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Best way to rehab my Supertool

lew · 35 · 2130

Offline lew

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Best way to rehab my Supertool
on: December 29, 2017, 11:17:29 PM
I got the original Supertool as a present when it came out.  I never used it and put it in a drawer in my toolbox.  Earlier this year, I decided to start carrying it and got it out of the drawer. It looked brand new (no rust) but the blades were frozen in place.  I oiled it with gun oil and managed to get the blades free but they were too hard to move and it seemed dangerous to use.  What's the best way to free them up?  Meanwhile, I bought a Rebar and am quite pleased with it but it doesn't seem as heavy duty as the Supertool.


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #1 on: December 29, 2017, 11:35:25 PM
Welcome to the forum  :cheers:

Try soaking the pivots in WD40 overnight and then work the tools back and forth opening and closing them and they should loosen up. You could also loosen the pivots bolts with a tool you can get from loki-mobile here in the buy and sell.


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #2 on: December 30, 2017, 12:21:55 AM
Welcome to :MTO: and I agree with Steve :tu:


ie Offline Don Pablo

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #3 on: December 30, 2017, 12:33:50 AM
Only Leathermans.... can rust when left in a drawer.....  :facepalm: :whistle: :P :rofl:

Welcome to MTO! (aka the rabbit hole).  :salute: :like:


Hooked, like everyone else. ;)

All hail the hook!


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #4 on: December 30, 2017, 01:15:31 AM
Only Leathermans.... can rust when left in a drawer.....  :facepalm: :whistle: :P :rofl:

Welcome to MTO! (aka the rabbit hole).  :salute: :like:


 :twak:  he specifically said in the OP that there was no rust.

Maybe you should brush up on your reading skills Pabs   :pok:    :D


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #5 on: December 30, 2017, 02:01:58 AM
You know how the young generation is ::) they proofread mostly and spell horribly :D Also destroy can openers :facepalm: :rofl:


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #6 on: December 30, 2017, 03:02:07 AM
Lol !    :D


us Offline gerleatherberman

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #7 on: December 30, 2017, 04:33:26 AM
Someone should break the news to Pablo that all MTs/knives with dry oil in the pivots need some maintenance.  Even SAKs. Yeah. I said it. :pok: :D

Now Lew, keep in mind, the original ST is naturally tight, because of the crazy strong locking tab. Even lubricated and loosened, it will need a break in period for the tools to be easy to get in and out. It is worth it though. Hard to beat an OG ST in simplistic toughness. :tu:
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es Offline ThePeacent

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #8 on: December 30, 2017, 02:12:45 PM
good pick on the Rebar. May not seem as though as the ST but it its stronger than most would give it credit for, especially compared to similar sized MTs.

 :salute:
My toys:

MTs: Surge (2x), Skeletool CX, Rebar, Blast, Fuse, Micra, Squirt (3x), Wave, Crunch, Mini, Spirit (2x), Pro Scout, MP700 (2x), Diesel, Powerlock, PowerPlier (2x), PocketPowerPlier, Blacktip , ST6 (2x), 5WR, A100

SAKs: Bantam, Executive, Ambassador, Minichamp, Classic Alox, Champion, Farmer, Explorer, Swisschamp, Golf Tool, Wenger Champ, EVO 52, Pocket Tool Chest


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #9 on: December 30, 2017, 03:14:53 PM
good pick on the Rebar. May not seem as though as the ST but it its stronger than most would give it credit for, especially compared to similar sized MTs.

 :salute:

I agree that the Rebar is a very sturdy tool and I have used one quite a bit over the years and have never had problems with it :tu:


us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #10 on: December 30, 2017, 03:33:41 PM
An original SuperTool!  You are so lucky. 
Many do not realize that a unbroken in LM is the ultimate Fidget toy.

As said spray or soak the pivots in WD-40 or light gun oil, wipe away access and the open on close.

It can be a great stress reliever, but stay focus with the sharp tools ;).


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If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

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us Offline Aloha

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #11 on: December 30, 2017, 03:45:24 PM
They guys have you sorted so I'll just say enjoy the Supertool. 
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline ThundahBeagle

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #12 on: December 31, 2017, 02:39:49 AM
Hi Lew and welcome. Whereas the other guys have directed you well, I will just add...be careful opening the tools on this thing. If you open all of the tools on one side all the way, they will all be locked open, and you won't have any with which to slip joint the locking tab with. You'd have to get a screwdriver or spudger or something to pry the lock tab up a bit.

I have two original Super Tools and they are among the best, strongest, simplest, and most reliable multitools I've ever handled. The least complicated, fewest moving parts you will find on a locking multi tool. Just mind the sharps as you open the second tool to unlock the first. This is unlike the modern stuff.

The Rebar is a downsized version of the current Super Tool, the super tool 300. It only has one less screwdriver. While not quite as heavy duty as the Super Tool, It is strong nonetheless. Working in an IDF switch stack, my immediate superior used a power drill to remove a screw from the rack and the screw head got stripped. Rebar's Phillips head to the rescue. I put strong inward pressure on the screw while adding torque, and slowly brought the screw out far enough where I could then work it with the Rebar plyers. Got the screw out with no damage to the Rebar that I could see.
« Last Edit: December 31, 2017, 02:41:56 AM by ThundahBeagle »


Offline lew

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #13 on: January 01, 2018, 08:06:37 PM
Thanks for the replies.  I've tried WD-40 and the outside pivots are loose but the tools all stick together; they can be individually moved using 2 pliers but not by hand.  I'll keep trying.  Are they hard to take apart?  Maybe taking it apart, cleaning each tool, and reassembling would work.  Meanwhile, I'm loving my Rebar.


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #14 on: January 01, 2018, 09:00:18 PM
They are not hard to take apart with the right tools. I would highly recommend getting loki-mobiles Leatherman wrenches.

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,61708.msg1581765.html#msg1581765

You can do it with vise grips and pliers but you will damage the bolts in the process lokis tools are the way to go.


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #15 on: January 01, 2018, 11:25:23 PM
I also 2nd the wrenches :salute: :like:


Offline lew

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #16 on: January 02, 2018, 05:28:43 PM
Constantly worked the tools while watching the playoff games last night and gave it another overnight soak in WD-40, and I am now able to open all my tools individually.  The outside tools (knife, file, etc.) open easily but the inside tools, especially the awl and can opener, are still very stiff.  My Rebar broke in quickly and I can access all the tools easily.  Are the inside tools on the Supertool always going to be stiff because of the way it locks?  How "broken in" can I expect my Supertool to get?  Will the inside tools ever get as easy to open as the outside tools?

BTW, thanks for all the input.  I was going to put the Supertool back in the drawer for another 20 years before coming here.


us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #17 on: January 02, 2018, 06:12:08 PM
Sounds like you are making progress.

The inside tools will also work free.  Yet most LZm tools do CLUMP, that is when you access one, the tools on either side may follow up, yet they should slide back down individually with light pressure. 


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If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

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us Offline SteveC

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #18 on: January 02, 2018, 06:22:09 PM
^ This 

The Rebar has washers in between each tool where as the OG doesn't. The way I open the inside tools on the OG ST is to open one of the outside tools which in turn pulls open a clump of inside tools.


00 Offline Dutch_Tooler

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #19 on: January 03, 2018, 10:36:08 AM
My Rebars didn't...
Even in their original guise there was one thicker washer on one handle of each (0.5 mm), plus 2 thinner washers on each tool pivot separating the larger outer tools from the smaller central ones (i.e. a total of 4 per Rebar), but not in between the smaller (central) ones... but I don't mind, helps pulling the smaller tools out.

Anyway lew, I agree with Steve and Ponch on the wrenches. Should you have no success breaking in the tools by lubricating/soaking, the next step would be to slightly loosen the screws.
Cheers!
Dutch_Tooler

Location: Southern Germany, most of the time


us Offline tango44

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #20 on: January 03, 2018, 02:23:47 PM
WD40 for a few days will loose it!
Enjoy!


us Offline SteveC

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #21 on: January 03, 2018, 02:29:36 PM
My Rebars didn't...
Even in their original guise there was one thicker washer on one handle of each (0.5 mm), plus 2 thinner washers on each tool pivot separating the larger outer tools from the smaller central ones (i.e. a total of 4 per Rebar), but not in between the smaller (central) ones... but I don't mind, helps pulling the smaller tools out.

Anyway lew, I agree with Steve and Ponch on the wrenches. Should you have no success breaking in the tools by lubricating/soaking, the next step would be to slightly loosen the screws.

You are correct  :salute:     I was going by my faulty memory   ;)

The Blast is the one with washers between each tool, no clumping.


Offline lew

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #22 on: January 21, 2018, 11:05:39 PM
I got the inside tools working but didn't feel safe opening them without gloves.  I called Leatherman and explained there was nothing wrong with it but I couldn't get the inner tools freed up after 25 years in a drawer.  They said send it in.  I got it back Friday and I don't know what they did, but it works great.  Still harder to open than my Rebar, but completely usable.  Great customer service.


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #23 on: January 21, 2018, 11:15:19 PM
That is great to hear about the Supertool :tu: and it sounds like LM cs did great :like: :like:


gb Offline Wspeed

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #24 on: January 21, 2018, 11:21:21 PM
That is good customer service! warranty is only twenty five years  :like:
fail to prepare prepare to fail


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #25 on: January 22, 2018, 04:43:51 AM
Only Leathermans.... can rust when left in a drawer..... 

Or buried in the ground for a year.







gb Offline Wspeed

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #26 on: January 22, 2018, 02:06:57 PM
Ouch that looks nasty  :oops:
Only Leathermans.... can rust when left in a drawer..... 

Or buried in the ground for a year.

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)
fail to prepare prepare to fail


us Offline tango44

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #27 on: January 22, 2018, 02:48:08 PM
Send it back to Leatherman, they will clean it and make it right for you!
Enjoy!


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #28 on: January 22, 2018, 07:45:38 PM
I did it on purpose.  I would link to the thread, but all of the pics are decroded because Photobucket turned nasty.  I also buried a Gerber for a year.


us Offline Poncho65

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Re: Best way to rehab my Supertool
Reply #29 on: January 22, 2018, 11:37:11 PM
I did it on purpose.  I would link to the thread, but all of the pics are decroded because Photobucket turned nasty.  I also buried a Gerber for a year.

There is a fix for the PB thing, powernoodle :salute: I think the thread is in the Break Room and Whoey provided the info get the pics off PB and onto MTO :tu:

I need to go and find that link :cheers:


 

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