July 2009

Missing in Action

I received a Super Leatherman from my sister about seven years ago. I carry it with me at all times. I was working on a bridge job since the spring, and have used it to cut plastic, tighten hose clamps, cut wire, and just about any odd job there is.

We were placing some pumps to dewater a pier footer and tying sandbags to the discharge end of 2" hoses. We threw a sandbag into the creek attached to a hose. When the hose tangled, we had to try to relocate it. One of the fellows pulled the hose over the sheet piling, and I leaned out to cut the wire holding the sandbag, and plop. The Leatherman went into the creek. I tried to throw a magnet to retrieve it, but that didn't work. The water was about five feet deep, but it was fairly close to the shore. I tried to use a rake to find it, but after a couple days I gave up.

Fortunately, it was June, and not the middle of November. After three days of carrying my sheath with no tool, I threw a pair of shorts, a towel and old sneakers in the truck, and after work I changed, and went for a swim. Even though it was almost 80 degrees outside, the water felt like 40. I slid my feet along the bottom of the creek, and felt something right away. I took a deep breath, and reached down into the murky water and grabbed the Leatherman by one handle. When I came up, I let out a yell that caught a couple people off guard.

After a good cleaning, it is back on my side where I have used it just about every day since. Thanks for making a tool that comes in handy for so many jobs.

Mike M.
Dillsburg, PA