Leatherman has updated their large Surge multi-tool with replaceable wire cutting blades and a new universal T-shank blade holder.
Replaceable Wire Cutting Blades
Such a feature might not make a big difference to most users, but replaceable cutter blades are definitely a plus for those that tend to use their tools hard. I avoid using my non-replaceable-blade multi-tool pliers to cut hardened wire or steel cables because any damage would be permanent. On the other hand I definitely tend to push my Super Tool 300 harder than my other multi-tools. It puts me at ease to know that damaged cutters can be easily replaced for about $10.
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Why the new Surge and not Leatherman’s other tools, such as the updated TTi? Possibly because they want to keep this feature in the heavy duty family, which includes the Super Tool 300, OHT (which we recently reviewed), and a couple of other larger tools.
Although… the Rebar (which we also reviewed), which Leatherman classifies as a full-size tool and not heavy-duty, also sports replaceable wire cutting blades. Maybe some of the other full-size tools will sport replaceable cutter blades in the future, but it doesn’t look like that will happen.
Universal T-Shank Blade Holder
The Surge is also getting a new universal blade holder (blade exchanger) that is compatible with standard T-shank jig saw blades and other tools. It’s not a completely new design, but instead features a pressure bar that helps lock in accessories that are thinner than the saw blade and file included with every Surge.
ETA: July/August 2013
Buy Now(Current/Older Surge via Amazon)
Note: It appears that the new Surge model has NOT started shipping yet (as of August 25th, 2013). If you want to buy the new model, your best bet is to look for it locally or wait until online vendors update their product listings. Or, consider an alternative multi-tool, such as Wave or OHT.
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James C
Wow, I’d never heard of a T-shank blade holder for multi-tools. Apparently I’ve been living under a rock. Anyway, sounds like a fantastic idea.
Eli Perrone
I’ve been carrying a Nitride Coated Surge for 6 years now. Its an incredible tool, and I haven’t broken anything on it, although the wire cutter is getting dull. The only problem I hope they addressed is the little “L” of sheet metal that guides the jaws closed when you close the tool is too darn fragile, and bends easily. That means that the jaws get jammed against the multibit screwdriver holder when you try to close it one-handed. I’ve adapted, and now close the jaws first, then fold the handles in, but its definitely a problem.
I’ll be looking for the new Surge, and may be buying one.
Jerry
I also bought a Surge soon after they came out, and the determining factor was the blade changer. It came with two blades, one wood cutting, and also a file. However, if you really USE your tools, the usefulness of this feature really stands out. The sheath for the Surge, allows for storage for 3-4 spare blades, so counting the one in the tool, you can have about 5 total choices before the sheath starts getting bulky. The bit changer screwdrivers are another plus, as well. Even if all you need are the Phillips and flat, being able to just replace the bit is a big plus. I own 4 Leathermans, a Gerber, as well as a couple off brand multi tools (many were gifts) and the screwdriver bits are the first thing to get buggered up.
As for the pliers with replaceable cutters, I noticed they are just a bit bulkier than the standard pliers, so there may not be space to fit them into older tool designs (like the Wave) but new designs of their full sized tools (like the Rebar) can easily be designed with enough room for them.
Ronabong
I cannot wait for that new 2013 Surge! More multi-tool porn please. 🙂
Ed
Glad I found this article, I was wondering if they would change the Surge and your site was the only one I found this notice on. I will have to wait 6 months is the sad part.
Stuart
I’m glad you found this to be helpful. =)
Dennis Sy
I’m really excited about the new and improved Surge, I have the original version and it has been flawless so far. It’s nice to have these improvements and hopefully, someday we’ll all have the “perfect” multi-tool.
Doug
For a heavy do it yourself house remodeller.
Which Leatherman would you all make the must have?
For a little of everything.
House, wiring, kids bikes, cutting open the darn clear plastic wrapping. etc.
Last time I bought one there was only a couple of options.
Stuart
The Wave stands as my standard recommendation, but the Surge is the largest most featured tool Leatherman makes.
Detron
I just bought my surge last week, and now discover the “updated” one is on the way. oh well, if I had known, I would have waited. I guess I will just have to have an old and a new!
Scottthetec
Any idea when this is going to drop? I’m still seeing the old (current?) version.
Stuart
Some dealers have already started carrying the new version. It looks like the model numbers are the same, so some online dealers might be shipping the new version without yet changing their product images.
Vēer
Didnt they get rid of exchangeable bit driver adapter due to the fact that people used it to pry thing and it got broken often?
I believe I saw it in one of the two videos floating around!
Vēer
OK, found it, heres the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-Kcxh4b4PU
The small flat head screwdriver on my ST300 is rather soft, I managed to bend it and twist it the first time I used it to test how good it is, I dont think I applied excessive force, the one that is on Wingman, at the top of the file, works flawlessly and didnt bend or twist.
Thats the only negative feedback of my ST300 that I can give, others, however, have reported, that their small screwdrivers have held up pretty well so perhaps I got a lemon?
So, come replaceable wire cutters, universal t-shank adapter minus bit driver=sucks!
Stuart
Good catch! That’s a bit disappointing, but makes sense. If people are breaking the bit holders on their Surges more than other tools, swapping it out is probably a good call. It also creates differentiation that helps drive users towards other models if the bit holder was of high interest.
Vēer
Valid point, however, out of their heavy duty tools Surge was the most versatile, so to say, the real craftmans multi tool with the most usable tools included.
What is there in their heavy duty tools lineup that could replace surge? Nothing! Super Tool 300 comes without bit driver exchanger, has no scissors, comes with regular(non-diamond) file, has no outside accessible blades, no saw/file exchange options in it, IS NOT user serviceable with its weird star-shaped rivets.
Crunch is more of a specialty tool, one where its all about its grippig capabilities of its pliers head, still without replaceable wire cutters and with very little other tools, its not for EDC or outdoorsman, its more of a heavy duty specialty tool for certain tasks.
MUT – made for AR15 systems to clean those weapons, not as versatile as Surge/ST300. Its a niche product, which, however, I wouldnt mind owning to try out on cleaning weapons, even tho I dont own and probably never will AR15 or alikes. Oh, its their only heavy duty tool that takes bit drivers natively since the release of updated Surge!
OHT – overall nice tool, but takes up even more space than ST300/Surge and comes with considerably shorter tools, drivers, thus cant be as versatile given their short reach.
So, my verdict is that they should have kept bit drivers on Surge as native option rather than replace it with yet another flat head screwdriver!
Sure, you can always use removable bit driver adapter, but that thing costs money and Surge is already more pricier than ST300, I bought such adapter for my ST300 given that there are no other options in the market today, but why would this be the case with Surge, they should have re-engineered the bit driver adapter instead of getting rid of it in favour of IMO less versatile tool!
Stuart
Those are all very valid points.
It might have been a cost consideration as well, if Leatherman wanted to keep Surge prices relatively unchanged.
I like the idea of the replaceable jaw inserts and universal T-shank tool jigsaw blade tool exchanger. Having all 3 would be best. Maybe Leatherman will change things up again in 2014.
Me
So, is there a way to add the new interchangeable bit holder to the new Surge? As said, with the current features of the new Surge, if it had the bit holder, that would be perfect for me. I think I misunderstood something, from the LM site,it show the bit holder.
http://www.leatherman.com/3.html#q=surge&start=1
Stuart
That looks like a bit holder to me. I would think that either the prototype was missing the bit holder unintentionally, it was hidden, or Leatherman listened to feedback and changed the design prior to the new Surge reaching production.
In either case, it looks like the new Surge has its replaceable blade cutters, a bit holder, and the universal blade holder.
Me
Roger that, I have looked all over on and near my post. I cannot seem to find one. Anyone know of a dealer to get one?
Stuart
If you go to Leatherman’s Surge page, click on “Other places to buy” on the right side of the page.
From there, it shows who has the new version and who has the “original” version.
Going by this, I found that REI is carrying the new style Surge (link). The others were false leads.
There might be other dealers, but right now it looks like REI is your best bet at getting the new Surge model.
Dan Skidmore
I will apologize up front for one of the dumber questions that most of you will hear: I just bought the Surge as a gift for my son, having NO prior experience myself with any type of multitool. I opened the tool to check out the pliers, and now it will not close. I cannot get it back into it’s original closed position. Is there some trick to this, something that has to be pressed? I thought it would just be intuitive. Thanks very much.
Stuart
Nope, that is not a dumb question at all. There is nothing to press, but the handles on new multi-tools can sometimes be a little stiff.
Start by spread the pliers’ handles as if you’re gripping something very large. Open the jaws and spread the handles as wide as possible. Slowly apply more pressure to push the handles in opposite directions. You want to do this slowly, carefully, and with control to avoid pinching skin or fingers.
Once you apply enough pressure, you should feel the handles pivoting up towards to the pliers’ jaws. Either one at a time or both together, continue pushing the handles until they have pivoted fully where they envelope the pliers’ jaws.
If you went slowly, the pliers’ jaws should be within the handles’ open inner compartments but there should still be a gap between the handles.
Squeeze the handles together very slowly and carefully at the ends completely opposite the pliers and pivot points. You might feel a little friction, but this should close the pliers completely and in a safe manner. If you go too quickly you might pinch skin between the pliers.
If you’re still having difficulty, I’ll try to make a quick video. It won’t be a great video, but would show the motions.
Dejan
Does anyone know is it possible to set up a new type of pliers on the old Surge and whether the Leatherman will sell new type pliers as a spare part?
Stuart
I don’t think so, as the pliers are not typically user-repairable or replaceable components.
boliso
I want the sawblade holder and the file from the surge on my Signal. I can do without the bit driver the existing saw blade, real easy! Hope that they will interchange! Does anyone know? thanks for the info