Leatherman Style PS Bit Driver Mod: A Cheap Upgrade That Makes a TSA-Legal Multi-Tool Genuinely Versatile

Introduction

The Leatherman Style PS has always been an interesting proposition: a bladeless, TSA-legal multi-tool that you can actually carry on a plane. The trade-off has always been capability. Without bit-holding, it is limited to its built-in tools. That is exactly what a small 3D-printed add-on aims to change, converting the Style PS into something more akin to a Leatherman Skeletool with genuine bit-driving capability.

We picked up two of these add-ons on eBay a while back for around $13 each and finally got around to installing one. The result is one of the better cheap upgrades we have tested for a compact multi-tool.

What the Mod Actually Is

To be clear, this is not a hammer or a standalone tool. It is a bit driver insert that lets the Style PS accept standard bits, which is a big deal for a tool this size. The parts are 3D printed in layers oriented so the bit passes through all of the layers, which makes the printed part considerably stronger than a poorly oriented print would be.

The version we tested also comes with pre-installed threading, which addresses the main weakness of earlier DIY attempts: without something holding the two sides together, bits would torque enough to bend the insert outward and stop it working properly. This design should hold up better, and because nothing on the tool itself is modified, it does not affect the Leatherman warranty.

Installation: Surprisingly Easy

Installation took minutes. The insert clicks into the frame snugly and locks in temporarily while you secure it. The kit includes three small recessed Phillips screws, which is a thoughtful touch: if you lose one of these tiny screws somewhere, you have spares rather than a scavenger hunt.

We tightened everything with a small Phillips driver and both sides felt nice and tight. Honestly, the whole process was easier than expected.

How Well Does It Hold Bits?

This was the big question. Straight out of the install, the bit retention feels genuinely strong: pulling a bit out takes real force. There is also a clever trick worth knowing. The tool’s spring gate can be positioned to press up against the bit, adding even more retention. If the holder ever loosens up, or you want to remove a bit, you can adjust it through the same mechanism.

In testing, bits all worked as expected, and long bits, such as those from Leatherman’s bit kits, would likely work too. Once a bit is seated, the Style PS effectively becomes a handle for a ratchet driver, which is a genuinely useful combination. Do not underestimate properly oriented 3D-printed parts; this one feels solid in the hand.

What You End Up With

With the mod installed, the Style PS covers a lot of ground for a TSA-legal tool: a true screwdriver via the bit holder, scissors, small pliers (more like a graduated tweezer, but still handy), a nail file, tweezers, a bottle opener and a cap lifter. It even gives you light wire-cutting capability for small stuff.

Compared with earlier hex bit-holder accessories that only added some torque, this mod keeps everything integrated in one pocketable tool. It makes the Style PS much more versatile than it has any right to be.

Is It Worth It?

At roughly $13 each, this is about as cheap as a meaningful upgrade gets, and it does not affect the warranty since nothing on the tool itself is altered. It is not fancy, and the geometry clearly took real effort to get right, but the end result speaks for itself: a bladeless, TSA-capable multi-tool that now behaves like a proper screwdriver platform.

If you carry a Style PS and have ever wished it could actually drive a screw, this is an easy recommendation. We liked the first one enough to install the second on our red Style PS as well.

Conclusion

The Leatherman Style PS bit driver mod is a low-cost, no-warranty-risk upgrade that transforms a limited TSA-legal tool into a genuinely capable everyday carry piece. Installation is quick, bit retention is strong with the spring-gate trick, and the added screwdriving capability fills the tool’s most obvious gap. If you can find one, it is well worth picking up.