There is no bearing, just a press fit metal pivot. My Surge is a bit stiff as well but all my Leathermans have loosened over time and use.
Could be a bit of metal within the pivot? Could be a burr? I imagine the prolonged use are the parts will "grinding" each other smooth . Maybe try flushing out the pivot with thinner oil as you open and close the tool. You might see some black gunk coming out. Keep flushing out wiping as you go. You could dip plier head into oil as you open and close just so you can operate tool . I've had a couple tools that were a bit stiff but they worked themselves out with use. Dont know if this will help, just rambling.
Quote from: Aloha on February 01, 2019, 05:42:48 PMCould be a bit of metal within the pivot? Could be a burr? I imagine the prolonged use are the parts will "grinding" each other smooth . Maybe try flushing out the pivot with thinner oil as you open and close the tool. You might see some black gunk coming out. Keep flushing out wiping as you go. You could dip plier head into oil as you open and close just so you can operate tool . I've had a couple tools that were a bit stiff but they worked themselves out with use. Dont know if this will help, just rambling. That is very likely the case.I have been trying with different oils, but they don't really seem to make any real difference to be honest, even the penetrating oil.Just strange they would leave the factory with a pivoting point without a turned surface...almost like taking two cast surfaces and pressing them together.