Original Wavea anomaly

[original man]

Hello to all!

Can you guys/gals help me out here a little?

I've got a 1999 original Wave and it looks like my handles
are slightly twisted. The tool has always worked well, but I
just noticed that the plier head and the handles are nor parallel to
each other. Is this normal for this tool or have I got some kind of
"special" version?

Thanks for anwsering.

J

[duckman1975]

Welcome to the forum! could you post picture please.

[original man]

Welcome to the forum! could you post picture please.

Thanks!

Yes, here are some pics, sorry for the bad quality. My camera has no macro mode.
As you can see, the handles are not straight. They seem to warp right in the middle.

[original man]

Welcome to the forum! could you post picture please.

Thanks!

Yes, here are some pics, sorry for the bad quality. My camera has no macro mode.
As you can see, the handles are not straight. They seem to warp right in the middle.

2 more pics.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Do you use the screwdriver with the handles in the 180 degree or "stretched" position?  If you do that, you can twist the handles as they don't have the same amount of support as they do when closed.  If that's the case, then I think it's virtually impossible to straighten them.  If the tool still works though I'd just keep using it, and keep this problem in mind so you don't continue to do it and make it any worse.

Welcome to the forum!

Def

[original man]

Do you use the screwdriver with the handles in the 180 degree or "stretched" position?  If you do that, you can twist the handles as they don't have the same amount of support as they do when closed.  If that's the case, then I think it's virtually impossible to straighten them.  If the tool still works though I'd just keep using it, and keep this problem in mind so you don't continue to do it and make it any worse.

Welcome to the forum!

Def

Whoa, you know what? You could be right about the screwdriver thing. Kinda shocking that it bends so easily. I haven't used it for super tough stuff tho.
Guess I'll just keep the little sucker as a beater and the new wave in my bag just in case?

[original man]

Do you use the screwdriver with the handles in the 180 degree or "stretched" position?  If you do that, you can twist the handles as they don't have the same amount of support as they do when closed.  If that's the case, then I think it's virtually impossible to straighten them.  If the tool still works though I'd just keep using it, and keep this problem in mind so you don't continue to do it and make it any worse.

Welcome to the forum!

Def

Oh yes and thanks for the welcome!

[Grant Lamontagne]

No problem... any time you need an excuse to buy a new multitool we are here to help! 

In fact, we'll be there to help you get a new one even when you don't need an excuse!

I can't intelligently discuss the metallurgical reasons for it, but I think it's more of a consistent thing than a one time hard screw thing.  The plier head inside the handle provides some rigidity against the twisting, but for obvious reasons doesn't help when it's stretched out.  As such, if I remember my physics correctly, you are actually putting more pressure on the unsupported handle when it's stretched out, since the plier head is supporting the other one.  When done repeatedly over time, the effects can be (as you've seen!) detrimental because they are cumulative.  Bend it a fraction of a degree each time, and use it say twice a week for ten years and you could end up with something quite noticeable.

Def

[Anthony]

If it's still useable, use it!

It is a pretty good excuse to get a new tool though

I thik of it this way...any lesser tool would have broke long abo.  Leatherman tools can take a beating, or a bending.

[donvito]

If you used it to unscrew for the past 9 years may I suggest to start screwing them in now  and 9 more years your handles will align.

[original man]

No problem... any time you need an excuse to buy a new multitool we are here to help! 

In fact, we'll be there to help you get a new one even when you don't need an excuse!

I can't intelligently discuss the metallurgical reasons for it, but I think it's more of a consistent thing than a one time hard screw thing.  The plier head inside the handle provides some rigidity against the twisting, but for obvious reasons doesn't help when it's stretched out.  As such, if I remember my physics correctly, you are actually putting more pressure on the unsupported handle when it's stretched out, since the plier head is supporting the other one.  When done repeatedly over time, the effects can be (as you've seen!) detrimental because they are cumulative.  Bend it a fraction of a degree each time, and use it say twice a week for ten years and you could end up with something quite noticeable.

Def

Jep, I think that you are right about the consistency part. Gee I've been screwing around for 9 years... Gotta get me some real friends now huh? 

[original man]

If it's still useable, use it!

It is a pretty good excuse to get a new tool though

I thik of it this way...any lesser tool would have broke long abo.  Leatherman tools can take a beating, or a bending.

True words my friend. 

[original man]

If you used it to unscrew for the past 9 years may I suggest to start screwing them in now  and 9 more years your handles will align.

Good one donvito! 

[duckman1975]

Those anomalies makes our multitool unique like the rattle on my Surge.

[original man]

Those anomalies makes our multitool unique like the rattle on my Surge.

Next level thinking I guess? But it still hurts when multi takes hits...

[Grant Lamontagne]

They aren't "anomalies,""warpage,""twists," or "dents."  They are character marks, and like Corrugated says, only the best tools last long enough to develop character!

Don't believe me?  How many scars have you got?  How many stitches and band aids have you been through in your life?  Is it time to toss you in the trash?  Don't let the mother in law answer that for you!  It's experience and character, two things engineers can't replicate any more than a wet behind the ears college kid (sorry Roadie and Spoony!  ) can!

No one can say you don't know what you are doing when your tools have logged that many miles! 

Def

[Roadie]

It's experience and character, two things engineers can't replicate any more than a wet behind the ears college kid (sorry Roadie and Spoony!  ) can!

Damn

[duckman1975]

Those anomalies makes our multitool unique like the rattle on my Surge.

Next level thinking I guess? But it still hurts when multi takes hits...

I know it hurts but thats what they are here for they take the hits so you don't have to, hope I made sense 

[Poncho65]

Welcome to the forum OM