Motivx Tools

[Motivx Tools]

Hi Guys, I just want to introduce myself to the group. My name is Hunter and I run Motivx Tools which is a small automotive tool company. I'm not here to sell anything, but I am hoping to get some input from the group on the topic of product development. The users here seem to have a higher quality standard than many of the other tool related forums I've looked at. The fact that some of you are very critical when it comes to quality is exactly why I'm here and not posting this on other forums where a socket set from the dollar store is "good enough".

Our currently product line consists mostly of oil service tools which I'm hoping to finish building out in early 2017 and continue growing from there. Most of our customers are automotive techs or hobbyists who aren't satisfied with what's on the shelves at (insert chain auto parts store here). We've had some interest from independent tool trucks but have opted to not take this step quite yet. Anyway, I just wanted to do this quick intro and let you all know I'm glad to be here.

Hunter Hasbrouck
Motivx Tools LLC
www.motivxtools.com

 

[gdocktor3]

Welcome. So, you sell specialty items only and it seems more import based, yes? Do you plan on selling basic hand tools in the future? I feel wrenches and socket sets, stuff like that would help you better establish a larger customer base. I personally don't own or work on Lexus, Jaguar, Toyota, etc, so have no business for you. I'm sure many others are the same way. Where are you located and where are these items made? I like your intentions, but then again every brand says that same thing. Lastly, the name Motivx is a bit weird in my opinion. Hey, you said you like that we're critical! Good luck!

 

[Motivx Tools]

Starting with specialty tools was a good option because the competition was much lower and it was easier to get our foot in the door. There's a lot of companies that sell sockets, some do it well and others don't. There's a couple factories I've been working with that will probably end up doing general socket manufacturing for us. They're not cheap, but they're nice.

As far as location, we're split between Alaska and Washington. Most of our products are made in Taiwan, I've been pretty happy with the quality and how receptive they've been to requested manufacturing process / material changes. My first choice is to use US manufacturing, but this has been frustrating and honestly highly disappointing, and it's got nothing to do with cost.

 

[M6erfan]

Design a funnel that fits the newer "capless" fuel fillers that has more capacity than 2 tablespoons...

Those tiny funnels drive me nuts!

Your welcome

 

[R_einan]

Hi Hunter! I took a moment to browse through your website and while your offerings look decent, I personally have little use for that type of tool. However, as your specialty product line expands there may be something to interest me; I wrench mostly on my wife's classic car and my Harley. I would have little interest in main line hand tools (wrenches, sockets, etc), at least until they are proven in the field and the company grows to a point that warranty service is easy. As a fellow Washingtonian, I'm pleased to see companies operating in our state.

 

[Motivx Tools]

Design a funnel that fits the newer "capless" fuel fillers that has more capacity than 2 tablespoons...

Those tiny funnels drive me nuts!

Wow, I just looked those up, they are ridiculously small aren't they? I'm sure we could do better than that.

 

[Pho20]

Was on your site I'll be ordering your brake winder kit in the next week it looks well made .....why only the one year warranty though?

 

[M6erfan]

Wow, I just looked those up, they are ridiculously small aren't they? I'm sure we could do better than that.

I cant believe no one has designed one yet. Maybe they have but I cant find one...

Design it, patent it and sell a million on Amazon

Remember me when you make your first Million...

 

[R_einan]

While we are on the subject of funnels, how about one that will stay in for here?

 

[Motivx Tools]

Hi Hunter! I took a moment to browse through your website and while your offerings look decent, I personally have little use for that type of tool. However, as your specialty product line expands there may be something to interest me; I wrench mostly on my wife's classic car and my Harley. I would have little interest in main line hand tools (wrenches, sockets, etc), at least until they are proven in the field and the company grows to a point that warranty service is easy. As a fellow Washingtonian, I'm pleased to see companies operating in our state.

We're definitely looking to add a lot of new stuff in 2017. Our warranty process is pretty straight forward right now, we just send out new replacements. I'm hoping we can semi-automate it on our website to help streamline things a bit.

Was on your site I'll be ordering your brake winder kit in the next week it looks well made .....why only the one year warranty though?

The costs of warranty replacement from a business perspective are hard to estimate. We needed to start with a shorter warranty period and extend it from there. Too many brand new businesses start off by offering a "lifetime warranty" on an unproven product, then don't make it through their first year and their customers don't get what they paid for. We're at almost the 2 year mark now so I'm starting to feel more comfortable extending that warranty period out a bit longer.

While we are on the subject of funnels, how about one that will stay in for here?

All we have to do is create a new mold for the lower portion of our funnels to make them fit whatever we need them too. If our funnels look familiar it's because they are the molds from the old Mac Tools line of funnels they used to sell. Is that filler cap threaded or does it have the metal tabs? The mold costs aren't too terribly expensive.

 

[R_einan]

All we have to do is create a new mold for the lower portion of our funnels to make them fit whatever we need them too. If our funnels look familiar it's because they are the molds from the old Mac Tools line of funnels they used to sell. Is that filler cap threaded or does it have the metal tabs? The mold costs aren't too terribly expensive.

Both the Trans fill plug (chrome hex) and the oil fill are threaded.

 

[[email protected]]

you have some good prices on your tools. I was a audi tech for a long time and the oil drain tool that i bought from audi was $90 so yours is a steal.

you might want to make the funnel for audi/vw since the assanmacer ones are about $50

 

[Motivx Tools]

you have some good prices on your tools. I was a audi tech for a long time and the oil drain tool that i bought from audi was $90 so yours is a steal.

you might want to make the funnel for audi/vw since the assanmacer ones are about $50

Thanks! As for the funnel, we do have an adapter that fits VW / Audi but it's not currently for sale. I'm not a big "adapter" fan, it's just one more thing to keep track of and not lose. I'm working on getting the locking portion of that adapter molded into the clear plastic funnel lowers that we already use. Those will be released once they're available, probably around $20.

 

[BaMaDuDe87]

Been meaning to pick up an Oil filter drain tool, been watching yours on Amazon, and filter canister wrench for my wife's 2013 passat. Cool you are on here to get ideas. Guess it's time to jump.

 

[Motivx Tools]

Been meaning to pick up an Oil filter drain tool, been watching yours on Amazon, and filter canister wrench for my wife's 2013 passat. Cool you are on here to get ideas. Guess it's time to jump.

I assume it's got the 2.5L engine, those will both work great. I'm glad to be here, thanks!

 

[Motivx Tools]

So let me ask you guys a question. What's your personal preference on socket finishes? This finish will be for a line of oil filter housing sockets ranging from 24mm - 36mm in a 3/8" drive and have a low profile. These are primarily for applications that use the plastic oil filter housing that have the large hex nut molded into the top, although they can be used for anything. These will be forged steel sockets but are not impact rated. If you could choose between black oxide, electro phosphate, and matte chrome which would it be?

 

[Fedwrench]

Would the matte chrome or shiny black clean up easier?

I think I like the matte chrome or satin finish best.

The filter sockets I currently have a black oxide finish.

In addition to the finish, please make sure your sockets feature off corner engagement, and that there are nicely finished drive tool cut outs for drive tool retention ball on each side of the square drive.

 

[Motivx Tools]

Would the matte chrome or shiny black clean up easier?

I think I like the matte chrome or satin finish best.

The filter sockets I currently have a black oxide finish.

In addition to the finish, please make sure your sockets feature off corner engagement, and that there are nicely finished drive tool cut outs for drive tool retention ball on each side of the square drive.

The shiny black would clean up easier. Here's better photos of these socket designs.

 

[woody 73]

Hunter Hi and welcome to the GJ.

I like buying a full set of items I own a set of those cheap oil filter wrench caps, they get the job done and all are marked in the plastic box making it easy to find just the cap I need. I like your products but I see you only list them separately for sale, any way you could put together a full set or would the cost be over the top and out of reach for most people?

I am not a big fan of the cheap laser system for marking tools any way for you to at least stamp in the different sizes in case the laser printing rubs off ? Even my cheap set has them stamped into the thin steel.

Thanks for posting I enjoy learning about new tools even though 99.999% of my stories are about vintage tools I still like enjoy learning about new tools.

 

[Motivx Tools]

Hi, thanks. Yes, we're working on a "master set" of oil filter wrenches. The ones I talked about above need to be finished first, along with 4 other styles we're currently working on. It'll be about a 16 piece set, good for a tech or someone that does a good number of oil changes. The case manufacturer and foam insert manufacturer have already been selected, and they are excellent quality. The only down side to this set is it won't be cheap, but will be a big savings over buying individual pieces.

Stamping is generally cheaper than laser engraving if we're talking steel. We don't use printing on steel or aluminum, only engraving, printing doesn't last. Laser engraving is a semi-manual process. One advantage to laser engraving is it's usually easier to read because it contrasts with the tool. It won't rub off unless the surface of the tool wears enough, then it might be hard to read or gone. Our aluminum oil filter wrenches are marked on the top side so wear isn't an issue on those. These sockets above we are going to stamp with the size as well as laser engrave, just in case, since the sides could be worn depending on the application.

 

[Fedwrench]

that looks like a very well made socket with radiused corners even on the square drive, Good Job!!!

 

[Motivx Tools]

that looks like a very well made socket with radiused corners even on the square drive, Good Job!!!

Thanks Fedwrench. Using the same factories as the tool truck brands has it's advantages

 

[M6erfan]

So let me ask you guys a question. What's your personal preference on socket finishes? This finish will be for a line of oil filter housing sockets ranging from 24mm - 36mm in a 3/8" drive and have a low profile. These are primarily for applications that use the plastic oil filter housing that have the large hex nut molded into the top, although they can be used for anything. These will be forged steel sockets but are not impact rated. If you could choose between black oxide, electro phosphate, and matte chrome which would it be?

In order of preference:

1) MC
2) EP
3) BO

 

[[email protected]]

I vote for matte chrome. I have the matco 6 pc set and it was expensive so I'm sure your set will be much less expensive.

 

[R_einan]

In order of preference:

1) MC
2) EP
3) BO

Agreed

 

[motofool33]

Welcome, i didn't see your booth at Sema were you there?

 

[Motivx Tools]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep them coming!

Welcome, i didn't see your booth at Sema were you there?

I was at AAPEX as a buyer, that's where most of the tools are at. AAPEX is more of a business show where as SEMA is where all the really cool stuff is. If we were to do a booth it would be at AAPEX, but I'm not really sure we're ready to start building those B2B (business to business) relationships quite yet.

 

[motofool33]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep them coming!



I was at AAPEX as a buyer, that's where most of the tools are at. AAPEX is more of a business show where as SEMA is where all the really cool stuff is. If we were to do a booth it would be at AAPEX, but I'm not really sure we're ready to start building those B2B (business to business) relationships quite yet.

To me they are both the same show(SEMA) i spent alot of time viewing the tools over by the westgate hotel registration.

 

[Motivx Tools]

To me they are both the same show(SEMA) i spent alot of time viewing the tools over by the westgate hotel registration.

Who where the exhibitors over there?

 

[motofool33]

Who where the exhibitors over there?

everything from Welding, to car lifts, to Garage fans, to plastic welding, to hand tools and air tools, paintless dent repair stuff, alot of asian presence one that stuck out was master air tools, they were all mini sized.

 

[Empty Pockets]

In order of preference:

1) MC
2) EP
3) BO

Agreed. While it has it's place, Black Oxide is my least favourite finish

 

[Greg85mcss]

Checked out your website and it looks like you have some nice products. Have you looked into a funnel for the honda 3.5s with the cap deep down in the engine bay at an angle? I don't know of anyone who makes one that works on them. Out of curiosity what is the difference between your toyota filter caps? I have always used one for all of them and don't know anyone who has different ones.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JoeMA]

Also curious on the difference between the Toyota filter wrenches. Shows one for the tundra and another for 2.5 to 5.7L. Why not use the latter for the tundra?

 

[avmaine]

Welcome aboard. I have experience working on my own VWs, Saabs, and Volvo back in the old days, so your current line is pretty cool but in my past. I work in a pretty specific field of maintaining loading docks, industrial doors, and HVLS fans. There are a couple special tools we use that I'd love to see one company manufacture for the industry. We're actually a huge industry with only about a dozen OEM options out there as to what brand we deal with.

 

[Motivx Tools]

Greg85mcss - Checked out your website and it looks like you have some nice products. Have you looked into a funnel for the honda 3.5s with the cap deep down in the engine bay at an angle? I don't know of anyone who makes one that works on them.

Can you provide a year / make / model for me? AST might have one, but I'm not sure. We haven't made an angle or offset adapter as of yet. We do need one for the Prius as that's the one our Toyota funnel won't fit because of clearance with the hood.

Greg85mcss - Out of curiosity what is the difference between your toyota filter caps? I have always used one for all of them and don't know anyone who has different ones.

JoeMA - Also curious on the difference between the Toyota filter wrenches. Shows one for the tundra and another for 2.5 to 5.7L. Why not use the latter for the tundra?

Ok so the 2.5L - 5.7L and the Tundra wrench are the same thing. A marketing company (since fired) made some changes and inadvertently did this. Probably need to delete the Tundra product listing to avoid confusion.

There is a difference between the 1.8L and the 2.5L - 5.7L versions though. These wrenches increase the contact area by extending down between the tabs on the oil filter housing. While the upper portion of the housings is the same, the lower portion is wider on the larger engines. The 1.8L version won't seat all the way on the larger oil filter housing and the wrench for the larger engines contact the oil pan on the 1.8L version.

This might clear things up:
https://www.motivxtools.com/pages/toyota-oil-filter-housing-and-wrench-guide

avmaine - Welcome aboard. I have experience working on my own VWs, Saabs, and Volvo back in the old days, so your current line is pretty cool but in my past. I work in a pretty specific field of maintaining loading docks, industrial doors, and HVLS fans. There are a couple special tools we use that I'd love to see one company manufacture for the industry. We're actually a huge industry with only about a dozen OEM options out there as to what brand we deal with.

Hi, thanks. What type of specialty tools do you use and what are some of the brands that sell them?

 

[JoeMA]

Appreciate your response Hunter. I think that your business model--compete in niche areas where there are needs for better tools, rather than offer a complete line of tools--is a smart one. From online reviews, it appears that your products are superior to competitors. Great way for Motivx to become recognized as a high quality tool company and then easier to move into the more competitive tool categories.

I'm in for a filter wrench and drain tool for my Toyota.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Probably will be ordering the Subaru oil funnel soon. Why not have the the threads on the funnel be the same throughout all of the different applications and then just sell adapter caps separate for it? I'd rather have one funnel and multiple adapters for other applications than multiple funnels that don't get used too often.

 

[Motivx Tools]

JoeMA - Appreciate your response Hunter. I think that your business model--compete in niche areas where there are needs for better tools, rather than offer a complete line of tools--is a smart one. From online reviews, it appears that your products are superior to competitors. Great way for Motivx to become recognized as a high quality tool company and then easier to move into the more competitive tool categories. I'm in for a filter wrench and drain tool for my Toyota.

Thanks JoeMA! I think far too many companies (not just tools) are asking the question "how can I cut costs" rather than "how can I make this better".

Loscaldazar - Probably will be ordering the Subaru oil funnel soon. Why not have the the threads on the funnel be the same throughout all of the different applications and then just sell adapter caps separate for it? I'd rather have one funnel and multiple adapters for other applications than multiple funnels that don't get used too often.

Hi, Loscaldazar. That would be ideal, but it causes problems when selling primarily online as we currently do. For example the Subaru funnel is actually the Honda funnel (fits a bunch more too) with an Adapter. What we are going to do is offer the lower clear part for sale separately, since it's threaded into the blue upper portion. So once you buy the funnel you can just buy different lowers for it and change those out.

 

[Derek420]

Hello and welcome I like the matte chrome the best as every other company offers black and they all look same but will show oil staining more but you can wipe clean. The phosphate one looks nice to. I'd like to know if you will offer a filter socket for 2014 Chrysler town & country (Dodge caravan) I think it's a 24mm or 34mm can't recall. I had to change my wife's mothers oil and didnt have the socket I needed and ended up having to use a wrench and it didn't work good at all and marred the plastic cap up a little. Also I'd offer an oil filter pliers and the claw type removers as they are big now and I would look into the diesel and semi oil change market I can set you up with the right person at Lucas Oil Products Inc if you need an insight with an oil company that also has a truck shop and race teams as my wife's grandpa owns it. I will definitely be buying a set of the oil filter sockets.

 

[Derek420]

Have you thought about sponsorships and auto racing? Good way to get name out.