The HEXtension

[Chuck122]

I respect the viewpoint, but Shaun and I are here to humbly sell a tool we think is neat, not to get involved in geopolitical discourse. We'll gladly answer questions about the tool, the design and construction, the quality, and the many uses provided. Beyond that, I can tell you that Shaun was on the phone with no less than 8 US manufacturers yesterday in an effort to bring production to our own shores. It's something that we personally think is right.

My point is not about your product, it's just a hat tip to outlaw for not just saying "China=****, USA=gold" I think that his opinion is based on his ethics which makes it more intelligent than a judgment on the quality of the product

 

[dakotart1984]

I cant tell you how many times I've taken a pair of vice grips to a regular extension to get into weird places to get bolts out. I will definitely be interested in this, and it would definitely be in my toolbox if it was USA COO.

 

[-Brent-]

Maybe I missed it, but what's the reasoning for the rounded area in the mid section?

 

[Andrew_Logica]

Maybe I missed it, but what's the reasoning for the rounded area in the mid section?

Good question, Brent. The rounded portion in the middle of the 12mm body is for use with box wrenches, allowing you to turn the tool, slid up or down to the relief, reset, then come back up and turn again.

 

[coldfoot_luke]

Logica guys, just send a PM to Shaun. Get in touch, let's talk manufacturing methods-

 

[-Brent-]

Good question, Brent. The rounded portion in the middle of the 12mm body is for use with box wrenches, allowing you to turn the tool, slid up or down to the relief, reset, then come back up and turn again.

Ah, smart.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Hey Guys,

New site is finally up with a blog we can update with pictures. Sorry for the delay.

www.logicatool.com

I would like to add a link to the garage journal on our page as you guys (especially the admins) are some of the most knowledgeable around. All points said (both good and bad) will be considered in our designs. Remember, we are just getting started here, unlimited capital would be great but not yet

 

[oldldh]

What you fellows are trying to market is---

Damned Clever...

 

[Farmall450]

Ah, smart.

I was curious about this too, can you make one with SAE sizes when you start making them here?

That'd be great, thanks.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I guess all the metric dimensions are because most new cars use plenty of metric fasteners. I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out if I would ever be able to use this thing, but if I did I would want it to be SAE. But that's probably just me.

 

[Hantke]

Or an 11MM / 7/16" which would be the same could end this issue? (may be having a brain fart and thinking wrong)
Anyways, i appreciate it being metric (personally), even if i'm working on an old chevelle, i always carry metric with me. I do occasionally leave my SAE set at home though.
I will say, the chances of me taking the socket back off to slip a box end on it is extremely slim, and with a 15mm head i can't slip it on from above, leaving me with the open end only.
Not really a problem to be honest (i'd prefer to use it in that way anyways), i wouldn't see a need for the box end anyways, just a thought.

 

[-Brent-]

Metric doesn't bother me and I own a substantial amount of vintage SAE-only machines and pre-war automobiles.

The SAE-market is pretty small, comparatively.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Metric doesn't bother me and I own a substantial amount of vintage SAE-only machines and pre-war automobiles.

The SAE-market is pretty small, comparatively.

Yep, but remember your socket doesn't have to match your drive in this app.

Metric is also much easier to keep in tolerance during testing too.

Cars are sometimes mixed, but most newer vehicles use a metric standard.

 

[n8n]

1. Yes it DOES matter to a growing number of people, even if we are currently in the minority.

2. If made in Red China, I won't be interested at any price. Where there is any choice, I refuse to to do business with the largest slave state on the planet. period. Particularity since they are clearly waging economic war on this country on the backs of their own people. I have nothing against the Chinese as a people, their government is the problem.

If you MUST go overseas to start, go somewhere else; and there are plenty of places to chose from, even in Asia. Taiwan, S. Korea,,, do some research.

I agree with this, PLUS I know that there are Chinese companies that are capable of putting out an excellent product. I also know that some of those companies will only do so for a short time and then put out whatever's easiest/cheapest for them unless you institute a rigorous QC protocol and enforce it strictly.

I hope that that doesn't happen to you... would really like to see you succeed. I think that if the product takes off what you'll likely have to do is to random testing/inspection of the product when it gets Stateside and then distribute it yourself; tempting as it might be to let someone else handle the logistics there are many people who associate Chinese products with poor quality so any QC lapses could kill your rep for a long time.

 

[Givl Reggin]

the 12mm body is for use with box wrenches

12mm is an odd choice -- as not many 15/32" wrenches in todays sets -- you should use a common size that works both SAE & metric -- like;

7/16" & 11mm
or...
13mm & 1/2"
or...
9/16" & 14mm
or..
16mm & 5/8"

 

[Outlawmws]

That has to be the most intelligent COO argument I have ever heard on here. Congrats

I respect the viewpoint, but Shaun and I are here to humbly sell a tool we think is neat, not to get involved in geopolitical discourse. We'll gladly answer questions about the tool, the design and construction, the quality, and the many uses provided. Beyond that, I can tell you that Shaun was on the phone with no less than 8 US manufacturers yesterday in an effort to bring production to our own shores. It's something that we personally think is right.

I wasn't trying to start any geopolitical discourse (I like it here at GJ, and I'm not trying to get booted for getting into politics..), I was telling you that some people will have an issue with COO, whether it is similar to my viewpoint or some other view point.

The other side of the coin is many simply do not care about anything except the product and their back pocket.

You asked what the interest was, and seemed surprised COO was a potential issue. It can be, but it's all a personal decision. I've made mine...

 

[Outlawmws]

ps: more to the topic of the tool itself; you may want to look at a slightly more generous radius where the square drive meets the hex shaft. That is the main stress riser in the design. (as any ratchet manufacturer can attest. For catastrophic failure that's where it happens. See any of several manufactures vids where the ratchet is torque tested to failure...)

 

[Farmall450]

1. Yes it DOES matter to a growing number of people, even if we are currently in the minority.

2. If made in Red China, I won't be interested at any price. Where there is any choice, I refuse to to do business with the largest slave state on the planet. period. Particularity since they are clearly waging economic war on this country on the backs of their own people. I have nothing against the Chinese as a people, their government is the problem.

If you MUST go overseas to start, go somewhere else; and there are plenty of places to chose from, even in Asia. Taiwan, S. Korea,,, do some research.

Very well said. +1

 

[Outlawmws]

Yep, but remember your socket doesn't have to match your drive in this app.

Metric is also much easier to keep in tolerance during testing too.

Cars are sometimes mixed, but most newer vehicles use a metric standard.

I don't understand this comment. Care to elaborate?

 

[Andrew_Logica]

Great news, we've got some brand new pictures up for everyone to look at. This is our final design, so we'd be happy to see what you think.

http://logicatool.com/1/post/2014/04/newest-hextension-pics.html

 

[Andrew_Logica]

12mm is an odd choice -- as not many 15/32" wrenches in todays sets -- you should use a common size that works both SAE & metric -- like;

7/16" & 11mm
or...
13mm & 1/2"
or...
9/16" & 14mm
or..
16mm & 5/8"

Interesting idea. Most of our constraints came from what people will have in their tool sets, especially in ratcheting wrenches. Conveniently, the exterior edges of our tool are the same as an standard extension, just with machined flats. At the head of the tool we're limited by the size necessary to fit the hole for the 3/8" driver. Overall, it worked well dimensionally to go with 12mm and 15mm. That being said, I'm intrigued by your suggestion. Time to do more design work.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

I don't understand this comment. Ca re to elaborate?

When speaking over the inter-web with someone talking in factions gets lost in translation often. 1mm compared to 0.0393701 in in change because the prototype was off, ect.

Remember that this is the first tool out of the gate, hopefully not the last.

 

[thesilverone]

I like the Camaro

 

[Boost Creep]

i might be interested pending price. looks like it could make changing plugs in my yukon waaay easier

 

[Farmall450]

12mm is an odd choice -- as not many 15/32" wrenches in todays sets -- you should use a common size that works both SAE & metric -- like;

7/16" & 11mm
or...
13mm & 1/2"
or...
9/16" & 14mm
or..
16mm & 5/8"

I was also thinking this, when did you last use 12mm as well?

 

[Southernbuild]

Yep. Trust me we have interest from a number of companies, but not everyone has the capability to manufacture.

Thanks!

Also here is a picture because I don't want to hold if from you guys anymore. It's not finished but here you go... pre-heat treatment process.

Very nice looking! I'm defiantly going to be watching this thread, especially interested in pricing...

I have to second the comment not to use black oxide, if its not impact rated, (though, it would kinda defeat its advantages if you're using an impact), in my box, black oxide = impact, I'd rather not confuse things. It doesn't seem like chrome would be a good choice either for something meant to have a wrench used on it. I think your extension would look awesome with a satin finish.

In my option, COO doesn't matter much to most tool buyers. But, you are not marketing a product for most tool buyers; you are attempting to sell a product to professionals, tool enthusiasts, and advanced do-it-yourselves, among that group, COO is going to be a bigger deal. I don't think a USA stamp is required, but having it produced in a country with a strong history / track record of great tool making will go a long way for you.

As a litmus test, if you wouldn't be proud to stamp, Made in XYZ (country), on the tool, keep looking.

Speaking of stamping, I think having the makers name, COO, and relevant info, such as size, stamped into the tool is important. Laser etched labels look temporary, at least to me.

I wish you the best of luck, and am interested in buying some of your tools

 

[CJM8515]

Geez! These guys go a long way to make a tool that is something not done before really and is ingenious in many ways and many of you jump all over them. Its not USA made, why cant it be sae, blah blah. Why dont you give credit where credits due? They stuck their neck on the line to get this off the ground and made and so long as it works great then who cares where its made or what size it uses?

Do note the following: The computers many of you (including myself) are using to make these very posts is made from parts assembled and manufactured in you guessed it-CHINA! Also, Im not sure whose living under a rock here, but almost every car by now is metric for the most part. My SAE wrenches collect dust!

I applaud these 2 guys for thinking outside the box and making a product that I honestly will buy when it goes up for sale.

 

[n8n]

I was also thinking this, when did you last use 12mm as well?

You don't work on Japanese cars do you?

 

[Farmall450]

I don't understand this comment. Ca re to elaborate?

+1, high schoolers in my shop class with work out mills can easil hold a 5 thousandth tolerance. Easily. This is with OLD completely manual Bridgeport mills...so I think CNC could handle that...same as metric.

 

[Farmall450]

You don't work on Japanese cars do you?

Nope. I'm a high shook student, only skidsteers/tractors/Chevy trucks. Occasionally a Hyundai.

It's definetly not in my top 10 used sizes.

 

[Southernbuild]

I just looked at your site, three thoughts.

1. I see you do have the company name stamped / machined into the tool Interesting idea, adding the .com Probably a good idea as far as people finding your site goes.....but, it gives it a more "gimmicky" look. Just my thought, although using a web address is becoming more common place. But, at the end of the day, if I see your tool and want one, I'll probably google it, regardless of if it says .com

Also, maybe have the "Patten Pending" smaller; as is, its just as prominent as the company name.

2. The website font is sorta difficult to read, might consider readability over style here.

3. Stating that the finish on the tool isn't an additional charge, just sounds weird. Kinda like a car company advertising that their new cars do not have an additional charge because they are painted.

Not trying to be hard on yall, just throwing out some ideas

 

[Andrew_Logica]

Thanks for the suggestions, Southernbuild. We'll keep working to improve on it. Glad you got to give it the once over. Interesting comment on the finish, I hadn't thought of it that way.

 

[johndeereman]

great idea and product as it looks just a question will it be available in all 3 sizes 1/4,3/8,1/2''

 

[nmantas]

Weren't we promised pictures of the tool being actually made on the CNC?

 

[devoncoolman]

Cool looking. Agree with southern build. On the final product i would make patent pending smaller.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Weren't we promised pictures of the tool being actually made on the CNC?

On the blog give it a view, enjoy.

http://logicatool.com/blog.html

 

[n8n]

Nope. I'm a high shook student, only skidsteers/tractors/Chevy trucks. Occasionally a Hyundai.

It's definetly not in my top 10 used sizes.

Well if you did (work on Japanese cars) the 12mm would be one of your most used sizes; it's the standard size for a M8 bolt head in JIS (basically, in Japanese, it's as commonly used as a 13mm is for those of us who grew up working on German stuff.) So it's not really a horribly obscure size to use.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

Thanks for the continued PM's guys. Make sure to let me know you are interested and I will let you know once we are ready to release pricing and a ship date.

 

[-Brent-]

Provisional patent application, I see. Get onto shopping it, a year goes by quick.

 

[Shaun_Logica]

great idea and product as it looks just a question will it be available in all 3 sizes 1/4,3/8,1/2''

Good question. We are working on the other sizes, however are focusing on the middle ground for now.