Tool Tales

I have owned multi-tools since I was a kid, in Iraq, and now with me at home. The Leatherman Charge TTi is the best on the market, especially with the bit kit (sold separately). I have used the tool around the house and camping with its top-of-the-line tools and they lasted the rugged test of time. I would like to mention that they got the can opener right, the saw cuts like a saw should, and the file grinds and sharpens; so many companies still have not figured that out.

 

Specifically, I had used my tool for a couple years and my old (and cheap) bicycle had a handle bar breakdown caused by a loose hex bolt. I could get a grip with the pliers closed but being on the road I had to tighten the screw with a ridiculous amount of torque, multiple times, rather than make a phone call. I used the tool by opening the pliers giving me a 90 degree handle and was able to successfully tighten it as well as any socket wrench. The only problem is I had a hairline fracture that developed and over time the handle finally snapped. But the alternative would have been riding a mountain bike for miles and hills with moving handlebars (right...). This was after I had to retighten the same bolt several more times.

 

The Charge TTi still worked well and I used it until I bought a good bicycle (this was when the handle bars completely failed) and sent the tool in asking ONLY for a new handle. The amazing part of this story is that Leatherman Tool Group sent me a NEW TOOL and in record-breaking time. I mean record breaking, like as in 1/2 WEEK! I have honestly never had such good customer service; even from high end electronics manufacturers like Sony, etc. This is to thank Leatherman Tool Group for making a tool better quality than a bicycle that cost more and let possible buyers know that this is what these tools are made for: that many times they may not be for a specific purpose, but it is better to have one and not need it than to not have one and need it badly.

 

Matthew K.

Chino Hills, CA

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