T-Shank Blade Holder for the Leatherman FREE Series

Currently out of stock pending a new manufacturer.

This modification adds an T-Shank Jig-Saw Blade Holder to your Leatherman FREE series multitool.

Please read this information:

This mod is a do it your self component. This mod involves extra steps by the user, these are detailed in the various information sections below. No refunds will be issued for this part.

It is a more involved than my other mod. Please read the various tabs below.

Not compatible with the FREE K or T series.

Current selection:

#ARC-Saw

• Fits only <1.6mm thick T-Shank blades!
• Type-C Model
  
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
• Replaces the Saw and Can Opener

#ARC-File

• Fits only <1.6mm thick T-Shank blades!
• Type-D Model
  
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
  
• Replaces the File and Awl (or Bit changer with shims added)

#ARC-MainBlade

• Fits only <1.6mm thick T-Shank blades!
• Type-D Model
  
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
• Replaces the Main Blade and Can Opener

#ARC-SerratedBlade

• Invalid Selection

#ARC-Scissors

• Type-B Model
• 0.175" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 5mm long screws
• Replaces the Scissors and awl (or Bit changer with shims added)
• Fits up to 2mm thick T-Shank blades

 #FREEP4-Saw

• Type-A Model
• 0.175" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 5mm long screws
• Replaces the Scissors and ruler (Or other thin implement)
• Fits up to 2mm thick T-Shank blades

#FREEP4-File

• Invalid Selection

#FREEP4-MainBlade

• Type-A Model
• 0.175" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 5mm long screws
• Replaces the Main Blade and ruler
• You must move the package opener to the other side
• Fits up to 2mm thick T-Shank blades

#FREEP4-SerratedBlade

• Fits only <1.6mm thick T-Shank blades!
• Type-C Model
  
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
• Replaces the Saw
• Must remove thin spacers between the implements

 #FREEP4-Scissors

• Fits only <1.6mm thick T-Shank blades!
• Type-C Model
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
• Replaces the Scissors and two Thin Implements
• You must move the package opener to the other side

#Garage005-Saw

• Type-A Model
• 0.175" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 5mm long screws
• Replaces the Saw and can opener
• Fits T-Shank blades up to 2mm thick

#Garage005-File

• Fits only <1.6mm thick T-Shank blades!
• Type-D Model
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
• Replaces the File and Micro-Bit changer

#Garage005-MainBlade

• Fits only <1.6mm thick T-Shank blades!
• Type-D Model
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
• Replaces the Main Blade (with about 0.02" extra thickness)

#Garage005-SerratedBlade

• Invalid Selection

#Garage005-Scissors

• Type-B Model
• 0.175" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 5mm long screws
• Replaces the Scissors and micro-bit-changer 
• Fits up to 2mm thick blades

Common Features:

• The blade can be stored in the tool if you have cut it down to fit.
  
• The blade is held in place using two M2 screws
  • Sorry the screws cannot be included
    
• Available in three finishes:
• Select "Silvered Bronze" for the closest fit to the tool
  
• Select "Bronze" for a fully bronze color
  
• Select "Blackened Bronze" for a contrasting dark bronze look
  
• See this page for an image of all three side by side

Four Variants:

I have rendered up various valid combinations of T-Shank adapter, and tool sets. You can select from those above. Otherwise you can determine which T-Shank adapter you want to use from the list below. 

This information  is provided for folks who want to do more unique combinations. Alternate configurations are up to the end user. Other adjustments to the tool order/washers may be needed to keep the correct stack-up height. 

• Type A: 
• 0.175" thick at the pivot
• Integrated washer
• Requires 5mm long screws

• Type B:
  
• 0.175" thick at the pivot
• Integrated washer
• Requires 5mm long screws

• Type C:
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
• Thinner design can only fit <1.6mm thick blades

• Type D:
  
• 0.14" Thick at the pivot
• Requires 4mm long screws
• Thinner design can only fit <1.6mm thick blades

Stack-up diagrams:

The following diagrams should aid in custom tool configs. Also McMaster-Carr carries thin shims which can be used to adjust the stack-ups as needed.  Part number 98126A021

ARC Stack-up: 

FREE P4 Stack-up:

FREE P2 Stack-up:

Garage #005 Stack-up:

T-Shank Blades:

This has been designed and tested to fit Bosch brand blades as well as the Leatherman T-shank blades. 

If you want to store a blade in the tool, it needs to be cut to a total length of 78 mm +/- 1 mm. Note: If the blade is cut too short it can pop-out when the pliers are deployed.

Screws:

Screws cannot be included with your order. Please keep this in mind before ordering.

The cost of these parts from McMaster is ~$30+shipping, or about half that price from eBay

The mod requires two small screws with the following specs:

• M2 x 0.4 mm Thread
• Low-profile head
• Type A & B require 5 mm long screws
• McMaster-Carr P/N: 93070A275
• Type C & D require 4mm long screws
• McMaster-Carr P/N: 93070A274
• Alloy Steel.
• This is stronger than stainless steel

You might find these screws at other suppliers. Sorry I can't link to every possible supplier. McMaster-Carr is expensive, but reliable.

M2 Tap:

The parts requires some light metal work including tapping threads into the holes. Please keep this in mind before ordering.

You also will need a M2 x 0.4 mm tap to finish the two holes. The tap must be able to handle stainless steel. I recommend using this tap from Amazon, or McMaster P/N: 8305A77. I also recommend using cutting fluid or any lubricating oil to prevent the tap from binding.

If the tap doesn't bite, you can ream out the hole using a 1/16" or 1.6mm drill bit.

To drive the set screws you need a 1.5mm hex bit, or Allen key. I recommend getting a few of McMaster P/N: 7289A11, and then cutting one down to fit in the tool, and leaving a second with your spare T-Shank blades.

Also, the Leatherman Flat Bit Kit , does include a 1.5mm Hex bit. This can be stored in the tool in my Flat bit holder, or on one of my holsters.

Post Processing:

The parts are made by a bonding stainless steel powder. The resulting part is sintered and impregnated with bronze to fully meld the two metals together. Because a powder is used: Some internal areas of the part may end up with stuck powder that needs to be cleared away using drill bits or files. If your part has an excessive amount of stuck powder, or filled holes, contact me with a photo of your part for a replacement, along with your order number.

The part is similar to a casting, and shrinks a small amount during processing. The CAD model has been designed to compensate for this, but some manual filing may be needed on some parts if the parts fit too tight or bind. Use a needle file to clean up any burrs or places that are sticking. The material is stainless steel, so diamond needle files may be required.

The mounting hole may require reaming using a drill bit capable of handling stainless steel.  A 1/8" or 3.2mm drill bit may be used for this task.

Installation:

The tool must be taken apart to install this modification.  See the video above.

1. You will need two Torx T9 bits to remove the screws holding the tool together.
2. The screws need to be loosened by holding one side with a bit, and turning the other side.
3. The screws are secured using thread-locking compound, and heat may be required to loosen the compound.
4. Care should be taken to open the tool on a clean surface.
5. To install you need to remove the following items from the Leatherman FREE P4
   • Saw blade
   • Can opener (Or any of the other four small implements)
   • The Thin spacer washers. Keep one washer in the stack if your removed the File or Ruler.
   • One Thick  spacer washer (Near scale on saw side)
6. After removing those components, stack the three remaining small implements up against the serrated blade.
7. Place the spring arm next to the implements.
8. Install the two halves into the remaining space.
9. Silicone based lubricant may be added during assembly.
10. Re-install the post and screws. The tightness of the tool will depend on the amount of torque you apply during reassembly.

Design:

The result of many physical prototypes, combined with input from the folks at Multitool.org. Click the link to see how these was designed and the early prototypes.

What am I getting / not getting?:

Included:

● One (1x) 3D printed T-Shank Holder of the type you specify

Not included:

● Screws, Taps, Tools, T-Shank Blades or other accessories.

● Accessories are shown in the images only as example use case only.