The idea of a multitool has always been the same, to pack as many tools as possible as one super portable and convenient tool. Multi tools although seem like they haven't changed much throughout the years, internally there have been a lot of changes. Nowadays multi tools provide you with not only a big number of various tools but also make for a more convenient solution. Since you can carry a lot more with a lot less to worry about a multitool can be used for various tasks. Cutting, screwing, unscrewing, bottle opening, scraping, gripping itmes are all things that you can do easily with a solid multi tool. A good example of a reliable multi tool that can suit everyone's needs is Leatherman's Style CS.
Style CS
The Style CS is often refereed as a mini tool due to its small form factor. The CS comes in at 7.5 cm long when closed and with an additional 4.06 cm when the blade is out. The Style CS Leatherman claims it can last for a lifetime which is why they offer a 25 year warranty with it. This 420HC stainless steel multitool weighs 41.1 g and it comes with 9 different tools.
The Style CS Leatherman has equipped with tweezers, a nail fail, spring-action scissors, Phillips/ flat screwdriver, carabiner/ bottle opener and a knife. This multi-tool also has a key ring hole and outside-accessible features. The nylon handle and straight edge blade make for the perfect tool that can cut through almost anything without putting extra stress on your hands.
Taking Care of Your Pocket Friend
Taking it Apart
1. To clean your Style CS thoroughly and keep it working at its best it's important to start first by dissembling. To make things easier when taking it apart, make sure to put the parts in order when taking them out. Place them on a piece of paper and if you can try to record the whole process with your phone and then play it back for later.
2. This will make it far easier to put it back together by just playing the video in reverse. Start at the fixing mechanism first and make your way through by removing the swing arm locking mechanism and locking system.
3. Next follow up by removing the implement stacks. Take a good look at how their finger grips are positioned as this is important for the re-assembly. Take them out in one piece and line them up in the order of the stack. You should write numbers on the paper for later reference.
Cleaning Rust
If the blade on your multi-tool has rust on it (even stainless steel blades can get rust too) getting rid of it will require using some wet-n-dry abrasive paper. Start of with 800 grit but be careful not to scratch the steel. Move the paper in light circles until you see he rust losing its thickness.
Finish off with 1200 grit paper and the closer you get to the stainless steel the smaller the swirls you'll need to make to avoid damaging the blade. Make sure to wash the knife with warm soapy water and rinse it afterwards.
Letting it dry off completely before assembling it back together is a must too, to prevent any water droplets getting in between the small opening of the tool's mechanism.
Lubricating
For your Style CS to be working smoothly you need to lubricate it every now and then. This also prevents dust from entering into the mechanism of the multi-tool and causing it to seize. Lubrication makes for a barrier that protects grit and dust from entering the tiny crevices of your multi-tool. In this case, teflon based oil is the best option since it doesn't attract as much grit as regular oil or grease.
Lubricating all the parts is best done by soaking them in the oil itself. This way you will cover every bit of metal there is without worrying if you've done so properly. If before lubricating the multi tool there is still dirt that you haven't been able to get rid of using any of the methods above, get yourself some rubbing alcohol and a q-tip and rub it off.
Polishing
Whilst standard kitchen polish will still suffice it's recommended that you go with a stainless steel polishing compound to give your multi-tool that top notch shiny look. To polish your Style CS, get a microfiber cloth and apply some of the polishing compound on it and start rubbing it into the stainless steel in small light circles. Do this until there is no polishing compound and then rinse the tool with clean water.
Sharpening
Keeping the blade working at its best also requires sharpening. Get yourself a sharpener stone and position the blade so it's sitting anywhere between a 15° to 30° angle. Draw the blade across the stone at this angle for both sides until you can feel its sharpness. Go slow though you don't want to end up with scratch marks on it.
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