The HEXtension

[Ryan]

So I got an email from the guy behind the extension you see above...The "hexed" one, not the typical looking chrome job on the bottom. And while I've never used or even touch...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.

 

[3baygarage]

Neat. Still takes a 3/8" ratchet. That's all that matters.

The whole tool is hex space to grip on.

Maybe add a little knurling where that ring is.

I can see people buying this.

 

[woodstockva]

I think that longevity would boil down to how the "hextension" is made. Most hex keys sold on the market today use bar stock that they cut to length and call it a hex key wrench. Hex bar stock is extruded through a machine (like playdough) and this process produces a softer steel. The result is that the ends round-out quickly.

For a long life, they would need to take the extra step to “forge” the hex shape into round bar. This gives a more precise shape and it makes a harder end which will last a lot longer.

The only company that I know of that forges their hex keys is BETA Tools. I would definitely be interested to see how it holds up in a shop environment.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I like it. It states, "HEXtension features precision CNC consctruction of hardened 440C steel. The machined flats..."

So, I did not see COO of this...Arizona maybe? that'd be cool. And how many dollars? I'd like to support these dudes that are working for their dream.

EDIT: I just called and spoke to Shaun. Really nice guy. I told him about this thread so he said him and Andrew will sign up and stop in to say hi and answer questions.

 

[Snappy]

I've never seen an extension machined that way either. It looks like it would come in handy in certain situations. I'm curious what the price of it is.

 

[-Brent-]

If the price is decent, I'd buy one. I can think of a couple situations where it'd be useful for me.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Hey Guys,

My name is Shaun and I am the co-inventor of the tool. It's great to get started with an awesome site such as this. I really appreciate Mohawk Dave giving me a ring. It meant alot.

We have a patent pending on the tool and it's an idea we have developed over about a year of yelling at bolts and fasteners under our cars. It really is our dream to start a company that concentrates on unique ideas and great customers.

To answer the question, we should have the first batch in by the end of the month. I am still waiting on the prototypes to test from the manufacturer.

We should have pricing soon.

Please let me know of any questions you have. We are excited to bring a tool to you that we have envisioned and finally created.

Thanks guys!

Shaun

 

[wvrailroader]

Something I could definitely use if the price was right.

 

[JDon99]

Interesting. I agree, the rounded lip between the 12 and 15mm hex needs to be knurled.

 

[Farmall450]

Hey Guys,

My name is Shaun and I am the co-inventor of the tool. It's great to get started with an awesome site such as this. I really appreciate Mohawk Dave giving me a ring. It meant alot.

We have a patent pending on the tool and it's an idea we have developed over about a year of yelling at bolts and fasteners under our cars. It really is our dream to start a company that concentrates on unique ideas and great customers.

To answer the question, we should have the first batch in by the end of the month. I am still waiting on the prototypes to test from the manufacturer.

We should have pricing soon.

Please let me know of any questions you have. We are excited to bring a tool to you that we have envisioned and finally created.

Thanks guys!

Shaun

What's the COO?

If it's china a lot of guys here, myself included, won't be very interested vs a US made one.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Hey Guys,

Trust me I want a USA made tool. I like to drive nothing but American Muscle (except my Aussie GTO lol). We are working on new manufacturing soon. It's really a cost thing for guys getting started.

For now it is a full CNC body (no dulled edges) via overseas. The hardened steel is made on a full 4-axis machine job so no welded or "pulled" parts. It increases cost, but the tolerances are kept much tighter.

We will always offer a money back guarantee.

We kept the only bevel at the top where there is a 18mm circular section that retains a 15mm wrench on top. The center section is for resetting a box wrench in confined areas.

There are 2 versions. One 100mm and a shorter 50mm.

Send me PM's so I can keep track of those interested when the first production is in.

Thanks for your support guys.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Interesting. I agree, the rounded lip between the 12 and 15mm hex needs to be knurled.

Thought about this, but knurling is only for grip. The hex grips better than any knurling.

I tried the tool with an oil and ****** change. Knurling works, but the hex holds your grip better.

Something to keep in mind though.

Great suggestion. Please feel free to post your comments.

 

[JDon99]

Thought about this, but knurling is only for grip. The hex grips better than any knurling.

I tried the tool with an oil and ****** change. Knurling works, but the hex holds your grip better.

Something to keep in mind though.

If anything, it would make the tool look nicer

 

[jim1987]

I like the idea and what its supposed to do. But I hate to be a sour grape, but what problem does this actually solve? I'm sorry I just don't see it.

 

[-Brent-]

Price point you're aiming for?

 

[slickgt1]

Ok this is cool, and I can't believe no one though of this before. Made in America would make it that much more special for me too.

I'm interested if the price is right. I have dome something similar to some old extensions so that I can put a box end on it.

 

[MISTERgadget]

I would prefer a 13mm hex on the shank so you can use either 13mm or 1/2" wrenches on it.

 

[compaddict]

I'm interested.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

I like the idea and what its supposed to do. But I hate to be a sour grape, but what problem does this actually solve? I'm sorry I just don't see it.

When you cant get a socket wrench head on the extension or find a "good" angle of grip.

I can't remember the number of times this has happened.

Anyone work on LS motors and think of spark plug 7 and 8 knows what I'm talking about. Swivel heads are nice, but you still depend on being able to put a head on there.

Also, think about oily environments. Circular, even knurled, get dirty and don't grip. A solid flat plane with an edge will always grip better.

You have new axis of grip that's lost with circular extensions.

Not a "sour grape" if you have a reasonable question. Thanks for the opportunity to explain.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

I would prefer a 13mm hex on the shank so you can use either 13mm or 1/2" wrenches on it.

13 mm is nice, but almost everyone has a shorty 12mm. It's pretty standard in every tool kit. Also, much more common to have a ratcheting version handy.

Also, 13mm is thicker than the standard circumference of the usual extension. We wanted to increase accessibility rather than match what was currently available.

15mm head allows for a substantial increase in leverage and torque ability with a longer wrench. Also this retains a reasonable thickness to maintain material strength without decreasing accessibility to the head.

Thanks!

 

[fitrider19]

I'm interested

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Price point you're aiming for?

Should have that info soon. The first production run is very expensive as you can imagine. We will probably look to break even (even take a loss) on the first few.

We will offer to you guys first on this board. Please PM me to keep me on track who needs a notification.

 

[johndeereman]

looks very interesting to me thanks for the info made here in the usa is even better.

thanks guys i think you have a good one here.

 

[Ryan]

Made in China, I'd still buy one at say $20 or so.

Made in USA... I'd prolly spend as much as $100.

I'm weird like that though... I think cameras should be made in Germany, watches in Switzerland, and tools in the USA.

 

[Ryan]

Just a thought, but I wonder if it would be helpful for these guys if we all chimed in with what the max is you would pay for such a tool given the product was imported or made domestically.

 

[rtole]

I for one am not as concerned with usa made if its a quality tool. However I wont pay close to usa built prices either if its not. I think its a good idea, and I could use them.........but extentions are one of those things that I dont see alot of people forking out for tool truck brands......so I dont think you could sell them for tool truck prices.

 

[Andrew_Logica]

Howdy folks,

I'm Andrew of Logica Tool and Shaun's partner in this whole crazy ride. I see Shaun has already been fielding questions, and he's far more versed on the technical side, so let me just start by offering a big thank you for your interest in our tools and for being so welcoming on your board.

As Shaun has said, interest in the tool has been increasing tremendously, which is great, but we're still operating within the constraints of our manufacturing, and so it will still be a while before we have pricing information for you as well as units to ship. Obviously we'll be working to make sure everyone here is able to get their hands on the tool first, and at a fair price that reflects the solid construction and versatility of the tool.

Let me be completely clear: our company wants to manufacture in the United States, and we will, even if it means our initial runs are made overseas. Because our tools are machined 440C steel, and because of our quality control process, I can guarantee a reliable tool that you can rely on in your home garage and your business. We stand behind our products 100%.

Thanks again for your support, and we look forward to what lies ahead.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

http://image.snapon.com/international/pdf/blpexth103_blpexth203_npa.pdf

I believe (but it's been a while) that apex owns the patent, from the 1930's on the full length version like you are making. A worthy tool indeed, but you might want to tune up your patent attorney.

Please understand that the vast majority of the world market enjoys a well made tool with a balanced price without regard to geographic loyalties.
Make a nice tool, ignore the supremacists.

Good.luck.

Thanks for the head's up. The entire length of the shaft has not been properly HED"ed" before. It's interesting. You can patent a design, just not an "idea."

You guys know your stuff. Thanks again.

We have a few more people in the notification waiting list.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'm a business man, so I'll throw out my idea. A hextension with the wobble style male end would be another way to add product lines.

I'd be in for $15 for Asian made, $25 for USA, but would want to see more information.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Made in China, I'd still buy one at say $20 or so.

Made in USA... I'd prolly spend as much as $100.

I'm weird like that though... I think cameras should be made in Germany, watches in Switzerland, and tools in the USA.

Yeah, I apreciate USA made products as well. I think most would have an issue with the $100 level

I can guarantee we will be well below that mark.

 

[slickgt1]

Made in China, I'd still buy one at say $20 or so.

Made in USA... I'd prolly spend as much as $100.

I'm weird like that though... I think cameras should be made in Germany, watches in Switzerland, and tools in the USA.

I would pay $100 only if it was absolutelly impossible to get by without it. But there is always a way we managed without it. Agree this would be easier, but not $100 easier. $100 would also limit their market way too much, for a startup.

Dont know what I would pay for one. Gotta see when a need would come up. A cheaper one most people would buy just for the why-the-hell-not factor.

I would easily scoop one up for $30 though. $15 for china.

 

[Ryan]

Totally worth $100 if you are trying to get plug #8 on a nailhead in a buick riviera... Trust me!

 

[devoncoolman]

Id most likely be in for a set. Post a new thread up on the board when they are ready to ship.

 

[619DioFan]

Will this extension be rated for impact tool use or hand tool use only ?

Will it come in all three main drive sizes ? 1/4 , 3/8 and 1/2.

I can see were being able to put a wrench on the extension body could come in handy but can also see were having an extension with a squared or hex shaped body may bind up against a component while trying to remove a fastener that is behind said component were in a round extension will spin ( while maybe rubbing ) against said component. video of this tool in action showing its versatility over a traditional round extension will go a long way twords its selling point.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Will this extension be rated for impact tool use or hand tool use only ?

Will it come in all three main drive sizes ? 1/4 , 3/8 and 1/2.

I can see were being able to put a wrench on the extension body could come in handy but can also see were having an extension with a squared or hex shaped body may bind up against a component while trying to remove a fastener that is behind said component were in a round extension will spin ( while maybe rubbing ) against said component. video of this tool in action showing its versatility over a traditional round extension will go a long way twords its selling point.

For now the tool is only for hand use. While it will take a good deal of toque, the impact wrench is not the true intended use. If you are using an impact, you usually arn't fighting for torque on a hard to reach fastener, you are usually outside the car with a 1/2" in hand.

But inside the engine bay or working on custom cars is a different matter. Having a new plane to apply torque to could change your day and save your knuckles

For now just the 3/8" extension. We would like to work on a 1/4" if the 3/8" proves satisfactory to everyone. It seems to bridge the gap for the most common issues.

Thanks again!

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Id most likely be in for a set. Post a new thread up on the board when they are ready to ship.

I will send me a PM to keep me up on the first come first served list.

 

[helterskelter]

Your tool doesn't look finished. There's no plating on the part and there's still visible swirls from the endmill. I assume it will be finished? 400 series stainless will corrode and pit out if you do not give it some type of protective coating.

 

[Fedwrench]

Although not hex shaped the full length of the extension, Toptul's wobble plus extensions have a hex shaped area around the female square drive end. Great for finger spinning or in a confined space, let you use a ratcheting wrench instead of a ratchet.

 

[Hantke]

I find it an interesting concept, and may be interested, but the best advice i can offer, take a loss on the first set, try and break even on the second, then work for profit on the rest. If you are trying too hard to break even on the first set made, they will either come out too cheap or kill people on the prices. That being said, you are in a unique place where you can experiment with the market and see what people are willing to pay.
Personally, if it was made in china, maybe $10-$15 because it really isn't all that complicated to manufacture. Willing to pay quite a bit for for a "forged in the usa" tool, especially if it came in a set.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Your tool doesn't look finished. There's no plating on the part and there's still visible swirls from the endmill. I assume it will be finished? 400 series stainless will corrode and pit out if you do not give it some type of protective coating.

You are looking at the prototype pictures. Final units will have a black oxide coating. The pictures should be replaced when we receive the latest models back. These units are also missing the center relief.

Thanks!