April 2009
How Leatherman Saved Me in College
A few years back, my girlfriend got me a Leatherman Wave as a birthday gift. I had never seen one before, and was amazed. It now officially resides in my car, helping with both automotive repairs as well as any unexpected uses that arise.
The hero of this story however, is my "backpack Leatherman" as I like to call it. My backpack Leatherman is a Charge TTi. I am a junior in college, and I carry it with me in my schoolbag everyday. On a typical school day it doesn't see much action, maybe helping me to open a stubborn package, or some eyeglass repair. On this day, however, it was destined for greatness. I study business, and I had a huge presentation due late in the afternoon. The twenty page project, along with presentation slides, citations and my presentation speech were all on my laptop. I sat down to review my work, when my computer started to make a crackling sound, and the screen flickered then went black. I had recently replaced the screen, and I thought maybe the cable got loose. With only 35 minutes till it needed to be submitted, I got out my Leatherman and frantically started using the screwdriver to remove the screws needed to open the screen. I then proceeded to use the knife to pry the snap clasps holding the screen together. The pressure was on, this project determined my passing or failing a course, on which hinged whether I'd gain admittance to a special CPA program in my school. Upon getting the screen open, I had realized when I installed the new screen I had left a wire with too much slack, and the closing mechanism on the laptop had almost completely severed it. I used my Leatherman to strip the casing on the wire, and splice it. After, quickly reassembling the screen, I pressed the power button, to be greeted with the comforting glow of the now functioning screen. Thanks to my Leatherman, I was able to get my project in on time, and was informed today that I was accepted to CPA program. Thanks Leatherman!
David M.
Brooklyn, NY
OK, you voyeur, you. Enough of reading other people's stories. It's time you told your own tale of gripping heroism or even just neat DIY'ism. We know there's a Shakespeare in you somewhere. Don't make us use the Steens to find it.