Leatherman Free Series...Full Rundown: Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Mods

[@Philter-Coffee]

"I will never buy the free series" - I sure am glad you did! I love the videos you've made on them, and just got my P2 and some upgrade parts in the mail. Honestly in part it's because of your very well made content!

[@spunkkat1721]

I have used Victorniox warranty 2 times & it was seemless plus I just like their tools better - more functions Great vid as usual

[@maxlvledc]

I love their quality and the there warranty..but I would never trust my life to them. Firstly...they are nearly impossible to open one handed. And can't be opened with gloves either. For that reason alone they don't make my list. Their refusal to implement one handed functionality kills their usefulness for me. That being said, I'd say the overall quality of Vic is better. HOWEVER, Vic will not cover abuse under warranty..Leatherman will. The shit they will fix boggles the mind.

[@ryanv7195]

Great video, I have both a k4 and a t4. I use the t4 most as I applied a little Keychain ring on the corner and hung it off of my keys. I used to carry a victorinox before on my keys but I went for the t4 because it was designed to one hand open all tools which you can. Opening the blade was a little stiff initially but I lubricated the tool with a little mineral oil and its working perfectly. I love it. It's a little heavy for keys but not bad, my victorinox was a little heavier. I am really pleased with the one hand open capability and use it often. You never know when you may need to use a tool and the other hand is injured or indisposed. As for the k4 I got it for the larger blade. I recently received it and have not used it much yet, but so far, so good. I'll see if switching the belt clip improves it for me. I have no large complaints yet.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I love having an awl on my SAK tools, I've used it a lot for wood and plastic holes over the last 40yrs.

[@rarenirvanavideos7077]

I think it's too early to gauge its success. To me they are perfect. I've always carried Victorinox. I thought the k2 and I changed to the t2. The tools lock and they are robust. As far as people giving them a bad rap. Most of said people couldn't even open the tools correctly. As far as a pocket clip being a deal breaker. Some people dont like the way they feel in the hand.

[@bahjinelson3986]

Rant away. Leatherman needs to hear it. My biggest complaint is the large flat driver; it would be great if it wasn't ruined with a package opener edge, which I have already destroyed by turning screws. I would prefer it full width. Removing the pocket clip on my K4 made the ergos great. Also, I made the same mistake with the reamer and sharpened it just to find it works the same but with no flat driver on the end. Will probably file it back into original shape. Great video.

[@mikephillips6735]

Thanks for the video information. Where can I get the washer to replace one of the springs to make it open easier. Thanks

[@barryobee1544]

Very good review, I learned a few things . Thanks.

[@greysondarrow]

Awesome! This was very helpful, thanks

[@maxlvledc]

Glad it helped!

[@itroom1615]

Great mods, thanks for video!

[@maxlvledc]

Glad you like them!

[@eddiemcohen6410]

Can you link how to replace the spring with a washer of the t4?

[@learnerforeva2087]

Thanks for the review man. I am confused between the Victorinox Pioneer Alox and the Leatherman T2. Which one wud you recommend?

[@maxlvledc]

They are completely different, for one thing...one is locking, but the individual implements on the vic are better quality. And the awl on the 93 mm is one of the best there is

[@joegahagan2466]

That awl is probably the best drilling implement outside a drill I've ever used I drilled a hole through a penny with it!!!!

[@maxlvledc]

wow!

[@jamesmcnary4939]

I actually like the T2 with scale tools. Where did you buy the insert?

[@maxlvledc]

3D printed from file on Thingiverse.

[@mr.b.4048]

On the T4 is it possible to disable the lock mechanism on the knife to make it UK legal carry?

[@crazysnoox]

What are the washer specs so I can make sure I order the right one? My work hours don't let me get to the hardware store except on rare occasion.

[@maxlvledc]

The pivots are actually quite small, so a #6 should work fone

[@nora26knation45]

I always like your reviews

[@maxlvledc]

thanks! means a lot.

[@mcholbrook2810]

How did you know what washer to put in there for the spring on the t4? Thank you for the video!

[@maxlvledc]

I just tested it with different ones I had of similar thickness. Not a specific size 😅

[@JC-ji1hp]

The awl is on every tool because the name of the company is leatherman.

[@ricka473]

Hello. If I were to print the enhanced spacer for my T2, is it difficult to swap out the old spacer for the new one? Thanks in advance! BTW -it love your videos!

[@maxlvledc]

Not hard, but your printer definitely needs to be well calibrated

[@30CalCoreLokt]

For the K series, try carrying it in your back right pocket, vertically oriented, clipped on the pocket on the outermost side. I think you'll like it

[@maxlvledc]

its not the way it carries...its how it feels in the hand that is the problem.

[@30CalCoreLokt]

@@maxlvledc oh yeah, under and that but flipping the clip like you did helps a lot - then all that's left is getting the draw position right

[@lionheart1975]

I like the space where you have the swiss tools in thats a good idea.

[@maxlvledc]

Thanks!

[@macgyverbryan1377]

The washer mod is cool. The Phillips mod I did on a OHT. The appeal for Leatherman MTs is how modular they can be, the Free series not having that does need to be addressed by them. The clip debocle did rub many fans the wrong way. LTG sending a free clip on asking, and included on all Free series is a fix. The awl as a package opener is superior to the labled opener.

[@maxlvledc]

Think about how much money that costs them vs including it..the PR alone would cost millions in sales...too little too late. The lack of the clip on the P4 initially was so bad they recalled the packaging and spent millions sending out clips around the world..talk about short sighted...whoever thought to make the clip MoneyGrab should be fired.

[@macgyverbryan1377]

Companies even as big or revered as Leatherman need to run new offerings by a select group of fan base. Being in touch with the thoughts and wants of consumers is keeps ppl coming back. And the warranty is an industry leader, a company( caugh SOG) lost me as a customer due to a simple warranty issue.

[@LifesMemoriesPhoto]

What size of washer did you use? Thickness especially please. Thanks much.

[@maxlvledc]

Hmm. Honestly I can't remember, I just grabbed one out of my stash or random washers 😅

[@cookieoliver3196]

So I just ordered my T2 yesterday. It was a tough decision since I only have 1-2 knives at anytime. Size was important - my hands are small. I don't need a pocket clip as this will be the purse tool.

[@maxlvledc]

My only concern is just how hard it might be to deploy the blade. It has a lot of spring retention

[@cookieoliver3196]

@@maxlvledc thank you for the heads up. I got it for a decent price. If it doesn't work out for me I will slap a bow on it and give it to my husband or my son.

[@Ro-pg2lb]

How do you add the washer to the t4? Any resources for instruction?

[@maxlvledc]

disassemble the pivot, replace the spring furthest from the blade with the washer and reassemble. Your going to need a pair of T8 screwdrivers to do it.

[@travismalchow4940]

I’ve always been a fan of the T4 but you mentioned a decrease in price I don’t see it on their website

[@maxlvledc]

This video was made a while ago, things have changed

[@boratborat8045]

Macgyver would have been converted by the T4 👌

[@fg63-6]

Can the blades from these be swapped into the p2? Finding a p4 blade for under $100 is simply not possible.

[@maxlvledc]

Nope, but the T2/T4 does

[@lionheart1975]

Is there someone that make the spacer mods where you can add things like the tweezers and a firefly. I honestly love the idea.

[@maxlvledc]

Only if you have a 3d printer

[@alving7958]

I agree, a firefly firesteel and a pen slot would be 👌 perfect

[@seanwhitaker975]

Is there instructions somewhere on the t2 assembly I printed out the middle mod and I'm having trouble getting it back together, when I opened it up it kinda just exploded with the magnets and I'm stumped with it...

[@maxlvledc]

Hmmm, contact the original designer on thingiverse. He was very helpful. He is also on IG as well.

[@seanwhitaker975]

@@maxlvledc I did he doesn't have it either. I couldn't get the magnets to stick so I'm redesigning the model. Just printed my first successful test

[@novemeberalphabravo]

I don't have a problem with the K4 pocket clip. Bigger hands maybe?

[@maxlvledc]

It's just annoying if your used to nicely designed clips located lower on the handle. What's wierd is that the K2 doesn't bother me as much...so you may be right about hand size.

[@Coreficus_02]

How did you add the victorinox stuff? I have a T4. I wanna tooth pick lol

[@maxlvledc]

its a 3D print.

[@Coreficus_02]

@@maxlvledc well darn, I don't have a 3D printer 😔

[@germangarcia4143]

Is there anyway we can still get that back spacer anywhere ?

[@maxlvledc]

No idea

[@germangarcia4143]

@@maxlvledc are you interested in selling the one you have ?

[@waynemcgee8752]

Nothing like an EDC pocket clip,like a car color😂

[@RockSleeper]

do you use graphite, oil, or something like lithium greases on your tools? or is it even necessary?

[@maxlvledc]

I use some blue oil, but wd40 is my go too because it also protects from rust

[@kylethedalek]

I like these types of multi tools by leatherman, but I think they are way over priced. I don’t suppose you know of a company that makes a multitool like these or Swiss army styled, but have ones handed opening features (mainly the knife.) Also wanting one with a blade about 3”. Also what would you recommend for a good bush craft, bug out, survival. Saw Axe Hatchet And machete? I like the cold steel tomahawks, and machetes, but then the Hultafors axes look good for the money too. And Bacho saws. Also do you know anyone who makes custom scales for Spydercos and Saks?

[@maxlvledc]

I'm afraid I can't answer most of those questions and feel unqualified to answer others. As far as other tools...buy used...that's a better option than buying suboptimal ones imo.

[@kylethedalek]

Maxlvledc Thanks man, appreciate your honesty about it! And I will check that out!

[@bahjinelson3986]

Victorinox actually does make a few one handed opening knives that are bigger as well and the blade locks too. A couple examples would be the One Hand Trekker or the Locksmith. The options are limited and you may have to search around, but pay attention to the blade; some are serrated and some are not, even in the same model sometimes.

[@magnusnordstrom9594]

I like P4 and T2

[@RockSleeper]

you never explained why you would never by the P series.

[@maxlvledc]

The funny thing is I ended up with both at some point. They are not bad, but I spent $50 and $70 to get new ones respectively

[@OutbackDrones]

The pocket clip really isn’t that bad….

[@maxlvledc]

I'm spoiled lol, so 🤷

[@xnoaim]

Why wouldn’t you buy the p series

[@maxlvledc]

I ended up getting a great deal on a pair of them...but they are flawed in some ways.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Leatherman is so puzzling to me, they get so much right but totally screw up the most simple things ! The seem to do ZERO beta testing. People also want more value and extra tools like tweezers, toothpicks etc It's not like Victorinox has a patent on small extras ! The Leatherman warrantee is also worth virtually nothing outside North America.

[@charlieward7606]

how so about the warranty? i thought it was good eerywhere

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@charlieward7606 How much do you think it costs to post a Leatherman to the US for warrantee from the Southern Hemisphere ? Australia, Argentina, South Africa ? We can't even post just the broken part, they want the whole heavy tool.

[@charlieward7606]

@@edwardfletcher7790 damn, i would have thought they would have had representatives on each continente at least, il have to see if there is one in europe. i agree posting to america sounds a pain

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@charlieward7606 Yeah kind of expensive. I love Leatherman, just bought a new Surge. But I'm not posting it 8,266 miles away for service !

[@charlieward7606]

@@edwardfletcher7790 yeah deffnitly not worth, im going to see if its like that in europe

[@toolinedc]

Can't believe how people complain all the time about the pocket clips and the screw drivers etc etc... what's your solution then ? No pocket clip ? Different shape ? (Would still be in the way).. they should have put the old style bit driver ?? F*ck no it's a brand new platform.... nothing is perfect get over it ! I got a lot of Leatherman multitools and i bought a P4 and a T4 and they are really great for their purpose ! No a P4 is not a Surge obviously etc etc tired of the people always complaining !

[@maxlvledc]

I should mention...the clip from the Sideclip...over 20 years earlier..would have both worked perfectly and been more comfortable...just saying.

[@stevenkelby2169]

It seems like your entire comment consists of nothing but complaining...

[@toolinedc]

@@stevenkelby2169 there's an expression which says " fight fire with fire" !

[@toolinedc]

@@maxlvledc sorry Dom about that comment tho, i was rude !! Haha ! If i remember correctly, just before i watched your vid, i saw like 4-5 vids about the samething i was kinda fed up ... my bad haha ! 🤘✌

[@KungFuTweety1]

The most well made piece of junk...not worth buying if you have to modify it to this extent! And you're voiding the warranty? Not worth purchasing...thanks for the review!

[@maxlvledc]

Perfectly legit response imo, as I said before some will not get it for the reasons I stated...but I want to give all the info. Cheers.

[@maxlvledc]

Oh and the T4 doesn't have a voided warranty, but definitely for the T2

[@mr.lawless8235]

Why in the hell did you buy a. "FREE,". Knife????????

[@maxlvledc]

It was such a good deal I couldn't refuse

[@12345678927164]

Relax, it’s a made in USA gear tool, which is rare in this day and age. If it had half the amount of tools I’d still buy it to support our workers at home.

[@jimmyross1672]

thanks for making these videos tho for people like us who want to buy sertian products but dont know what to to pick

[@jimmyross1672]

lol i see people like leatherman for some reason lol im not a fan at all but thats me tho well brother keep on keepin on ill see you in the next one

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

*I know a secret about the k4 and the p4. Its mod that is so legendary. That if u do it. All the females are gna be chasing in shtf when u have to solution to save the entire tribe. 8->* *I'm gna be posting this secret in an Amazon review here soon.* *8]*

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

An once I do the review . .... man... u wanna talk about changing the game. Because of what I say alone millions of $ will be spent 8)))

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

*P4 IS KING OF KINGS!!!!* *LIGMA!!!!!!*

[@siduspulverem2001]

K2 is great tool, very happy with it, and the pocket clip is total crap.. the first thing i tried was like you, to move it on the other side, but it was stil shit.. and i removed it. The handle is very comfortable without it. They could have done a nice clip, it was not going to inflate the price, if it was executed corectly. I can't understand how can someone throw this clip on this beautiful and comfortable handle and say.. mmmm yep.. done! Total crap, it is so badly done, that it is very ugly, extremely uncomfortable, it has no other function at all, apart from being a verry shitty and ugly pocket clip.