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.
