The file tool on my Wave is loose, serrated edge tip gets stuck -- can I fix it?

[JazzPorcupine]

Hi,

I've had this Leatherman Wave since 2011 or so. The date stamps on the handles are 0211 (serrated edge side) and 0311 (straight edge side). I don't remember when this started happening. When I have the tool open and the pliers out the file just falls down. I can push it back in but it just falls down again. When I have the tool closed the file stays put.

The liner lock on the file is also really tough to push in. It's significantly harder than any of the other liner locks.

The file tool is also wobbly in the opened and locked position.

The serrated edge gets slightly stuck when opening the blade. It looks like the tip hits the bottom

Is there anything I can do to fix these issues or do I need to send it in for repairs?

[Poncho65]

Sounds like the pivot that the file is on needs tightening to me Is the serrated blade in the same handle as the file (I don't have one near me to look at ATM or I wouldn't be asking)  

[Poncho65]

Also welcome to

[JazzPorcupine]

Sounds like the pivot that the file is on needs tightening to me Is the serrated blade in the same handle as the file (I don't have one near me to look at ATM or I wouldn't be asking)  

Also welcome to

Thanks

I have the security torx bits and tried to tighten the side with the file and it just made the straight edge near impossible to open. The serrated blade is on the other handle, which I also tried to tighten and loosen but it's still hitting the edge of the bottom edge like the blade is out of alignment.

[Kev D]

Has it been taken apart before and is missing one of the copper washers? or one of them worn through/damaged?

[Kev D]

almost forgot, welcome to the forum 

[Poncho65]

Has it been taken apart before and is missing one of the copper washers? or one of them worn through/damaged?

This would be my next question  Good one Kevin

[Mechanickal]

Welcome!

Sadly I can not help you with this.

However, if you don't find a solution to this, buy a Spirit and you won't have issues like this

[JazzPorcupine]

almost forgot, welcome to the forum 

Thanks

Not that I know of. Is there a way to look and see if it's been taken apart? One side I can't remove the security screw, like it's locked in there. The other one I can loosen.

[Kev D]

almost forgot, welcome to the forum 

Thanks

Not that I know of. Is there a way to look and see if it's been taken apart? One side I can't remove the security screw, like it's locked in there. The other one I can loosen.

I can see them when I check my rebar by opening it and looking closely at the pivot point inside. There's a small copper/brass washer either side of the plier pivot between the plier and the side. I'll check on one of my waves when I get home from work and see if I can see it on those to and take a pic to show you.

[Aloha]

The torx bits are held in place with loctite so heating with a lighter will be necessary. 

Is the looseness a matter of the tool being broken in?  I have had several Waves come thru my hands and in time and with use the tools do become loose. 

I have a Wave in hand as I type and the file is easily opened and closed.  Just the slightest effort needed both opening and closing.  The liner lock engages with a audible click and is easy to depress to close.  My pliers are also pretty broke in and when opened wobble.  Not much can be done other than tap the plier pivot to tighten them. 

As far as the SE blade catching on something when trying to open  .  Could be the liner lock is pressing hard against the blades detent. 

I'd probably send it in instead of fooling with it.  Can you be without the tool for a little bit?

[JazzPorcupine]

I can see them when I check my rebar by opening it and looking closely at the pivot point inside. There's a small copper/brass washer either side of the plier pivot between the plier and the side. I'll check on one of my waves when I get home from work and see if I can see it on those to and take a pic to show you.

Pictures would be great, thanks!

I'd probably send it in instead of fooling with it.  Can you be without the tool for a little bit?

That's what I was thinking. I don't have a problem with not having the tool for a bit, I have a swiss army knife I can use.

[Top-Gear-24]

...
As far as the SE blade catching on something when trying to open  .  Could be the liner lock is pressing hard against the blades detent. 
...

Could it be that the safety (you know, the thingy that prevents the blade from opening while using the pliers) is a bit too long, so it "secures" the SE blade even when the pliers are closed ?

I've had the same thing happen on my BO Wave, and I had to use my stainless Wave's file to file down the tip of the safety a bit.  Don't know if I'm making sense, English is not my native language ... 


Maybe some pics will make it more clear, here you see the tip of the safety that I made a bit shorter using my other Wave's file, see the small stainless dot in the pics, right next to the liner lock  .





I mentioned this in another topic some time ago, for those who want to check out that topic, click here.

P.S.  Welcome to  , the best place on the internet  .

[Kev D]

Here's a photo showing the washers. On the wave they are between the tools and the frame as shown in the photo. It's worth checking they are there if the tools bind up really bad when the screws are tightened.

You can just see the edges of them in the photo. It was easiest to see on a BO one as they stand out better in a photo.

[Kev D]

...
As far as the SE blade catching on something when trying to open  .  Could be the liner lock is pressing hard against the blades detent. 
...

Could it be that the safety (you know, the thingy that prevents the blade from opening while using the pliers) is a bit too long, so it "secures" the SE blade even when the pliers are closed ?

I've had the same thing happen on my BO Wave, and I had to use my stainless Wave's file to file down the tip of the safety a bit.  Don't know if I'm making sense, English is not my native language ... 


Maybe some pics will make it more clear, here you see the tip of the safety that I made a bit shorter using my other Wave's file, see the small stainless dot in the pics, right next to the liner lock  .





I mentioned this in another topic some time ago, for those who want to check out that topic, click here.

P.S.  Welcome to  , the best place on the internet  .

This is the safety Top-Gear-24 is referring to, if it's a little long it can bind up the blades. It could also be an indication that the washer is missing to, as the blade will sit a fraction of a millimeter lower and catch the safety.

[JazzPorcupine]

Thanks guys, I ended up sending it to Leatherman. I didn't want to take it apart and try to fix it.