Scalpel Blade Holder Mod for the Leatherman FREE P4 & P2

Order from: zapwizard.com/...
This user install modification allows you to install large scalpel blades into either the Leatherman FREE P4 or P2.
Two variants allow you to replace the main or serrated blades, or the scissors. See product page for more details.
Metro's Q-Branch has Scalpel holders for other Leatherman Tools: www.shapeways....

[@reedbrooks3887]

I'm so glad modders are out correcting Leatherman's mistakes and helping us make our tools more useful. Thanks man, look forward to picking up a few things soon.

[@InexorWoW]

Did this mod to replace the Leatherman Arc blade today with the recommended blades provided in the product page's description. It did require some fitting, the part itself is only slightly thicker than the factory blade, about the thickness of the finish. I did reem the hole out with a little rod type file. I did remove the raised 'washer' part by grinding it flat instead of removing the washer, I just liked that of keeping the washer better and the thicknesses were about the same. A few dozen openings and closings with a little pit of CLP and its butter smooth. I replaced the main blade since the sharpened awl works perfectly fine for opening boxes and scribing, so I found myself not needing the main blade for daily tasks. I did find myself needing a sharper blade than what the magnutcut blade is possible at getting, something closer to a box cutter.

[@BrendanBrown1]

Awesome dude. I bought a p4 about a week ago and thankfully I saw your video about the leatherman bit exchanger and ordered one. It really is amazing that you're doing the community a great service by fixing what leatherman started. Also, I admire how you're not giving up on the free because the implements that come installed in it are such a big disappointment, but the intuitive engineering quality and sheer innovation that this tool brings to the table are a tragedy to give up on all because of a mediocre set of flatheads.

[@randomguy-hs3px]

Been in 2 minds on a surge for a while now. This has just sold it to me. Leatherman make great tools you make them perfect

[@zabu9648]

Zap wizard I support you I ordered mine can't wait for it to be put together.

[@bunyipdan]

Thanks so much Joshua, your inovation for the Leatherman knives is fantastic, the scalpel mod is going to make the P2 a complete travel tech tool. I have been holding off on the LM Free series as I could not justify changing up my LM Charge for the LM Free tool set, now I will have to pick up a P2 and some of your mods...game changer! Thanks for informing us of Metro's LM Charge scalpel mod I will definitely pick that up as well Oh boy, beans on toast for a few months ;)

[@macgyverbryan1377]

That looks great! I've seen the Skelple that's awesome also. Shapeways does fantastic drop in MODS.

[@Potrvlb]

This is freaking AWESOME!

[@dingbingbong]

A T-shank scalpel adapter would be awesome. I really want a scalpel adapter for my Surge, and don't want to give up any other tool.

[@Chingus696]

And… now those magnets in your tools are toting a ton of metal particles. ;)

[@ZapWizard]

Naw. Sure a few particles have stuck over the years, but then those particles are out of the way and not inside the hinges. It really isn't a problem despite every reviewer who voice a concern (But didn't actually use the tool past opening the box)

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

I would pay u to do this to my surge !!!! Omg 8-O

[@adamthomas1222]

Damn, this is really smart!

[@brook2659]

I'd be cool if you made stuff like this for the leatherman charge

[@OptikDojo]

All you products are fantastic! Need an Charge internal zip tie cutter for sure so I can replace the serated blade + cutting hook with scissors. But need that hook for my day to day for sure. Did you ever get a thumb gap filler shore up for the s30v blades on the charge? My OCD wont allow a gap hahaha. Great work

[@ZapWizard]

The gap in the tabs is due the the blade tapper. No I haven't updated it to fit the taper exactly (as the 3D print is only 0.1mm resolution and the gap is about twice that)

[@TaylorLaub]

This is amazing

[@brad8279]

Hey man I love your videos, I ordered the scalpel adapter for the arc, I'm curious if the scissors off a surge would fit on the arc.. have you tried that swap?

[@ZapWizard]

The locking mechanisms are completely different.

[@darc1027]

That is really cool

[@AkumaQiu]

Do you have a website that shows all the leatherman free add ons you have developed? Mad respect!!

[@trevermccall6762]

👍

[@bryanyee7]

Since you replaced the two Free P4 screwdrivers with a screwdriver bit holder and the serrated blade with a large Wave file, maybe what you could do next is to replace the Free P4 stub file and the ruler tool with a modified Leatherman wave can opener/bottle opener/wire stripper claw tool. Another idea is replacing the Free P4 awl and the can opener tool with an actual firm chisel/scraper tool.

[@ZapWizard]

The bottle opener on the wave is pretty good. When I had a wave I used it as a pry bar, and edge scraper. The free series latch profile is larger than the wave, so you can’t modify it without adding material. But I’ll try to think about it.

[@bryanyee7]

​@@ZapWizard What about modifying the can opener/bottle opener/wire stripper claw tool by turning the bottom of it into a T-Shank attachment? Could we then use the T-Shank adapter of yours or would the width of the tool not be compatible? Speaking of the T-Shank adapter, could the T-Shank adapter of yours be modified to be used on the inner part of the tool?

[@ZapWizard]

@@bryanyee7 The small implements are thin enough to go into the holder, but then you need to hand file the ends into a t-shank. The t-shank can't go in the middle of the tool though as it needs the space for the two screws.

[@KypHeM]

AMAZING wish it wasn't so expensive but I understand this is a custom thing show it to Leatherman they will give you a job maybe?

[@randomguy-hs3px]

More likely that leatherman would steal the idea and not offer it as an addition but market it on a whole new tool

[@fwheels7776]

Will this work with the leatherman arc? Or did they change the dimensions too much?

[@ZapWizard]

It will work to replace the main blade or scissors. I have a thinner version for the saw/file coming out soon. I have my prototype for that, but haven’t had time to install it yet.

[@fwheels7776]

@@ZapWizard Sweet that was the plan. Replacing the Scissors. I Appreciate it! Cheers!

[@caramelzappa]

Love the idea, but I don't know if I could use it personally. Needing a second set of pliers to change the blade means I can't change the blade it "in the field" without what, carrying either a proper set of pliers or a second leatherman? Seems easier to just carry around a scalpel or other knife with a removable blade. For me, the leatherman is the tool for when I don't have my toolbag with me, if it requires other tools to operate, it kind of loses its purpose.

[@macgyverbryan1377]

Blades may come with a plastic sleeve field changer.

[@AtlantisBroadcasting]

Hi man,I have a question is it ok if i remove one pivot/spring from the tool to make some space?

[@ZapWizard]

Yes, but the springs can’t be in the middle without removing the plastic bit near the magnet.

[@AtlantisBroadcasting]

@@ZapWizardthanks a lot.

[@beingaware8542]

Any thoughts on scalpel for surge?

[@ZapWizard]

Currently I don't plan on making any mods for the Wave/Charge/Surge. Metro Q-Branch (linked in the description) does have a scalpel holder design for the wave/charge. I don't know what it would take to alter the design for the surge.

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

*U NEED TO PRODUCE THESE IN BULK AN SELL ON AMAZON AN EBAY!!!!*

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

If u could make somthing that would go into the surges exchange a tool section id buy it. NAME THE PRICE!!!!

[@ZapWizard]

I calculated this out. But the bulk saving is taken up by packaging and Amazon fees.

[@TaylorLaub]

Have you tried this with a Havalon #70a? I’m wondering if those are long enough to catch when the pliers are deployed

[@ratheruseful]

Love it, this is the kind of functionality Leatherman tools are missing! Are you considering doing any holders/mods for the Rebar?

[@ZapWizard]

I do have a holster for the Rebar. It has sold only once, so I don't plan on doing any more accessories for the Rebar as it isn't worth the prototyping costs.

[@ratheruseful]

@@ZapWizard I appreciate that man, I'm planning to CAD up the pivot and locking mechanism for the rebar (as I have one) and then at least I can laser cut flat tools for it!

[@HomesteadingNB]

Could you swap the staple holder for one of the internal tools

[@ZapWizard]

No, it needs to be on the outside due to the overall thickness and the built in thumb-tab, but I have seen someone grind it down to fit inside.

[@doge8606]

How is the progress on the pip boy going? the one with the working holotapes

[@adamgaweda440]

Hi Joshua, I have a question which is not exactly your mods related, rather the free series itself. But from my point of view you are probably the most technician guy from all youtubers rewieving Leatherman tools... :) Here's my question: can this tool (in your opinion) be used close or in the direct fire? At the moment I'm using charge tti and rebar and those are fully metal tools so no question about them. But the Free p4 has some kind of silicone/rubber bushings close to the pliers pivots and this worries me a bit. I'm using my tools for holding copper pipes and other parts while welding so the temperature is quite high!!! I'm really wondering whats your opinion about this? Cheers:)

[@adamgaweda440]

@@ZapWizard hi Joshua, first of all thank you for your reply! As for the temperature, copper pipes does get really hot while welding (flame temp is between 1500-2000 Celsius), I suppose leatherman pliers are not as hot but there is still a risk to point a flame from the gas welder to the pliers (not by purpose). Sorry for my English as it's not my native language:)

[@snowfort77]

I need one that takes #25 blades. Or any folding scalpel that takes #25

[@ucthanh6254]

Does it fit the arc???

[@ZapWizard]

Not yet (unless you’re replacing the scissors or main blade). I have a thinner version on the way to replace the saw or file.

[@TheBeardedStranger]

This is exactly what I need. I hate cleaning and sharpening knives, and the main thing I use a blade for is to cut open tape on boxes. My only issue is that I keep my multitools clipped on my pocket, so that bit of movement making the tip pop out worries me. Is there maybe some way to prevent that bit of movement?

[@ZapWizard]

All the free tools have this little bit of movement, as they rely on the magnets to hold them fully in. I tried tweaking the cam profile, but that just made it much harder to deploy. So Now I just use the blunt-ended #70A blades.

[@TheBeardedStranger]

@@ZapWizard I noticed you said that on the shapeways page. Does the mechanism still block it from deploying when you use the pliers?

[@ZapWizard]

@@TheBeardedStranger yes, the pilers lock works with the 70a blades.

[@TheBeardedStranger]

@@ZapWizard Fantastic! I will likely be putting in an order for this in the next week or so. Thank you!

[@michaelyong5662]

Could I just check please if it's theoretically possible to adopt all of your attachments in one tool? I think theoretically yes but wanted to confirm. I was thinking saw for t-shank, Phillips and pry for flat bit driver, main (or serrated) for scalpel and cap opener, awl ruler and file for the 4mm driver. Thanks!

[@ZapWizard]

Yes. My own personal P4 has the T-Shank, Scalpel Holder, and Flat Bit Driver. With three of the thin implements still installed.

[@michaelyong5662]

@@ZapWizard great, thank you for confirming!

[@nateb4543]

do you do any aftermarket parts for a wave? I'm not familiar with the free, any idea if this would work on a mine?

[@nateb4543]

@@ZapWizard I found his store shortly thereafter. Thank you! What you're doing is awesome! I'm a big fan

[@shawng9541]

Will this work with the Arc and replace the saw?

[@ZapWizard]

No, not without removing another implement and the back filling with shims. The saw is 0.07”, the scalpel holder is 0.10” thick. I have a thinner design prototype on the way which I designed on a live stream.

[@shawng9541]

@@ZapWizard Awesome! So this new design can directly replace the saw without removing other implements?

[@ZapWizard]

@@shawng9541 Yes, it will be 0.07” thick,

[@ZapWizard]

@@shawng9541That is the hope, pending physical prototyping and testing.

[@ZapWizard]

No, I have a thinner design coming soon. I covered it in the live stream “Zap designs ARC accessories”

[@David-qv7bd]

Hi there, this is a brilliant idea! Does this work as a replacement for the saw on the P4? Thanks :)

[@ZapWizard]

So the saw is actually thinner (0.07in) than the rest of the blades (0.10") on the P4. So you can use this to replace the saw, but you will need to remove the spacer washers that are between the thin implements. I have a diagram here showing the thickness of each tool: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0560/2977/3993/files/Free_P4_Blade_stackup.jpg?v=1618723388. To replace the saw you will need the regular "Main blade" version.

[@David-qv7bd]

@@ZapWizard Thanks so much, ive been in two minds on purchasing the P4 or not, but this has tipped me over the edge. I'm sure you get these questions all the time (sorry in advance) do you ship to Australia?

[@ZapWizard]

@@David-qv7bd shipping to Australia is $19.99. Sorry Shapeways control the pricing. .

[@PokkutoolsMalaysia]

Hi do you sell in ebay or amazon for international shipping? Love your craft

[@ZapWizard]

Sorry no. These are manufactured on demand. They are made in the Netherlands or New York, depending on the destination. Shapeways ships world wide, but the cost varies quite a bit.

[@PokkutoolsMalaysia]

@@ZapWizard I hope one day this product is marketed outside the US so that we who live outside the US can buy this product as well .. citizen of US are very lucky, thank you again for answering my question

[@zeewizard7198]

Thank you

[@dylantheriault9007]

Where can I find those scalpel blades?

[@ZapWizard]

amzn.to/43QDFds

[@vhauser416]

Is there anyway to replace the Arc can opener with this? I'd be fine with filing it down and sacrificing a bit of strength

[@ZapWizard]

The issue is the fact that you need the large implement space (between the pliers and the scales) for the scalpel blade to fold into.

[@vhauser416]

@@ZapWizard I meant thinning it when I said filing it, so that it could fit in that thinner space of the can opener. Although I'm not 100% sure what you mean by "implement space" though I think you're just talking about the space needed to fit the piece.

[@ZapWizard]

@@vhauser416What I mean it you have short implements (can opener, awl, etc..) and long ones (Main blade, saw, etc..) The scalpel holder has to be in a long implement slot to fold into the tool without hitting the pliers.

[@vhauser416]

@@ZapWizard gotcha. Think it would fit without a blade attached to it?

[@ZapWizard]

@@vhauser416It would fit without the blade attached. I have had customers grind off the thumb-tab to do that type of install.

[@oliverbarnes8306]

Hi!

[@Collie-OutDoor]

台灣沒有這套件可以改裝。>_

[@888antonio]

Hi do you have this mod for letherman surge ?

[@ZapWizard]

Sorry no, I don't have plans on making Surge mods, just holsters and thumb-tabs.

[@Theenemy38]

Quick question, will this fit the leatherman free T2?

[@ZapWizard]

Yes it will fit the free T2 or free T4 I have a picture on the product page

[@anomalyfriend]

Are you no longer working on the pipboy?

[@ZapWizard]

Someday I will get back to it. But no not currently.

[@dondanev9418]

Where are you from and do you ship internasunaly

[@ZapWizard]

Me: Texas. But Shapeways is the one who makes and ships these parts. They build and ship from either New York or the Netherlands. Info here: support.shapeways.com/hc/en-us/sections/360003556034-Shipping

[@dondanev9418]

@@ZapWizard thenks I am from europ buth I saw theat it ships to serbia thoe it costs double the price buth is worth it for me just it neads to be less then 50$ after shiping if it is it wold be triple the price il probably buy it thenk you

[@ZapWizard]

@@dondanev9418 Sorry, Shapeways charges quite a bit for shipping.

[@gameking9131]

Where has the pip boy 3000 mk4 gone? I need update