Yet another PST Restoration Thread

DaveK · **on:** January 25, 2009, 06:05:56 PM

I recently acquired a PST from ebay. The listing said that there was "some rust" on one side of the tool, but on the other side it had rusted so badly that the seller couldn't actually get the tools to open.

Well, I like a challenge, and it arrived yesterday.

I couldn't get the tools on the side with the file to open either, totally seized up with rust, so it was a WD40 bath, and then out with the Crunch and Kick pocket clips to start taking it apart.

I've done a few of these now, but usually, the rust is just near the surface and can be removed fairly easily. Not so with this one. The previous owner said that it had been in his shed for at least 5 years, and this made for the worst condition PST I've ever seen!

Totally disassembled it looked pretty horrible:

With hindsight, I should have taken a few more "before" photos, but I was determined to get it finished last night and forgot to take any. I did get these though, showing the clip point blade before and after:

As usual, the biggest challenge for rust removal is always the file, but I had a decent crack at it, and whilst there are still clear marks. it's perfectly acceptable and useable as I hope the below pictures show.

I managed to assemble it without damage to the knurled screws, and used a fine grit sandpaper to remove some of the deeper scratches on the handles, and I hope you'll agree that this is now a nice little tool again. Several hours work, and worth every bit of it to me.

PSTs never die, they just need a little bunk-up from time to time

Benner · **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2009, 06:09:04 PM

Great work there Dave.

You gotta love the PST.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2009, 06:17:46 PM

Good job there mate

Another one rescued

cliosguy · **Reply #3 on:** January 25, 2009, 06:50:29 PM

great work mate

kwakster · **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2009, 07:10:47 PM

A job well done, and even without the proper tools.

This one will go many miles again before it needs it's next tune-up.
My guess is that someone is going to be very happy with this one in the near future.

This is also some sort of hobby of mine too, restoring older tools to their former glory, or at least to a workable existence again.
But it's much easier when you have a good set of tools and a reasonable supply of new original parts,

Smitty44 · **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2009, 07:17:35 PM

It's always nice to see new life pumped into such a pedigree,thanks for the post and pic's!!!

DaveK · **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2009, 07:21:54 PM

Quote from: kwakster on January 25, 2009, 07:10:47 PM

A job well done, and even without the proper tools.
This one will go many miles again before it needs it's next tune-up.
My guess is that someone is going to be very happy with this one in the near future.

This is also some sort of hobby of mine too, restoring older tools to their former glory, or at least to a workable existence again.
But it's much easier when you have a good set of tools and a reasonable supply of new original parts,

Haha - I bet it is!

That reminds me - PM on way.....

Dunc · **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2009, 08:03:13 PM

Great thread Dave

You've done a great job . You are probably the top UK bloke for LM resuscitation

Dunc

J-sews · **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2009, 08:40:32 PM

Great restoration effort on that one Dave!

I enjoyed your comment about the file - every other part can be polished to an unblemished condition except a file. Getting the rust bogeys out of the teeth can be maddening, and one always has to settle for "good enough" it seems.

I use a fine wire brush, then a stiff toothbrush, with plenty of gun oil/solvent.

DaveK · **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2009, 09:10:38 PM

Dunc - I'm probably the ONLY UK bloke for LM Restoration.... oh....

Bob - the file is a PITA if the rust has gotten hold. This one was rusted shut, so anything barely presentable was a result. Myself, I tend to use loads of WD40, wire wool, and then finally scratch out anything that will move from between the grooves with a smaller blade (micra, sak, whatever's nearest). If you spend long enough at it, you can get some decent results.

Not particularly enjoyable work though the files.

Flash · **Reply #10 on:** January 25, 2009, 09:13:34 PM

Dave,

Looks great....you are a patient man

Whats your secret to removing rust?

DaveK · **Reply #11 on:** January 25, 2009, 09:25:02 PM

No secret Flash, WD40, fine grit sandpaper (I used 1000 grit on this one) and loads of patience.

I actually find this sort of thing therapeutic, so yesterday I was on here whilst rolling various components in sandpaper at the same time.

You should try it. Pick up a manky PST from ebay. Probably one that everyone else has left well alone

, and give it a go. It's very rewarding.

tanker · **Reply #12 on:** January 25, 2009, 09:38:31 PM

My respects Dr Davek, I would have fainted at the sight of so much bl...rust

Seriously a restoration job to be proud of

Neil · **Reply #13 on:** January 26, 2009, 12:01:18 AM

Another tool saved... by spending way too much time restoring it. Just do a single hours overtime and buy one in good condition instead

I even here some idiots do this with old SAKs

... ... oh...

Very nice job mate

Neil

DaveK · **Reply #14 on:** January 26, 2009, 12:05:44 AM

Quote from: NKB on January 26, 2009, 12:01:18 AM

Another tool saved... by spending way too much time restoring it. Just do a single hours overtime and buy one in good condition instead

I even here some idiots do this with old SAKs ... ... oh... (Image removed from quote.)

Very nice job mate (Image removed from quote.)

Neil

Lol yeah. I don't think there's a living in this somehow, but I do enjoy doing it.

Neil · **Reply #15 on:** January 26, 2009, 12:21:16 AM

Quote from: DaveK on January 26, 2009, 12:05:44 AM

Lol yeah. I don't think there's a living in this somehow, but I do enjoy doing it.

I know what you're saying

Neil

STik · **Reply #16 on:** January 26, 2009, 06:58:26 PM

This may be a dumb question, but I noticed the specialized wrenches used on the knurled screws here, and I gotta know where I can get a couple. Any help, pms, or offers would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. Awesome restoration job, man.

STik

Sean · **Reply #17 on:** January 26, 2009, 07:19:17 PM

Quote from: STik on January 26, 2009, 06:58:26 PM

This may be a dumb question, but I noticed the specialized wrenches used on the knurled screws here, and I gotta know where I can get a couple. Any help, pms, or offers would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. Awesome restoration job, man.
STik

great job and always a pleasure to have accompanying pictures! I echo the wrench enquiry.

sean

Gadget Guy · **Reply #18 on:** January 26, 2009, 07:33:55 PM

Awesome job, Dave!

I love to see great tools rescued.

Nikos · **Reply #19 on:** January 26, 2009, 07:39:15 PM

Those "wrenches" are actually Kick pocket clips. Dave mentioned it in his original post but I know it is kinda stealthy if you haven't seen this thing before...

DaveK · **Reply #20 on:** January 26, 2009, 08:02:10 PM

Quote from: noth on January 26, 2009, 07:39:15 PM

Those "wrenches" are actually Kick pocket clips. Dave mentioned it in his original post but I know it is kinda stealthy if you haven't seen this thing before...

That's exactly what they are!

STik · **Reply #21 on:** January 26, 2009, 08:49:25 PM

Sweet mother of pearl! Bloody brilliant. Time to cash in my tokens at leatherman's website. Waaaaiiit a second. I just looked at their clips, and they don't look like they have the knurled cut-out. What gives? I'd really like to work on my oldy-but-goodies without damaging the screws.
Thanks,
STik

EZ822 · **Reply #22 on:** January 26, 2009, 09:24:44 PM

Well done!

DaveK · **Reply #23 on:** January 26, 2009, 09:34:56 PM

Quote from: STik on January 26, 2009, 08:49:25 PM

Sweet mother of pearl! Bloody brilliant. Time to cash in my tokens at leatherman's website. Waaaaiiit a second. I just looked at their clips, and they don't look like they have the knurled cut-out. What gives? I'd really like to work on my oldy-but-goodies without damaging the screws.
Thanks,
STik

Two types! You DON'T want the Quick Release pocket clip ( for the Wave Charge and Surge), it's the Kick pocket clips, and you'll need two!

Also, be aware that there are three (I think) different sizes of screw that LM use, and the Kick clips will only fit the PST sized ones. You won't do a Supertool for example.

Poncho65 · **Reply #24 on:** January 26, 2009, 11:43:48 PM

Great job on that PST it looks beautiful again mate

I like cleaning old tools up myself as well

Those Kick clips are just the thing when taking apart certain LM

and you have to have 2

MultiMat · **Reply #25 on:** January 27, 2009, 12:44:53 AM

Dave as always great work mate

. Thanks for sharing mate

J-sews · **Reply #26 on:** January 27, 2009, 01:47:27 AM

Quote from: DaveK on January 26, 2009, 09:34:56 PM

Also, be aware that there are three (I think) different sizes of screw that LM use, and the Kick clips will only fit the PST sized ones. You won't do a Supertool for example.

Yes, good point Dave. The Kick pocket clips only work on the "medium size" knurled screws.

Here's an old post with pictures from about a year ago:

Quote from: J-sews on January 28, 2008, 12:08:20 AM

Here are pictures of the Large, Medium, and Small knurled screws Leatherman uses.

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

The size of those screws translates roughly into 7mm, 6mm, and 5mm for you metric folks.

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Yet another PST Restoration Thread

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