Introduction: Leatherman Punchdown Tool
Something that I always have at my side, is my Leatherman Wave. It has all kinds of tools that can help out at a moments notice except for one, a punchdown tool! As a system admin, sometimes I have the need to terminate a keystone jack or punchdown block and I don't have room in my pocket to carry a real punchdown tool with me everywhere I go. Now with this quick mod, I can! Everyone that has a Wave knows about the "large screwdriver" aka "pry-bar." I never understood it's true meaning since you already have four different screwdrivers to choose from. Now you can ditch that and have a nice useful punchdown tool.
Step 1: Thin Down the Tip!
The first thing you will need to do is use a bench grinder or dremel to thin the metal down to about half the current thickness, 3/8" from the tip in order to make it fit the block. Be careful not to make the tip sharp, you don't want to cut the wire you're trying to punch down.
Step 2: Make It Shine!
Next you will want to file down and then sand both sides where you ground the thickness down. This will make it smooth and shiny.
Step 3: Cut the Slot!
Now you can begin the fun part of cutting the slot for the "vampire teeth" of the punchdown block. Use your dremel to cut slightly into the middle of the tip. You will want to cut 1/8" into the tip. You may want to widen the slot slightly. See the picture for reference.
Step 4: Finished!
Hooray, you now have a functional non-impact punchdown tool on your Leatherman! Go try it out!
Check out other great mods: http://www.themodguys.com
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26 Comments
7 years ago on Introduction
if someone doesn't need a punch down tool, make it sharper and use it as a leather stitching tool.
7 years ago on Introduction
wow - put a trademark on that.
7 years ago on Introduction
Maybe it's not a screwdriver but a chisel?
9 years ago on Introduction
What dremel bit are you using? I recently got a dremel and am very confused as to which bit or wheel to use for what purpose.
13 years ago on Introduction
i feel very lucky today because it found a perfect condition leatherman wave on a bench at the beach
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
lol, wave, at the beach
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I get it!
13 years ago on Introduction
That's like a joke, but not! (sarcasm)
13 years ago on Introduction
Very good Instructable! I'm IT technician and it is a good punchdown. As here in Brazil we haven't Leathermans for sale (nor SOG or Gerber) I've buyed a cheap US$ 10 multitool and try this mod and it fits very well! The standard screwdriver of my multitool is very thin, so I just need to cut the "tooth" on the middle of the screwdriver and, as you tell, "Hooray"! I have my punchdown on my multitool! My cheap multitool is very nice to IT jobs, because it have an implement that fits driver bits and I carry a set together. To carry all, I use a good pistol reloader case, as the multitool haven't original case (and if does, I presume that will not be so good). I have uploaded a pic of my mod to all of you! Hope someday these Leathermans can be found here! Sorry about english mistakes! Cesar
14 years ago on Introduction
Is there a reason you're robbing people's vehicles? If you really stole something out of someone's car, I think the owners of this website should call the police on you. They don't need your address, just the IP you're on when posting messages.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
With what warrant? "He posted on the internet so it must be true" won't hold up in court too well buddy.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Anyone driving a Hummer has a strong need to learn not to become too attached to their things. But you don't have to be the one to teach them this lesson. Stealing things isn't good for you. Trust me.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Well here's how it goes. My dad owns a used car lot. I go through his cars and take stuff sometimes. If I don't his employee will. I got my bench press the same way.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
You can do anything you want. Just make sure its what you want. You'd feel better about your bench press if you could brag that you built it, even better if you designed, and more so if you did an instructable on it.
14 years ago on Introduction
Nice where can i get one
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
leatherman.com I have the original and have carried it for ten years finally had to get another sheath I call it (saved me a 1000 steps) and they sent a catalog with every thing they sell
14 years ago on Introduction
Very nice! I am always in need of a punchdown tool when I don't have one. Of course after I make this mod, I will lose my leatherman... haha! Great instructable!
14 years ago on Introduction
This is an awesome idea! I personally use an "econo" punch down tool. They are plastic, really suck and weigh about as much as a paperclip. Does anyone know what I mean? You know the really cheap yellow ones that are like 5 bucks and the metal punch down tooth actually falls out once in a while.
15 years ago
Years ago for xmas my dad gave me a Schrade Tough tool. It pwns leathermans, so far as I know. Just sayin...
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Better how? The Wave has a better set of tools, more comfortable handles, and you can open and close the two main blades one-handed. Schrade might have been a good competitor to Leatherman years ago, but that was a lot of years.