Substantial Charge Tti overhaul

Continent · **on:** August 08, 2012, 02:07:25 AM

Just wanted to share my first leatherman modification. Although I always loved the Wave platform, I've always hated the tiny scissors. Good as they were, I really wanted large, outboard scissors like the Surge, but in a smaller tool. Upon discovering this forum and the truly amazing work of some of the contributors, I was inspired to do some work myself.

I started with a Charge Tti purchased from WalMart for $23.96 (not kidding-I stumbled onto some sort of pricing glitch and bought 3 of them. It was a good Christmas for all that year). The first mod I did was installing the Blast phillips head driver in place of the scissors and can opener. Then, I switched the saw with a set of Wingman Scissors. All it took was a little grinding to enlarge the hole and reshape the locking point. They work spectacularly. Finally, I traded the standard crimper-style plier head for the far superior Rebar heads. I couldn't be happier with the results.

My next plan is to relpace the jewelers screwdriver attachment with a small Blast flathead (tricky-it tends to bind) and last, but not least, I intend to cut down and grind the Blast file into a flathead screwdriver (giving me a 2-in-1 tool) to replace the large Charge flathead and replace the saw in favor of the Charge outboard file.

I'll keep you posted!

Continent · **Reply #1 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:18:51 AM

P.S.
Sorry for the substandard photos...

Metropolicity · **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:26:33 AM

Great work!

I've always thought about the scissors from a wingman for a mod, but I don;t like their finish...

I ended up taking a pair of scissors from a Gerber Flik which I feel are MUCH better than the wingman ones.

Breezy12 · **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:29:46 AM

nice work! I can't believe you managed to find the TTi for that cheap!

their error is your gain, I suppose. incredible.

re: adding the Wingman scissors -- you mention that it took a little grinding -- do you think this could be done if all I have to work with is a Dremel?

but most importantly, from one newbie to another -- great mod, and welcome to the forum!

Continent · **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:30:38 AM

I agree completely about the finish. Not what I like to think of as Leatherman quality. I read of your intention to use the Gerber scissors; were they a drop-in fit or did it take some doing to get them in?

Continent · **Reply #5 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:35:29 AM

Thanks Breezy12...And yes, I did it all with a Dremel, myself. Fortunately its thinner cheaper steel...

Breezy12 · **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:39:42 AM

Quote from: Continent on August 08, 2012, 02:35:29 AM

Thanks Breezy12...And yes, I did it all with a Dremel, myself. Fortunately its thinner cheaper steel...

thanks! that is good news for me... might have to pick up another Wingman and give this a shot.

Metropolicity · **Reply #7 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:50:38 AM

Quote from: Continent on August 08, 2012, 02:30:38 AM

I agree completely about the finish. Not what I like to think of as Leatherman quality. I read of your intention to use the Gerber scissors; were they a drop-in fit or did it take some doing to get them in?

The Pivot size was perfect as is. The back spring had to be pinned in place, not hard just but you do need a carbide bit to drill through the hardened steel. I also pushed the liner lock into the handle past its spring back point so it sat flush with the surface at the neutral point. Its like there is no liner lock at all.

No need for one, since the back spring is now integral to the scissors.

Great work once again!

Gareth · **Reply #8 on:** August 09, 2012, 11:03:13 AM

Great mod mate.

Jamie_M · **Reply #9 on:** August 09, 2012, 11:22:44 AM

Good mod, and a nice selection of tools.

rdub934 · **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2012, 09:33:19 PM

Wow, great work! I would love some outboard scissors on my Wave and I do have a Wingman. Maybe I will give this a go if I ever get the money for a Dremel.

Metropolicity · **Reply #11 on:** August 12, 2012, 09:49:12 PM

Quote from: rdub934 on August 12, 2012, 09:33:19 PM

Wow, great work! I would love some outboard scissors on my Wave and I do have a Wingman. Maybe I will give this a go if I ever get the money for a Dremel.

Sandpaper or a file and a vice will work too!

rdub934 · **Reply #12 on:** August 13, 2012, 12:32:09 AM

That sounds like it would be a painful process, Metro.

Metropolicity · **Reply #13 on:** August 13, 2012, 01:29:35 AM

Quote from: rdub934 on August 13, 2012, 12:32:09 AM

That sounds like it would be a painful process, Metro.

But it's cheaper than a dremel.

nuphoria · **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2012, 01:45:19 AM

Nice job you've done there. Congrat on picking up the Charge for that money too!

tattoosteve99 · **Reply #15 on:** August 13, 2012, 05:09:08 AM

Quote from: rdub934 on August 12, 2012, 09:33:19 PM

Wow, great work! I would love some outboard scissors on my Wave and I do have a Wingman. Maybe I will give this a go if I ever get the money for a Dremel.

Ashley has one for sale here