January Bond Challenge

[Adam5]

Day 29

I had a service call today involving a lamp post that was not working. The underground cable that provides power to the lamp post had been disconnected under the house because it was causing a circuit breaker to trip. I connected our cable locator to the cable to determine its path underground and find where it was damaged. I discovered that a termite bait station had been installed directly in the path of cable:



The cable was only buried 8" to 10" in the ground, so I knew it was highly likely that the auger used to create the hole for the bait station had damaged the wire. A little digging proved me right:



I decided to use the Bond as much as possible to make the repair:

Cut out damaged cable


I used my work knife to remove the outer jacket of the cable, but used the Bond wire stripper to prep the conductors


Connect conductors to barrel connectors


Cut off zip ties that help hold gel wrap together around the splice


Lamp post now works 

[LoopCutter]

@Adam5 - a great job documenting your service call in such detail. 

You earned your keep today! 

[Barry Rowland]

I definitely agree!!

[Adam5]

Thank you gentlemen 

I was trying to make up for my inconsistent participation during the challenge.

[Barry Rowland]

Along the lines of what Poncho said , I can't believe that a month has almost passed.  The Bond has been a great carry, and accomplished everything I have asked it to do.  It's comfortable to use, carries nicely in the pocket as well as the sheath, and has pretty much everything someone looking for a pliers based multi tool might be looking for.  The question I came into this challenge with was how does it compare to the PST?  I'm fortunate in that I have a JPST, PST II and a late '90's PST to do some comparisons.  I liken the Bond to my 2012 VW Beetle compared to my old '66 Beetle.  In appearance, they're vaguely similar, with many of the same features.  It's when you pick the Bond up that the differences really become apparent.  The Bond's tools are larger, the grip more comfortable and refined.  A pocket clip is attached to the side.  The price is even very close to the original PST, especially given 40+ years since the original and 20+ years since the discontinuation of the PST.  We, as multitool collectors and fans, know the difference.  For everyone else, most of whom don't even know what a PST is, Tim's concept has come through alive and well in the Bond.  It's a great tool set in an affordable package.  Mrs. R, who keeps a PST in her car, picked my Bond up and went right to work with it. Sorry for being long winded.  I think Leatherman did well in bringing the original concept up to date.  Q would be proud!

[VICMAN]

Day 29

I had a service call today involving a lamp post that was not working.

I decided to use the Bond as much as possible to make the repair:

Cut out damaged cable

I used my work knife to remove the outer jacket of the cable, but used the Bond wire stripper to prep the conductors

Connect conductors to barrel connectors

Cut off zip ties that help hold gel wrap together around the splice

Lamp post now works 

Nicely done, Adam!

Great uses and pics!

[VICMAN]

Along the lines of what Poncho said , I can't believe that a month has almost passed.  The Bond has been a great carry, and accomplished everything I have asked it to do.  It's comfortable to use, carries nicely in the pocket as well as the sheath, and has pretty much everything someone looking for a pliers based multi tool might be looking for.  The question I came into this challenge with was how does it compare to the PST?  I'm fortunate in that I have a JPST, PST II and a late '90's PST to do some comparisons.  I liken the Bond to my 2012 VW Beetle compared to my old '66 Beetle.  In appearance, they're vaguely similar, with many of the same features.  It's when you pick the Bond up that the differences really become apparent.  The Bond's tools are larger, the grip more comfortable and refined.  A pocket clip is attached to the side.  The price is even very close to the original PST, especially given 40+ years since the original and 20+ years since the discontinuation of the PST.  We, as multitool collectors and fans, know the difference.  For everyone else, most of whom don't even know what a PST is, Tim's concept has come through alive and well in the Bond.  It's a great tool set in an affordable package.  Mrs. R, who keeps a PST in her car, picked my Bond up and went right to work with it. Sorry for being long winded.  I think Leatherman did well in bringing the original concept up to date.  Q would be proud!

Very well stated, Barry!

Nice comparison and pic! 

[Barry Rowland]

  Thank you Vicman!  I've had a great time this past month with you and everyone here! 

[FolderBeholder]

Thank you all for the comments.

Great entries everyone! 

[Rich_SD]

Day 29

I had a service call today involving a lamp post that was not working. The underground cable that provides power to the lamp post had been disconnected under the house because it was causing a circuit breaker to trip. I connected our cable locator to the cable to determine its path underground and find where it was damaged. I discovered that a termite bait station had been installed directly in the path of cable:

(Image removed from quote.)

The cable was only buried 8" to 10" in the ground, so I knew it was highly likely that the auger used to create the hole for the bait station had damaged the wire. A little digging proved me right:

(Image removed from quote.)

I decided to use the Bond as much as possible to make the repair:

Cut out damaged cable
(Image removed from quote.)

I used my work knife to remove the outer jacket of the cable, but used the Bond wire stripper to prep the conductors
(Image removed from quote.)

Connect conductors to barrel connectors
(Image removed from quote.)

Cut off zip ties that help hold gel wrap together around the splice
(Image removed from quote.)

Lamp post now works 
(Image removed from quote.)

Excellent pics and usage report   

[Rich_SD]

Day 29 of 30

Almost over I have gotten along with the Bond this past month and could carry it on the regular but I do prefer tools that a  bit more comprehensive  I cpupd carry a Rebar for not much more weight and have most if not all the extras I want, a Wave or Charge and have outside opening and nearly everything I want as well but it is a nice lightweight tool that has a pocket clip (well mine does and I feel that it should come with the clip as well ) plus great pliers and a decent compliment of tools

Agreed on all counts      Yep, well said 

[Rich_SD]

Along the lines of what Poncho said , I can't believe that a month has almost passed.  The Bond has been a great carry, and accomplished everything I have asked it to do.  It's comfortable to use, carries nicely in the pocket as well as the sheath, and has pretty much everything someone looking for a pliers based multi tool might be looking for.  The question I came into this challenge with was how does it compare to the PST?  I'm fortunate in that I have a JPST, PST II and a late '90's PST to do some comparisons.  I liken the Bond to my 2012 VW Beetle compared to my old '66 Beetle.  In appearance, they're vaguely similar, with many of the same features.  It's when you pick the Bond up that the differences really become apparent.  The Bond's tools are larger, the grip more comfortable and refined.  A pocket clip is attached to the side.  The price is even very close to the original PST, especially given 40+ years since the original and 20+ years since the discontinuation of the PST.  We, as multitool collectors and fans, know the difference.  For everyone else, most of whom don't even know what a PST is, Tim's concept has come through alive and well in the Bond.  It's a great tool set in an affordable package.  Mrs. R, who keeps a PST in her car, picked my Bond up and went right to work with it. Sorry for being long winded.  I think Leatherman did well in bringing the original concept up to date.  Q would be proud!

Excellent review!    

[Rich_SD]

Day (Night) 29


I used my Bond to change a break light.  If it wasn't so dark and cold, I would have gotten some action shots.  Instead, I only have an after action pic.  I used 3 of the tools too - the Phillips head for the screws, the flat head to pry out some stubborn panel clips, and the pliers to twist a stuck light housing.

If you remember, I bought my daughter a Bond for Christmas.  While she was watching me, I let her know that I was using the same tool that I gave her, and this was a good example of why keeping one handy is a good idea. 

[Frenchephaistos]

Day 30/30 : Let's end with dessert.

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

Kid n°2 baked cookies this morning ; she said I could have half of one, so out came the Bond.

My thoughts on the Bond, especially compared to the PST I normally carry :

+ as said before, more comfortable and better tools than the PST
+ That file probably replaces the need for a saw for most taks in an urban context (cuts through plastic for example).
+ my first LM Philips of that style. Really good and feels sturdy.
+ the knife is way better than the PST, period. However, I prefer having a dedicated blade, so I'd gladly change that knife for scissors or a saw…
+ It's really pocketable. Finally just threw it in my pocket, no clip and stoped waring the pouch, it's just not my thing.
+ Thought I'd miss the scissors, but finally didn't really need them except in the office once or twice. .
+ Non-locking, so a better chance for me here in France to not get fined, imprisoned, exiled or beheaded because of our crazy laws.

- for me, a smidgen too wide and fat  to fit in my wallet, and I wish it was as carryable as the PSTII. Grrr… I might have to look for another EDC wallet ! 
- Boy, that thing is stiff. Of course, I've only had broken in PSTs, so it might have been the same 40 years ago. It's actually better for use, but I'm used to OHO the PST with a flick, and that was a change.
- Not sure a lanyard was a good idea. It's GITD and all that, and it helps open that tank, but there is one instance where it is a pain to deal with : using the knife. It gets a bit in the way even though I joked about it acting as an extra guard.

IMHO, the Bond really has the real LM DNA and I'm thrilled to have one. Less EDC-able than the PST, especially in my configuration, but a better one to have in a work context, working. It's definitely staying out of the box and will see some good use.

Thanks to Rich for the challenge and to Barry for making it possible for me to participate !
This has to be the best forum on the net.

[Crunchie64]

Day 30

We’ve made it!

Until a couple of days ago, I was expecting to give a fairly negative end-of-challenge report, but yesterday, after I’d posted my photos for the day, my Bond knocked it out of the park.

My washing machine gave up with all my work clothes inside, so after an hour or two of messing with it to get it to drain, spin, and unlock, then taking off hoses and filters to check for blockages, I gave up and went to buy another.

I usually leave my Leatherman in the car when I go into big shops, as they frequently have metal detectors at the door, but didn’t need to worry about the UK legal Bond.

Back at home with the new machine, it helped me with stripping plastic straps and packaging, removing transit bolts, prying off blanking covers, shortening drain hoses, and tightening connections, as well as cutting the plug off the old machine and breaking down the cardboard for recycling.

Would my favourite Free P2 or P4 have been a second or two quicker each time I needed a tool? Yes?

Could I have legally carried it into the electrical store? No.

Throughout the month, my Bond has done almost everything I’ve needed, everything a newer or fancier multitool could have done. The only exception is yaks needing scissors, mainly trimming my scruffy beard. There are some jobs you don’t want to tackle with a knife, no matter how sharp it is, so I’ve paired the Bond with a Micra 99% of the time.

I’m an almost perfect example of the target market for the Leatherman Bond - I live in the UK, where locking blades are illegal to carry in public without “good reason”. Most of my uses are casual tinkering, cutting, or fixing, and I’d struggle to argue my case for carrying a locking blade at all times if I was ever challenged.

Without the legal restrictions, I’d pick a Rebar over the Bond, and I’m not sure how many would choose the tiny weight saving over locking tools, the saw and serrated blade, and replaceable cutters.

I bought the Bond a few years ago when I decided to retire my 1995 PST for sentimental reasons, to keep it safe from breakage or loss. Since then I’ve added over twenty other Leatherman tools and a handful of others to my collection.

If Leatherman launch a scissor-equipped Bond II with a combo blade, it would probably do everything I need from a multitool, and be legal to carry every day.

Until then, I think the Free tools will probably keep their legally-dubious place in my pocket.

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

It’s been a great challenge to follow as well as to participate in, and I’m looking forward to reading everyone else’s thoughts, feelings, and comments on the month.

[Crunchie64]

I’ve just had a look through the Awards section   The Bond award doesn’t seem to be available to request yet.

[Antti Lammi]

It seems Bond would be good to pair with Huntsman or Farmer X

[Frenchephaistos]

Thank you all for the comments. 
I've determined many can be sold.  Didn't realize the size of the collection until I saw them all in one place. 

If you are looking to make some room, glad to be of assistance ! 

[powernoodle]

Powernoodle Day 30


Factor Meals.



The Bond is a nice little MT that excels largely because of its thin profile in the pocket.  I prefer the Curl's external blade, but muchly dig the Bond's real, 3D phillips over the Curl's stubby driver.  The Bond has everything one "needs" for basic preparedness - plier, blade and flat/phillips drivers. 

Thanks Rich for combobulating this glorious Challenge, and to everyone who participated.   

[VICMAN]

Thank you Vicman!  I've had a great time this past month with you and everyone here! 

You are welcome, Barry!

I have had a great time with you and everyone too!

[VICMAN]

Thank you all for the comments.

Great entries everyone! 

You are welcome, FoBe!

Thank you!

[VICMAN]

Day (Night) 29


I used my Bond to change a break light.  If it wasn't so dark and cold, I would have gotten some action shots.  Instead, I only have an after action pic.  I used 3 of the tools too - the Phillips head for the screws, the flat head to pry out some stubborn panel clips, and the pliers to twist a stuck light housing.

If you remember, I bought my daughter a Bond for Christmas.  While she was watching me, I let her know that I was using the same tool that I gave her, and this was a good example of why keeping one handy is a good idea. 

Great uses and pic, Rich!

Time well spent making new memories with your daughter!

[VICMAN]

Day 30/30 : Let's end with dessert.


Kid n°2 baked cookies this morning ; she said I could have half of one, so out came the Bond.

My thoughts on the Bond, especially compared to the PST I normally carry :

IMHO, the Bond really has the real LM DNA and I'm thrilled to have one. Less EDC-able than the PST, especially in my configuration, but a better one to have in a work context, working. It's definitely staying out of the box and will see some good use.

Thanks to Rich for the challenge and to Barry for making it possible for me to participate!
This has to be the best forum on the net.

Nice use and pic, Frenchephaistos!

Great thoughts on the Bond!

Kid n°2 did a great job making cookies!

I agree about this forum!

  to Rich and Barry!

[VICMAN]

Day 30

We’ve made it!

Until a couple of days ago, I was expecting to give a fairly negative end-of-challenge report, but yesterday, after I’d posted my photos for the day, my Bond knocked it out of the park.

I usually leave my Leatherman in the car when I go into big shops, as they frequently have metal detectors at the door, but didn’t need to worry about the UK legal Bond.

Back at home with the new machine, it helped me with stripping plastic straps and packaging, removing transit bolts, prying off blanking covers, shortening drain hoses, and tightening connections, as well as cutting the plug off the old machine and breaking down the cardboard for recycling

Throughout the month, my Bond has done almost everything I’ve needed, everything a newer or fancier multitool could have done. There are some jobs you don’t want to tackle with a knife, no matter how sharp it is, so I’ve paired the Bond with a Micra 99% of the time.

Without the legal restrictions, I’d pick a Rebar over the Bond, and I’m not sure how many would choose the tiny weight saving over locking tools, the saw and serrated blade, and replaceable cutters.

If Leatherman launch a scissor-equipped Bond II with a combo blade, it would probably do everything I need from a multitool, and be legal to carry every day.

Until then, I think the Free tools will probably keep their legally-dubious place in my pocket.

It’s been a great challenge to follow as well as to participate in, and I’m looking forward to reading everyone else’s thoughts, feelings, and comments on the month.

Nice uses, review  and pic, Crunchie!

[VICMAN]

It seems Bond would be good to pair with Huntsman or Farmer X

 

[VICMAN]

Powernoodle Day 30

The Bond is a nice little MT that excels largely because of its thin profile in the pocket.  I prefer the Curl's external blade, but muchly dig the Bond's real, 3D phillips over the Curl's stubby driver.  The Bond has everything one "needs" for basic preparedness - plier, blade and flat/phillips drivers. 

Thanks Rich for combobulating this glorious Challenge, and to everyone who participated.   

Nice pics and review .powernoodle

[VICMAN]

DAY 30

It is hard to believe that it has been 30 days already.

Here is a picture showing from left to right the PST I bought new in 1984,
1997 PST, 2003 PST, and 2022 Bond.

The Bond serves very nicely as an EDC. It was pretty stiff when I first got it,
but it is loosening up nicely the more it is used. The tools all do what they
were designed to do and it is a nice compact tool. The pocket clip makes it
hard to notice you are carrying it and the rolled edges on the handles make
it more comfortable if you need to squeeze hard using the pliers.

Its tool set can handle a number of tasks that one might encounter daily
although I do miss having scissors . The file seems to be aggressive enough
to use as a wood saw in a pinch.

This has been a fun month and I want to thank Rich for hosting the Challenge.
I enjoyed seeing all the pictures and comments.

Congratulations to everyone for completing the Challenge!

[Barry Rowland]

De rien mon ami!  That dessert looks absolutely delicious 😋!

Day 30/30 : Let's end with dessert.

  [ Quoting of attachment images from other messages is not allowed ]  

Kid n°2 baked cookies this morning ; she said I could have half of one, so out came the Bond.

My thoughts on the Bond, especially compared to the PST I normally carry :

+ as said before, more comfortable and better tools than the PST
+ That file probably replaces the need for a saw for most taks in an urban context (cuts through plastic for example).
+ my first LM Philips of that style. Really good and feels sturdy.
+ the knife is way better than the PST, period. However, I prefer having a dedicated blade, so I'd gladly change that knife for scissors or a saw…
+ It's really pocketable. Finally just threw it in my pocket, no clip and stoped waring the pouch, it's just not my thing.
+ Thought I'd miss the scissors, but finally didn't really need them except in the office once or twice. .
+ Non-locking, so a better chance for me here in France to not get fined, imprisoned, exiled or beheaded because of our crazy laws.

- for me, a smidgen too wide and fat  to fit in my wallet, and I wish it was as carryable as the PSTII. Grrr… I might have to look for another EDC wallet ! 
- Boy, that thing is stiff. Of course, I've only had broken in PSTs, so it might have been the same 40 years ago. It's actually better for use, but I'm used to OHO the PST with a flick, and that was a change.
- Not sure a lanyard was a good idea. It's GITD and all that, and it helps open that tank, but there is one instance where it is a pain to deal with : using the knife. It gets a bit in the way even though I joked about it acting as an extra guard.

IMHO, the Bond really has the real LM DNA and I'm thrilled to have one. Less EDC-able than the PST, especially in my configuration, but a better one to have in a work context, working. It's definitely staying out of the box and will see some good use.

Thanks to Rich for the challenge and to Barry for making it possible for me to participate !
This has to be the best forum on the net.

[Barry Rowland]

Great pic and review Vicman!

DAY 30

It is hard to believe that it has been 30 days already.

Here is a picture showing from left to right the PST I bought new in 1984,
1997 PST, 2003 PST, and 2022 Bond.

The Bond serves very nicely as an EDC. It was pretty stiff when I first got it,
but it is loosening up nicely the more it is used. The tools all do what they
were designed to do and it is a nice compact tool. The pocket clip makes it
hard to notice you are carrying it and the rolled edges on the handles make
it more comfortable if you need to squeeze hard using the pliers.

Its tool set can handle a number of tasks that one might encounter daily
although I do miss having scissors . The file seems to be aggressive enough
to use as a wood saw in a pinch.

This has been a fun month and I want to thank Rich for hosting the Challenge.
I enjoyed seeing all the pictures and comments.

Congratulations to everyone for completing the Challenge!

[VICMAN]

De rien mon ami!  That dessert looks absolutely delicious 😋!