Grip Edge RPT bits

[KnurledNut]

Figured I’d get a thread started on these.
As they start getting into circulation, it would be great to get some feedback here.
Any discussion welcome...

 

[lardy1]

I only wish they were more accessible. Probably over time they will be.

 

[dnschmidt]

We need a bit more background: What the hell is a grip-edge RPT bit? I've never heard of it.

 

[KnurledNut]

We need a bit more background: What the hell is a grip-edge RPT bit? I've never heard of it.

Same manufacturer of the MAC/Proto RBRT-Facom OGV, sold thru a new channel.
Lots of unverified details at this point, so I'll withhold until proven.

 

[bwringer]

A Youtube video on these popped up for me last night, but after six or seven minutes slow, drawling, repetitive algorithm milking, he still hadn't taken the damn things out of the case, shown them in use or in close-up, or given any indication of source or pricing.

 

[lardy1]

There's this.

 

[bwringer]

That's the one I was talking about. If he ever actually gets to the point or a point of interest, post the timestamp...

 

[Fedwrench]

That's the one I was talking about. If he ever actually gets to the point or a point of interest, post the timestamp...

I think the point of the Koon Trucking video was only to announce the new product release of 1/4 and 3/8 drive sets in MM & SAE through the Mobile Tool Network. They're the same as the MAC RBRT so, they weren't demoing their performance. However, you got the same pitch man from all of the RBRT videos too include their new RBRT wrench .
MAC's exclusive time deal with the RBRT series probably expired so, the OEM is now selling direct through independent tool trucks affiliated with MTN now. Initially they're only offering the smaller hex sets. I assume that they'll offer Torx and other versions as time progresses. Hopefully, they'll also branch out to independent online vendors like JBtools.

 

[Fedwrench]

We need a bit more background: What the hell is a grip-edge RPT bit? I've never heard of it.

It's a MAC RBRT Bit without the MAC name or customer support.

 

[GeoBruin]

That's the one I was talking about. If he ever actually gets to the point or a point of interest, post the timestamp...

There's a little bar at the bottom of YouTube videos. If you hold down your mouse (or your finger on mobile) and drag it to the right, it will fast forward the video instantly to whatever point you choose. It will also show you a preview of the frame at that point in the video.

 

[bwringer]

There's a little bar at the bottom of YouTube videos. If you hold down your mouse (or your finger on mobile) and drag it to the right, it will fast forward the video instantly to whatever point you choose. It will also show you a preview of the frame at that point in the video.

Yes, I am well aware of how to use Youtube.

As far as I can tell, these bits are not a thing the unwashed proletariat can actually buy.

..., the OEM is now selling direct through independent tool trucks affiliated with MTN now.

Never heard of MTN before now, but that helps make it a little clearer. Still no info on pricing, or where one of these mysterious MTN tool trucks might be lurking, or how to perhaps buy these online.


Overall, why all the mystery? It's not enticing, it's annoying nonsense. They're tools, not exclusive designer purses.

I'm a tool-using primate. Monkey see, monkey kinda interested, monkey can't find, monkey go away confused and annoyed.

Fairly widespread nonsense, too -- I've seen quite a few product announcements and reviews online, on Youtube and other places like GJ, but many, like this one, never connect to a way to exchange money for goods. These at least appear to be a real product, not another instance of vaporware.

 

[Callelle]

Never heard of MTN before now, but that helps make it a little clearer. Still no info on pricing, or where one of these mysterious MTN tool trucks might be lurking, or how to perhaps buy these online.

Isn't MTN just a supplier / source for any independent tool salesman to stock their trucks from? I've not asked the guy on the Gear Wrench truck that comes to my shop, but most of his stuff seems to be from the brands listed on the MTN home page.

 

[dnschmidt]

Isn't that a RIBE bit (Polydrive) like VW uses on their head bolts. What kind of bolts, screws or whatever are these used for? And who the hell is MTN? You guys have got to give up using acronyms.

 

[Fedwrench]

Isn't that a RIBE bit (Polydrive) like VW uses on their head bolts. What kind of bolts, screws or whatever are these used for? And who the hell is MTN? You guys have got to give up using acronyms.

No. It's a modified hex bit. the grip bits shown are for use for internal hex. I spelled out MTN in my post, Mobile Tool Network. They're like ISN (integrated Supply Network) or any of the other wholesale tool distributors that supply tool dealers. The Grip/RBRT bits dig into the sides of the internal hex fastener.

 

[KnurledNut]

 

[2ndGearRubber]

So this will only be available from independent tool trucks?

That's annoying.

 

[FSUwelder1212]

So this will only be available from independent tool trucks?

That's annoying.

I’m sure jdtco will get them, so they should be available online

 

[NFH2740]

Interesting.

 

[KnurledNut]

So this will only be available from independent tool trucks?

That's annoying.

MTN deals with all tool trucks.
Their software gives drivers the option to give tool portal access to their customers and they can order/ship directly from the MTN website anytime without waiting on the truck. Pretty slick setup.

 

[j3rf]

Ironic that they claim they will be more available than the Mac versions yet they're only sold through MTN. That doesn't sounds like more availability but we will see. I also doubt they will be significantly cheaper than the Mac version considering the distribution model will be basically the same.

 

[KnurledNut]

Ironic that they claim they will be more available than the Mac versions yet they're only sold through MTN. That doesn't sounds like more availability but we will see. I also doubt they will be significantly cheaper than the Mac version considering the distribution model will be basically the same.

At this point all we can do is speculate.
SBD could basically charge whatever they wanted, as it was an exclusive product to them.
This should change the game a little now.

Grip Edge was around back in 2016 with their first iteration of modified hex bit sockets.
That design was closer to the current Craftsman V-series Xtract profile than RBRT.

 

[bwringer]

Thanks for the added info. That at least makes the situation clearer. Sit tight and they should start trickling out in the indefinite future -- if you know a guy who knows a guy who has a truck and you know the secret handshake.

If and when these become available somehow, I'd be VERY interested in a comparison against Wera Hex-Plus. The Weras are the only "magic hex gadget" I've ever seen that actually performs as advertised. I'll also be interested in pricing, of course.

 

[KnurledNut]

Thanks for the added info. That at least makes the situation clearer. Sit tight and they should start trickling out in the indefinite future -- if you know a guy who knows a guy who has a truck and you know the secret handshake.

If and when these become available somehow, I'd be VERY interested in a comparison against Wera Hex-Plus. The Weras are the only "magic hex gadget" I've ever seen that actually performs as advertised. I'll also be interested in pricing, of course.

I would expect these to become available thru some online channels once distribution gets under way, like maybe techs choice.

 

[Lt CHEG]

According to CP the tool addict, the company distributing these through the Mobile Tool Network is the company formerly known as Tribus tools. If that’s true, I’ll just pay more for the Mac versions and not worry about warranty service, etc.

 

[JMCmarker]

Not sure

According to CP the tool addict, the company distributing these through the Mobile Tool Network is the company formerly known as Tribus tools. If that’s true, I’ll just pay more for the Mac versions and not worry about warranty service, etc.

Here's the link

 

[j3rf]

At this point all we can do is speculate.
SBD could basically charge whatever they wanted, as it was an exclusive product to them.
This should change the game a little now.

Grip Edge was around back in 2016 with their first iteration of modified hex bit sockets.
That design was closer to the current Craftsman V-series Xtract profile than RBRT.

Indeed. I bought the Proto branded version of RBRT metric hex bits in early 2021 for under $80 I believe from zoro. I doubt these will be that price range though.

 

[KnurledNut]

According to CP the tool addict, the company distributing these through the Mobile Tool Network is the company formerly known as Tribus tools. If that’s true, I’ll just pay more for the Mac versions and not worry about warranty service, etc.

Not sure

Here's the link

Yeah, MTN and Tribus have business connections. So what?

That relationship has nothing to do with the company making these bits.

MTN is just a distributor.

I don’t feed off that YouTube drama. All I care about is good tools at a good price.

 

[Lt CHEG]

Yeah, MTN and Tribus have business connections. So what?

That relationship has nothing to do with the company making these bits.

MTN is just a distributor.

I don’t feed off that YouTube drama. All I care about is good tools at a good price.

My concern is that Tribus already went belly up once. If they are the company that is having the tools manufactured under the Grip Edge name, for distribution by MTN, then their financial viability could absolutely affect things like warranty. That’s my only real concern is that I prefer to buy tools from a company on sound financial footings. Warranty and tool/ part availability matter to me, and I’m happy to pay more for tools where that isn’t a concern. I rarely buy tools based merely on getting the lowest price.

 

[Callelle]

According to CP the tool addict, the company distributing these through the Mobile Tool Network is the company formerly known as Tribus tools. If that’s true, I’ll just pay more for the Mac versions and not worry about warranty service, etc.

Everything CP says needs to be taken with a huge grain of salt. Tribus has nothing to do with grip edge, other than maybe distributing under MTN, that's it.

 

[flippin]

Anyone have more info on the RBRT clones?

 

[Rusted Nut]

The Grip/RBRT bits dig into the sides of the internal hex fastener.

So does this willow out the sides of the hex fastener and preclude ever using a regular hex wrench on it in the future?

 

[Buckgnarly]

So does this willow out the sides of the hex fastener and preclude ever using a regular hex wrench on it in the future?

In my experience, not at all.

 

[Draftpick1]

Proto makes a set with the RBRT, only seen one set 1/4 drive

 

[techschoicetools]

I’m sure jdtco will get them, so they should be available online

no JDTCO will not be getting these ... you will be able to get them form many tool trucks and if you want to buy off line you can do so with us at techschoicetools.com we will have them listed on Friday this week ..3/17/23

 

[techschoicetools]

Figured I’d get a thread started on these.
As they start getting into circulation, it would be great to get some feedback here.
Any discussion welcome...

we will have them this friday 3/17/23... we have 80 of each set coming this way and should be posted on tiktok friday night .. techschoicetool.com if you will want to order any

 

[KnurledNut]

we will have them this friday 3/17/23... we have 80 of each set coming this way and should be posted on tiktok friday night .. techschoicetool.com if you will want to order any

Thanks for the heads up. Any info on what sets will be available? Pricing? Will you have them on your trucks too or just online?

 

[techschoicetools]

I can get you a price tomorrow .. I don’t want to post just yet because I want them on the website so people can just go there to purchase.. we have been told to not post b4 this Friday .. lol 615-828-4000 Connor can answer questions for you tomorrow … I will be on my tool route .. thumbs down

 

[Fedwrench]

Thanks for the heads up. Any info on what sets will be available? Pricing? Will you have them on your trucks too or just online?

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Any one order a set or two yet?

 

[KnurledNut]

Any one order a set or two yet?

Not yet.
I am waiting to see if Amazon gets them in stock and their price.
They listed them almost a week ago, but no inventory yet.

Links:
1/4" (1.5-7mm)
1/4 (1/16-9/32)
3/8" (4-10mm)
3/8" (1/8-3/8)

 

[Fedwrench]

Not yet.
I am waiting to see if Amazon gets them in stock and their price.
They listed them almost a week ago, but no inventory yet.

Links:
1/4" (1.5-7mm)
1/4 (1/16-9/32)
3/8" (4-10mm)
3/8" (1/8-3/8)

As always, You find things no one does. Wise call waiting see what Amazon offers.