Text Only | Text with Attachments

Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => Leatherman Tools => Topic started by: floppy on October 10, 2018, 01:21:28 PM

Title: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: floppy on October 10, 2018, 01:21:28 PM: Hi everyone, after doing a lot of research I recently made my first multitool purchase - a new Charge Plus.

It arrived and I've noticed a few fit and finish issues. I'm not sure whether I'm just being fussy or if it's a bit of a dud. I've heard the earlier Charges/Waves suffered QC problems but I've just finished reading a glowing review on here where everyone seemed to agree that the Plus updates had greatly improved. The handles on mine are date stamped 07/17 and 12/17.

1. The tip of the pliers scrape along the length of the driver bit as the handles close, carving a silver gouge into the bit a little more each time the tool is closed. The handles seem to be strongly biased to always close on that side (although I've put quite a bit of effort into breaking the tool in gently, lubricating and trying to loosen the other side). The little metal post in the handle that the plier head is supposed to rest on doesn't seem high enough to stop this.

2. The file, and to a lesser degree the saw rub the inside of the scale. I've read this is a common problem. Both knife blades lightly contact the scales too although it's smooth and they don't grind.

3. File has some up/down play when locked in the out position. Saw is rock solid.

4. The round plier pivot is not symmetrical (more gap on one side of the circle than the other). Pliers seem aligned correctly otherwise, but I notice it every time I look at it now.

5. One of the replaceable cutters was loose, the screw scraping the inside of the handle. Not a big deal but annoying as I had to go and buy Torx bits to tighten it.

Issues 2-5 aren't the end of the world but the first issue does really annoy me considering the premium price tag of the tool. I reckon I've watched every youtube video and studied every photo to see if other ones do this and it's normal, but I can't tell.

If there's a way of adjusting something to improve it I'm all ears.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Sam Lim on October 10, 2018, 02:27:24 PM: The problems u stated are actually pretty common..

For issue 1, u could try smoothing out the tip of the pliers a little. That should stop the scraping on the bit and allow it to close more smoothly.. Also, when closing the handles, use pressure on the pliers end rather than the tools end. It should close better. Regards 1 handle opening/closing first, there's nothing much u can do really.. No two handles are made with the equal tightness.

Issue 3 doesn't bother me if it's my own seasoned tool but it annoys me alot when its new from factory. Its a real screwed up job when it comes to QC..
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Glockfan on October 10, 2018, 02:52:33 PM: Congrats on your new purchase :tu: I think as the tool breaks in, it will smooth out and glide close rather than dragging and scraping. They are usually tight and jerky new. I have encountered similar experiences.

I agree with Sam’s thoughts also.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 10, 2018, 03:04:42 PM: I don't have one but with what you've described in #1 I'd be very unhappy. Send it back is my thought.
#2 This was common and should be corrected. I'd be bummed if it were my first tool. Send it back.
#3 Could need tightening. Is the liner lock engaging solidly? Not sure I'd be so quick to send back.
#4 While I can see how for some this is worth mentioning its a non issue so long as the pliers perform as they should.
#5 This is annoying. While easily solved by most imagine you picked up the tool and headed for work only to discover this. I'd be really annoyed.

My thought is, send it back. I want to buy a tool and put it right to work. I don't want to have to make adjustments or tighten parts first thing. Down the road with use I have no problems making adjustments, I shouldn't but........ You may have got one that passed QC because they needed to make their numbers that day :dunno:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Wspeed on October 10, 2018, 04:24:11 PM: I don’t think that I would be very happy with that floppy ???
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: floppy on October 11, 2018, 03:10:25 AM: Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I'll send it back and see what they say.

Quote from: Aloha007 on October 10, 2018, 03:04:42 PM

#3 Could need tightening. Is the liner lock engaging solidly? Not sure I'd be so quick to send back.

The liner lock clicks nicely when the file is opened, but there is a tiny gap between it and the base of the file. It appears the liner lock is not quite long enough which is causing the play. Enough that when I shake it gently in my hand it rattles up and down. I've noticed as well that when the file is open, the scale on the other side on that pivot becomes a bit loose and creaks when you press it.

While these are a bit disappointing I really love the tool itself. So much capability in such a small package.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 11, 2018, 06:49:56 AM: With a closer look it would have to go back with the liner lock issue. I have a Charge TTi and love it. Its the older one with CC plier head and older Ti scales. Its such a powerhouse. I also have a Charge Al that is pretty sweet too. I cannot say enough about the Charge/Wave series, that is when you get a good sample. Mine have been flawless in everyday use at work. Say what you will but the S30V blade is tops for me. Haven't once taken it to my strop or even thought about actually sharpening it. Come to think of it :think: I'm not sure when I touched up the blade?

I know LM will get you sorted out. They have a terrific warranty. I do hope your next one will be everything you hope.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: floppy on October 11, 2018, 07:24:00 AM: Thanks Aloha. Good to hear you get great service from it. I would have liked a TTi but I didn’t want the CC plier head (and wanted the gut hook) so opted for the Charge Plus.

I’ll send it back and keep this thread updated.

In sending it back, does one send the whole package (box, sheath etc etc) or just the tool?
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: pietervn on October 11, 2018, 12:33:37 PM: G'Day Floppy,

If you are in Sydney you can drop it off at Zen, the LM service agent in Ryde. I have had excellent dealings with them. They know their tools and are passionate about client service.

If you decide to post it, send it in via registered mail, well wrapped would be my recommendation. Here are there website with warranty information: http://www.zenimports.com.au/warranty-service/

Cheers,

Pete
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Poncho65 on October 11, 2018, 12:48:46 PM: Welcome to :MTO: floppy :cheers: Hope you can get sorted with you Charge problem :salute:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: floppy on October 19, 2018, 05:48:54 AM: Thanks for the welcome!

I don't live in Sydney near Zen so I posted it off and today received back a brand new one in a blister pack. Handles date stamped 10/17 and 12/17.

Here's how it compares to the first one.

The plier tip still scrapes along the bit. The handles are biased to close on the other side now though. I guess I'll just close it in the way Sam Lim describes above, or close it until a plier tip makes contact inside the handles, then open it again slightly to close the plier jaws to prevent the scrape (hopefully that makes sense).

The file still scrapes on the scale.

Two tools now have up/down play due to liner locks. The saw has about 2mm of play at the end, and the serrated blade has 1mm. Other tools are solid.

Would you good fellows consider this amount of looseness within acceptable tolerances or not? I need some perspective on whether it's worth pursuing another replacement. If so I'll ask them to test it before sending it out.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: floppy on October 19, 2018, 01:12:41 PM: Been doing a bit of reading around about the liner lock play issue... looks like a very common problem. Not sure whether to return it or not and whether the 1-2mm play is minimal or significant. On one hand I think I'm too fussy and they're all like that. On the other hand I'd I feel like I ought to expect my multitool to have a high level of craftsmanship for the $255 I spent (it is more expensive than the Vic Spirit after all).

If I buy another Leatherman I'll be trying it out in a shop first rather than buying sight unseen.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: israelpiper on October 20, 2018, 01:10:07 PM: These little quality control fails are exactly why I stopped mail ordering, and now buy in a shop where I can handle and examine.

A generous returns policy has become a business model which then tolerates poor quality control.

A generous returns warranty is great. But I'd rather see quality control first.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on October 20, 2018, 02:45:21 PM: I just checked 3 or 4 of my Leatherman Tools (the ones I have nearby while sitting behind the PC) and guess what, they all have the plier scraping against the bit ...

The reason why I've never noticed this before seems to be that it's something that (mostly) happens when you pay close attention to closing the tool.

I mean, when I close the tool fast like I would during real use, I feel nothing, maybe the plier is still slightly scraping the bit, but if so, it happens very smooth and unnoticeable. But when I close the tool very slow, one handle at a time, leaving the side with the bit for last, putting the plierhead in the handle and then close up the tool real slow, I can see it scraping very hard, right up to the point that I have to apply extra force because the tip of the plierhead gets stuck on the edge of the bit.

Just checked what happens when you close the other handle last and very slow, and it scrapes the tools on the other side as well, but it's not so noticeable since the tools on the other side don't have the "edge" that the bit has, and they are all stainless, so you don't see the scraping line as good as on the black bit.

All of this on a tool that I use on a daily base, and on which I never noticed something wrong.

So I wonder; if you just close the tool like you would during real use, without paying attention to the plierhead sliding inside the handle and the scraping and all that, is it still noticeable enough to be a problem ? please, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying there isn't a problem on your Charge, but since I can't handle your tool the second best thing I could do was check some of mine, and this is what I noticed on them.

P.S.: I just checked one of my Spirits and guess what, the plierhead also scrapes while closing the handles, but ... Since the Spirit has outside opening tools the smart Vic engineers put in a slope for the plierhead to slide on until it is fully closed.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: gerleatherberman on October 20, 2018, 02:55:11 PM: Maybe just enjoy the Charge for now. And, if th scraping causes mechanical issues, then send it in again. But, with that said, I think will be fine. :)

And as far as fit and finish Charge vs. Spirit goes, my Spirit handles are misaligned pretty bad, but it doesn't affect on its' usage. Little things that don't affect performance are a part of MT life. It is said that LM sends more tools out with scraping pliers these days, but all seven of my PSTs(from bqck in the day) have marks on the pliers where they scrape. I can live with that.

Enjoy it and just ignore the tiny things. :tu:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: chrono on October 20, 2018, 02:57:48 PM: I have over 20 Charges, all the way to 2004 first production but not a Plus yet. Not a single one of my Charge has liner lock play problem. I am amazed that they Leatherman were able to hold such tight tolerance with pressing machines. I do not have play problem when swapping genuine blades either, only with after-markets made by TTC. Blade scrapping inside of the scales is a common problem inherent to the design itself. The liner lock has to be perfect within microns for the end tip of the blade to be perfectly centered.

I think with machines getting more advanced, cost of production being driven down, and prices being ever jacked up, quality is sacrificed. Sorry to hear about your problems, as I do love the Charge platform.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 20, 2018, 04:17:21 PM: I just checked my Charge ALX BO and will check the other charges I have. The ALX as most, if not all, my tools favors one side to close. The plier head only very slightly, I repeat, very slightly rubs when closing. I had to close with my ear next to the tool. The saw rubs when closing and is both audible and felt. The main blade has very slight up and down movement.

My Swisstool plier rubs very slightly. All tools have very slight movement when opened in the locked position. Mind you its only noticeable when pushing the tools.

My Skeletool CXs main blade is rock solid.

I checked my Sprirt and no plier rub at all and all tools rock solid. I believe the uneven handles was addressed by Victorionx as "its part of the design". I could be wrong on that :think:.

I'll take a look in a moment at the rest of my Charges. Mine are all going to be the oder versions Ti, AL, SLV, TTi but I'll check.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Wspeed on October 20, 2018, 04:31:07 PM: My new Surge has the same problem the pliers rub on
the handles and this really shows up on the BO pliers ???
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on October 20, 2018, 04:51:25 PM: When you guys are talking about the plier rubbing you mean against the side of the handle right?

Because my Wave + (and my Spirit) don't have that either, I was talking about the plier tip on the inside tools (see my loooong post above ;)).
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on October 20, 2018, 04:56:07 PM: Quote from: Wspeed on October 20, 2018, 04:31:07 PM
My new Surge has the same problem the pliers rub on
the handles and this really shows up on the BO pliers ???

My stainless Surge has the same problem real bad, but since it's a user I don't really care...

My BO Surge on the other hand is not a user, but I haven't opened and closed it enough to have rub markings on the plier head (that is if he should rub in the first place).
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 20, 2018, 05:03:01 PM: Charge SLV. Plier head rub. None. Blade play. No. Serrated. None. File rub. Yes. Saw rub. Very slightly.

Charge ALX. Plier head rub. Very slightly near the pivot. Blade play. None. Serrated. very slightly. File rub. yes. Saw rub. No.

Charge Ti, Plier head rub. None. Blade play. No. Serrated. No. File rub. yes. Saw rub. No.

Charge AL. Plier head rub. Yes near pivot. Blade play. None. Serrated. None. File rub. None. Saw rub. Very Slightly.

I'll check my TTi later as its in my vehicle.

I've highlighted my ALX BO earlier.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 20, 2018, 05:09:54 PM: :rofl: Sorry OCD peeps. :whistle:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: chrono on October 20, 2018, 05:10:48 PM: Quote from: Aloha007 on October 20, 2018, 05:03:01 PM
Charge SLV. Plier head rub. None. Blade play. No. Serrated. None. File rub. Yes. Saw rub. Very slightly.

Charge ALX. Plier head rub. Very slightly near the pivot. Blade play. None. Serrated. very slightly. File rub. yes. Saw rub. No.

Charge Ti, Plier head rub. None. Blade play. No. Serrated. No. File rub. yes. Saw rub. No.

Charge AL. Plier head rub. Yes near pivot. Blade play. None. Serrated. None. File rub. None. Saw rub. Very Slightly.

I'll check my TTi later as its in my vehicle.

I've highlighted my ALX BO earlier.

Hope this helps.

It seems like there is still a market for older Charges. I recently bought a Charge plus, but not open the packaging yet. My newest dated Charge before the Plus is a Red Cross Charge, whose file rubs more prevalently than older models. Just wonder when the QC became lax at the factory.

A question, is it possible to put a Charge Plus head (non-CC) on an old Charge TTi?
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Glockfan on October 20, 2018, 05:23:31 PM: Quote from: Aloha007 on October 20, 2018, 05:09:54 PM
:rofl: Sorry OCD peeps. :whistle:

Was the first thing I noticed. :facepalm:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 20, 2018, 08:35:44 PM: For collectors the older ones will always be collectable, even with the release of the camo charges. Thats my take.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: AimlessWanderer on October 20, 2018, 08:43:45 PM: Quote from: Aloha007 on October 20, 2018, 08:35:44 PM
For collectors the older ones will always be collectable, even with the release of the camo charges. Thats my take.

:iagree:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 20, 2018, 08:49:38 PM: Quote from: Top-Gear-24 on October 20, 2018, 04:51:25 PM
When you guys are talking about the plier rubbing you mean against the side of the handle right?

Because my Wave + (and my Spirit) don't have that either, I was talking about the plier tip on the inside tools (see my loooong post above ;)).

For what I've described, YES.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 20, 2018, 08:53:06 PM: @ chrono. "A question, is it possible to put a Charge Plus head (non-CC) on an old Charge TTi?"

I dont see why the pliers wouldn't be interchangeable :think:. However what others have done is use Rebar plier head prior to the release of the + models. Heck, I would imagine Rebar plier head is on the + models anyway :dunno:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: israelpiper on October 20, 2018, 08:59:27 PM: The uneven handles on many SwissTool Spirits cannot be part of thew design. I got one with noticeably misaligned handles. Then I went to another store, and none of the exact same model had any misalignment. A Victorinox rep here in Israel had said "send it in," but let me know that I may get a blister pack replacement. And the misalignment may be in the new tool. He couldn't open the blister pack. I will admit that the use of the tool is not affected. I kept it.

Victorinox multitools usually have a near-perfection in their fit and finish, and crooked handles bothered me. But I am over it now. A little bit less idealistic. I just wonder what they pay QC engineers to do if they let crooked handles out of the factory in large numbers. Let's face it, much as many of use actually use multitools, they are also tactile and visual mechanical pleasures. Or as some would say, toys (...but sophisticated toys). :multi:

Back to the Charge...
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Mechanickal on October 20, 2018, 09:48:31 PM: My 07 TTI and 08 AL are absolutely PERFECT.

Was I just lucky or was QC way better 10 years ago?
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Wspeed on October 20, 2018, 09:50:34 PM: Quote from: Mechanickal on October 20, 2018, 09:48:31 PM
My 07 TTI and 08 AL are absolutely PERFECT.

Was I just lucky or was QC way better 10 years ago?
Probably :facepalm:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: floppy on October 21, 2018, 04:49:44 AM: Quote from: Top-Gear-24 on October 20, 2018, 02:45:21 PM
I just checked 3 or 4 of my Leatherman Tools (the ones I have nearby while sitting behind the PC) and guess what, they all have the plier scraping against the bit ...

The reason why I've never noticed this before seems to be that it's something that (mostly) happens when you pay close attention to closing the tool.

I mean, when I close the tool fast like I would during real use, I feel nothing, maybe the plier is still slightly scraping the bit, but if so, it happens very smooth and unnoticeable. But when I close the tool very slow, one handle at a time, leaving the side with the bit for last, putting the plierhead in the handle and then close up the tool real slow, I can see it scraping very hard, right up to the point that I have to apply extra force because the tip of the plierhead gets stuck on the edge of the bit.

Just checked what happens when you close the other handle last and very slow, and it scrapes the tools on the other side as well, but it's not so noticeable since the tools on the other side don't have the "edge" that the bit has, and they are all stainless, so you don't see the scraping line as good as on the black bit.

All of this on a tool that I use on a daily base, and on which I never noticed something wrong.

So I wonder; if you just close the tool like you would during real use, without paying attention to the plierhead sliding inside the handle and the scraping and all that, is it still noticeable enough to be a problem ? please, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying there isn't a problem on your Charge, but since I can't handle your tool the second best thing I could do was check some of mine, and this is what I noticed on them.

P.S.: I just checked one of my Spirits and guess what, the plierhead also scrapes while closing the handles, but ... Since the Spirit has outside opening tools the smart Vic engineers put in a slope for the plierhead to slide on until it is fully closed.

Great description of exactly what mine does.

I exchanged the bit over to a fresh (unscraped) side and quickly snapped the tool closed a few times like I didn't have a care in the world. Interestingly the new scrape marks on the bit were much lighter. I closed it slowly again - the plier tip scraped and it gouged significantly harder.

So there you go, it's probably better to just close it up quickly and not overthink it too much. That way the plier tip slips quickly over the bit doing less damage. I have a bit of mechanical sympathy though so I'll close it up in such a way that it won't scrape at all.

Quote from: chrono on October 20, 2018, 02:57:48 PM
Blade scrapping inside of the scales is a common problem inherent to the design itself. The liner lock has to be perfect within microns for the end tip of the blade to be perfectly centered.

Looking closely at it I see what you mean. Knowing this I think I can live with it.

Thanks for your OCD post Aloha007.

The remaining concern then is the liner lock play in the serrated blade and the saw. I feel this is too sloppy for me to ever ignore so I'll return it and ask them to check the replacement Charge before they send it to me. The place I purchased it is in NSW too while I'm in Victoria. The quest for a nice solid Charge Plus continues.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: israelpiper on October 21, 2018, 05:26:54 PM: Quote from: Mechanickal on October 20, 2018, 09:48:31 PM
My 07 TTI and 08 AL are absolutely PERFECT.

Was I just lucky or was QC way better 10 years ago?

My Charge TTi from 2016 has no flaws, rubs, scrapes or misalignments. Knock on titanium...
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on October 21, 2018, 06:58:03 PM: Quote from: israelpiper on October 21, 2018, 05:26:54 PM
Quote from: Mechanickal on October 20, 2018, 09:48:31 PM
My 07 TTI and 08 AL are absolutely PERFECT.

Was I just lucky or was QC way better 10 years ago?

My Charge TTi from 2016 has no flaws, rubs, scrapes or misalignments. Knock on titanium...

To be honest, the "issue" with the pliertip scraping the Phillips bit has to be "forced" for it to happen, like I explained a couple of posts back. If you're not closing the tool that specific way, and you're just closing it in a normal way at normal speed, you won't have this problem. So you really have to look for it. If I'm not doing it that specific way, I can also say non of my tools have this problem.

But doing it the other way, I can "produce" the "issue" on every Surge/Charge/Wave platform tool with a removable bit driver in it (so not on the Original Wave :P) that I own, and I own quite a few ...
Show content
Wave second generation, Wave second generation BO, Wave +, Wave + BO, two 25th Anniversary Waves, Charge Tti old version scales, four Charge's AL, Surge and Surge BO

I can even create the problem on the two Signals I own.

There's a difference between the pliertip scraping the bit and the side of the plierhead scraping against the inside of the handles. The first issue has to be produced, the second one you have to be lucky not to have it. I've got Waves/Surges/Charges which scrape a little bit (my edc Stainless Surge seems to want to destroy the finish on the side of the plierhead ::)) and I've got the same tool, same build year on which the side of the plierhead doesn't even come close to the inside of the handles... go figure ::)
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on October 22, 2018, 04:37:07 PM: I hope you get one that satisfies you. After shelving my TTi because the CC plier head in favor of my Wave I now realize how truly terrific it is. The CC is a non issue so far. I love the looks and really appreciate the S30V blade. I've don't have to fuss with it and have not for a good while. The tool lives on my work tool belt. Having the bits has saved me from making trips to get tools. I've made adjustments to so many different things over the years. Again I hope you get a proper tool that you can put to work.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Edar on October 22, 2018, 11:42:03 PM: All Leatherman tools are great prototypes. None is a finished design. I have a Charge TT, 2 Wingmans, one old PST II, a Surge and 2 Waves.
Because sometimes I went to USA and had to buy something. They are beautiful.
The Surge saw and file lock are the first model and it doesn´t lock. Then they added a lock to lock the lock and a hole in those blades HEHEHE.
The Wingman halves have a large play, but at least they stay closed. The Wingman file is very interesting: it serves to nothing, much less as a file.
But I love them all. They should buy a Victorinox Swiss Tool and learn from it.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: floppy on November 02, 2018, 04:54:40 AM: An update. My replacement Charge Plus came yesterday. Inside the box I was surprised to find a Black Oxide tool with a molle sheath! I had never considered a BO Leatherman but I do like it.

After handling it and blackening up my hands and the surrounding environment I found it too has some wobble in both blades. Haha, oh well. Not sure there's much point flogging it further with the warranty returns. I have a Spirit XC which fulfils that part of me which lusts after a flawlessly precise tool.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on November 02, 2018, 10:20:14 AM: A bit late to the party and maybe I'm missing something, but surely the blade pivots can be tightened to at least reduce the wobble? (Security Torx T10 required, IIRC).
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Sam Lim on November 02, 2018, 10:26:48 AM: Quote from: floppy on November 02, 2018, 04:54:40 AM
An update. My replacement Charge Plus came yesterday. Inside the box I was surprised to find a Black Oxide tool with a molle sheath! I had never considered a BO Leatherman but I do like it.

After handling it and blackening up my hands and the surrounding environment I found it too has some wobble in both blades. Haha, oh well. Not sure there's much point flogging it further with the warranty returns. I have a Spirit XC which fulfils that part of me which lusts after a flawlessly precise tool.

:like: The black ALX is one of my favourite tool. It's an absolute looker and really comfy user!
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Aloha on November 02, 2018, 03:48:49 PM: Quote from: floppy on November 02, 2018, 04:54:40 AM
An update. My replacement Charge Plus came yesterday. Inside the box I was surprised to find a Black Oxide tool with a molle sheath! I had never considered a BO Leatherman but I do like it.

After handling it and blackening up my hands and the surrounding environment I found it too has some wobble in both blades. Haha, oh well. Not sure there's much point flogging it further with the warranty returns. I have a Spirit XC which fulfils that part of me which lusts after a flawlessly precise tool.

I do hope in use you are happy with the tool. While I have a few Spirits and Swisstools and many Leatherman tools I think none are perfect/precise. After a wipe down the BO should stop marring your hands.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: floppy on November 03, 2018, 01:14:28 AM: Quote from: Aloha007 on November 02, 2018, 03:48:49 PM
I do hope in use you are happy with the tool. While I have a few Spirits and Swisstools and many Leatherman tools I think none are perfect/precise. After a wipe down the BO should stop marring your hands.

Thanks Aloha. I've given it a nice clean and rub over with oil which has worked nicely.

(https://preview.ibb.co/fYM9Cf/IMG-1335.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kozwsf)
(https://preview.ibb.co/mfgnyL/IMG-1337.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d4Ry50)

Quote from: Dutch_Tooler on November 02, 2018, 10:20:14 AM
A bit late to the party and maybe I'm missing something, but surely the blade pivots can be tightened to at least reduce the wobble? (Security Torx T10 required, IIRC).

The movement in the blades is due to the liner lock not meeting the base of the blades perfectly. It's not too bad though. Some of the other tools at the bottom of the handles seem a bit tight however. I purchased those special wrenches from Loki-mobile on here to adjust the fasteners easily without having to fiddle around with a couple of multigrips.

On the whole I really like this Leatherman. Very handy for little jobs around the bush block. I love the pocket clip coming standard on these, which is a point in its favour over the Spirit.
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on November 03, 2018, 10:13:04 AM: Ah, OK, thanks for the pics, nice! I see they've also changed the pivot screw heads to the old school knurled ones - so no Torx T10. I wonder why...
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Sam Lim on November 03, 2018, 02:22:43 PM: Quote from: Dutch_Tooler on November 03, 2018, 10:13:04 AM
Ah, OK, thanks for the pics, nice! I see they've also changed the pivot screw heads to the old school knurled ones - so no Torx T10. I wonder why...

DT.. For the AL/ALX series, they have been using the knurled screws all along.. From the very beginning.. :pok:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on November 03, 2018, 03:51:00 PM: Quote from: Sam Lim on November 03, 2018, 02:22:43 PM
Quote from: Dutch_Tooler on November 03, 2018, 10:13:04 AM
Ah, OK, thanks for the pics, nice! I see they've also changed the pivot screw heads to the old school knurled ones - so no Torx T10. I wonder why...

DT.. For the AL/ALX series, they have been using the knurled screws all along.. From the very beginning.. :pok:
:facepalm: Thanks Sam, seems the Charge series have been off my radar for too long, since I acquired my Charge OG new in fact :D
Need to look deeper into those, maybe
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: Wspeed on November 03, 2018, 03:58:49 PM: :rofl: :rofl: :facepalm:
Title: Re: New Charge Plus issues
Post by: SteveC on November 17, 2018, 03:21:50 PM: Quote from: sir_mike on November 17, 2018, 05:31:45 AM
Quote from: SteveC on November 16, 2018, 09:38:10 PM
I just received mine today. :woohoo:

(https://i.imgur.com/NK50Inbh.jpg)

Hey SteveC,

Not trying to hijack the this thread but after you get a chance to play around with it, can you comment if you have any issue like @floppy has mentioned in his "Charge Plus issue's" thread? I see these have the actual "+" on the scale. I have seen some that do not have that!

Thx.

The fit and finish on mine is very good. No play on any of the blades or file/saw. Everything opens smoothly and easily. There is some very minor rub on the scale with the PE blade when closing. :tu: