FIT4Recreation

Leatherman’s Tread seeks to make a range of multi-tool features available in a form that is acceptable in areas with specific restrictions like airports, theme parks, or schools. While it certainly does not bring the capability of a full form Leatherman tool, it fits a specific niche which some of those tools simply cannot reach.

According to Leatherman, the Tread project started after an experience that Leatherman President Ben Rivera had on a family vacation to Disneyland. While entering the park, Rivera found that the Leatherman Skeletool that he was carrying was not allowed into the park and was denied entry until he returned without it. After that experience, Rivera and his team set out to develop a multi-tool that would exclude tools that violate restrictions, while still retaining some useful capabilities in a new, wearable form.

We are evaluating this model as an EDC item and will continue to update our thoughts going forward. The model that we are looking at here is the standard stainless model. It is also available in a black DLC variant, as well as a metric variant. This particular model features a polished, brushed finish on the outside and a matte finish on the inside of the band. The finish picks up hairline scratches over time just as any stainless watchband would. These scratches generally can only be seen when light hits a link just right and do not really harm its appearance at all.

The bracelet is comprised of several 17-4 Stainless Steel links that each contain a few tools. Generally, the standard layout is a screwdriver on each side with a box wrench in the center. The bits are capable of turning a range of Philips, flat, and hex screws. One of the center wrenches has a rectangular shape and can be used to open oxygen tanks. Another link merges a few special use tools including a carbide glass breaker, cutting hook, and a SIM card pick.

The clasp even brings a few useful functions as it acts as a bottle opener as well as accepts 1/4’’ sockets. It also has a #2 Square Drive bit. The links are held together with flathead screws and metal joining parts. Removing these screws can be easily accomplished with a flathead screwdriver or coin for easy adjustment. Although, it should be noted that adjustment does come at the cost of losing some tools. In our case, we had to remove one of the full-size (0.5”) links as well as the only half size (1/4”) link.

In use, the screwdrivers pick up some wear given the soft, but corrosion resistant steel used. As such, the tool might not stand up well to repetitive hard use, but that type of use would probably be accomplished better by other Leatherman tools or dedicated tools anyway. This one is designed for use cases where you might not have access to or be able to carry anything else, and in a backup role like that it functions well.

Another use we found for the Tread is quickly assessing the size of tool needed to make an adjustment, particularly with the hex bits and box wrenches. Leatherman’s engravings on the back of each link provide the exact size. If a tool on a link fits, you know exactly what size bit, socket, or wrench is needed. We have not had the opportunity to put the glass breaker to use, but the cutting hook, bottle opener, and SIM Card pick all do exactly what they are supposed to.

As a steel multi-tool that is worn on the wrist, corrosion might be a concern particularly due to regular exposure to sweat. While that was a concern that we initially had, we have seen no visible rust or signs of corrosion in over a year of use. The only maintenance that we have done is wiping it down with a damp cloth and drying it occasionally if exposed to sweat. We do not find the Tread to be uncomfortable, although it does take time to adjust to the weight. The design manages to keep the bits from poking into the wrist while also preventing them from sticking above the band. Managing to strike that balance shows the care that went into the design and engineering of the tool and we were impressed by it. In addition, despite how chunky the links appear in images, they do manage to slide under shirt cuffs quite well, which makes it easier to wear every day.

Overall, we find that we like the Tread and continue to wear one often. It may not be perfect, is not for everyone, and it is expensive for what it is. However, we applaud Leatherman for taking a risk and trying something new and different. It could easily have sat back and pushed out iteration after iteration of the pliers based tools that made it famous and remain on top of its market. Instead it recognized an opportunity to introduce a multi-tool in a completely new form factor for a world with growing restrictions.

Tool Summary:

LINK 1 - 3/32” Screwdriver & 1/8” Screwdriver

LINK 2 - #1-2 Phillips Screwdriver, 1/4” Box Wrench, 3/16” Screwdriver

LINK 3 – N/A

LINK 4 - Cutting Hook, SIM Card Pick, & Carbide Glass Breaker

LINK 5- N/A

LINK 6 - 5/16” Screwdriver, 3/8” Box Wrench, & 1/4” Screwdriver

LINK 7 - 3/32” Hex Drive, 3/16” Box Wrench, 1/8” Hex Drive

LINK 8 - 1/4” Hex Drive, Oxygen Tank Wrench, 3/16” Hex Drive

LINK 9 - 5mm Hex Drive, 10mm Box Wrench, 6mm Hex Drive

LINK 10 - 3mm Hex Drive, 8mm Box Wrench, & 4mm Hex Drive

LINK 11 - #1 Phillips Screwdriver, 6mm Box Wrench, & #2 Phillips Screwdriver

LINK 12 - 1/4 Socket Adapter, Bottle Opener, & #2 Square Drive

Leatherman - Tread Bracelet, The Travel Friendly Wearable Multi-Tool, Stainless Steel (FFP) Buy on Amazon

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When people generally think of the word “multi-tool”, there is a good chance that people imagine a tool with folding pliers that also has knives, screwdrivers, a file, and a saw on board. Today, multi-tools come in all shapes, sizes, and feature sets, but the idea of the modern plier based multi-tool can largely be traced back to Tim Leatherman and his company, Leatherman Tool Group.

The Super Tool 300 sits at the top of the company’s classic design, heavy-duty category. It is quite large at 4.5 inches long and weighs a considerable 9.6 oz. What you get for the money is a sturdy chunk of stainless steel that will withstand most of the tasks that would suit a typical multi-tool. Of course, if something does go wrong there is a good chance that Leatherman’s 25-year warranty will get you back to work again.

The tool is built off of one of the most robust plier heads in Leatherman’s product line. It can turn large nuts or bolts and complete other heavy tasks, while also retaining a fine needle-nose point. The key benefit of this plier head is in the design of the wire cutters at the base.

Unlike other multi-tools that feature cutters that may dull or deform with heavy use, the Super Tool 300 offers replaceable 154CM steel wire cutters. This would seem to greatly extend the expected life of the tool and offers an affordable way to fix possible damage without having to send it in. In our experience, the cutters have delivered clean cuts for everything from copper wires to plastic zip ties and continue to be just as functional as day one. The notch at the base of the wire cutters is used to cut hard wires, according to Leatherman. While the tool also features stranded wire cutters and a crimper on the underside of the plier head joint, we have not yet had the ability to test that functionality fully.

Leatherman Rebar (Left), Leatherman Super Tool 300 (Right)

The rest of the tools reside inside of the handles. It should be noted that all of the tools including both blades are only accessible when the tool is fully or partially open. None of the tools are accessible from the outside like Victorinox’s Swiss Tool line or some of the other Leatherman models like the Wave or Surge. It also should be noted that none of the inside tools are easily accessible with one hand. This may be important for some, but we never really had an issue with this setup. For quick access to a one-handed knife blade, for example, we usually had a dedicated folding knife like a Spyderco Mantra 1 in our pocket anyway.

The Super Tool 300 features both a plain edge blade and a serrated one made out of 420HC steel. Both came sharp out of the box and are about 3.2 inches long, according to Leatherman. The finish on the blades appears to be bead-blasted and they do seem to be prone to small spots of surface rust. The occurrence we had was only minor and was easily taken care of. On the plain edge side, the handle includes a metal/wood file, awl, lanyard ring, a medium flathead screw driver, and a large flathead screw driver. The serrated edge side features a wood saw, a small flat head, a large Philips screwdriver, and a combination can opener and bottle opener. The can and bottle opener features a v-shaped edge that works as a wire stripper. Both blades and each of the tools lock into place using a lock back-like tab, which works well and is easy to operate.

Leatherman Super Tool 300 (Left), Leatherman Rebar (Right)

All three flat head screw drivers are hollow ground with sharp edges. In our experience, they worked consistently better than Victorinox flatheads and those found on the Leatherman Rebar when assembling a desk, dresser, night stand, and vacuum cleaner which each had some tricky to turn screws. The design found on the Super Tool 300’s screwdrivers locks them in and reduces the risk of slipping and stripping the screw. While the sharp edges are beneficial, care should be taken in use as it does present the additional risk of scratching the user or surface. This is one area where the polished, rounded finish that Victorinox uses holds an advantage despite the reduction in traction with certain flathead screws. The Philips screwdriver functions just as well as the flat ones. It handles a range of sizes and has held up well to a range of general home repair and furniture assembling use.

The awl is a surprisingly useful tool just as it is on Victorinox tools. It offers a sturdy point to punch into thick materials and the hole can be used for roughly sewing something together. The awl also works well for drilling into wood and other similar materials. This was useful when assembling a desk as one of the holes on the drawer was improperly finished. A few turns with the awl finished the job and allowed it to be assembled fully.

While we are unable to fully comment on the file’s ability to handle metal, it works well on wood but its size does limit its functionality. The toothy texture on the side works well for putting a groove into wood without the extra aggressiveness of the saw. Speaking of the saw, it can be useful for cutting small branches and other pieces of wood. Like the file though, it is size limited which does impact the usefulness of it.

In our experience, the can opener fulfills its role as well as should be expected from a multi-tool based option. We found it to be comparable in performance to the well-regarded Victorinox style even though it looks and works in a different way. Instead of going forward with each puncture, the Leatherman style works by moving back. It also opens bottles well, but the design does deform a cap more than the dedicated design on the Victorinox tools.

One of the interesting things about the tool design on the Super Tool 300 is in the way they clump together when grabbed. This is by design as it prevents having to seek out individual nail nicks. One thing that we would like to see addressed is in the way the saw lifts when the Philips screwdriver is lifted. The blades both avoid clumping and the file appears to do so as well. Therefore, keeping the saw separate would seem to make it safer to use overall. We tend to prefer the precise, individual retrieval method used on Victorinox’s tools, but the clumping can prove to be easier to use at times.

Overall, the Super Tool 300 brings a robust set of tools that will make it through pretty much any task that is feasible to accomplish with it. That does come at the cost of a significant amount of weight that is handled better in a belt sheath than in the pocket. Those looking for a pocketable version of this tool should consider the similar, but much more compact Leatherman Rebar.

Leatherman - Super Tool 300 Multi-Tool, Stainless Steel with Leather Sheath Buy on Amazon

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