Gerber Tread

mikekoz · **on:** April 14, 2013, 03:55:48 PM

I am in the market for a multi tool with a built in flashlight. Most I own are the cheap $5.00 type and they pretty much stink! I bought the Gerber Fit, and it is a good tool, but I want something with pliers too. I also want a tool that does not use the small type of batteries found in watches! The Fit uses a AAA, and they are easily found and cheap! I know the Tread is no longer made, but does anybody own one that can give me an opinion of it? And does it use a AAA battery for the flashlight? Thank you for any information in advance!!

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2013, 04:26:09 PM

Aside from the Gerber Fit, I think they all pretty much suck in respect of integral lights. I'd suggest looking at getting a multitool you're happy with, and if it has a lanyard ring attach a decent light to that.

Another option (particularly seen as you've posted this in the Gerber forum) is the Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Pack. Although the light (Gerber Tempo) isn't built in, the tool and light have a sheath specifically to carry them both and a fire steel

scrappy · **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2013, 06:13:00 PM

I second that. The bg ultimate survival multitool with kit is a good setup. I edc one occasionally. I wore it yesterday, used the light for a lost toy in the backyard and then later loaned it to a family member so they could look through their tent for something. It uses aaa battery and the flashlight is built into the sheath. It is detachable but it fits well and makes a compact sheath considering it has a tool, light, and flint.

The other option I suggest is looking at the leatherman wave, and led lenser light combo at marine west.com
It is on clearance and is a compact kit with top quality gear

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2013, 12:23:05 AM

I know this is the Gerber forum, but there aer a number of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives with lights. Most of them have the word 'Lite' in their name. An exception is the Midnite Manager.

I completely agree with what others have stated. My preference would be just to attach either a Streamlight Nano or (even better) a Photon (or Fauxton) to the tool via lanyard. Light technology will improve faster than hand tool tech, so you might want to replace the light much more quickly than the tool.

And on the Bear Grylls Survival Tool Pack, I also agree. I got one for Christmas, and gave the light a bit of a workout. The light is pretty small, light, uses easy to find batteries, and while it's not super bright (maybe 6 or 7 lm), it should run a good while on a battery. I also like the rubber jacket on the light, and the fact that the tail of it has a place to attach a lanyard. And the entire kit, with tool and ferro rod all integrate nicely. Here's a link to 50ft-Trad's excellent review on it.
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,38925.0.html

mikekoz · **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2013, 01:58:44 AM

I will look into the BG setup, although I do not need a fire starter. I do have an few other muti tools that have sheaths that will accept a small flashlight, so it looks like I have those options also, even though they will be a bit more bulky! The Tread is apparently not a popular tool! Thank you!

Gareth · **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2013, 09:31:32 AM

Sadly, I am lead to believe that the Tread uses 2xLR44 button cells anyway, so I don't think it's the one for you.

tosh · **Reply #6 on:** April 17, 2013, 10:54:38 PM

I've got a Tread....somewhere

I'll dig it out and report back tomorrow.

I'm almost certain that 2 other members have recently uploaded pic's of their Gerbers - and if I'm not mistaken, I think I spied the tread too.

scrappy · **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2013, 03:07:14 AM

I own the tread but it is not worth finding it for a pic. I had high hopes for it but the light is fairly dim. The fit is much brighter.

mikekoz · **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2013, 11:09:50 AM

Quote from: scrappy on April 18, 2013, 03:07:14 AM

I own the tread but it is not worth finding it for a pic. I had high hopes for it but the light is fairly dim. The fit is much brighter.

What kind of battery does it use?

tosh · **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2013, 09:50:58 PM

Apologies for the delay in uploading the pictures - been a little busy.

Personally I wouldn't compare the Tread to the "Fit" - the Tread is much more versatile. The pliers are spring loaded for a start. It's roughly the same size as the gerber MP700 and very light (excuse the pun).
It has just the bare esesntials, spring loaded pliers, cable cutters, philips, flat head, scissors and combo blade not forgetting ofcourse the built in light.

Hope that helps