Do any of those problems prevent the tool from working as it should?
>>604991>>When using the pliers just applying a bit more pressure was enough to cause the handle to bend way more than it should.My Knipex and Channel-lock and Klein Tool handles will give slightly when enough pressure is applied as well.
What is your standard of measurement?
>>Also the plier and handle ends were not aligned.How so? Perhaps just a defect in yours and not necessarily the whole line of tools?
>>604993>>When I close the tool sides are not in line and the tool doesn't stay closed but rattles. Over the last few months mine has gone a bit loose like you are describing. I got a bit discouraged but soon figured out it is much easier to open and close single handedly now. It has the looseness...if that’s a word...that reminds me of a butterfly knife. But once the pliers are fully opened, the handles firm up and its a nice and tight tool again.
>>Locking mechanisms on both sides rattle and they allow some blade movement that shouldn't be there.By the design of that lock, unless they get incredibly tedious with their tolerances, i don’t see them ever NOT rattling. But once you get a tool opened and locked, it firms up and is as it should be.
I’ve noticed no unnecessary play in the tools when they are opened and locked.
>>The worst thing of all is the frame full of pressing marks and which looks china made.Pressing marks? I see none on mine.
Comparing ST300 to a late 90's cheapest Leatherman is like comparing a chinese entrenching tool to a Swiss watch.
I dont know if id go that far. I can concur, quality, to many, has declined slightly but Ive seen countless knock-off multi-tools at trade shows, fairs, and flea markets to know the true difference between something that could be a bit better and something that is downright crap.
