The Leatherman Signal, Tips, Tricks, Mods and Full Run Down.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ธ.ค. 2020
- If I missed anything please let me know in the comments!
Addons for Signal:
www.shapeways.com/shops/metro...
Website: maxlvledc.com
Amazon Shop: amzn.to/3B5kJvr
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Email: mle.collab@gmail.com (no links plz, wont click them)
Maxlvledc is a channel dedicated to exploring the tools we carry every day. I will be discussing bags, flashlights, knives, multitools, pen, wallets, key organizers, pry tools, functional clothing, and much more. Because I also love to modify these items, there will be videos on tools such as Screwdrivers, pliers, scissor, wrenches, and power tools.
I try to read every comment so pls feel free to ask any questions below! Thanks for stopping in!
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Disclaimer
I will use affiliate links whenever possible. Using these links allows me to continue to make content for this channel. Thanks so much for your help!
#everydaycarry #edc #maxlvledc - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Pro tip: the signal takes wave and charge blades(with an extra washer). I replaced the blade with a scalpel holder, and its the perfect hunting multitool.
One thing I discovered about the whistle/ferro is that if you’ve struck the ferro rod kind of flat, you can pull the two plastic sides of the whistle apart and rotate the rod to a fresh side and snap it back together fairly well. Whistle still works.
Brilliant
For me it can be rotated by rubbing across with my finger? Maybe mine is a looser fit
For over 2 years, I haven’t left the house without my signal and bit kits/bit extension. I use them so much everyday, and although I don’t use the whistle/ferro rod/sharpener, it’s nice knowing they’re there if I ever needed them. All time favorite multitool that I’ve ever owned
Yep, same
Same here. I won't shut up about it to my kids. They think I love it more than them. :)
I've been trying to do some mods to make it perfect for me --
- Move the saw to the opposite pivot in the blade slot
- Insert my Wingman scissors in the former saw slot
- Replace the awl with a pick
- Replace the can opener with a file
- Figure out a way to add tweezers
@@JP-hz5zb
I ordered the signal last weekend. Should be getting it today, actually. I’m already looking into mods lol.
I would absolutely like to replace the can opener with maybe a file. And possibly at some point add scissors? Guess I need to actually carry it for a minute and see what I use the most vs the least and go from there before I get too far ahead lmao
@@mikeymike8705 Right there with you. Mine's still in progress. Let me know how yours works out. It is a fantastic tool!
@@JP-hz5zb
I will! Looking forward to working with it. My choice was between this and the skeletool. As much as I like to tinker and spend time doing yard work and work at the property, the signal seemed like the ultimate choice. Plus from what all I’ve seen the signal doesn’t seem too much heavier or bulkier than the skeletool. So still good for everyday carry.
I saw while Google searching mods that someone stuck tweezers from a Swiss Army knife in an open slot on the opposite end of the saw from the pivot. Maybe that would work for you, if they don’t fall out. But I’m sure there’s a way to Jerry rig it in. I’ll put the link in another comment if I can find it again.
If you find a file that fits or one you could modify to fit let me know!
Glad to see you put importance on the whistle,something not nearly enough mentioned where survival is concerned. The whistle sound carries a long way,especially at night. In
Injunction with a strobe light,two of the most important things you can carry.
Nice trick with the bit holder! Great for tightening that dripping coolant hose clamp back behind the engine block.
I've been doing tons of research on which multitool would be best for my edc, and I dismissed the signal because of the 'outdoorsman' marketing. But after finding that the fire steel, whistle, and sharpener can be removed and replaced with things like bit holders, it really does make this a great urban edc tool.
Shapeways is a great site to find these bit holders.
using paracord to add retention to the bit holder is ingenius! I might get the Signal just because of this its ability(with the replacement modular) to carry extra bits with itself.
I have had a signal for about two years now and I love the thing. I haven't used the come back and kick me whistle but I'm glad I have it because there's always a chance I might need it. I'm glad you mentioned the lock I always use it because I hammered with it once and pinched my hand. Not bad but still it keeps it tight.
Leatherman signal in a clip&carry kydex sheath is my EDC and I've been carrying the signal for over a year now and it never misses
Really thorough review of the Signal. Thanks for this, you convinced me to get one.
Great video. I just purchased the Signal and really like it. Thanks for sharing!
That was a really great informative video, thanks. I have been humming and haaing about the Signal, but I think I'll get one and give it a go. Thanks again!
So, I went and bort an Aqua one: looks cool. The saw is flimsy. I tried to chop a piece of pine, and a small branch on a tree... almost useless! Sharp teeth, but uncomfortable to use. Anyway, I wana put Wingman scissors on instead; my Surge scissors are more like tinsnips than Vic ones... are Wingman scissors any good? Thanks.
The signal is my favorite tool. Thank you for this video.
took me a while but I finally decided on the signal. I hear bad parts and good parts but I feel if I'm ever in need I rather have this tool then any other ones. I'm not a mechanic I'm not a carpenter. I'm a dude that wants a good survivalist tool a good knife and a good flashlight and a tough badass backpack
You are 100% correct about the whistle being under rated. Urbann or out in the woods, a person should carry one. Good call!
Thank you for this video, you've helped me make up my mind, the signal will be my 2nd Leatherman I get. I would use it at work more than my Wingman(it was a gift).
Thanks for sharing 👍
The logic of why this a better edc than camp tool was perfect. Great video.
Thank you for making this video! You did an awesome job and have helped me decide on this! I really appreciate the paracord idea in the hex bit area as I see myself doing this! Thanks again!!
I seen so many Signal reviews. but your one is most useful. I would have love to bay extra bit holder but its not available in South Africa. thank you for making this video..... 💜
Thanks!
I just got one of these tools and your video was very helpful. 🙏🏻
Absolutely agree! I also have signal in my edc, and it works great with victorinox nailcare (allways in my wallet, so it doesent need extra place in pocket, backpack etc.)
I have also one advice for signal 😏 chop a needle (or find really short one), and sharpen it, then you can put a needle under signal sharpener, or ever carry there a needle wich some string. Voila, your signal have now repair kit!
OK...this is a really really clever idea..and you have made me think of a lot more mods for this..THANK YOU!
@@maxlvledc It’s my pleasure! I also store a bit of cotton (wrapped in food wrap) inside a whistle. There isn’t much room there, but it will be enough to light a fire comfortably, maybe even 2 times.
I know i might sound a bit weird 😄 but i am trying to make the most of this tool, and make little but effective survival/edc tool.
@@stefanszwydczenko8598 wierd?!?! Your talking to the wrong guy...that's right up my alley 😂
@@maxlvledc 😂😂😂 That’s good!
Like minded people.... I think the same ways too!
Cool video I've been wanting a signal for a couple years and just bought the tan model today, I have a few leathermans and I like them all, but I think I will really like this one, Thanks
glad it helped!
Best video I've seen on the Signal. Thank you very much
"Pseudo weird tactical thing" Nice! Great video.
One of the really neet things about your vids is your sense of curiosity, combined with openness to being shown something you didn't know. It's an example of humility as well as geekdom. If more folks adopted this idea about other things, there'd be less contention...
Wow, ty!
Regarding your whistle rant....I completely agree. A whistle, in many ways, in more valuable than a flashlight. I always buy them in groups of 2 or 4. They work better in pairs.
Agreed, flashlight and whistle are more important than fire in MOST emergency situations
Great review!! Just ordered mine
Bic lighter makes a great bottle opener too.
Everything is a bottle opener lol
I find myself using the back of my knife since I don't smoke anymore.
Why are you still telling people about a lighter bottle opener that we stopped using in '87
😂😂 always my go 2 👊🏼
It’s true
As a bushcrafting/camping tool, I recomended. Thank you for the video...yet, I don't know what is the "big deal" about not opening a bottle, with the bottle opener...isn't it's what is designed for?
I have opened bottles with spoons,lighters, screw drivers, etc..but if I have a bottle opener at range, I use it aswell...no biggie.
Using the leatherman bits in the style cs (what I normally keep on my keychain) blew my mind
Good overall review but I'm old school and my super tool 300 works fine til it dies going on 15yrs of everyday use being in maintenance but I always wanted the main blade and saw to come out as this model. When I retire I will also retire it and get this model for going fishing. Thank you very much.
the ST300 is an excellent tool, and is really undderrated imo.
Yoooooooo thanks for the tip on the paracord strands to add bit retention. I just backed a kickstarter for a prybar with a ratcheting drive on it and was thinking it would have the same issue but I think I can Jerry rig a lanyard with loose ends on it to emulate this
7:41 ohh my god thats hilarious! its like this "hidden features" on my long own signal! thank You. Didnt knew that cutaway in the hammer is for that too
Hey there! I had a question, where did you get your signal because I’m looking to get one and I’m not sure what the best pick is or website what not
My edc is the charge + TTI. I have been wanting to purchase the signal since it came out but didn’t know if it would be a great tool for edc. After watching this video I am convinced, I will be edc-ing the signal paired with the CS. Thank you for your great review. Keep up the great work
Appriciated, glad I can help
The red version is so futuristic 🤩
I have the Leatherman wingman and love it. But this looks awesome
Love my signal and I love your reviews and tips, mods on all these tools 🛠 thank you for sharing and continue the great videos 🙂👍
Had no idea about the addons, this video definitely sold me on the Signal. Glad to know you end up using the hammer because it's one of the primary reasons I want the Signal. I think only the MUT has the hammer and as tacticool as I'd like to be, I don't see myself diffusing any bombs.
P2, P4 and arc also have a hammer surface)
Might not be good for camping, but very nice for backpacking, cause I'm not gonna haul around the heavier, larger, albeit more ergonomic tools with me.
I want a leatherman signal now! lol and yours looks Boba fett with the paint wearing out in places!
I have to point out the obvious if you complain about the way that you have to use the multi-tools components and how it may be slightly inconvenient, then just carry the prerequisite tools that they replace and be happy with that situation. Multitools are supplementary to the primary tools necessary to do normal repair work or to be put into use in survival situations.
I love mine, but really miss a pair of scissors. Got a Victorinox SwissCard and carry it in the signal big nylon sheath along with a mini flashlight and a proper magnesium flint from SOL. It all fits great!
What mini flashlight do you use, and do you recommend it? Thanks in advance. :)
One guy said he stores a toothpick under the saw blade. Maybe you could stash the micro bit driver there. A very small piece of duct tape could hold the bit drivers in place without a paracord string. But you'd have to apply the lil PC of duct tape every time.
It's all about the hammer for me, I'm always re-driving in nails on an old farm property. Plus I got it used with the diamond sharpener plastic broken on it from an REI garage sale for dirt cheap. Rest of the tool was in perfect condition. Edit: I see a lot of disrespect on the combo blade, agreed in general but for hay bale strings it's fantastic.
As far as combo blades go..they did ok
Not sure if this is helpful for you but the 2D flathead and philips it comes with fits in the hex driver on the hammer part and will stay without falling. Just thought I’d let you know. Great video and keep em coming. ✌️
really? mine falls out.
@@maxlvledc oh weird. Mine stays in.
Mine is loose too and falls out (without the paracord strand mod)
Nice video, thank you. I would love to see you taking a similar take on the Leatherman MUT.
I had the MUT, didn't like the ergonomics. There were a lot of genius things about it though.
@@maxlvledc thank you
That's okay keep up the good work I love your content
Great video, thanks!
I need this for my Collection.
cool that the awl functions closed, a lot of info in this video!
I saw the video and im saving money to buy it!
👍
If you use it with your right hand and your pinky butted into the pommel section, you can really bear down on some double stranded wire with the wire cutters. Cutting through barbed wire to get it off the axels of my quad was way easier than with my wave+, and you don't have the spines of the serated blade and file (like on the wave+) waiting to rip off a chunk of your palm when you finally do cut through the wire.
Yea, it's nice to use the pliers for sure
A guy made his own aftermarket bit holders that replace the sharpener and whistle. The one he made that replaces the whistle/ferro rod takes two LM bits. He posted it in the mod section of the forum.
do you have a link??
Than what's the point of buying the Signal ? I mean, the whistle and Ferro rod are the main component of signal making it a outdoors man multiple tool. If someone needs so many bits shouldn't they go with other tools ? Beats the point!!
@@truthseeker3404I mean you’re not always going to be camping. It lets you have one EDC tool and swap out the components depending on your current needs.
@@ChrisHoopes1 you don't get it ! If i go by your reasoning i want the same tools in all my multitools that means It doesn't matter what I buy bcoz I'll change everything to make.the same things which means I have 10 backups of the same multitool that just looks different. I live by the rules of having one backup of everything that means I get to have 2 multitools with different secondary uses !! Plus, if i know I'm going to camping taking the same multitool that I carry to my workplace is stupid bcoz there's no use to me and a dead weight.
When you're in the city you most likely will not need the whistle and ferro rod or the sharpener. But when you've been lost in the mountains for a few days (been there) those items are essential (maybe not the sharpener 😅). The point he is making is that he can easily switch the tool from city mode to outdoor mode with minimal extra expense. It makes more sense to have a tool that can fit both roles easily than having to buy two separate tools. These mods make that goal possible.
This video rocks. Where did you get the bit keeper that is in your keybar? I stopped carrying my keybar because I was down to a house key and a gun safe key (all my family’s cars have fobs now) but if I can snag one of those bit holders, it’ll have to go back into the rotation.
Nice tips
Wow, 2 years ago and I just got a really good deal on a signal in a package which was donated to a fundraiser. I wonder if its time to revisit the signal?
Hi Max, one amazing thing of Leatherman Signal is that you can wear it hanging to the jeans loop.
Yep! When your pockets ate full it still has a way to be comfortably carried!
@@maxlvledc Yes, and you access it very fast. The only disadvantage is when you want to run.
@@TrespassingPilot129, I use the pocket clip on my belt.
Love the video, any chance you could you do a signal vs MUT ?
I don't have my mut any more...it was a cool tool but imo completely ruined by bad ergonomics
I have been putting that green Signal in and out of my cart for the last year. Green is my favorite color and it looks so cool. My only issue is that I have better options that I already own. I have a knife sharpener with a good whistle, a fire rod, and a few better Multitools with more tools. I still want this though. 😅
@spanky8402 just fill give in and go for it fella. Just bought a topographical green - no regrets 😉
@@rgray83z that color does look awesome. 😀
I had a Signal. Loved it. I would love to have seen it in blaze orange since it is a survival based tool
Ooo, orange and black would be sick!!
What happened to it?
@@Elhesh stolen when my car was stolen back in 2019. Found the car but my get home bag, work tools, jacket, and a ton of other stuff were gone when the car was recovered. I was pissed. My ex-fiance (whose drug addict brother stole my car) put me through a bankruptcy shortly afterward and I have been slowly regaining everything I lost and had to sell when the bankruptcy happened. I’m finally almost back to where I was before all that crap happened
@@dualsportedc Well dude, firstly I am sorry to hear that. And my absolute condolences for the shit time you’ve gone through.
But thanks for the honest answer brother, appreciate that you have the integrity to send that response when asked by a complete stranger.
Hopefully you keep getting through it man, and all the best.
@@Elhesh things are getting better by the day. I have my new car, my motorcycle, an amazing girlfriend, my channel, and a stable job. It’s all about keeping your head up and continuing to push through whatever life throws at you
Hello, I really liked your video. I have the Leatherman Signal tool and I am interested in your suggestion to replace the Sharpener tool that came with it with the extra bit holder. I visited the Sharpways website and found the Signal Bit Holder. But, where do I get the Phillips & Flat Screwdriver bits to put in it? I’m just looking to make sure I don't buy something without knowing where I can get the bit’s that will fit into it like you showed in your video. Thanks in advance.
It looks nice and got some special features, i get why you like it. For me the combo blade is a nogo, also no scissors. A big plus is its quite compact for the size and sturdyness. My favorite is still the big old swisstool, nothing comes close to it for me, not even the "king" surge.
You are 100% right ! " ...thin tools are much more confortable to carry... " i prefer to carry the signal over the charge and the wave !!! It is even lighter !
i think its a nice backup
together with a fixed blade its perfect
The screw driver bit that comes with the multi tool fits in the 1/4 inch wrench hole by the hammer head.
Please tell us more about the diamond knife sharpener and how to use it. 🙏🏻
Thanks very much! I looked but can't seem to find a link to the Style mod with the flat bit holder. Please advise.
I actually have better solution, I found an addon on ebay that accomplishes the same thing only better here: www.ebay.com/itm/233899258058?hash=item36757b70ca:g:bYsAAOSw309gLMUQ
Hi, thank you for your video, very informative! I am heavily considering the signal.
Would like to ask, what is that key organizer you have, with the bit holders?
I change my setup so fast I'd need to rewatch it lol.
@@maxlvledc You're holding it at 16:37
Looks like a smartkey type key holder and you've somehow fit some sort of bit holder in there as well.
@@fazadinrizal9876 oh right, it's a keybar with a Leatherman bit holder I've cut down and drilled two holes into
@@maxlvledc Ahhh I see. sounds smart, I'm trying to figure out how to bring bits around. The smaller flat bits from leatherman are nice but pretty pricy
Overall the Signal looks like the best rounded tool for EDC.
Ty for the video. : )
The most useful review for Signal. Thanks.
do you have information in your keybar? curious how you combined the leatherman bit kit!
thanks so much for this video. I am struggling with closing the blades as it seems stuck. any tips on that. appreciate it.
Stuck? Is the line lock not working?
@@maxlvledc thanks for your prompt reply. I have figured out how to close the blade. 😀 sorry to have bothered you. I guess there is an automatic lock feature for safety upon opening a blade. Thanks.
Looking at the 3:15 scene about the bottle opener...
I gotta say it, you don't really need an opener. There will be ledges, other bottles, cutlery, teeth, coins, bottle caps and so many more things xD
But bonus points for the hammer + carabiner function of the LM Signal.
Always fun to watch people break their teeth on bottle caps because they don't know that the little cracks that causes don't heal, and will spread over time.
Thoughts on swapping the knife and saw? I'm left handed and having easier access for the knife would be amazing. Anything of note on why I shouldn't disassemble it to swap them?
Won't work. The tang is cut in opposite directions.
Cheers Mate.
I work alone at night time and carry the signal every night in the typical nylon sheath. I have found the serrations very handy(more handy than i would have assumed beforehand) . Mine is way too stiff to do the balisong flip. How long do they take to loosen up or am i supposed to loosen it myself?
The signal is one of the easiest ones to adjust. I've never had one that tight so it's unusual. I doubt you would be able to change it with just use.
@@maxlvledc 👍
I just bought one and tried it out. Doesn't work well if you hold it on the hammer side. But if you grip it on the side with clip and give it a good whip it swings open no problem. Probably due to the extra weight and longer arm
It loosened up for me in about a week or two. Every other night when I first got it, I opened it and closed it like a fidget toy. Now it's rather loose.
It is a good EDC tool. Leatherman should make a version with the blade exchanger.
I have 3 black t shanks from russia coming within the next few months, then I'll be able to upgrade it to the t shank exchanger
Will those T-shanks be offered for sale somewhere? That would be an awesome upgrade for mine!
I'd be curious to know if the saw could be swapped with the file from a wave. A file and a hammer would go good together for me
Really useful tips, trick n mods, mate 😎🤩👍. There's only 1 small thing; i dont have a Signal yet 😭🤣😂
😭
@@maxlvledc dont be sad, mate. I'm working on it 😎🤩😁
Your Videos are quite nice =) Can you please do a video about how you build and how to mod your leatherman save ... i saw it on your Instagram.
It looks amazing! Have a good day =)
Which one?
@@maxlvledc I mean the Leatherman "Save" .... The Wave mixed with the Signal...
Great ideas that I never thought of!! One more "mod" is to carry a tooth pick under the teeth of the saw. Since I always carry at least one knife anyway, I voided my warranty and switched out the blade for the file from the Wave. 😁
That should not void the warranty as long as you can reassemble the the tool properly
Is it really yours if you haven't voided the warranty?
@@mackjones7688 yeeeeep
I did the same but swapped out the semi serrated with a 154cm non serrated from the Charge. fits perfectly and now a proper blade! 100% bushcraft/survival proper now. Serrated blades have no place in a survival setting
@@chrissonik gonna have to disagree. If you need to cut rope, clothing, something thicker, tougher, a serrated blade is preferable.
Really really good video. I'm wondering what kind of knife you use.
Mostly I carry a multitool instead of a knife most days..if I want to upgrade that..I add a fixed blade.
What color looks best to you? I'm trying to decide if I want Black oxide in aqua or silver, or stainless steel in Gray, please help me decide..
Scissors for cutting cord seems like an oversight, but still quite cool.
Honestly I can't think of a time I've used a scissor for cutting cord. I'd rather press cut a blade...cuts cleaner
I'm just here for your algorithm
Cheers!
I’ve been carrying around a pocket knife. I just got a topo signal and while I’m waiting for it to deliver I’m wondering if it’s a good replacement
I carry basically the same knife on most days....so personally I say yes
apparently you can put a magnet in there -- instead of the wire trick -- to hold bits
I heard that Signal's knife sharpener fits perfect in the serrated part of Signal's blade. But how about Wave? Would it fit well on Wave's serrated blade?
On the thin side yes
i'd like a whistle that whistles both on the inhale and the exhale
Nice 👍🏻
Can I ask your advice on which tool you could recommend as a starting point? I like modding so I don’t mind swapping things but I’m a beginner.
I am an outdoorsman so I always have a fixed blade, axe, and a folding or bow saw so I don’t really want a straight edge or saw in my tool. I need quality scissors like the surge or p series and I like having the diamond file. I don’t need heavy duty pliers but I like having a good pair. Would the Signal accept surge scissors and file attachments? Or would something like the P2 mod you made work? I like your serrated blade you had in your P4 paired with the scissors would be nice but then I wouldn’t have a diamond file.
Any advice would be great. Love the content
I think you and I are in the same boat trying to figure out solutions. For the outdoors my top 5 (as a backup tool) would be ST300, Swisstool X, Swisstool Spirit X, Rebar, Charge G10 or +. IMO the Charge is the most mod-able. I'd suggest if you go the Charge rout create addons for it rather than ruining your warranty. The swisstool X is the most complete platform (- awl hole, and diamond file), but the diamond file is much easier to add elsewhere than a good pair of scissors.
@@maxlvledc thanks for the quick reply. I hadn’t even looked at the Swiss tools. I will definitely check them out.
I have a wave+ I added an awl too to make it a bit better but there are so many wasted tools I don’t need and the scissors suck. If I can find a used P2 I might try swapping the P4 scissors and serrated blade over and use my Fallkniven DC4. I guess I need to find a second job now so I can afford more tools to test and mod 😂
@@The_Lorax0331 the P4 is actually quite good as is..I should have included that one
keep it going :)
Bali song function? So your telling me that’s why it’s so loose on the one side I noticed it didn’t have the teeth like on the other leathermans they are on both side and I noticed mine has one set of teeth to follow the groove. I thought I had a defective tool! 🤣
The Signal Clip is really nice until you break it, trust me I know. For whatever reason the clip on my Signal broke, and the metal seemed maybe a bit brittle. You can not buy a replacement clip from Leatherman, you can only send it in for warranty repair. In my case the clip broke about a week after I bought it, and then it was gone for 5 weeks for warranty repair. The Wingman type clip looks like it would fit but it does not fit without modifying the multitool, which voids the warranty. The Signal is a good multitool but I don't trust that clip, which makes me a little wary to carry it.
I wanna say black oxide holds oil better? I just made that up so idk if it’s true. Great review
I don't know honestly
I've been thinking about getting the skeletool, I don't EDC anything so maybe I'll get the signal and keep it in the car. Any suggestions?
There is no major advantage of the signal if your keeping it in the car..in that scenario go with the most capable tool possible. The Surge comes to mind..but even dedicated tools may make for more sense. And for the $140 the surge is going for you could make an amazing toolkit.
If you can carry the Signal clipped to your belt, it'll always with you. (and handy)
I noticed on the website they offer extra parts . Would I be able to buy the parts from a different model , and try and make them work in say a signal ? - has anyone tried this already ?
Mine is pretty tight and I can’t flick it open the way you do. How can I loosen it up?
Bottle opener comments. If you have the free P2 or P4 you can actually be smooth about it! I always feel so cool pulling it out and getting the Phillips driver out one handed so fast and using the attached bottle opener.
i like your paracord suggestion. One other idea would be to put some fishing line and you would literally be able to catch food
good idea, but I think the kink from the bit would make it weak.
@@maxlvledc yeah it probably would. I was just thinking of a survival situation. Braid or floro would prob be okay I think ?