Pocket Clip for Buck X-Tract

[ringzero]

Over in the Swiss forum I posted a thread explaining how to make a Quick and Easy Pocket Clip for GAK-OHT.

Since all of the X-Tract's functions are truly one-handed, easy one-hand access to the X-Tract is even more desirable than one-hand access to the GAK-OHT.

As it turns out, a Pocket Clip for Buck X-Tract is even easier:
1. Obtain this clip: http://www.brightguy.com/products/2AA_4AA_Pocket_Clip.php
2. That's it, you're done.

To use the clip, insert the X-Tract into the clip's brackets by sliding it in or rotating it in - either method works.  Then clip it into your pocket.

The X-Tract fits properly in only one orientation:  tip down with the knife's thumbstud facing away from the flat pocket clip.  The bigger, curvier bracket's curved end will be hooked over one scale of the X-Tract.  The opposite bracket will slightly compress the X-Tract's plier handle inward against tension provided by the plier spring.

Although not a perfect fit, it's close.  Retention is strong enough that no modification of the clip is required.

Sliding is simplest.  Slide the tip end (narrow end) down between the brackets until resistance is encountered.  Maximum resistance will occur as the highest (or widest) point of the plier handle is compressed against the bracket.

Rotating refers to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the X-Tract, and it requires slightly more care to get right.  One scale of the X-Tract must be hooked under the larger, curvier bracket, then the X-Tract is rotated until the plier handle is compressed against the opposite bracket.

I generally slide the X-Tract into the clip and rotate the X-Tract out of the clip.  Sliding in seats the pocket clip all the way down in the pocket.  Rotating out avoids unseating the pocket clip when the X-Tract is removed for use.

It's nice to be able to just clip the X-Tract into my pocket as I go out the door into the yard.  Before, I had to take the time to thread its sheath onto my belt and most often I just didn't bother and left the X-Tract inside.  Now there's no reason not to have it with me whenever I'm out in the yard.
   
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[Spoonrobot]

Wow. Awesome tip, one of the reasons I sold my X-tract was the lack of a clip. Seems like now would be a good time to revisit.

[ringzero]

Wow. Awesome tip, one of the reasons I sold my X-tract was the lack of a clip. Seems like now would be a good time to revisit.

I bought the X-Tract mainly for hiking and camping, uses for which a sheath is actually the best carry option.  But, I wish Buck would lose the big lanyard hole and add a pocket clip.  Or keep the lanyard hole - it doesn't really hurt anything - and add a pocket clip.  A pocket clip adds a lot of versatility to a tool.

The X-Tract is a well-made tool with excellent fit and finish.  After using it for a while, it's become my favorite yard work tool.

Out in the yard I mostly need a decent knife and the X-Tract offers a serious blade capable of handling pesky bushes and small tree branches, breaking down big boxes, cutting rope, etc.

The secondary tool I'm always needing is a screwdriver, and the two drivers on the X-Tract handle that pretty well.  They don't have a lot of reach, but other than that they are excellent screwdrivers.

The pliers work for occasional adjustments on machines, holding onto small objects, turning small nuts, cutting and stipping small diameter copper wire, pulling twine, etc.  They're comparable in capability to the LM Juice line of pliers.  If serious pliering applications arise I go back inside and get a real pair of pliers!

Being able to access all functions one-handed is wonderful, because most of the time I'm holding whatever needs to be cut, screwed, or pliered and only have one hand free for the tool.

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[J-sews]

I too could do without the big lanyard attachment point. Seems like it restricts the reach of the flat screwdriver. S'pose it could be ground off simply enough though.

[ringzero]

I too could do without the big lanyard attachment point. Seems like it restricts the reach of the flat screwdriver. S'pose it could be ground off simply enough though.

Excellent observation, J-sews.

Buck could have gone with a small hole in the frame with an attached folding split ring, like Vic did with the GAK-OHT.

That'd preserve lanyard capability without interfering with the reach of the screwdriver.

Looks to me like the big lanyard hole on X-Tract is an example of style triumphing over function.

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