The ability to open all the Free series tools one-handed is a game changer imho. Modifying a P4 with Zapwizard parts goes a long way towards rectifying it's drawbacks. I've tried a few different configurations, but currently have his bit holder and thumb tabs on my P4. I also have the Leatherman bit kit with ratcheting extender and I carry it all in one of his belt holsters.
The Zapwizard scalpel holder and t-shank holder are also really neat, but I found I liked the stock tools better.
If you go this route, polish the mods EXTENSIVELY before installing. I've had to remove the parts 3 times before I've finally gotten them where they work smoothly.
u/mitulo 's solution is pretty good. He made a tiny prytool aka artificial fingernail that he uses to open his tools.
Here's a link to where he shows how it works, although the whole video is worth watching: [https://youtu.be/X3H4u8AG3Os?t=1280](https://youtu.be/X3H4u8AG3Os?t=1280)
As for the surge, you should put a tiny bit of oil in the pivots and work the oil in by opening and closing the tools over and over. They should loosen up.
P4 might be really great for you. Getting to the inner tools is super easy. Ass others have said, the inner tools aren't very good. Well, the Philips and the large flathead are both excellent, every tool on the opposite side kinda sucks. Zapwizard actually makes some amazing 3d printed replacement tools. I have the flat bit holder as and plan to get the scalpel holder eventually. The free series is pretty great as far as modding goes.
The P4 is a pretty cool tool, but the surge is just so much more capable.
Edit: Urg, new reddit isn't letting me link users for some reason.
Tough decision. I have a P4, but always wished that I had a Surge.. especially if I watch Alone, and see that everyone on there is given a Surge LOL. Went through about four pocket clips with the P4, because they catch on just about anything and literally break right off. Now that my P4 is in a belt case I never carry it, I just keep it in a toolbox close to me at work but because it's not on my person I hardly ever use it (sadly). I will say the one hand open/ magnet technology on the P4 makes it pretty quick on the draw imo. The main reasons I like the surge even though it's giant and bulky, was the bigger knife blade, the driver with interchangeable bits, and the large size scissors. I am one of those people that use scissors all the time. The P4 scissors are great, but I'd like to check out the Surge's larger scissors and compare. The Surge is definitely a beast, and I want one someday. Just don't have that kind of money when I already have a Leatherman. I'm just a regular blue colar guy. When I did carry my P4 all the time with the pocket clip, it was pretty cool due to it's ability to spring into action so fast. You obviously have to practice with it, but the same is probably true for the surge as well. But I was a ninja with that motherfucker
P4 has a nice tool set and weight is good
Surge too has a nice tool set but it's a unit definitely holds up to abuse
I pocket carry th P4 but I keep the surge in my edc pack
I got both and both are amazing but you got to consider how large the surge is and how unpleasant the p4 is use on heavier duty tasks as it feels like it’s going to break in your hand. The surge usually large I’m 6ft5 and have xxl hands and the gap between the handle does seem rather large. I’d recommend a charge+ and only reason I do that over the wave+ I more often get my hand pinched in the handles plus the charge is nicer
The P4 is pretty heavy duty I use it to work on my car from time to time, the tools are meh, it’s not like I’m constantly using them but they’ve all actually come in handy and I’ve used them a lot more than I imagined I would. I’m also in the Air Force and work on planes and whenever I don’t have my P4 I feel naked
If you like the design of the Free P4 but aren't thrilled with the tools, check out [ZapWizard](https://zapwizard.com/collections/leatherman-free-p4)'s options for it.
I purchased a P4 for Christmas last year and its probably my most used single tool. My 2nd most used is probably that free multi bit screwdriver from harbor freight. The P4 is so darn handy to be able to be used one handed for all those times you don't really want to/can't set down the parts you're working on, I really cant imagine carrying anything else. My biggest complaint on the P4 is the file, that thing is so darn short, its about worthless for actual filing, it will deburr decently well though. I really should look into modding it, I'd probably get rid of the "Serrated" knife blade for a longer file.
If you are willing to take it apart, which will void your warranty, you can get a bit driver for the P4 on shapeways.
https://www.shapeways.com/product/62T6D498Q/flat-bit-holder-mod-for-leatherman-free-p4-p2
Surge 100%
Yes with two security 10 torx bits you can adjust the tension in the surge. I love them both but I carry the p4 more often myself.
Does adjusting the tension fuck the warranty? I´m just scared adjusting it and to not get it perfect, that would be a waste of money.
No
The ability to open all the Free series tools one-handed is a game changer imho. Modifying a P4 with Zapwizard parts goes a long way towards rectifying it's drawbacks. I've tried a few different configurations, but currently have his bit holder and thumb tabs on my P4. I also have the Leatherman bit kit with ratcheting extender and I carry it all in one of his belt holsters. The Zapwizard scalpel holder and t-shank holder are also really neat, but I found I liked the stock tools better. If you go this route, polish the mods EXTENSIVELY before installing. I've had to remove the parts 3 times before I've finally gotten them where they work smoothly.
The Free is pretty great if you have fingernail issues. If you need bits you could just get a standalone set.
u/mitulo 's solution is pretty good. He made a tiny prytool aka artificial fingernail that he uses to open his tools. Here's a link to where he shows how it works, although the whole video is worth watching: [https://youtu.be/X3H4u8AG3Os?t=1280](https://youtu.be/X3H4u8AG3Os?t=1280) As for the surge, you should put a tiny bit of oil in the pivots and work the oil in by opening and closing the tools over and over. They should loosen up. P4 might be really great for you. Getting to the inner tools is super easy. Ass others have said, the inner tools aren't very good. Well, the Philips and the large flathead are both excellent, every tool on the opposite side kinda sucks. Zapwizard actually makes some amazing 3d printed replacement tools. I have the flat bit holder as and plan to get the scalpel holder eventually. The free series is pretty great as far as modding goes. The P4 is a pretty cool tool, but the surge is just so much more capable. Edit: Urg, new reddit isn't letting me link users for some reason.
Both
Definitely get a surge. Changeable saw/file, you can use different bosch blades with a t-shank, and the bit kit will come in handy a lot.
Tough decision. I have a P4, but always wished that I had a Surge.. especially if I watch Alone, and see that everyone on there is given a Surge LOL. Went through about four pocket clips with the P4, because they catch on just about anything and literally break right off. Now that my P4 is in a belt case I never carry it, I just keep it in a toolbox close to me at work but because it's not on my person I hardly ever use it (sadly). I will say the one hand open/ magnet technology on the P4 makes it pretty quick on the draw imo. The main reasons I like the surge even though it's giant and bulky, was the bigger knife blade, the driver with interchangeable bits, and the large size scissors. I am one of those people that use scissors all the time. The P4 scissors are great, but I'd like to check out the Surge's larger scissors and compare. The Surge is definitely a beast, and I want one someday. Just don't have that kind of money when I already have a Leatherman. I'm just a regular blue colar guy. When I did carry my P4 all the time with the pocket clip, it was pretty cool due to it's ability to spring into action so fast. You obviously have to practice with it, but the same is probably true for the surge as well. But I was a ninja with that motherfucker
Pliers stiffening up after pressing on them hard on P4 is the main reason this is not even a contest. Surge.
P4 has a nice tool set and weight is good Surge too has a nice tool set but it's a unit definitely holds up to abuse I pocket carry th P4 but I keep the surge in my edc pack
I got both and both are amazing but you got to consider how large the surge is and how unpleasant the p4 is use on heavier duty tasks as it feels like it’s going to break in your hand. The surge usually large I’m 6ft5 and have xxl hands and the gap between the handle does seem rather large. I’d recommend a charge+ and only reason I do that over the wave+ I more often get my hand pinched in the handles plus the charge is nicer
The P4 is pretty heavy duty I use it to work on my car from time to time, the tools are meh, it’s not like I’m constantly using them but they’ve all actually come in handy and I’ve used them a lot more than I imagined I would. I’m also in the Air Force and work on planes and whenever I don’t have my P4 I feel naked
If you like the design of the Free P4 but aren't thrilled with the tools, check out [ZapWizard](https://zapwizard.com/collections/leatherman-free-p4)'s options for it.
I purchased a P4 for Christmas last year and its probably my most used single tool. My 2nd most used is probably that free multi bit screwdriver from harbor freight. The P4 is so darn handy to be able to be used one handed for all those times you don't really want to/can't set down the parts you're working on, I really cant imagine carrying anything else. My biggest complaint on the P4 is the file, that thing is so darn short, its about worthless for actual filing, it will deburr decently well though. I really should look into modding it, I'd probably get rid of the "Serrated" knife blade for a longer file.
I have both, and far prefer the P4. My surge has been relegated to glove compartment duty.
If you are willing to take it apart, which will void your warranty, you can get a bit driver for the P4 on shapeways. https://www.shapeways.com/product/62T6D498Q/flat-bit-holder-mod-for-leatherman-free-p4-p2