Frequently Asked Questions

Our tools are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for 25 years. The Leatherman Warranty covers only the original/primary owner and does not cover abuse, alteration, theft, loss, or unauthorized and/or unreasonable use of Leatherman products. This Warranty covers tools purchased for personal use only and does not cover commercial accounts or bulk purchases with the intent to resell repaired or refurbished tools.

We don’t keep track of the time so no till slip required.

Be sure to choose an insured and trackable delivery service as Leatherman SA is not responsible for products that do not arrive in the mail.

Maintenance, accessories and loss, tool finish and coloured coating, modified tools, corroded or rusted tools, blunt blades, dirty tools, burnt tools, and welding damage to tools is not covered by our warranty.

Intentional/deliberate abuse is not covered by our warranty.

No more than 4 tools return limit as our warranty is intended to cover the original owner for their personal use.

Only whole tools or at least 2/3 of the tool returned will be considered for warranty.

Our products are designed to be disassembled by factory-trained technicians only.Repaired tools are reassembled (and the pivot posts cemented) to ensure proper tension for optimum tool performance.Attempting to disassemble a Leatherman tool yourself may result in lost components and compromised tool functionality.It will also void your warranty protection.

The warranty does not cover sheaths with the exception of the Ainsworth Sheath which is covered by a 2-year warranty. Any sheaths sent in to us will not be returned to sender with the exception of the Ainsworth Sheath.

We can repair some items. If we cannot repair a faulty item and it qualifies for our warranty, we will replace it with a factory refurbished tool.

We will replace the returned tool with an equivalent model if it qualifies for our warranty.

If we cannot repair the tool, we will contact you with the available options. One option is to send the sentimental or engraved tool to the Leatherman factory in Oregon USA for repair. This service takes approximately 4 months and incurs a freight cost. This can be discussed after the tool has been assessed.

You can return the tool directly to us by clicking on this link www.leatherman.co.za and don’t forget to send your warranty submission form with your faulty tool to:

Awesome Tools
8 Shiraz Road
Saxenburg Business Park 1
Blackheath
Cape Town
7580

Periodically tools are returned to us that just need to have blades sharpened, tools serviced, generally cleaned or repaired out of warranty. In this case we will be happy to do the required service at a minimal cost as this does not fall under warranty

When tools are repaired, they are restored (to best of our ability) back to “working” order.We do not guarantee that the tools will be in “New” or “Like New” condition.

We are happy to repair your broken tool at a minimal cost if it is out of warranty.

We will keep your broken tool and offer you a discount on a new tool.

Failures of tools that have been modified in any way are not covered under warranty. In this case we will just send the tool back in the same condition we received it.

Leatherman warranty does not cover coating or colour finishes on tools. If a tool is returned for warranty repair only because the colour fades, changes or wears off, it will be returned to the consumer. If a coloured tool is sent in for warranty repair that is not colour related and it cannot be repaired, it will be replaced by the same or like tool regardless of colour.

Repairs under warranty will be done at no charge. Our standard service (sharpen, lube, clean) can be done at R70/tool, and replacements of out of warranty components are R140/part. These prices are subject to change and do not include the courier cost back.

Print the Leatherman WARRANTY FORM found on our website and send it with your tool via a traceable courier service where delivery confirmation can be obtained if necessary.

No, we would rather you send it directly to us in Cape Town.

Unfortunately, we do not have this option available.

No. You can either drop or send your product to us and we will send it back to you once completed.

If it is covered by our warranty, we will replace it with a similar model tool, however, if it is out of warranty, we will keep the tool and offer you a discount to buy a similar replacement tool.

Simply send an email to trackingnumbers@awesometools.co.za and include as much info as possible. We prefer to communicate via email rather than telephone so that conversations can be tracked.

On all the tools with pliers, there are two areas for cutting wire. There is the regular wire cutter and a hard-wire cutter. The hard-wire cutter is the “notch” at the base of the wire cutters. When you place the wire in the notch, you will be able to cut higher-strength materials such as fish hooks or fencing wire. The upper portion of the wire cutters should be used for softer wire only or else you may end up with a “bur” which will cause the jaws to stick and make it hard to open.

Black oxide is a “conversion coating”, which means it changes the surface of the product, rather than covering the product, as paint would. Black oxide is formed by oxidizing the outer layer of atoms on the surface. In effect, it’s controlled rust. When you first use the product, the black substance is this outer layer. It will wear away to some extent, but that’s the nature of this finish. To avoid the stains, simply take a rag with CRC 3-36 (or similar oil) and rub the tool surfaces thoroughly. The oil will set the finish and allow it to last longer. This is what your skin oils are actually doing when you handle the tool.

Each Leatherman tool consists of a combination of features that makes it a unique multipurpose tool. We cannot alter or substitute different blade components from one tool version to another.
Tim Leatherman’s standards for quality, durability, precision and attention to detail are what make Leatherman tools like no other. Ever since Tim invented the category, we’ve focused on just one thing – manufacturing the world’s highest quality multipurpose tools.

Use a separate screwdriver or similar device to unlock the blades. With the handles closed together, insert the screwdriver into the slot created by the handle spring (where the handle locks onto the tool blades). Gently pry up the handle spring until one of the blades can be released.

We do not offer any customization of tool components or tool configurations.

Yes, we encourage our users to maintain and sharpen their own tools. We sell an array of sharpening products to help you https://www.awesometools.co.za/product-category/smiths/

All Leatherman products are manufactured from 100% high-grade stainless steel.  The exceptions are the screw bits for the tool adapter which are made of tool steel. 

Stainless 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 products are fabricated from the hard steel that is corrosion resistant 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 product should be cleaned, dried and re-oiled periodically to inhibit rust and corrosion.  This is especially true if you use it 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 (example:  Scotch Brite pad or soft bristle brush).

Depending on what your Leatherman has been exposed to, there are several cleaning methods to consider:

• If your Leatherman 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 may also be cleaned in a mild solution of detergent and water
• To remove tar and similar substances, clean your Leatherman with turpentine or other mineral spirits. Do not use chlorine products
• After cleaning, dry your Leatherman 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.

Accessories can be purchased from most of our retail partners as well from our website. There are several sheaths, bit kits and accessories to choose from depending on which model of tool you have.

Our tools bear the name of our founder Tim Leatherman, who invented the original Pocket Survival Tool, now known as the PST.

Learn more about The Leatherman Story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvCgGgokH_E&t=76s)

Tim Leatherman’s standards for quality, durability, precision and attention to detail are what make Leatherman tools like no other. Ever since Tim invented the category, we’ve focused on just one thing – manufacturing the world’s highest quality multipurpose tools.

Read about The Leatherman Story. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvCgGgokH_E&t=76s)

Our products are sold in approximately 90 countries around the world. These authorized distributors sell to retailers in their designated territories and are able to assist with warranty issues.

Read about the Leatherman Difference. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvCgGgokH_E&t=76s)

Always. Consumer feedback has played a significant role in improving our existing products and designing new ones. Our marketing department tracks suggestions and welcomes your feedback, so feel free to address your ideas to them (either in writing or at info@leatherman.com). If you wish to submit an idea for which you already have or may obtain a patent or other ownership rights, please write to the Office of the President, Leatherman Tool Group, PO Box 20595, Portland OR 97294. Prior to receiving or considering your idea, we will present you with a disclosure agreement that describes your rights and ours in any idea you disclose to us.

Sorry. Leatherman Tool Group is privately held and is very unlikely to go public in the foreseeable future.

We love to hear from our users because we build our tools to Inspire Creativity. There “When Needed” to prepare people for the expected and unexpected. Sometimes in course of attempting to “Save the Day” the tool may get damaged and, in some cases, result in a “Tool Tale” to help inspire others to be creative in their own solutions to problems presented them. Send your story to liz@awesometools.co.za.

Some Leatherman products are crafted to follow TSA specifications for a carry-on item but please refer to the organization’s published sharp object policy for your own protection before carrying any Leatherman product on a flight or into any other restricted area. It is safe to stow your Leatherman products in checked luggage that travel in the cargo area. Security agents, such as TSA representatives, have full discretion over allowable items for the safety of all passengers and international laws may vary. Please also note that Leatherman does not warranty tools that are lost, stolen, or confiscated.

Yes. You can follow us on Facebook (@Leatherman.ZA) and Instagram (@leatherman.sa)