Leatherman Thread - A very rugged bracelet for a rugged watch, A Review (plus video)

Leatherman came up with a new multi-tool design called the Thread that wears like a bracelet and can be converted into a watch bracelet.

The Leatherman Tread is built with high strength and corrosion resistant 17-4 stainless steel links, with each link offering 2-3 tools and functions.  A full bracelet has 10 separate pieces (including the clasp) which offers up to 25 usable tools and features, such as screwdriver tips and box wrenches. The rationale is to make it wearable on the wrist, hence making them available anytime and anywhere.

Each link is adjustable and can be placed anyway you like (except for the paper cutter which needs to be placed next to the clasp). Each link is connected to the next using slotted fasteners and the screws connecting them can be easily loosened using a small coin.

Leatherman also says that the Tread multi-tool bracelet is TSA-compliant.



Dimension wise, it has a circumference of 21.74 cm with a band width of 3.05 cm. The weight is a rather hefty 168 gm.

I am rather interested in the special watch adapters that you can get to convert this multi-tool equipment into a watch bracelet. Currently, the following adapters are available in the market;

• 18 mm
• 20 mm
• 22 mm
• 24 mm
• 26 mm
• 38 mm/42 mm (for Apple iWatch)

I think I would try to get all the sizes just for completeness and see how the bracelet would fare with various sizes of watches.

Stay tune.....

Wearing Experience

The bracelet is rather large and heavy. Straight from the box, the bracelet hangs loose on my wrist. To be able to wear it properly, I have to take out at least two links. However, taking out the links meant reducing the number of tools in the bracelet. Hence, I decided to take out only one link. Although still loose, it is manageable.

Despite the tool bits sticking out of the various links, the design was such that those bits are tucked when on the wrist to minimise snagging. Quite surprised that it could do that.

Compared to a typical tool set, the Thread is limited in its ability. However, as an emergency last-ditch tool, the Thread is extremely useful. Located at the wrist, instead of needing to be placed in a pocket or on a belt etc, it makes finding it blinding fast without needing to think where your tool is kept. Although it does seem slightly awkward to use the tools on the Thread, the fact that you have a tool in the first place is a brilliant value preposition.



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