Leatherman Free T4

[Hector Caroselli]

This may be my first time posting in the forum and I need to explain I am likely not the sharpest knife in the drawer, pun intended.

Recently I purchased a new Leatherman Free T4. It seems like a decent tool but one thing puzzles me. All the ads and YouTube reviews mention the magnetic tools and how easy they are to open with one hand. If that is true I must be doing something very wrong. So far the blades and tools are a giant PIA to open.

Perhaps someone can explain the best way to open the tools on the T4. Please remember to explain as if you are talking to someone who is T4 challenged.

Thank you. I am sure I will be completely embarrassed when I learn the error of my ways.

 

[SteeleJ1976]

I don't own a T4 but here is a good review and he recommended some lube.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/leatherman-free-t4.1702652/

 

[mitch13]

I have the T2, use your thumb push up towards the pivot, tool comes out and push it open with thumb. Yes sometimes the other tools will open select the 1 you want push the others down, all still 1 handed but it's not speed opening like a 1 bladed knife. You get used to it, even works well for a lefty
Cheers
mitch

 

[comis]

I have the Free P4, but I guess they all work similarly:

I usually use either the tip of the thumb or the first joint to disengage the tools from the chassis.

Next, I will wedge the tip of my thumb in between the tools and chassis, to set them apart.

Then proceed to 'fan' out the tools, pick the one tool I need and close up the unneeded tools.

And finally, use the thumb to push the tool I want all the way up and engage the lock.

 

[DocT]

I did not see this thread for some reason when I posted mine. Thanks everyone for the info.

 

[Lee D]

I have had mine for a year and it smoothed out with some oil and a lot of opening and closing of the blade/tools. Between the size of the tool itself and the the hole in the blade being a bit narrow, it’s tricky to open the blade one handed, but it can be done.
Overall it’s well made and everything locks up tight, so I have no problem recommending it to someone who doesn’t need pliers on a multi tool and wants to try something different than a SAK. I clip mine to my back pocket and it’s not overly noticeable when sitting down.

 

[powernoodle]

I love Leatherman, but am not a huge fan of the magnets (or the price). Of course that did not stop me from buying a couple of the Free series. But the deployment does work, and Brother Comis shows how its done.