Kwick Grippers now available - with your help!

[Ruffgeezer]

Any chance of seeing them this side of the pond Ben? The idea and execution look great!

 

[benjamin.eby]

I could use a couple 18" models and a 3 foot one, I'm wondering for us Canadians how much to add for the extra freight cost.

I actually have a distributor in Canada that should make them available up there for the same as here in the states - if you get one through the GoFundMe site the shipping is free

http://www.gofundme.com/1s7woc

 

[benjamin.eby]

Any chance of seeing them this side of the pond Ben? The idea and execution look great!

I'm working on it, I actually have a rep who is showing it to a couple of distributors in Germany, if it goes there it should be available throughout europe- that one is very tentative right now -

When the website goes live they will be available everywhere, however it will cost a bit extra to ship there.

 

[benjamin.eby]

Ben, Where are you located? The reason I ask is I'm in the hardwood floor industry. Our trade show is coming up in a few months in Dallas this year. I'd think this would be a great thing to have in a booth. There's a forum for hardwood pro's. www.floormasters.com. You should intro the product over there. See what thy have to say.

That said, If I were you, I'd list your product on amazon and eBay ASAP.

I just posted it there - here is the url-
http://www.floormasters.com/flooring-pros/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11124

I will be in amazon, overstock and a few others when the first production run is finally done!

Thanks!

 

[HandsomeDan]

once i get some cash, I'm in. :thumbsup:

 

[Hawk321]

Do you own the patents??? I invented a special tool last year by myself for a fuel filter issue on VAG cars...anyway, it was pain in the *** to realize how expenisve that all is.
Had luck and a big european special tool brand took my idea and the prototype to built and sell it on their own costs...they own now the patents and I get a commission.
If you own already the patents...try to go to bigger exhibitons...and avoid the chinese!!!!
Wish you luck with it.

 

[ToddGrossman]

I admire your ambition and drive. When I get off medical leave and back to work, count me in. I'm redoing parts of the house and removing baseboards and door casings and would love to reuse them without destroying them after pulling out the nails.

 

[volvo92906]

What is the availability of this tool? I kinda like it. I work in a shop but we deal with pallets that fall apart and then shipping crates with nails, and boards with nails... This would make it nice to use those boards if you can actually get the nails out of them.... Maybe in a couple weeks (pay) I will have to order one for my box.....

 

[Hootbro]

Signed on for one. Hope it works out for you.

Hootbro

 

[benjamin.eby]

Do you own the patents??? I invented a special tool last year by myself for a fuel filter issue on VAG cars...anyway, it was pain in the *** to realize how expenisve that all is.
Had luck and a big european special tool brand took my idea and the prototype to built and sell it on their own costs...they own now the patents and I get a commission.
If you own already the patents...try to go to bigger exhibitons...and avoid the chinese!!!!
Wish you luck with it.

I do own the patents- that's where the majority of the cost is, as you found out as well.

Congrats on licensing your idea and getting paid! I don't know what the real numbers are but I have heard up to 99% of ideas like ours fail - so congratulations for sure.

 

[benjamin.eby]

What is the availability of this tool? I kinda like it. I work in a shop but we deal with pallets that fall apart and then shipping crates with nails, and boards with nails... This would make it nice to use those boards if you can actually get the nails out of them.... Maybe in a couple weeks (pay) I will have to order one for my box.....

They will be finished and ready to ship in April- so if you buy one off the GoFundMe site -

http://www.gofundme.com/1s7woc

it will ship then. - it does work very well for salvaging shipping crates and pallets- I have two benches i made from salvaged pallet wood.

Thanks!

 

[benjamin.eby]

Signed on for one. Hope it works out for you.

Hootbro

Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it!

-Ben

 

[joshuaz223]

sorry it took so long to read your answer. I added and another $100 to my donation to cover the two long ones. Thanks.

Roy

 

[judger101]

maybe i missed it, but can you drive a nail in with this thing? im thinking this would be really handy for fencing. very cool product

 

[Bull]

maybe i missed it, but can you drive a nail in with this thing? im thinking this would be really handy for fencing. very cool product

I believe he said that while functionally capable of performing this task, he is legally not allowed to market this as a proper use of the tool.

 

[benjamin.eby]

Bull hit the nail on the head - pardon my horrible pun -

We cannot market it as a striking tool, not because it doesn't work on nails - it does, but because the insurance to sell striking tools is very expensive.
Every construction worker we gave it to when we were testing it ended up using it as a hammer eventually- even though we don't market it that way people tend to use it as a hammer so we made it strong enough that it works fine.

Jason D - the guy who gave me the quote for the website summed it up like this - " I wouldn't want to use it to nail a whole deck together, but if I have a few boards to do and it's on my belt already, it's easier than walking to the truck for my hammer"

 

[Nick Ferry]

Pretty neat idea. Good luck man.

 

[pacmktg]

Put my money on your idea.

 

[ImportTuner]

OK .. just signed up

 

[benjamin.eby]

Thanks for the support everyone! I really appreciate all the help everyone here on GJ has been!

Thanks! -Ben EBy

 

[ImportTuner]

The zero charge inquiry put a hold on my credit card. The credit card company called and wanted to verify before releasing the hold ..

 

[benjamin.eby]

The zero charge inquiry put a hold on my credit card. The credit card company called and wanted to verify before releasing the hold ..

Sorry to hear that, if there is anything I can do let me know. - I have little control over the Gofundme site's paying system but I can contact the administrator and let him know what's up

Thanks-Ben

 

[Mabus77]

Hi Ben ,

This product looks amazing. As far as marketing it you have to spread the word around. I would try places such as the Handy Man Magazine and see if they can do a story on your product.
I would for sure contact Stuart from ToolGuyd.com and have him review your product and give it some exposure.
There is a lot of tools on the internet that can help you market the product. They are usually free and can help spread the word around.

Good Luck with your product.

 

[benjamin.eby]

Hi Ben ,

This product looks amazing. As far as marketing it you have to spread the word around. I would try places such as the Handy Man Magazine and see if they can do a story on your product.
I would for sure contact Stuart from ToolGuyd.com and have him review your product and give it some exposure.
There is a lot of tools on the internet that can help you market the product. They are usually free and can help spread the word around.

Good Luck with your product.

That's a great idea! Stuart helped me on my Triple-lock socket a while back- I should have sent him an e-mail before I launched the gofundme site.

Thanks, that should really help get the word out!

 

[Wi Fire 10]

That looks like really great product, that I will probably purchase in the future. I would love to see an american made version though. I honestly don't see why you couldn't get some larger home improvement chain store to carry it. good luck with your company, and nice you tube video

 

[Jarhead0408]

Wow,

Pretty cool tool Ben. Can't afford it right now, but I'll get it one day.

I couldn't tell from the pics, but is there a flat side to the handle? In case you have to use a hammer to help it along? Or do you not want that, as it may get stuck in the nail as the bite increases?

 

[soj]

OK, I am, in! Looks like a great tool, I wish you luck.
jp

 

[OldNeons]

Congrats on turning a good idea into reality. I like it, but in good conscience won't buy it as you took Ameican ingenuity over the pond. I'm curious how hard you tried to find a US manufacturer? I've yet to find anything that can't be made here in the US, and made batter. Please consider bringing the product back home, and I know your story and product will sell themselves. I see it in my business everyday. Many people are sick of cheap imported junk and are willing to pay for a quality product. I'd rather pay double for a tool that will last and support my neighbors job instead of our enemies. JM2C. Good luck!
PS- how far does nail have to stick up to be grabbed?

 

[benjamin.eby]

Wow,

Pretty cool tool Ben. Can't afford it right now, but I'll get it one day.

I couldn't tell from the pics, but is there a flat side to the handle? In case you have to use a hammer to help it along? Or do you not want that, as it may get stuck in the nail as the bite increases?

Yep there is a flat side that can be hit with a hammer to help it along, usually not needed, but I knew people would want it.

Thanks!

 

[benjamin.eby]

That looks like really great product, that I will probably purchase in the future. I would love to see an american made version though. I honestly don't see why you couldn't get some larger home improvement chain store to carry it. good luck with your company, and nice you tube video

I would also love to see an American made version!- unfortunately the only way it's going to happen is if I can get big enough to make them in house. I tried for two years to find a contract manufacturer in the US and I just couldn't make the numbers work, .. unless I build my own foundry, which I intend to if I can raise enough capital through sales. It's not ideal to work overseas on many fronts, so I want to bring it home when I can make it work to do so.


As for a larger home improvement store carrying it- I am working on it and it is very close. Most large box stores are nervous about dealing with a small guy like me because I don't have years of experience and sales behind me, because of this I will have to partner with someone who is already on their shelves to get my foot in the door. I have two companies right now that I am negotiating with to make that possibly happen. It's very tentative right now but it will happen very soon!

Thanks, Glad you like it!

 

[MJB24]

Is there an easy way to purchase two? I feel I will want to use one right away and keep a second to have as a collectors when some other brand sullies your tool with there name on it

Edit

I figured it out and sent over $80. I would love an 18" and a 3' if possible. If not 2 18" would be great.

Thanks

 

[benjamin.eby]

Is there an easy way to purchase two? I feel I will want to use one right away and keep a second to have as a collectors when some other brand sullies your tool with there name on it

Edit

I figured it out and sent over $80. I would love an 18" and a 3' if possible. If not 2 18" would be great.

Thanks

Sure thing, since you are looking for collectors items, I'll even send you one of the original 3' bars in this video -

complete with obsolete "anailator" packaging

Thanks for your support everyone, I really appreciate it!

 

[RKA]

Just put in my "donation". Best of luck to you Ben! I really want to see you succeed!

 

[Carson_13]

You would think American manufacturers would jump at someone wanting to make something of quality. Call up Canada we will build that! haha cool product. I honestly think this is a great product and its sad that its not easier to get it made in NA. And dont go on shark tank they will find an even cheaper chinese facility to make your product in.

 

[customh]

Signed up, sweet tool!

 

[HMCFab9]

Excellent story & looks like an excellent product!
It's good to see an American product that works great.
The Shark tank exposure would be great, even if they don't buy into your idea.
I'd buy one in a heartbeat, but i'm laid off after 20 years on the same job.
Good luck with your product & hopefully you are able to bring production back to the USA at some point.

 

[volvo]

Love your great new product.

If you could afford to, have you thought of sending one to Tommy Silva of Ask This Old House/This Old House shows? They are always reviewing new creative tools like yours & use them in their daily contracting day jobs.

 

[benjamin.eby]

Love your great new product.

If you could afford to, have you thought of sending one to Tommy Silva of Ask This Old House/This Old House shows? They are always reviewing new creative tools like yours & use them in their daily contracting day jobs.

That's a great idea, I'll see if they are interested and what it would cost. Now that the ebtoolcompany.com website is up and running I was planning on contacting a bunch of people who could help promote it- Tommy would definitely be on the top 5 of that list.

 

[soj]

Ben, I got the message that the GoFundMe deal is off. The message says they are on the way, your new website says "in stock". Which is it? I am ready to order, but am not crazy about back orders. Give us "would-be investors" a heads up.
Thanks, jp

 

[MJB24]

I just purchased one through the site. Looks like I was order# 11. Keep us updated when the XL is coming out and is available for purchase.