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Leatherman
Tool Maintenance Tips
Rust
& Corrosion
All Leatherman
Tool products are manufactured from 100% high-grade stainless
steel. (Exception: Screw bits for the tool adapter are made of
tool steel.) But stainless steel is not rust proof; it is corrosion
resistant. Depending on the mix of metal alloys, stainless steels
may be highly corrosion resistant and relatively soft (like kitchen
flatware), or they may be somewhat corrosion resistant and quite
hard. Our tools are fabricated from the latter type, so your tool
components are strong and the knives retain a sharp cutting edge.
Consequently, corrosion can occur in the absence of proper maintenance.
Your Leatherman tool should be cleaned, dried and re-oiled periodically
to inhibit rust and corrosion. This is especially true if you
use your tool in a damp or marine environment. After
cleaning, re-oil pivoting areas with
a light machine or penetrating type oil (such as WD-40). Buff
stained surfaces with a polishing cloth
or non-metallic abrasive (e.g., Scotchbrite pad or soft
bristle brush).
Blade
Sharpening
Leatherman
tools feature knife blades that may be straight-edged, serrated
or both. Sharpening methods vary depending on the type of knife
in your Leatherman tool. Note that serrated edges should not be
sharpened in the same manner as straight edges. Straight-edged
blades can be sharpened using any standard equipment, including
whetstones, rods and various kits. To sharpen a serrated blade,
be sure to use a sharpening system specifically designed to accommodate
serrated edges. A proper sharpening method will maintain the curvature
of the serrations. Sharpen serrated blades only on the edged side;
sharpening the flat (back) side of the knife will cause the serrations
to wear away, reducing the knife’s effectiveness.
Cleaning
Methods
Depending
on what your Leatherman tool has been exposed to, there are several
cleaning methods to consider.
If your
tool has been exposed to salt water or marine environments, it
should be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water, dried, and lubricated
with a water-displacing product. If stains or rust spots appear,
refer to the "Rust and Corrosion" section above for
removal tips.
If debris
or sticky substances have accumulated between the blades, your
Leatherman tool may also be cleaned in a mild solution of detergent
and water.
To remove
tar and similar substances, clean your Leatherman tool with turpentine
or other mineral spirits. Do not use chlorine products.
After
cleaning, dry the tool and apply a light machine oil or a water-displacing
product (WD-40) to force out moisture trapped in the joints. This
also helps protect the tool from further corrosion and sticking.
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