can "slide" normally. I did not have wedging problem with fatter models like XE6, SC4, and Pro. They close with a satisfying snapping sound. I think the S2 scales may have flexed a little bit, that allows the wedging to happen.