MLCT Crony Passaround

Benner · **Reply #90 on:** January 07, 2009, 02:48:31 PM

Quote from: glorn on January 07, 2009, 02:45:22 PM

Perhaps the magnifier could be easily removed/replaced? This would not only solve the issue of potential damage under hard use (ie: hammering on the tool), it would also increase functionality to be able to remove it and use independtly of the tool.

If done right, the mag could be sized so as to match a common small compass brand, thus offering the user the option of compass, mag, or nothing at all.

Perhaps a retention ring of some kind with a single small screw to hold things together?

Now I like that idea!

But wouldn't the tool itself affect the compass's accuracy?

DoughDTD · **Reply #91 on:** January 07, 2009, 08:12:15 PM

Compasses don't work too well when in such proximity to ferrous metals, if I'm not mistaken. We actually threw that idea around for a while, but decided the compass would loose its functionality over time. I like the idea of a possible replaceable magnifying glass, but it might complicate the assembly and manufacturing process beyond some of our capabilities.

-Dough

jzmtl · **Reply #92 on:** January 07, 2009, 08:42:39 PM

If not too late add me to the last leg of not u.s., so after the euro guys are done they can send to me, and I can send it back to you.

DoughDTD · **Reply #93 on:** January 07, 2009, 08:52:21 PM

Dont you think id be easier for the US guys to send it to you in Canada?

We can figure it out, I'll add you onto the last leg of one of them to make sure you get a peek.

-Dough

jzmtl · **Reply #94 on:** January 07, 2009, 09:10:24 PM

I think it may be easier to have only one go through customs instead of both. I'm not in a hurry so I can wait for the not u.s. one.

donvito · **Reply #95 on:** January 09, 2009, 11:26:21 PM

Just got the Crony from Andrew along with 3 printouts describing the features, but the mailing list was missing. Just wanted to know who's next on the list.
Thx V.

Neil · **Reply #96 on:** January 10, 2009, 03:58:14 PM

If the Terminator was a rabbit, this'd be what its skull looked like. I mention this because I'm having issues remembering the thing's name from one moment to the next even when it was sat in front of me. MLCT Crony is not tripping off my tongue

I've nicknamed it ROB (Rise Of the Bunnies). One syllable and three letters I can remember

Getting people to recognise and remember the tool is important if you want to market it and that brings me straight to that big hole in the middle. On a practical front I don't believe a magnifier has any business being integrated into this tool. I like and use the magnifiers on my SAKs frequently but I can't see me going for this tool for that requirement. This is a hard work tool and a fragile lens is not a good idea, its going to get hit, dropped and walloped. From a marketing perspective though its a superb idea. As Ben mentioned, people will then recall the tool as being "the one with a magnifier". It'll look good and make it unique among its contemporaries (hope I spelt that right).

The ability to add a split ring would be good. I know you could put a lanyard through the hex hole but how about a little hole drilled through ROB's nose?

Back to useage...

- The screwdriver whilst a little cumbersome will do the job, I realise almost any tool design on a small flat bit of steel is going to be a compromise so I have no criticism in this area. Don't shorten it though!

- I popped a security torx bit into the appropriate hex shaped hole and took it for a whirl on the back of my recently defunct set-top box. It was awkward but did the job. Its a hole, you lose nothing by including it and who knows, maybe one day you'll have nothing with you except a ROB and a few bits. Should you need the space for another feature though then give it the boot.

- Whilst you're not going to take down a garden shed with this little tool, the prybar aspect works well for a tool of this length. My only bit of constructive criticism would be to make sure the outside corners of the prying end are smoothed off on the production model as they do jab into your hand whilst using the screwdriver. I'd check the width as well, to ensure that each prong will fit under common staple sizes.

- The bottle opener works OK but I would just increase the distance between the hook and the prying part a fraction.

- Lastly the wrench. On the few bolts I had that fitted it worked great. I'm assuming this is a metric versus imperial issue but almost all of the bolts I proffered it wouldn't fit

So would I buy one? Its great to see innovation and I wish you great success but the wrench is a deal killer for me I'm afraid.

I would like to thank Dough for this opportunity to see and handle a tool during the prototyping phase, its rare to get the chance.

Neil

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #97 on:** January 10, 2009, 04:48:31 PM

Great review, that's the good thing of a pass-around of the protoyype,Reviews like yours will help him fine tune it,and the final product will be a winner!

Benner · **Reply #98 on:** January 10, 2009, 06:30:39 PM

I agree, a great review.

DaveK · **Reply #99 on:** January 10, 2009, 07:51:11 PM

Well I have the UK Crony here, in my hand right now, so I'll be adding my thoughts in the next day or two. My initial thought is that I like it

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #100 on:** January 10, 2009, 10:56:54 PM

Great write up Neil mate

Benner · **Reply #101 on:** January 10, 2009, 11:30:35 PM

Just a few pics I didn't post before;

DoughDTD · **Reply #102 on:** January 11, 2009, 02:11:21 AM

Thank you guys very much for all of your comments and suggestions, especially NKB for a wonderful writeup and review. I will say that both tools sent out were Imperial or Standard sized, and I will also be making a Metric wrench for you folks over the pond! I threw around the idea of doing many little teeth on the wrench like the Latshaw Pocketwrench, but I decided it would be better to have stronger, well defined sizes for standard or metric, depending on customer preference. Also, the way its looking, is that the ruler will only be one sided, so it wont be 2 inch AND 5 cm, but it will be a choice of the two. The logical assumption would be if the wrench is Standard, then a 2 in ruler will be scribed on, and the same goes with metric wrench and 5cm ruler. I'm very torn on the magnifying glass, and we still have to go into more details with wether or not we want to keep it in the final product. We are also going to figure out what the best way will be to attach it to a keyring or something. Again, thanks for all your comments guys!

-Dough

PS. MLCT, or Morrow & Lamb Custom Tools, is just the name of our company. "The Crony" is the name of the tool. A crony is someone who follows you around and does your dirty work for you!

Neil · **Reply #103 on:** January 11, 2009, 02:30:40 AM

I'm guessing the vast majority of your sales will be domestic so I didn't think you'd do a metric variant. Have a cold one

I agree that a 5cm ruler would make sense on the metric stepped tool, I can't think that I've ever measured anything in inches.

Quote

"The Crony" is the name of the tool. A crony is someone who follows you around and does your dirty work for you!

That works, it does. I just like the idea of it being the ripped off head of an evil cybernetic bunny

What? ... No I haven't been drinking

Keep up the good work

Neil

AndyTiedye · **Reply #104 on:** January 11, 2009, 05:00:18 AM

In the US, we typically need both metric and "English".

Poncho65 · **Reply #105 on:** January 13, 2009, 12:00:17 AM

Quote from: AndyTiedye on January 11, 2009, 05:00:18 AM

In the US, we typically need both metric and "English".

That means we will have to get one of each

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #106 on:** January 13, 2009, 04:07:20 AM

Quote from: Poncho65 on January 13, 2009, 12:00:17 AM

Quote from: AndyTiedye on January 11, 2009, 05:00:18 AM
In the US, we typically need both metric and "English".

That means we will have to get one of each

DoughDTD · **Reply #107 on:** January 13, 2009, 09:01:11 AM

Quote from: Poncho65 on January 13, 2009, 12:00:17 AM

Quote from: AndyTiedye on January 11, 2009, 05:00:18 AM
In the US, we typically need both metric and "English".

That means we will have to get one of each

Good man!!!

Actually, what I think I'll go about doing is designing a whole new tool. For people who use MOSTLY english or standard, but want both, then you can get the English/Standard Crony plus this newer tool with a metric wrench, ruler, and some DIFFERENT features. This way, you wouldn't be carrying around redundant tools, but still get the added bonus of the metric wrench and ruler. I'll do the same thing but reversed for our folks over the pond or anyone who would require Metric units first and foremost. So the offerings will probably be as follows :
MLCT Crony - Standard Wrench, 2" Ruler, and all the other features
MLCT Crony - Metric Wrench, 5 cm Ruler, and all the other features
MLCT "InsertNewToolNameHere" - Standard Wrench, 2" ruler, and different features than the Crony
MLCT "InsertNewToolNameHere" - Metric wrench, 5 cm Ruler, and different features than the Crony

Of course, you are all welcome to just buy a Crony in Standard sizes and Metric sizes, but that would seem a bit redundant to me. This new tool hasnt even begun the design phase yet, in fact I just got the idea for it as I wrote this post, so in the next couple weeks I'll probably start a new thread with the ideas for that new tool and look for your feedback there (as to what you would like to see in that tool that the Crony doesnt have)

-Dough

donvito · **Reply #108 on:** January 20, 2009, 03:40:14 PM

Crony is on it's way to Terry aka NutSak. My review along with some pics I snapped will follow. Thx for the opportunity to test the tool.

donvito · **Reply #109 on:** January 25, 2009, 03:16:07 AM

As promised here are my though on the Crony.

First impression picking it up was that the tool is thick and feels very solid. It sits well in the hand and none of the multiple sharp corners gave me any major problems when handling the tool.

Features: The philips/flat head combo (used to using one on vic sak can openers) performed well on screws, the metal did show a few signs of stress (assuming the prototype is made out of softer steel, and the production model will be stronger) but it did do it's job. The wrench is a nice feature and did turn a few nuts. The hex driver didn't get any use by me, nether did the wire gauges. The bottle opener worked fine, and the pry bar was able to lift a few things I got to try it on.

Now to the giant empty hole smack in the middle screams magnifier

it will make the tool unique and the tool being on the thicker side will allow the lens to sit deep enough offering it some protection. I'd like to see a ruler on it, with both metric and imperial measurements on the same tool. A "sacrifice" for a universal type of wrench would ease the logistic problem, and "one tool fits most" in something this size will not raise any complaints. A separate hole for a key ring is a must. Some type of a retained for the hex bits would make it more useful, and if the pry bar be sized for the common staple will give it an additional usage (as suggested earlier).

I do like the tool and would like one when they start coming of an assembly line

hope you can keep the price on the affordable side I still have other tools to buy

.

Thank you again for the opportunity to test and review your tool, good luck and all the best V.

donvito · **Reply #110 on:** January 25, 2009, 03:18:06 AM

Uno mas

DoughDTD · **Reply #111 on:** January 25, 2009, 04:52:50 AM

Thanks for the review! I'm very glad to have all of you're input guys, and you're feedback will be very beneficial in tweaking the design of the final part. We are very close to beginning our production run, but I think I'll try and compile a giant list of everyones ideas and see if we can do a small discussion at the end. Thanks again!

-Dough