Super Tool 300 Loose Lock Bars Issue

Captain Hook · **on:** May 02, 2019, 05:09:15 AM

Hey everyone, I just bought a 2018 Super Tool 300 and I have to say I love the heavy duty pliers but mine has an issue, the lockbars have a lot of wiggle when the tools are all closed up, it still locks the inside tools firmly but I still fear a lock failure at some point down the line so I'm sending it into warranty. It appears to me that that the little "spring" that is apart of the handle is not making contact with the lock bar when tools are closed. Has anyone else experienced this issue?

gerleatherberman · **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2019, 08:40:18 AM

The only one I have is from 2014 and doesn't have the issue. But, that said, I have read a few accounts of the spring thing not being bent upwards enough to get the tab to stay still. It hasn't caused any failures that I know of, but some users find it an annoyance. Maybe they'll replace the tool for you, but keep in mind, the 300 is a workhorse, and as such, isn't going to be fluffed and primped. The replacement may have a similar annoyance. Hopefully not, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. You could always remove the tools and pin, and bend the spring tab upwards a little to get the wiggle out. As long as the lock tab pivot pins are well seated into the handle holes, there should be no reliability issues. The 300 is a fantastic and reliable tool, but the bells and whistles are lacking.

Poncho65 · **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2019, 12:13:50 PM

I will have to check to see if any of mine have that issue

I have never had an issue with a ST300 at all though, they have always performed excellent

Hope they sort you out easily enough with the problem

Captain Hook · **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2019, 05:25:35 PM

Thanks GLBM! I think I'll try to fix it myself first, and maybe swap the Philips for a bit driver while I'm at it

Maybe I could get those rivets out with a couple 4" vice grips??

Poncho65 · **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2019, 05:30:08 PM

Just be careful not to mar them

heat the pivot just a bit with low heat (some use soldering iron, hot water, hair dryer etc. You get the idea) that will unlock the thread lock

and I believe only 1 side turns on the knurled screw fasteners for the 300

Good luck in the modding and fixing the ST300 to your liking

Aloha · **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2019, 05:56:49 PM

HEAT the screws. I believe the left side looking down at the implements is the barrel and the right is the screw side. There is the thread on the Dutch toolers ST300VX that clearly shows how to do some amazing things to the ST300. I am also considering adding the large bit driver to my ST300 and removing the can opener and a flat driver. I'll keep the long phillps tho.

Good luck. Oh and I'd be careful with removing those knurled screws.. Loki has the right tools for the job

gerleatherberman · **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2019, 06:58:57 PM

Great advice, gentlemen!

Aloha · **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2019, 07:22:13 PM

Just checked mine. If you are saying by grasping the lock bar on either end and pushing it moves then yes mine does, one more than the other. "A lot"

I wouldn't say that. I also wouldn't say I noticed till I tried it. The movement is not something I am yet concerned about.

In all fairness I am still trying to bond with mine. Not a lot of use yet but I do hope to change that.

SteveC · **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2019, 08:26:58 PM

The file and saw side are the screws that turn the other side is the captive side of the barrel . Do yourself a favor and get some of lokis wrenches. Vise grips will really chew up the knurled screw.