Leatherman, Clip blade -> Flathead driver mod?

JackNate · **on:** February 20, 2011, 02:36:33 AM

I have been thinking about purchasing a Leatherman Kick (possibly used) and grinding the blade into a large screwdriver. I would probably be using a belt grinder and a file.
I think it would make a nice fat flathead for things like adjusting hose clamps or flush valves. Anybody had luck with this kind of mod? Luckily I found a cheap knock off tool in the basement that I could do a first trial with.

MultiMat · **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2011, 02:57:22 AM

poor blade

It would be interesting to see how strong the modded blade would be as a screwdriver , all that grinding might effect the metals temper & make it brittle

. I guess it is worth a shot

,handy that you have a guinea pig MT

. Be interesting too hear how such a long driver performs in-regards to strength ,that is resisting breaking & twisting/bending.

CENTURION · **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2011, 05:33:34 AM

Since the blade has a bevel on it (the main grind), wouldn't your screwdriver tip end up being a triangular-ish profile rather than a normal rectangular one?

JackNate · **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2011, 05:12:42 PM

Yes, that would be a problem. I didn't realise the blade was beveled over its entire width. Many pictures make it look like its very flat. The other problem would be that I would have to remove quite a bit of material before it was short enough to be a strong driver. I might as well either find another driver to swap in, or just leave the whole thing alone.

patrat · **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2011, 10:35:42 PM

Better off take a screwdriver, heat the end of the shank to orange, hammer it into a pivot shape, and then drill and grind to fit in place of the blade.