Leatherman introduces wearable Metal Injection Molding tool bracelet
May 4, 2015
Metal Injection Moulding is used extensively in the production of the Leatherman Tread multi-tool and watch system
The Leatherman Tool Group, based in Portland, Oregon, USA, will debut its new multi-tool ‘Leatherman Tread’ bracelet this summer. Designed to be worn on the wrist, this new wearable tool is made from high strength, corrosion resistant 17-4 stainless steel using Metal Injection Moulding to produce the individual links.
Each complex shaped link on the band includes two to three functional tools for a total of 25 usable features such as box wrenches and screwdrivers. The bracelet was created to be fully customisable with slotted fasteners, so the user can rearrange links, add new ones, or adjust for wrist size. The clasp is also functional, with a bottle opener and #2 square drive. Other link tools include a cutting hook, hex drives, screwdrivers, box wrenches and a carbide glass breaker.
The Tread bracelets will be available in a stainless steel finish at a price of around $150, and a black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) finish will cost around $200.
Leatherman President Ben Rivera stated that the idea for the multi-tool bracelet originated on a trip to Disneyland with his family. Rivera said “I was stopped at the security gate 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.” When he returned from his trip, Rivera, who began his tenure at Leatherman Tool Group 24 years ago as an engineer, began by wearing a bike chain bracelet to see how it would feel. As his thoughts took shape, he brought his idea to the engineers at Leatherman who helped fast track his plans.
“I began wearing prototypes myself to test comfort and usability and to ask for feedback,” stated Rivera. “Folks immediately associated the bracelet design with a watch and asked, where’s the watch? We decided to make a timepiece an optional part of the Tread.” A version of the Tread bracelet that includes a watch will be available later this year. The Leatherman TreadTM QM1 will feature a unique Leatherman-designed and Swiss-made timepiece with precision quartz movement. A shock resistant sapphire crystal ensures scratch resistance and the curved watch limits reflection. The tread watches will cost $500 for stainless steel and $600 for black DLC.
