Autofxnman - LM Wave Project (Another MPC custom)

[Metropolicity]

I spent some quality time at Princess Auto today (Canada's favourite discount tool/heavy machinery/surplus store and I found some inspiration for my next project (the Mjnonirman is on hold, waiting for a waterjet resource).

I present the Autofxnman, a comprehensive emergency automobile tool. I hope, if I am not too gaga over it, to keep this with a set of sockets, a bit driver set and a small ratchet set for a two sided bolt action.

Like all MPC (Metropolicity) customs, I'll show you every step of the way, and to start a list of wants, needs and should dos. And like every MCP custom, these are subject to change as the project progresses.

To remove:
1. Serrated Blade
2. Saw

To Add
1. Locking ratchet with a bit adapter to accept 1/4 hex bits (where the Serrated Blade would be)
2. Locking County Comm 3" straight pry bar

To Mod
1. A ground down universal 1/4 hex bit adaptor for the larger bit adaptor (inside tool)
2. Adding a little notch to the large flat bit driver as a little pry bar.
3. Taking out the sidewall of the wave to accomodate the ratchet.

I can't really think of much else to add, maybe MTO peeps can help out.

Here's a pic of the parts (minus the CC pry bar, still hasn't come in the mail yet).



Here's a pic

[trouthunter]

Instead of adding ratcheting socket wrench on the out side, have you thought about modding a ratchet to fit in the bit adapter.  I found these wrenches and have thought about getting one to modify.  Look at

http://www.topeak.com/products/Tools/ratchetrocket_lite?WYSESSID=19g1tidjhqt46hcl0ei2eq4333

One could easily grind and shape it to fit the bit adapter.

I googled them and found them at amazon and REI.

[Metropolicity]

Hmm...

interesting. I would worry about the torque on the little joint that grinding down the shaft would make. The ratchet I have can be modded that way.

I don't think the Topeak handle actually ratchets, it may just accept a 1/4 bit?

[J-sews]

The handle socket does not ratchet, but the head definitely does. The Topeak ratchet is absolutely top notch by the way. It rivals the Victorinox ratchet in terms of quality IMO.

Here's a thread from a couple years ago on the ratchet rocket kit:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,4908.msg81157.html#msg81157

[trouthunter]

It ratchets, I can attest to that.  I was at REI and they had it in stock.  It has quality to it.  I should be able to take some torque, even after a little grinding.

[Metropolicity]

INTERESTING!

I'll have to look into the Topeak dealio.

I went back to Princess Auto and found a couple more things to add. I found a different ratchet that had a solid steel handle. I chucked it up on the mill and shaved off a bit before using an angle grinder to shaped the sides. Slide in like a glove with a TINY bit of wobble.

I am taking a liking to it however, I am not sure how well it's going to hold up, I am still weary about the torque that its involved.

I also ground down that 1/4" bit adaptor which was MUCH easier.













In addition to finding the adaptors, I found a couple of security Torx bits. I have a couple of 5 point Torx security bits coming in the mail, that'll make for easy maintenance and modding of the older waves I have.



I am just waiting now to see where the County Comm order is and see what I can add to in place of the serrated blade now that ratchet idea has been moved to the bit adaptor.

[trouthunter]

That looks like it turned out better than I hoped for.  Question though, I need to modify a couple of bit adapters myself and yours have appeared to turn our rather nice.  What are you using to grind them?  I use a Dremel.

[Metropolicity]

I am using an angle grinder to do the bulk of the work and then my 1" upright belt sander (with a 200 grit band) to find tune it.

I found a dremel just didn't have the large enough tools to take off the material smoothly. I always gouge it, not to mention, take forever. It was $20 (the angle grinder) and the 1/8" cut off disc was 1.50

worth the time and effort, plus it's makes you look super manly when you throw sparks.

[trouthunter]

I think the belt sander is the difference.  I am using a pretty wide grinding wheel on the dremel and it can do a quick job, but it is is had to keep square.

[Metropolicity]

I've also had good success with a really large file with light strokes and constant checking.