Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/693549
A classic multi-tool is a very useful tool that may come in handy in many unexpected situations. But also in those expectable as well, since Leatherman also produces multi- task tools designed for particular purpose, like e.g. tools for EOD techs, for weapon handling (most of all AR's), or survival tools (like the Leatherman Signal described in FRAG OUT! #08). The majority of those tools has a folding blade (or two), an awl, or thin, long screwdrivers. All of this makes it impossible to carry the multi-tool onto a plane, in mass events, or some public places. One of the engineers and designers of Leatherman experienced such a situation on his own when he was stopped at the entrance gate to Disneyland (he went there with his family for the weekend). After that event, the engineer started to think about a solution that would allow you having the tool „for a rainy day" (well, some people just are like that) and make it possible to get through security checks without problems. Conclusions were simple – the designed tool could not look like a knife or a classic multi-tool. It had to have no blades and the ends of the screwdrivers had to be sufficiently short, so that they would not be considered as a dangerous weapon. That is how Leatherman Tread was born. TOOL BRACELET The new tool has the look of a steel bracelet with links connected with connectors joined with screws. Each link has been assigned with several functions, most of them „wrench- and screwdriver-like". The whole tool is made of 17-4 stainless steel and is available in two versions – one covered with DLC (diamond like coating) and one having the natural color and brushed finishing. Tread consists of nine links and a clasp. Eight of the links is 1/2" wide, while the ninth is half that size. All the wide links have three to four functions; the narrower link – only two (well, OK, three, because there is the name of the company on it, so it also performs the representative function). As I have already mentioned, Tread is mainly a set of wrenches and screwdrivers, and such tools are mainly found in the links. We have six ring spanners – three metric (10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm) and three inch ones (3/8, 1/4, 3/16), as well as five slot drive screwdrivers (3/32, 1/8, 3/16, 5/16, and 1/4). Apart from those, we will also find eight allen keys – four metric (3, 4, 5, and 6 mm) and four inch ones (3/32, 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4). To make it a complete set, three Phillips screwdrivers – #1–2, #1 and #2 were added. www.fragoutmag.com