Leatherman Signal Issues and EDC Use | Replacing with the Leatherman Surge
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ส.ค. 2024
- Welcome to our channel! In today's video, we dive deep into the Leatherman Signal multitool, discussing the issues that users have encountered and its effectiveness as an everyday carry (EDC) tool. We'll explore:
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Common Problems with the Leatherman Signal: We'll highlight some of the recurring issues such as durability concerns, tool functionality, and any design flaws that users have reported.
Everyday Carry (EDC) Performance: How does the Leatherman Signal perform as an EDC tool? We'll cover its strengths and weaknesses in various everyday scenarios, including its unique survival features like the firestarter and whistle.
Why Replace it with the Leatherman Surge?: For those considering an upgrade, we'll compare the Leatherman Signal with the Leatherman Surge. We'll discuss why the Surge might be a better fit for your needs, particularly if you're looking for a more robust and feature-rich multitool.
Hands-On Demonstration: Watch as we showcase both tools in action, demonstrating their features and discussing their practical applications.
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Best wishes Michael, Esme & Lizzy 🐶🐶
I'm coming from the Surge to the Signal. Had my Surge for years and it was so handy, but i lost it at a campground several months ago. I decided to go with the Signal with a slight bit of hesitation over the lack of scissors. But so far I'm pleased with the Signal due to it being lighter and the clips are really handy for me.
If the Signal had scissors it would be complete and if the Surge had a belt clip and a hammer I would have gone with it in a heartbeat.
All in all they are great tools and sure do come in handy!
It would be amazing to select the frame and the tool in a custom build process - I think thats the next evolution 👍
@@TheEmporiumOutdoors A truly personalized multi-tool would be incredible!
I clicked expecting to see some personal bias type thing, but this is a genuine game-changer. Thank you fo saving me some money!
Oddly enough, the signal just went on sale for 20% off on the leatherman site 🤔
No problem! I try and be honest about my purchases and failures - lol. I also noticed the 20% off. I think they are going to re-design the signal. It has good bones but needs a tweak or two!
Send the Signal in for warranty, they replace the spring. To screw on the Signal, I use it in the gun position. But you made an excellent purchase with the Surge, I have it, but it is not very heavy and large to carry it everywhere. If you want something lighter and smaller, the Wave is best.
Thanks for the advice!! I appreciate it! Loving the Surge so far - but as you say - it's heavy!
Having the Arc and Surge, you have made the correct choice. I have the original surge. They have changed them slightly from the original release. The original surge has the mini bit driver but not the replaceable wire cutters. I think they added the additional scraper, flat head for the mini driver. I really think the original surge with the addition of the replaceable wire cutter would be the perfect tool. Or the Arc if they include the T-shank blade holder. It’s like each tool is missing a piece to prevent one tool from fitting everyone’s needs!
I think I made the right choice - The T slot gives so many options for adding custom tools! I'm just not seeing the ARC features and the price being a compelling reason to buy right now.
I have the Leatherman wingman which works out wonderfully for me. I use it more than I thought I would. I’ve had it since 2019. I think I paid like 50 bucks for it. It’s now 70. Just crazy. The surge is massive. I wonder what that weighs compared to my wingman. Thanks for the info MICHAEL as usual. Cheers my friend.
They are wonderful tools and you are always the person at the back that says "sure I got a knife/pliers/screwdriver" to save the day 😄 Prices are getting out of hand and my salary is not keeping pace - lol
@@TheEmporiumOutdoors I hear you on the pay situation. I’ve been doing a lot of yard camping this year just to save money. It’s still nice even just to get out in the yard. Last year I did save the day with my Leatherman. There was a father and son camping next to us for the son‘s birthday he bought him a toy that required a screwdriver. he didn’t have one and I did. It was nice to put a smile on that little boy’s face.
Love my Wave and my Charge. I also love my MUT, which is the initial offering of the platform used by the Signal. Mine is centered around being a tool for the AR-15 semi-auto rifle. I like 'em for the different reasons. The bit issue that bugs you so much, not an issue for me, I let the handles form a 90 degree and use it with the greater leverage it enables. I agree with you to lose the serrated portion of the blade or offer a replacement without them, so you have a choice. But a good set of ceramic sticks do enable a feller to keep those serrations sharp.
I think I mentioned it before, but if you get a standard 1/4" bit driver extension and put your bench grinder to work it can be modified to fit the proprietary Leatherman bit holder, then your options for regular 1/4" bits grows dramatically. Having their set of bits in the sheath is never a bad thing, but options are always a good idea in my book.
I recall you mentioning the 90deg use of the handle but for me that also feels odd. Maybe because all my other leatherman work as intended - I just cant work past it 😄 I'm going to be grinding and shaping some tools for the Surge coming soon! 👍
I have a leatherman surge Chinese knockoff (rocktol) paid $49.99 dollars on amazon, comes with tools and saw blades so far it works great and saved well over $100.
Wow nice!! I'll check those out!
How long have you had it?
Those are made by Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co. and marketed through numerous companies. While they have less quality steel they are well built. Their main blade is thinner than the Leatherman's. Fit and finish is excellent. I have both the Signal and the Chinese variant.
@@marksaint2936Does the Chinese one hold up well to hard work?
I was surprised that you chose the Signal as your every day carry, because that's not really its intended purpose. It's a specialist through hiker, survival, camping tool.
For every day carry, which in practice means work, I use a Super Tool 300, and the discontinued P4 (thanks, Leatherman 😡).
I like to experiment and use things practically, not just try them for an hour and post a video. The signal as you correctly stated is not aimed at the handyman, but an outdoors person. However, it actually had all the tools I needed day-to-day plus some other I'd use camping and saved me switching tools. I used to carry the T4 Free (in the video I think I said P4?!) which was adequate - less the pliers. So I thought the signal was a slight upgrade. Ohh well 😄
This is amusing to me, no disrespect intended. But this is a case of being spoiled by too many options.
I have been a blue collar working man for over 20 years. I've never owned a Leatherman until now. I've never needed one. If you are being "driven mad" by a multi-tool's philps driver not being centered, then you are missing the point of these tools. They are meant for being used in a pinch (ie. They do many jobs, but do them poorly). That's the nature of the beast.
The Signal is an excellent tool for the outdoorsman that already has all these tools and knows how to use them. Especially the ferro rod, you need to he proficient at their use before thinking the little ferro rod on the tool itself is going to save your ass one day.
The hammer is excellent for tenderizing a grouse breast or another cut of meat.
The serrations (something I entirely avoid on all my knives) is actually useful on this tool for cutting off fish heads, cutting through cordage or rope, perhaps an emergency seat belt removal.
I honestly can't think of a better set up for its intended use: A woodsmans backup with a set of pliers. Just knowing I'll always have a ferro rod attached to me is huge. Highky unlikely I'd be caught without a lighter and/or a proper ferro rod. However it is an added piece of mind.
As a fellow British Columbian, my only gripe is it doesn't come with a Robertson bit. That would be the only change I'd make as i come across that screw head far more often than Philips.
Anyway, in short, I think you just chose the wrong tool for you and that there isn't a dang thing wrong with the Signal.
I kinda agree with you, there is too much choice and I am spoiled for gear, but the point of the channel is to share what I find while using the gear I purchase. You can buy the bit kit with the Robertson bit with different sizes from Leatherman. I still think the Signal could be improved - Lets see if the Mk2 version has any of my gripes removed 😄 Kind wishes from Alberta! 🇨🇦
I agree I wish all the Canadian Leatherman's came with a #2 Philips and #2 Robertson combo bit. Almost all if not all the leatherman have a dedicated flat screwdriver/pry tool already no need to waste the other end of the combo bit with another flat
Good stuff thanks for viewing 👍 from Garth
Thanks Garth!! 👍
Nice video, Michael. I have the same EDC sleeve- could you post the name of the USB light you showed? That’s really neat.
Sure thing! Its the OLight i1R 2 Pro Keychain Flashlight - Its about $20 👍
@@TheEmporiumOutdoors thanks! I just ordered one. Can’t wait to use it!
@@ProfessorOutdoors You will love it!! 👍
Perhaps the pommel on the Signal making contact with the bit driver caused the broken spring problem. The weight of the Surge is easy to justify if you are using it but if it is a "just in case" tool you will probably notice the weight more. I have a K4 and the magnetic architecture is not for me. I had to cover the magnet with tape to weaken the holding power to make it useable plus I took it apart to clean out grit around the magnet and adjust the pivot before I ever used the tool. If I had to do this to a $300 CAD Arc I would freak. Luv the Surge though I am starting to question the quality and direction of Leatherman. Tool users made the company but now they seem to cater to gadget spinners. Maybe they are trying to be everything to everybody but this seems to be spreading themselves a little thin. Buy yourself a Fox 40 whistle and a neck lanyard and you are all set.
Wow you just mentioned something thats I hadn't considered. Having magnetic parts of the tool (ARC) and using a metal file will definitely attract swarf and just generally attract metal dust in pockets etc - This is going to rust inside the tool and grind inside the joints 😮. I hope they considered that!! I agree about Leatherman - Just keep traditional or (which they wont, as people will buy 1 tool) allow people to custom design tools based on base frames......I hope 👍
Good video, thanks for sharing YAH bless !
Much appreciated!
You would think as they were testing it, they would have noticed the problem. I sometimes wonder if the people who come up with these ideas, ever use these products. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️
100% agree - Sometimes they get focused on aesthetics and not function!
💯 agree
Thanks Mike!
If you magnetize locally the area that holds the bit in place, or magnetize the entire tool, the bits will stay in place, eh? 🤷🏼♂️
Great idea - but...when the bit sometimes sticks to the faster as they do - it will pull it out. I have to get the spring fixed 😞
Leatherman warranty will certainly take care of you with the spring. But they can’t help with your design conflict. Get it fixed/replaced and sell it.
Thanks Mike - Does it seem weird to you also about the not closing when using the driver?
I’ve never really thought about it. I’m not sure it’s a problem for me. (But I don’t have a Signal). My most carried Leatherman is my Skeletool, which isn’t exactly the same, but the bit driver can only be used when the tool is open.
On my Surge, Wave, and Charge, 70% of the time I use the bit driver with the tool open. 30% closed. If I’m not using the bit extender.
If I am using the bit extender, it’s 90%+ tool closed. And then it would probably bother me.
The only reason I ever bought a Signal was because it looked cool as f@ck.
The plier head is a dead giveaway that it is not meant for heavier work. Closest to a needle nose that I have seen on a Leatherman.
I do however carry it quite alot. The weight is good and if you buy the 3rd party bit holders to replace the sharpener and whistle, it becomes more practical.
Using the screw driver with the frame fully open has never bothered me and to be honest , the hammer you suggest that should be trimmed down can come in handy.
Wave + probably the best for a sturdy EDC factoring in weight.
Super Tool 300 ...... best bang for the buck for a heavy duty multitool.
Thanks for the feedback!! I think I might try a wave as it comes up as an option a lot! 👍
@@TheEmporiumOutdoors
Yep no problem .... just for weight comparison:
Signal 7.5 oz
Wave + 8.5 oz
Surge 12.5 Oz
Cheers from Yukon Territory