Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => The Mod Squad => Topic started by: fishbulb59 on March 03, 2017, 11:58:46 PM
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Howdy, everyone! I've been lurking for a while, but it's finally time for me to ask for some proper help.
After having tried several different tools, I really think the Leatherman Juice S2 "Slim Jim" mod is what I'm after. I'm somewhat handy with tools, so I figured I'd give it a go myself.
I bought the standard 1/8" pivots and a pocket clip from KnifeKits, and I found a reasonably good-condition S2 on eBay. I didn't have many problems getting the existing rivets out; I dremeled off the tops rivet heads, then used a hammer and punch to knock everything out.
Reassembly is where I ran into problems. It seems like the 1/8" pivots are just too big. Almost everything was an interference fit, and even when I managed to get one side back together, the tools were all significantly tighter than they were with the stock rivets. I couldn't even get the pivot through one of sets of tools on the other side; it's now bent, and I'm not sure how I'm going to get it out.
Am I missing something? do I need to drill out the rivets with a proper 1/8" bit to widen the holes a bit? Should I be able to put the new pivots in with a few light mallet taps, or should it be hard? Did I get a 'lemon' of an S2 from eBay?
Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated.
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The Juice is known to be a difficult platform to work with but if you are getting the springs to sit right you should be halfway there. I can give a few recommendations without being very knowledgeable.
1. Everything is clean right, this is like the "have you tried rebooting it" question...
2. Try comparing how well the tools move on the pivots without the springs or anything. Just to see if there is any difference there.
3. If the pivot is slightly thicker than the original it is probably easier to mount the pivots in a drill and polish them down carefully than to drill or the holes.
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Ah, good call—for some reason, I hadn't thought of sanding down the pivots. Guess I'll have to order another set. :) As far as setting the springs, that wasn't very difficult at all. The "close the tool, stick them in, and beat them with a hammer" method worked like a champ!
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Ah, good call—for some reason, I hadn't thought of sanding down the pivots. Guess I'll have to order another set. :) As far as setting the springs, that wasn't very difficult at all. The "close the tool, stick them in, and beat them with a hammer" method worked like a champ!
I'm liking your style F :tu:
:popcorn:
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If you have to enlarge the holes you can use a concrete carbide drill bit you can find them at any hardware store. I have only found the cheap ones in 1/8 inch. They enlarge holes really good like drilling butter. To make new holes I had to make a small pilot hole. I used a Dewalt X2 cobalt it also worked well.
Mike
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haha, thanks sparky :)
Well, I have some new pivots on the way. I'll probably try sanding them down first. I presume I need to go up to a pretty high grit so the tools will still pivot nicely. If that doesn't work, I'll probably get another S2 and drill it with a 1/8" bit. Thanks, everyone!
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The knifekits ones are horrible spec lately. I highly recommend the ones from alpha knife supply. I used those on a juice mod and didn't have to do anything to the tool pivot holes.
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The knifekits ones are horrible spec lately. I highly recommend the ones from alpha knife supply. I used those on a juice mod and didn't have to do anything to the tool pivot holes.
Interesting... well, my second round of parts from KnifeKits will be here on thursday. Guess I'll give it a try anyway :)