Idea for new kind of sheath system for pliers based tools

[Andreas]

I came up with (as in: if it exists, I haven't seen it) a new system for making sheaths for pliers based multitool. I got a leather belt that I wanted to turn into a sheath for my LM PS4, but it's too narrow to be able to be made into a "Normal" sheath. I was thinking about it and came up with a system that would work with the PS4 and any other pliers based multitool where (when closed) you can drag the handles apart a bit to separate the pliers a bit.

My sketchup sketches basically speak for themselves. The leather is leather textured and the metal parts are grey. The metal plate on the flap is a magnet which would of course lock with the metal frame through the leather on the back, creating a "natural" lock.

The advantages over a pouch style sheath is smaller sheath that is easier to get the multitool out of. The technique to put the tool into the sheath would be either in a semi-closed position already OR from an open position grip the mid metal plate with the pliers and close it around it.

If you have a tool where the metal plate between the pliers don't create enough of a grip to keep the tool inside the sheath, you can add another plate that goes in between just the handles (last pic)

[Agent X68]

The idea looks good, you would fasten it with a magnet, right?

[Neil]

That looks very promising.  What about using a high strength plastic instead of metal.  Cheaper to produce and less likely to scratch up the anodising on the tool.  Closeure could still be magnetic.  Four magnets, two in the flap and two between the plastic and leather in the base.

[Andreas]

The flap, yes. The tool sits in there by itself, at least for the PS4

Plastic would be a better choice, if just I can find the right type.

Cardboard/ducttape mockup:

[Neil]

I was thhinking two also in the base as there was no magnetic plate if using plastic, not to hold the tool in

Mock-up looks good (duct tape, what can't it do)  

 :pok:Now go grab the leather

[ryan1835]

hmm lets  chako into making one

[Andreas]

I know Neil I was replying to Agent X68

[Benner]

I like te concept. 

[Neil]

I know Neil I was replying to Agent X68

  Quotes, I love quotes. I'm easily confused in my old age... scrap that I've always been easily confused

[Andreas]

I know Neil I was replying to Agent X68

  Quotes, I love quotes. I'm easily confused in my old age... scrap that I've always been easily confused

Was typing it before you replied and got one of those "WARNING: ppl r spikng 2 u" massages

[thebullfrog]

hmmm i like it. Make a real prototype if you can, I'd love to see if it would work.

[Andreas]

I'm going to tomorrow, need to pick up some stuff

[thebullfrog]

My only concern is that with enough movement/vibration, some tools that are looser may start to open up enough to try and slip out the sides

[J-sews]

Seems like it would work best with the Juice models. They're not real heavy, and they snap closed and stay closed, which would keep them pinched onto the center plate.  

[Andreas]

Seems like it would work best with the Juice models. They're not real heavy, and they snap closed and stay closed, which would keep them pinched onto the center plate.  

Yup, same with the PS4 and ES4 (somewhat the S4/E4/P4, but from my experience those don't snap shut as firmly). When I did the test with the cardboard it was in there like its life depended on it.

[J-sews]

Seems like it would work best with the Juice models. They're not real heavy, and they snap closed and stay closed, which would keep them pinched onto the center plate.  

Yup, same with the PS4 and ES4 (somewhat the S4/E4/P4, but from my experience those don't snap shut as firmly). When I did the test with the cardboard it was in there like its life depended on it.

Hmmm, the S4, E4, and ES4 might not work in the sheath due to the "overlap" between the jaws when they are closed.

[Neil]

Would still work with a shallower central piece and completely rigid flap. They'd be no wiggle room then and no way for the tool to work free.

[Chako]

That should not be all that hard to make.

If you want something a bit more universal, I suggest making the center part shorter. I don't think it would have to be all that long to prevent the tool from sliding out. Likewise, if you used a magnetic closure on the flap and the bottom of the sheath, it would increase the convenience factor and still give you enough security.

[Andreas]

Would still work with a shallower central piece and completely rigid flap. They'd be no wiggle room then and no way for the tool to work free.

Indeed, the 5th pic shows that kind of central piece for part of it, you'd just have to make it like that all the way down and it would still work.

[Charger]

i like it!

[thebullfrog]

Definitely can't wait to see a functioning prototype

[Neil]

Would still work with a shallower central piece and completely rigid flap. They'd be no wiggle room then and no way for the tool to work free.

Indeed, the 5th pic shows that kind of central piece for part of it, you'd just have to make it like that all the way down and it would still work.

Sorry, I wasn't clear (it was late), I meant the front flap would be reinforced/rigid.  Otherwise sods law is going to kick in with a shallow ridge and you can bet you'd knock the pouch at some point allowing the front to deform enough to let the tool pop out.

[Andreas]

Prototype is done and ready. Ironically what Neil just wrote I implemented when doing the thing without seeing the post. Great minds think alike etc.

Pictures, video etc will be posted....when I feel like it. Maybe   **runs off to do some errands**

[edcgear]

Like it!! 

If you put multitool.org sign on it, count me in for one!!   

[Andreas]

I don't have the facilities to make these perfectly, not to mention the leather I had around was way too thick. But I don't really need one anyways, so... I did make a quick and dirty prototype though

[Benner]

Looks great! 

[edcgear]

Cool bro!!   

 

[sawman]

WOW!  That turned out pretty good.  What other multitools do you plan to apply this to?

[scrappy]

I like the idea

[thebullfrog]

Having that second divider/ridge on the cover flap totally eliminates the concern I had about it being able to slip out past the lower divider. I really really like it. A bit concerned that inserting the tool may be a bit fiddly since you have to open the tool the right amount, also once on the belt it might be easy to drop the tool or have it fall out before the flap is closed or right after you open it. Great proof of concept though and it shows a lot of promise. Awesome job