Can I close a Leatherman Super Tool easily? Yes, closing a Leatherman Super Tool is usually simple, but sometimes stiffness or issues with the locking mechanism can make it tricky. This guide helps you fix common problems so your tool closes smoothly every time.
The Leatherman Super Tool is a classic. It’s known for being tough. However, even tough tools need care. If your tool won’t close right, it might need a little adjustment or cleaning. We will walk you through the steps. We will cover simple fixes and more complex issues like Leatherman Super Tool disassembly.
Why Might My Super Tool Not Close Easily?
Tools get dirty. Dirt and debris get into the joints. This grit causes friction. Friction makes things stiff. Sometimes, a piece of metal might shift slightly. This small shift can stop the smooth closing action. The locking mechanisms might also get sticky. Knowing the common causes helps us fix them fast.
Basic Steps for Closing Your Super Tool
Before diving into repairs, try the easy fixes first. Often, a simple wiggle or cleaning does the trick.
Gentle Closing Technique
Never force a stuck Leatherman. Forcing it can bend parts or break the lock.
- Examine the Tools: Look at all the open tools. Are any sticking out oddly? Make sure every blade or driver is fully retracted.
- The Wiggle Test: Hold the handles firmly. Gently wiggle the stiff tool inward. Do not push hard. A little side-to-side movement can free up small debris.
- Use Both Hands: Sometimes, you need one hand to press the tool inward gently while the other hand guides the handle shut.
Cleaning for Smooth Operation
Dirt is the number one enemy of smooth action. Cleaning is the first step in Super Tool maintenance.
Simple Surface Cleaning
Wipe down the outside of the tool. Use a soft, dry cloth. Remove any surface dirt or grime. Pay close attention to the pivot areas where the tools swing.
Deeper Cleaning
If a simple wipe fails, you need to flush out the dirt.
- Use compressed air if you have some. Blow air into the joints. This pushes out loose dirt.
- If no compressed air is available, use a small brush. A clean, dry toothbrush works well. Gently brush around the hinges.
- For sticky grime, a tiny bit of light oil or mineral spirits can help loosen it. Put just a drop where the tool pivots. Open and close the tool several times. Then, wipe away the dirty oil.
Addressing Stiffness: Lubrication and Adjustment
If cleaning does not fix the stiffness, the next step involves lubrication. Proper Leatherman pivot lubrication is key to long life.
Selecting the Right Lubricant
You need a light oil. Heavy grease will attract more dirt.
| Lubricant Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Oil | Safe, readily available, very light. | May need frequent reapplication. | General maintenance, light sticking. |
| Specialty Knife Oil | Designed for pivot points, lasts longer. | More expensive. | Regular, heavy use tools. |
| WD-40 (Caution!) | Good cleaner, penetrates well. | Can break down rubber seals over time, not a long-term lubricant. | Quick cleaning flush only. Wipe off residue. |
Applying Lubricant
- Apply only one tiny drop of your chosen lubricant right where the tool hinges against the handle. Less is more!
- Work the tool in and out about ten times. This spreads the lubricant evenly.
- Wipe off any excess oil that squeezes out. You only want the inside lubricated.
Resolving a Stiff Plier Action
The pliers on the Super Tool are robust. If they feel sluggish, it is often due to debris in the main hinge. Fixing stiff Leatherman plier action often requires targeting the central pivot.
If cleaning and lubricating the outside hinge fails, you might need to look closer at the central pivot pin. This moves us toward partial Leatherman Super Tool disassembly.
Stepping Up: Partial Disassembly
Sometimes, to truly fix a stubborn close, you must take a part of the tool apart. This is often needed for Super Tool hinge repair or when the main pivot is the problem. Be warned: taking apart a Leatherman requires care. It can void warranties if done improperly, though the Super Tool is older and likely out of warranty.
Super Tool Pivot Pin Removal
The Super Tool uses rivets or pins to hold the main structure together. Removing these requires special tools and patience.
Tools Needed for Pin Removal:
- Small hammer.
- Pin punch set (or a very small nail that fits the pin diameter).
- Vise (to hold the tool steady).
- Safety glasses!
Procedure for Pin Access:
- Identify the Pin: Look at the main pivot where the pliers meet. You will see a pin or rivet head on one or both sides.
- Secure the Tool: Clamp the handle firmly in a vise. Ensure the pin you are driving out is facing upwards or sideways so it can move out freely.
- Driving the Pin: Place the tip of your punch squarely on the pin head. Tap lightly with the hammer. You are trying to move the pin, not mushroom the metal.
- Careful Movement: As the pin starts to move, use pliers to grip the exposed end and pull it out completely.
Warning: When you remove a pivot pin, the internal components might fall apart. Keep track of every washer and spacer.
If you are only trying to fix a specific tool (like a blade) that won’t close, you may only need to remove the pin holding that specific tool pivot. This is a form of disassembling multi-tool pliers components, focusing only on the stuck part.
Inspecting Components After Removal
Once the pin is out, inspect everything:
- Are the washers worn down? Replace them if damaged.
- Is the tool blade itself bent? Look for metal stress marks.
- Is there hardened gunk inside the hole where the pin sits? Clean this area thoroughly.
Reassembly requires aligning everything perfectly before reinserting the pin. When putting the pin back, you may need to lightly tap it back into place.
Fixing the Locking Mechanism
A common reason a tool won’t close is that the lock is engaging even when you try to close it. The Super Tool uses various locking styles depending on the specific model, but many feature a liner lock or a similar back lock for the blades.
Super Tool Locking Mechanism Fix
If the lock is engaging when it shouldn’t, here is what to check:
- Debris in the Lock Cutout: Look closely at the part of the blade tang that interacts with the lock bar. Small debris can prevent the lock from fully releasing. Clean this area with precision.
- Bent Lock Bar: If the tool was dropped, the metal lock bar might be slightly bent. This makes it catch on the blade tang even when pushed away. Straightening a hardened steel lock bar is difficult and risky. It might be better to proceed with Leatherman tool adjustment on the assembly itself, or seek professional help if the lock is the only issue.
If the lock is not engaging when it should (i.e., the tool doesn’t lock open), this is a safety issue. Often, this means the pivot is loose, or the locking surface is worn down. Lubrication won’t fix worn metal. This might mean a Super Tool spring replacement or professional servicing is needed if you want full security.
Dealing with Broken or Worn Springs
Some tools within the Super Tool utilize springs to keep them open or closed. If a tool flops around or won’t stay open, the spring may be weak or broken. This relates to Super Tool spring replacement.
Locating and Assessing Springs
Springs are usually small pieces of metal under tension. They are often found near the pivots of secondary tools.
- Visual Inspection: Carefully look inside the mechanism while the tool is slightly open. Do you see a small, bent piece of metal that looks like it is supposed to push the tool?
- Spring Failure: Springs usually fail by losing their tension (becoming flat) or snapping.
Replacing springs yourself is very hard. Springs are custom-shaped for the tool. You cannot just buy a generic spring. Unless you are highly skilled in small mechanism repair, significant spring failure usually means sending the tool back to Leatherman (if service is still offered for that model) or accepting the tool’s limitations.
If you disassembled the tool to access a spring, be extremely careful during reassembly. Spring tension must be correctly seated before you drive the pivot pin back in.
Advanced Maintenance Considerations
For the long life of your Super Tool, periodic deep maintenance is smart. This ensures your tool stays ready for action.
Full Leatherman Super Tool Disassembly
A full teardown is reserved for major cleaning or part replacement, like replacing a pivot pin entirely or fixing deep corrosion.
Process Overview (Highly Simplified):
- Carefully remove all external pins holding the main handles together.
- Gently separate the handles. Note the orientation of every washer, spacer, and internal spring. Use photographs!
- Clean every component individually with soap and water (if safe for the materials) or solvent. Dry completely.
- Reassemble. This is the hardest part. You must align every component perfectly while compressing the handles enough to drive the pins back in. This step often requires specialized clamps or a heavy-duty vise setup.
Note on Screws vs. Pins: Some later Leatherman models use screws instead of permanent pins. If your Super Tool has screws holding the handles together, use the correct size screwdriver (often Torx or small flathead) to remove them. Screws make reassembly much easier.
Preventing Future Sticking
The best fix is prevention.
- Keep it Dry: Moisture leads to rust and sticking. Do not leave your tool in wet environments.
- Wipe After Use: If you use the tool in mud, dust, or saltwater, clean it immediately after you are done.
- Regular Light Oiling: Apply a drop of light oil to the main pivot points every few months, even if the tool seems fine. This keeps the metal sliding smoothly.
Summary of Fixes for Closing Issues
Here is a quick reference table summarizing the common issues and the likely solutions related to closing your Super Tool.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Recommended Action | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tool closes slowly or stiffly. | Dirt/Grit buildup in pivots. | Clean thoroughly and apply light lubricant (Leatherman pivot lubrication). | Easy |
| One specific tool sticks badly. | Debris lodged only in that tool’s pivot. | Focused cleaning, possibly partial Super Tool pivot pin removal for that specific tool. | Medium |
| Tool won’t close because the lock is engaged. | Lock bar stuck due to debris or slight misalignment. | Inspect and clean the lock surface. Check for Super Tool locking mechanism fix needs. | Medium |
| Tool flops loosely or won’t stay open/closed. | Worn pivot or failed internal spring. | Inspect washers. May require Super Tool spring replacement or pivot replacement. | Hard |
| Pliers are extremely hard to close/open. | Major grit in the central hinge or bent pivot. | Full cleaning or disassembling multi-tool pliers at the center pin. | Hard |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Super Tool Closing
Q: Is it normal for my older Super Tool to be hard to close?
A: While Super Tools are tough, age and use increase friction. Stiffness is common if the tool hasn’t been cleaned or oiled in years. It’s a sign that it needs maintenance, not that it’s broken.
Q: Can I use graphite powder instead of oil for lubrication?
A: Yes, graphite powder is an excellent dry lubricant. It is great for pivots because it does not attract dirt like oil does. Apply a small amount by tapping the dry powder into the joint gap. This is a good alternative for Super Tool maintenance if you prefer not to use oil.
Q: I removed the pin, but the tool still won’t close right after cleaning. What now?
A: This suggests an issue with the alignment of the internal spacers or washers. Check if any washer is backward or if you accidentally swapped two different-sized washers from different pivots. Re-examine the path of the tool before fully closing it. If everything looks perfect, you might have a very slight bend in the tool arm itself, requiring gentle correction or a Leatherman tool adjustment.
Q: Where can I find replacement parts for a Super Tool, like a pivot pin?
A: Genuine Leatherman parts are hard to source directly for older models like the Super Tool unless you use their official servicing program. For non-critical parts like standard pivot pins, you might find generic replacements if you can accurately measure the diameter and length. For specialty parts, collectors or online marketplaces specializing in multi-tool repair are your best bet.
Q: How tight should the main pliers pivot be after I fix it?
A: The pliers should be firm but still swing smoothly. They should not be so loose that they flop open easily when held sideways, but they should not require significant force to move from the closed position. The ideal tension allows the pliers to hold their position when slightly open, but easily close with a controlled motion.