If there has been anything trending recently in the tech world, it has been the infatuation with wearable technology -- from Google Glass to Microsoft’s HoloLens and even the craze of smart watches. Wearable technology is thought to make life easier, simpler, faster, and tasks more effective. Just because the tech world is on fast track with these things, doesn’t mean other mechanical wearables are out of sight.
Meet “Tread,” a multi-tool bracelet that contains metal injected 17-4 stainless steel links. Each of the 11 interchangeable links function as two to three tools, giving you all together 25 tools you can wear on your wrist. Just last week, Leatherman Tool Group announced they are releasing the multi-tool bracelet this summer. Tread’s MSRP will be in $150 - $200 range. I love multi-functional stuff, and I’m totally excited about it.
The wearable multi-tool comes in two different finishes: Stainless Steel and Black DLC. I’m definitely feeling the Black DLC.
Whether you’re a traveler, camper, or tech on the road, you’ll have simple, wearable tools that are lightweight and comfortable with you at all times. No more lugging around heavy toolboxes required. Okay, so this wearable bracelet won’t replace everything, but sure is practical if you forget something in your truck or have a quick job to do. Or in the wildness, fighting off bears and mountain lions.
The idea came from President Ben Rivera, who began as an engineer at Leatherman Tool Group. It was during a trip to Disneyland with his family when Rivera was inspired to make Tread. Rivera recalls,
I was stopped at the gate by security for carrying a knife, when what they had actually seen was my Skeletool. I was unwilling to give it up, so they made me take it all the way back to my hotel room. I knew there had to be another way to carry my tools with me that would be accepted by security.
Rivera then wore a bike chain bracelet to see how it felt and brought his ideas to the table with the engineers at Leatherman Tool Group. You can still see how there is still a bike chain feel to the multi-tool wearable. I’m a sucker for these kinds of things—humble beginnings of ideas that make it through to the final product. So cool.
Interchangeable tool links
Tread links together with slotted fasteners, making it totally customizable—including 1/4” wiggle room for your wrist. Just unlink any of the links from their slotted fasteners, and add on box wrenches or Phillips and flathead screwdrivers in an instant. Get this, the clasp functions both as a bottle opener (for you know, when you’re offered a glass soda bottle on the job) and a #2 square drive. The bracelet links also include a cutting hook, carbide glass breaker, hex drive, and more. Since the tools are small, they’re perfect to access tight fits when doing any sort of repairs.
To use a tool, as demonstrated in Leatherman’s promo video below (and screenshot), take off the wearable, bend it at the tool link of your choice, and use the rest of the bracelet for leverage to get the job done—like tightening in a screw.
Even if you’re not too keen on wearing a bracelet, the Tread wearable also has another version, the Tread TM QM1. It includes a Swiss-made, shock-resistant watch expected to come out in Fall 2015. You can go for a swim with the waterproof watch, up to a 200m dive.
Considering wrenches and screwdrivers under 7” are permitted on airplanes, LeatherMan plans on making the wearable multi-tool TSA compliant.
Would you ditch your toolbox for 25 wearable tools? Because if I had a toolbox to ditch, I sure would.
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Photo by: Leatherman Tool Group & Youtube Screenshot
