Hello, I am a longtime lurker and retired . I was curious if people who own a Leatherman Wave would be interested in the ability to attach a triple A - LED keychain flashlight to their multitool . You would have to take out 1 of the tools from the outside portion of the case, which would allow you to install this accessory that firmly holds the keychain LED folded down tightly against the multi-tool {. I chose to take out the serrated knife, since I never use it .} It folds down very compactly and has the ability to be folded out like the other tools , at any angle along with allowing the user to take the flashlight out of the accessory holder and be used by itself. I realize there have been a few multitool manufacturers that have incorporated a very small LED light , but they generally run off button cell batteries, which do not provide long runtimes and the batteries cannot be recharged. Also, these small lights have very low lumen output and they do not have several different modes . Gerber has recently came out with a multitool that has a built in LED light, that uses a triple A battery, but the light is permanently fixed in the housing , which means it cannot be adjusted at any angle, and if it ever malfunctions , then the light is useless. Also, it only has 1 mode of light output which is only 22 lumens. I have spent over a year perfecting a add on accessory that allows this modification . This idea allows each person to choose a LED light of their choice that has the types of modes and lumen outputs they need. It also allows people to use rechargeable battery instead of the throwaway button cells. I am using a OLIGHT I3S-EOS , which has several different modes and lumen output and run-times per mode . This LED light is also very inexpensive and dependable . There are many other brands that would fit also, including the FENIX E01 . I designed these so they can stay on the multi-tool , and allow the pliers to fully function . I was thinking about doing a test run of about 100 of these , to see how well they sold . They would be constructed from lightweight aluminum and would match the finish of the Leatherman Wave , fairly well . I would have to custom make each one . This accessory would probably fit other Leatherman tools/ brands , but for now I designed it for a perfect fit for the WAVE, since that is claimed to be the best selling multi-tool and 1 of my personal favorites.The other advantage to this accessory is it doesnt have to be used to just hold a LED light. You could use it to hold a small chapstick tube, that had firestarter material , or fishing line, fishing hooks, etc. Please let me know if anyone would be interested in such a product . If you have any questions, I will try to answer them . The installation of this accessory, is very simple . You decide which tool you wish to omit { from the outside of the leatherman case . It would have to be the knife, or the serrated knife or the file or the wood saw . I chose the serrated knife} Then you simply install this accessory in that slot, and re-tighten the bolt.
As dks suggests, I would have a word with Grant, and check out the R&D membership. It's a small fee as a gesture towards the running costs of the forum as appreciation for the feedback that you will get.I would definitely be interested in seeing your concept, and I'd certainly be happy to share my thoughts on both the manufacture and use of the new concept to you as an R&D member
It will be nice to see some pictures. The issue is whether it will be worth losing the tools, for a light, that you can easily carry with you.In addition, you may want to contact the forum owner, if you are trying to sell or advertise a product, as there is special section/membership for advertising, selling, getting feedback on new products.
Found it! As Grant hasn't shown up here yet, here's how to upgrade to R&D member...Go to your profile, click on the "actions" pulldown, then "paid subscriptions". There's the option there to sign up as an R&D member for a month for $15 or for a year for $160. It's really a small fee to get a broad cross section of opinion of who would/wouldn't buy it, and more importantly.... why (which may help fuel future design ideas)
Excellent! Thanks for supporting the forum To start addressing your query.....I'm not averse to seeing a decent light integrated into a tool, as for me a light is every bit as important as knife, pliers, scissors, and drivers. It's not easy to comment on your concept here till we see some form of image, but my concerns based on what you have said, are how it will affect the ergonomics of the pliers.How soon would you be able to show us something to give us a better appreciation of your design?
I always liked the idea of having these types of accessories attached to my multi-tool, instead of having a separate pouch for these items. Keeping all the items compact / together also has a " cool" factor about it { to me at least} .
Quote from: 50ft-trad on December 07, 2016, 03:35:46 PMExcellent! Thanks for supporting the forum To start addressing your query.....I'm not averse to seeing a decent light integrated into a tool, as for me a light is every bit as important as knife, pliers, scissors, and drivers. It's not easy to comment on your concept here till we see some form of image, but my concerns based on what you have said, are how it will affect the ergonomics of the pliers.How soon would you be able to show us something to give us a better appreciation of your design?Im finishing up the patent application and already have several photos uploaded and time stamped on my computer hard drive. So far, I am a bit surprised at the lack of interest exhibited in this thread about this idea. As I mentioned earlier, not only can this attachment be used to firmly holda keychain LED light to the multi-tool, but it could alternatively be used to hold a small compartment { like mini chapstick tube,etc} that housed fire tinder - fishing line- fishing hooks, etc , and keep it it nice and dry. I always liked the idea of having these types of accessories attached to my multi-tool, instead of having a separate pouch for these items. Keeping all the items compact / together also has a " cool" factor about it { to me at least} . We will see how it goes from here. If the interest level seems to low , it may not be worth pursuing at all. Appreciate everyones time and responses.
Quote from: Multitoolmania on December 07, 2016, 03:44:14 PMI always liked the idea of having these types of accessories attached to my multi-tool, instead of having a separate pouch for these items. Keeping all the items compact / together also has a " cool" factor about it { to me at least} . Keeping things compact, I like that too. This also means you lose everything at once should the MT in question be misplaced, though
I thought the light would go in the handle. so, inside the handle you have a small sealed container ?
being used to shine light at tinder, to start a fire { in a night time situation } , which frees up both hands to use a ferro rod and aim sparks directly at tinder.