Bit Holder for the Leatherman FREE Series

Sorry I am no longer producing these. You can now purchase the 3D CAD file for personal use.

The digital CAD file has tweaks which attempts to account for sintering shrinkage.

The original material (Bronze/Steel blend) is no longer available. The design relied on the slightly flexible nature of the material. Your results may vary. Do not expect to just print and use without tweaking.

File format is both STEP and STL. A Valid email must be provided for file delivery.

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Older product info below.

Purchase is now only for CAD files not physical parts.

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This modification adds an interchangeable bit holder to your Leatherman FREE P4, P2, T2, K2, K4 or Mr. Crunch.

This user-installed modification normally replaces the Philips and Pry-tool implements on the tool. Once installed, the tool folds into the frame of the Free series tool, including any attached bit (up to 30 mm long).

Features:

#4mmBits

• Made from 60% 420 Stainless Steel, 40% Bronze
• Fits 4 mm Precision Bits
• Bottle opener.
• 1/4 inch hex perpendicular wrench.
• 4 mm hex perpendicular wrench.
• 4mm hex opening usable when tool is closed.
• Magnetic bit holder (Magnets purchased separately).
• 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

#FlatBits

• Fits the proprietary Leatherman Flat Bits.
• 1/4 inch hex perpendicular wrench.
• Holds the bits using spring retention.
• No magnets required. 
• Compatible with the Leatherman Bit Driver Extender or the Leatherman Ratchet Driver for further reach.
• Available in three different finishes.
  • "Slightly Silver Bronze" is recommended  for the closest match to the tool finish.

#All

(Not compatible with the FREE T4)

Magnet Required:

#4mmBits

The magnet needs to be purchased separately.

The recommended magnets are 1/8" Diameter x 1/4" Long neodymium magnets. (or 3mm x 6mm). I recommend purchasing a N52 rated magnet for maximum strength.  The magnets do not interfere with the existing magnet inside the tool. The following magnets are recommended:

• K&M Magnetics P/N: D24-N52
• McMaster P/N: 5862K114

Installing the magnets:

If you already watched the video, please note that you shouldn't need to hammer in the magnets in. I have tweaked the design to allow a bit more space. 

1. Using a 1/8" or 3mm drill bit, and a drill to ream out the hole. Ensure the magnets can be inserted without excess pressure.
2. Insert a thin metal rod into the front of the 4mm opening and through the magnet chamber. A 2mm allen key works great for this.
3. Attach the magnets to the metal rod, and use the rod to pull them into the chamber.
4. Test fit the magnets before gluing to ensure the chamber is clear of any debris.
5. Remove the metal rod, and test that a 4mm bit is held well.
6. Ensure they reach all the way to just behind where the primary 4mm bit opening is located.
7. Push them back out of the chamber, and apply a small dab of super-glue to the magnets.
8. Pull the the magnets into the hole, and if you need push them all the way in using a non-metal tool, such as a toothpick. Ensure they are are as close to the primary 4mm bit opening to ensure maximum strength.
9. Clean up any excess glue using  a small amount of acetone.
10.  Wait for the glue to set before installing the bit holder in your tool.

Post Processing:

The parts are made by 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. 

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. Any warranty concerns are entirely up to the user.

• You will need two Torx T9 bits to remove the screws holding the tool together.
• The screws need to be loosened by holding one side with a bit, and turning the other side.
• The screws are secured using thread-locking compound, and heat may be required to loosen the compound.
• Care should be taken to open the tool on a clean surface.
• Silicone based lubricant may be added during assembly.
• The tightness of the tool will depend on the amount of torque you apply during reassembly.

#FlatBits

My bit holder is too tight, what can I do?:

Some users may experience bit grips which are a bit too tight for normal use. In this case you need to very gently pry one (or both) of the spring arms upwards a tiny amount. It takes very little movement to get the correct grip. Excess bending may break the spring arm, so I recommend keeping your finger on the arm as you bend to prevent going too far.

For a visual example see this video:

Can I keep my Phillips driver or Package Opener implement?:

Yes! The Bit holder is 0.26" thick. The same thickness as the Phillips + Package opener.

If you want to keep either of those thicker implements, then you can move it to the other side of the tool and replace two of the thinner implements.

FREE P4 stack-up:

FREE P2 stack-up:

What am I getting / not getting?:

This list will update depending on the options selected

Included:

#FlatBits

● One 3D Printed flat bit holder

#4mmBits

● One 3D Printed 4mm bit holder

#All

Not included:

● Leatherman Tool

● Driver Bits

#4mmBits

● Magnet