Gerber Tread

A major selling feature of this particular tool is an LED light. The Tread might not be the Company’s first tool to incorporate a light but it is the first in a plier head multi-tool format. It runs on 2X LR44 Button Cell Batteries held in a neat slide out carrier.

Although the LED is not articulated, it’s fixed at such an angle so that when the handles are shut it’s directed on the work area for any of the four tools that you have deployed - a clever and useful design feature. Operation is by two serrated edge ‘sliders’ (one either side of handle) which positively pull back to switch the light ON/OFF making an accidental light up nigh on impossible.

The Gerber Tread™ is to quote Gerber, ‘one of the company’s new lines in compact butterfly tools.’ I’d agree with that, because at 4” closed and folded in its nylon sheath and 6” open, it’s a strong and relatively compact tool. It also features fewer ‘tools’ than any other multi in the Gerber range, due to the positioning of the LED, resulting in it being one of their more specialised designs.

Looking at it on the traditional side, the Tread features spring-action needlenose pliers with a generous span, including wire cutters, and it’s easy to hold due to the practical handle design. Talking of which, one arm houses the LED and the other arguably the four most commonly needed tool functions; serrated edge knife section with one handed blade access, Phillips screwdriver, medium flathead screwdriver and a pair of scissors (Fiskars in this case).

Multi-Talented

The drop point knife blade is 2” long with the rear two-thirds being serrated. At first it may seem you don’t get much in the way of a ‘straight edge’ but for field use, that’s enough for all manner of chores. One handed opening is accomplished by a slot under the spine that the thumb can push up into. The other three functions are accessed by nail nicks, and all lock into position using Gerber’s Saf.T.Plus locking system to keep them secure in use.

Though the LED light forms an integral part of the Tread™, the extremely well designed aircraft grade aluminium handles are also a real bonus. They allow it to be very comfortable in the hold as its contours almost blend into your hand resulting in a solid, secure non-slip grip. My verdict - another winner from Gerber!