Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Spacewalking astronaut Bruce McCandless inspired the design of this tool handle, as denoted by the "McTether" name engraved on the shaft. It is milled out to reduce mass, shaped for handling with a spacesuit-gloved hand, and anchored by a tether ring. Tools are always clipped to an astronaut’s wrist tether or workstation to keep them handy without floating away. A socket or ratchet head could be attached to the oval end of the tool, and the long shaft served as a lever for torque to tighten or loosen bolts, especially those that could not be reached easily by hand.

This tool is probably a prototype for the tool that eventually became part of the standard extravehicular activity (EVA) tool kit on Space Shuttle missions. NASA transferred this tool to the Museum after the Shuttle program ended in 2012.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Tools Manufacturer Essex Corporation
ILC
 Dimensions 3-D: 37.1 x 3.8 x 2.2cm (14 5/8 x 1 1/2 x 7/8 in.)
 Materials Anodized aluminum
 Inventory Number A20130114000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use. You may also like Remembering Bruce McCandless II