How to Swap the Blade on Your Leatherman Skeletool, Skeletool CX, or Skeletool SX Multi-tool

This Instructable will give you the step by step on how to change the blade on your Skeletool multi-tool. The steps are the same for any version of the Skeletool (standard, CX, or SX) and any year.

Please be warned that tampering with your tool may void the warranty. If you're having an issue with your tool, Leatherman has a great warranty repair program, and in most cases you can send your tool in for factory repairs.

If you're looking for a specific modification to your tool and would like to have a warranty, please check our our website. We will mirror the original factory warranty on the functionality of all of our modified tools.

• your Skeletool multi-tool
• 2x torx 8 bits
• a screwdriver that accepts 1/4" bits
• either a vice, vicegrip pliers, or a clamp
• loctite (optional, as needed)
• oil for lubrication (optional, as needed)

This demo is done using a specialized rig holding one of the torx bits vertically. You can accomplish the same thing with a vice or clamps.

You can find replacement blades at our website:

txtoolcrafters.com

Here are some shortcuts to the available blades for the Skeletool:

Damascus Blade for Skeletool (all versions)

420hc Combo Edge Blade for Skeletool (all versions)

154cm Plain Edge Blade for Skeletool (all versions)

If you have any questions or requests, you can reach us directly at:

customer.support@texastoolcrafters.com

The Skeletool can either be very easy to work with, or very frustrating. Sometimes it comes down to how much loctite was factory applied and where. Here are some tips and warnings before we get started.

1. The screws.

The screws used for the assembly of the Skeletool are very fine and are prone to stripping and breakage. Old and excessive loctite can exacerbate this issue. Be very careful about over-tightening!

2. The pins.

Unlike many Leatherman tools, there is no key on the pins and they have screws on both sides. This can make it difficult to ensure that you're removing the screw on one side of the tool and not the other. This is particularly of concern when you're only wanting to change the blade.

3. The blade.

Please be careful when handling the blade. Keep the sharp edge protected as much as possible.

Hold your tool so that the flat side of the blade is facing up. Here's the rundown on the parts, from top to bottom:

• screw
• large beveled washer
• nylon washer
• blade
• brass bushing
• pin
• small beveled washer
• screw

The goal for the blade swap is to remove the first four items on the list without affecting the rest.

To help accomplish the goal of only removing the top four items on the list, start by tightening the bottom screw a bit. Orient the tool as photographed in your bit holder. A quarter turn is the most you'll usually get.

Do not overdo it -- you can and will break the head off the screw if you go too far.

Reverse the orientation of the tool in your holder. Using a quick turn (lefty loosey) to break the loctite free, remove the screw directly over the blade.

If your tool is stubborn and you end up removing the screw on the bottom, try re-tightening the bottom screw and giving the top one another try.

If it's still stubborn you might need to refer to our full assembly/dissassembly tutorial.

Remove the old blade and add your new one. Refer to the photos for the correct order of parts.

Reapply loctite (if desired) and re-insert the top screw.

The blade should open and close smoothly without wobble. The liner lock should engage fully.