Sidekick Bit Driver?

Higgins617 · **on:** February 16, 2014, 03:53:37 AM

So after doing a search I came up with not much. I really like the Sidekick, though the drivers really underwhelm me unfortunately. So I've been looking to see if there is any way to have a bit driver on my Sidekick other than to swap one in from one of the more expensive tools.

Leatherman's site says that their removable bit driver is not compatible with the Sidekick/Wingman, do you guys know if this is true or if they just never added newer tools to the list. Also, didn't they use to produce the driver that slotted over the pliers while the tool was closed?

If I'm on a hopeless mission feel free to tell me, I just know that here is the best place to look for this information/help. Thanks!!

gregozedobe · **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2014, 05:00:47 AM

Quote from: Higgins617 on February 16, 2014, 03:53:37 AM

Also, didn't they use to produce the driver that slotted over the pliers while the tool was closed?

If I'm on a hopeless mission feel free to tell me, I just know that here is the best place to look for this information/help. Thanks!!

LM made two different Tool Adapters that clamped in between the handles and took any std 1/4 hex bit.

The "original" was designed for LM MTs with skinny handles (eg PST), while the "universal" works for MTs with wider handles (eg Wave, Charge). The Universal Tool adapter will also work with non-LM MTs as well.

Higgins617 · **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2014, 06:50:17 AM

Thanks for the response, I read about the UTA on the main site here but being that they are no longer in production I doubt they would be too easy to come by. The one they produce now slots over the three dimensional drivers on various tools right? I've seen people use 1/4" sockets that fit over the flathead but I was hoping there was a less jury rigged option out there.

gregozedobe · **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2014, 08:40:13 AM

Quote from: Higgins617 on February 16, 2014, 06:50:17 AM

Thanks for the response, I read about the UTA on the main site here but being that they are no longer in production I doubt they would be too easy to come by. The one they produce now slots over the three dimensional drivers on various tools right? I've seen people use 1/4" sockets that fit over the flathead but I was hoping there was a less jury rigged option out there.

The UTA comes up on fleabay from time to time, but the original is much more common. I don't have any experience with the ones that fit over a screwdriver (usually the 3D Philips ? ) as an adapter.

Kampfer · **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2014, 09:19:26 AM

Quote from: Higgins617 on February 16, 2014, 03:53:37 AM

though the drivers really underwhelm me unfortunately.

How exactly ? My brother (a tradesman) uses the sidekick's driver a lot on daily basis, only once it was defeated by a cheap partially broken screw. However the sidekick's pipers were the deal breaker for him, now he is a happy ST300 user.

If you really feeling sidekick's driver that way, it would be easier to upgrade for another tool, than trying to improve it.

Higgins617 · **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2014, 05:23:32 PM

The 2D Phillips is already chewed up after working on a bike, and the flat driver seems too thick to me. I'm asking the question more so because it would be nice to have multiple options, not because it doesn't work as is because I actually really like the tool.

Zed · **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2014, 05:42:33 PM

I would upgrade to a wave and fit a bit adapter as better for abuse,i use my surge with home made bit adapter so i can use standard bits as cheaper to replace

its my 1/4 adapter in this pic all other bits in my altoid tin

Higgins617 · **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2014, 05:49:01 PM

Oh I would love to upgrade, been looking more at the Surge and Crunch than a Wave though. I just can't swing the cash for one. Your bit adapter is the sort of thing I was thinking of, I mean it wouldn't hurt to try it out right?

Zed · **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2014, 07:09:10 PM

Quote from: Higgins617 on February 16, 2014, 05:49:01 PM

Oh I would love to upgrade, been looking more at the Surge and Crunch than a Wave though. I just can't swing the cash for one. Your bit adapter is the sort of thing I was thinking of, I mean it wouldn't hurt to try it out right?

Nope never hurts to try

the surge is a very good solid mt and i highly recommend one

keep your eyes peeled on here for a second hand surge

Kampfer · **Reply #9 on:** February 16, 2014, 07:21:25 PM

^+1

I am just saying you would get better end result if you upgrade to another MT.
New Surge is a kickass MT.

Cupboard · **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2014, 11:24:14 PM

If you're talking about the bit adaptor that fits over the Phillips driver on the tools with a 3D Phillips (Kick/Fuse/Blast/Rebar etc) then the answer is no, it won't fit.

I am not aware of anything that would.

Higgins617 · **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2014, 11:38:52 PM

Thank you Cupboard, I was fairly confident that was the case.

Aloha · **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2014, 01:00:24 AM

How about a separate bit set altogether? I have a Victorinox L wrench w/ bits and I also bought a cheap L wrench and use 1/4 bits I had that I pair with my surge. It has worked out great for me, I sent one to Detron as well I liked it so much. It was $3 and came with some bits that were held in a pocket clip holder. It's the red thing in the picture at the bottom right.

mtngoat · **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2014, 03:39:55 AM

Aloha, can you give some more info on the $3 L wrench?

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

Higgins617 · **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2014, 04:03:34 AM

That is actually a good option, I never thought of that. Didn't someone on here say that the Croc's bottle opener can also be a bit driver? I wouldn't mind going that route either. Thanks for the help guys, this site is really reliable every question gets some sort of answer and it's really cool.

Kampfer · **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2014, 04:59:10 AM

Not Croc it is a Piranha.
http://www.leatherman.com/831680.html#start=9

Aloha · **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2014, 07:04:53 AM

Quote from: mtngoat on February 17, 2014, 03:39:55 AM

Aloha, can you give some more info on the $3 L wrench?

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

It doesn't have a name on it, it came with security bits and a holder that's also a pocket clip. I have used it nearly every day and its pretty sturdy. I have the Victorinox L wrench and bits as well and their great but this tool has also been great. I carry it everyday and it has done everything I have asked making a nice addition to my Surge.

Mr Biriyani · **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2014, 09:34:59 AM

I also have a very similar L-shaped tool. It´s small and versatile and I reallly recommend it. I found mine in a cheap electronic store and paid 2-3 $. The bits that came with mine didn´t held up for really hard use and were not perfect shaped but I pared it with some of my favourite quality bits.

Zed · **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2014, 10:35:48 AM

I carry the same one but its silver

Mango808 · **Reply #19 on:** February 21, 2014, 04:55:27 PM

Quote from: Higgins617 on February 17, 2014, 04:03:34 AM

Didn't someone on here say that the Croc's bottle opener can also be a bit driver? I wouldn't mind going that route either.

Quote from: Lam.Kampfer on February 17, 2014, 04:59:10 AM

Not Croc it is a Piranha.
http://www.leatherman.com/831680.html#start=9

The bottle opener cutout on the Croc and the Brewzer can hold a standard 1/4" hex bit. On the original PocketTool X features description it mentions it as a 1/4" hex opening. When Leatherman took over, they don't mention it. I've tried putting a standard hex bit in both my Croc and Brewzer and they both can be used to hold and turn in it okay.

Aloha · **Reply #20 on:** February 24, 2014, 03:42:34 AM

Quote from: Higgins617 on February 17, 2014, 04:03:34 AM

That is actually a good option, I never thought of that. Didn't someone on here say that the Croc's bottle opener can also be a bit driver? I wouldn't mind going that route either. Thanks for the help guys, this site is really reliable every question gets some sort of answer and it's really cool.

It fits but it also would be a PITA to me to use this way.

Mango808 · **Reply #21 on:** February 24, 2014, 04:34:47 PM

Quote from: Aloha007 on February 24, 2014, 03:42:34 AM

Quote from: Higgins617 on February 17, 2014, 04:03:34 AM
That is actually a good option, I never thought of that. Didn't someone on here say that the Croc's bottle opener can also be a bit driver? I wouldn't mind going that route either. Thanks for the help guys, this site is really reliable every question gets some sort of answer and it's really cool.

It fits but it also would be a PITA to me to use this way.

At least you know you could use it this way if you had to.

I'd get some O-rings to put above and below the hex bit to hold it in place in the bottle opener opening.

Aloha · **Reply #22 on:** February 24, 2014, 04:44:08 PM

Quote from: Mango808 on February 24, 2014, 04:34:47 PM

Quote from: Aloha007 on February 24, 2014, 03:42:34 AM
Quote from: Higgins617 on February 17, 2014, 04:03:34 AM
That is actually a good option, I never thought of that. Didn't someone on here say that the Croc's bottle opener can also be a bit driver? I wouldn't mind going that route either. Thanks for the help guys, this site is really reliable every question gets some sort of answer and it's really cool.

It fits but it also would be a PITA to me to use this way.

At least you know you could use it this way if you had to.

I'd get some O-rings to put above and below the hex bit to hold it in place in the bottle opener opening.

It will work! I think the o rings would help a lot.

Viperx · **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2016, 07:49:26 PM

I have attempted to install a surge bit adapter into my leatherman sidekick. It does not fit. It is the correct width, and the locking mechanism will sort of work, but will slightly bend the locking tab. However the tool will not close. I believe by ising a grinder it might be possible to get the tool to close completely, but I did not want to do that to mine. See attached pictures for full details!

zoidberg · **Reply #24 on:** May 22, 2016, 12:16:24 AM

Welcome to the boards Viperx.

SteveC · **Reply #25 on:** May 22, 2016, 12:29:57 AM

Quote from: zoidberg on May 22, 2016, 12:16:24 AM

Welcome to the boards Viperx.

+1

Viperx · **Reply #26 on:** May 22, 2016, 05:47:41 AM

Thanks!

mikekoz · **Reply #27 on:** May 23, 2016, 12:11:50 AM

I have a Sidekick and one of the old universal adapters. It attaches to the end of the Sidekick pretty snug with just a little bit of play. There are about 4 UTA's on Ebay right now.

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