new ST with bend in handles

[carl]

I played with my new ST-X this weekend (a Christmas gift which I was supposed to leave alone until Christmas) and i noticed a bend on one side of each handle at the tool end (as opposed to the plier end) of the handle.  Its barely visible.  There is a slight bend (about 1mm) inward toward the center of the handle but outboard of the pin.  I believe it is meant to create some compression of the tools so they don't get too loose over the years.  Is this correct? 

[Styerman]

Mine appears similar , not to worry.

Chris

[max6166]

I'm not understanding the description. Could someone perhaps rephrase?   

[DoughDTD]

I'm not understanding the description. Could someone perhaps rephrase?   

+1...

-Dough

[carl]

Rephrase Attempt #1:
The 2 flat sides ("scales") of each handle are made of flat plate stainless steel.  They are stamped out using a press into a rectangular shape with the large end (plier end) and the small end (tool end).  When looking at the end view of the small end, you will see a sandwhich of 5 tools with a scale on one side and one on the other side.  Looking closely will reveal that one scale (one side of the handle) will have a very slight bend inward toward the center of the sandwhich.  This acts to press the sandwhich of tools together to keep it tight and snug.  And yes, this is a good design.  Probably an improvement over possibly earlier models that may not have this feature.

[Dunc]

I cant say this is something I have noticed  I think were going to need pics on this one .

Dunc

[Leatherman123]

Yeah, I looked at my SwissTools and I didn't notice any slight bends or anything!

[carl]

See "Swisstool X and Spirit comparison pics" 
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5232.0.html

I think the bend shows up in the scissors comparison photo where the scissors is attached to the Swisstool on its right-side handle.  You can't see the bend itself but you can see it in the reflection of the mirror finish on the handle.

[Benner]

I'd love to help, but I can't see what you mean. 

[Roadie]

I understand what you are saying but i think it may be an optical illusion rather than an actual bend but with out some accurate measuring implement i can't really decide

[Gareth]

There is a ruler on the handle how far up should we be looking?  Not that I have one to look at other than Ben's pics.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I understand what you are saying but i think it may be an optical illusion rather than an actual bend but with out some accurate measuring implement i can't really decide

I'd say Ryan has the truth of it mate , I've looked and looked at both of mine, but just don't see it

[carl]

There is a ruler on the handle how far up should we be looking?  Not that I have one to look at other than Ben's pics.

Look toward the end of the handle just past the pin that holds the scissors.

[donvito]

There is a ruler on the handle how far up should we be looking?  Not that I have one to look at other than Ben's pics.

Look toward the end of the handle just past the pin that holds the scissors.

Tried looking my self a few times, don't think I see it as well. Possible of you to post some pics?

[carl]

don't know how.

[David]

Carl, if I understand you correctly both of my SwissTools have the bends you describe.

[carl]

 David, what year are your Swisstools?  Mine is the new version with the newer wider plier head purchased 2 months ago.   A very small, almost undetectable bend, one on each handle, correct?  You can actually see it when looking at the mirrored stainless steel reflection.  I believe they are there to prevent too much side play in the tools and keep things nice and snug.   

[David]

Both my SwissTools have the newer plier head and were bought in the month of October of this year. When I first noticed this bend I thought it was a quality issue. I jumped to that conclusion since about half of the stuff I`ve bought since this summer has been sent back because of quality issues. But as I looked at it I came to the same conclusion as you that it was designed that way to take the slack out and help hold the tools in place. I think the SwissTool is a great MT. I do wish the handles were a little closer together. It would be a much easier to use the pliers if they were.

[Dunc]

I do wish the handles were a little closer together. It would be a much easier to use the pliers if they were.

Try one of the older models with a 98 plier head

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,2463.msg51780.html#msg51780

Dunc

[Benner]

See "Swisstool X and Spirit comparison pics" 
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5232.0.html

I think the bend shows up in the scissors comparison photo where the scissors is attached to the Swisstool on its right-side handle.  You can't see the bend itself but you can see it in the reflection of the mirror finish on the handle.

Just so you know, I took those pics and the Swisstool is a '98.

[David]

Dunc5, thank you for the advice and link. It`s interesting to see the changes over the years.

[carl]

Benner,

 so i guess the bend is on almost all Swisstools unless it was left out on the '97 models.   

[Dunc]

Benner,

 so i guess the bend is on almost all Swisstools unless it was left out on the '97 models.   

I need to do a little more research but I think the very early Swisstools ( no hard wire notch ) didn't have this bend and if I'm right I think they were peened ( rivet hit to get the right tension on blades with no play ) by hand judging by the marks on one side on my two . Later models weren't peened like this and I think this is where the bend in the end of the handle controls the tension .
    This is just my opinion and I need to look into it a bit more and try and take some macro shots .Any further info or opinions are as always very welcome .

Dunc