Super Tool 300 - disappointment

1

100eyes

Joined
Sep 12, 2008
Messages
752
So I ordered a Leatherman Super Tool 300 a couple days ago and received it yesterday. I already own a Leatherman Wave and I love it, it's definitely one of the most useful things a person could have on them I try to EDC it as much as I can. My friend was also fond of the idea of having a multi-tool after seeing my Wave in action on different occasions, so I decided to grab him the ST300 for Christmas since I suspected he might be putting it through tougher tasks than what I've been doing with the Wave(he works with automobiles, I work with electronics).

Fiddling around with the ST300, I immediately noticed two major problems.

First, the smaller tools such as the flat head screwdrivers, can opener, Phillips driver, etc. are all extremely stiff and impossible to get out with fingernails. I am willing to bet the fingernail would tear off before the tools ever come close to being extracted. It felt like a cheap SAK knockoff that's been rusting in a barn for 10 years. The only way I did manage to open them was using my Wave, at which point the tools came out all lumped together like Siamese twins. I don't know about you guys, but I don't think needing a multi-tool to use another multi-tool is very helpful. Applying some lubricant to the pivot of the tools, I noticed the lube covered almost the entire length of the different tools, indicating there's far too much contact between them and that friction is preventing easy extraction. I suppose the tools would become looser over time, but as it stands that would likely never happen because they'd be too much of a pain to even bother using regularly.

The second problem I've encountered is when I'm folding the ST300 up for storage, the handles don't line up on the first try. I have to slightly open the handles back up, at which point there's a clicking noise, then the ST300 will actually proceed to close flat. The problem seems to be caused by one head of the pliers coming in contact with the large flat head screwdriver while closing, and since the head is shaped like a wedge, it's pushed to become misaligned and lodged in as it leans against the flat head screwdriver during the closing. The clicking noise is from when the pliers get dislodged as I slightly open the handles back up, and then it proceeds to close as intended because then the broader portion of the pliers are in contact with the flat head screwdriver. This problem is probably confusing to comprehend through words, so here's a couple pics for better description:

STUCK
st300a.jpg



NOT STUCK
st300b.jpg



There's no way I can give away something so problematic as a gift, so I'm trying to get in touch with the seller and hopefully I can exchange it for a Skeletool or something. I'm not sure how the Super Tool 300 has been for other owners, but for me it's been a huge disappointment and I'll be advising people against it.
 
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You may simply have a duff unit. As far as I know, there are no reported problems with the ST300.

If you have no joy with your seller, contact Leatherman direct. They do have a fantastic warranty.
 
Millhouse said:
If you have no joy with your seller, contact Leatherman direct. They do have a fantastic warranty.
Click to expand...

I suspect they do, but it doesn't really help when I'll probably have to purchase something else for a gift since using that option will not likely get a replacement in my hands by Christmas. Then either I'll have 2 multi-tools or will have to flip the ST300 for less than what I paid for. And even worse if I have to eat the shipping cost to them.

I know people say don't pass judgments until the company had a chance to fix whatever the problem was, but it just amazes me how a lot of companies let things slip through the way they do. I mean, did anyone at Leatherman actually try to open the tools up on this ST300 after it was assembled? Unless it was Wolverine working in QA, a normal human couldn't possibly open the tools using the fingernail nicks. And unless the QA person was blind and deaf, they would have noticed the multi-tool not closing properly if they had even opened and closed it once. That just leads me to believe that either there's no one really checking these as they get thrown in the box, or this is within their acceptable tolerances.

I don't mean to rant on and on, but the way a lot of knife and tool companies seem to get defects out the door and worry about warranty later is something that's always annoyed me. And you know what they say about first impressions - you only get one.
 
Too bad about your ST300. It must be extra irritating when the item is meant as a gift.

I once got a Leatherman Wave where the inner tools were almost as hard you describe it. Theyve loosened up abit by now, but ive retired the Wave in favour of a Swisstool X now.

With the sheer amount of units produced, i dont think Leatherman manually checks every single tool that leaves the plant, i think they pick out random tools at set intervals to see if they pass inspection. And lemons are sure to slip by every now and then.
 
I can see how you would be disappointed. You most likely won't get it back by Christmas to give to your friend if you sent it to Leatherman but could you send it back to the company you bought it from for credit or replacement?
 
and I too have voiced some complaints about the ST 300, I have two of them, WD-40 and working the tools should fix the stiffness! the second issue is common with the ST300 I think, both of mine have a small gap when you close it making it click as you sqeeze the two sides together.


RickJ
 
RickJ said:
and I too have voiced some complaints about the ST 300, I have two of them, WD-40 and working the tools should fix the stiffness! the second issue is common with the ST300 I think, both of mine have a small gap when you close it making it click as you sqeeze the two sides together.


RickJ
Click to expand...

I did try some Benchmade Blue Lube and worked the tools for a good while - I just have a sore thumb now and it's not really any better. I would say the tools on this one are pinned together way too tight.

I had heard Swisstools are nice and smooth out of the box - I'll definitely have to consider them when I'm shopping for a multi-tool again.

Good news is that the seller had no problem with me exchanging it for something else. I decided to exchange it for a Spyderco Lava and the seller even offered to cross-ship it. If any Canadians are looking for a good knife dealer, check out caledon2 (Wholesale Knives and Swords) on eBay. The guy's name is Rodney and his services are definitely superb. He also has brand new Lavas for $50! :thumbup:
 
Hmmm, I would send it in, my ST300's pliers are centered.

I have no nails whatsoever, and yes my ST300 was rather stiff when I got it. However, with some lube and loosening up, I have no problem deploying the tools :) (without any nails!).

Personally, I am very happy with mine, hope you can get yours fixed.
 
Another vote for a Swisstool - any one of them.

Victorinox is the only company that I feel confident giving a gift still in the clamshell plastic packaging. I know that when it's opened I won't be embarrassed. Their QC is a world standard and their warranty is at least as good as anyone's.
 
I have a black 300 and I could not be happier. You must of gotten a lemon. Send it back with a explanation of your concerns. I'm sure they will make it right.
I've seen alot of reviews on which one to carry. I personaly like the fact that I'm carrying one of the biggest multitools out there and if my 300 won't get the job done that it wasn't for lack of not having a big enough tool.
Good luck to you and don't give up quite yet.
 
But to be honest I think their QC sucks especially on new tools, when the Charge first came out I got one that was put together so wrong they had the same measurement scales on both sides, and the tools were stuck so bad you could not open them. I got a 300 with tools in the wrong place, unless this is a change and Leatherman did not tell anyone.

I still buy their tools because well I really dislike Gerber and SOG, Vic may be nice but I don't like their pliers. I even made a comment here on another thread when the ST 300 was first coming out that I hope Leatherman spends a little more time on the QC Process.


I guess what I am trying to say is yes they are not perfect and they can do better, but I still prefer their products.


RickJ
 
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