The BottleBug tool features a 1/2" wrench opening in the bottle opener area and a small pry tip/screwdriver.
The Crawdaddy tool takes the concept even further. It is loosely based on a late 19th century or early 20th century antique wrench tool that a good customer sent me for my collection. The antique tool had machine filed teeth and showed evidence of crude forging. I updated the design considerably and limited the sizes to just six: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16. The two holes where his "eyes" would be are sized for a bead chain for a convenient neck carry option if desired. The Crawdaddy is just over 3 inches long so it will ride well on a keychain or in a pocket too.
One of the things I like about this series is that you can store any standard one inch long 1/4" hex bit that you want. So if you want Phillips you can have it. Square drive, Torx in any size, 1/8" hex if you want one for your Strider pivot, tamper proof bits of all kinds. There are literally dozens to choose from but I will be supplying a nice USA made #1 Phillips with these.
The O rings keep the bit plenty snug and the bit is accessible from either side so the tool is ambidextrous. The last O ring partially covers the 1/4" hex opening and so when you stick the bit in the hole, again from either side, the tension from the O ring holds it in and keeps it from falling out on the floor. The bits are easy to slip in and out of the handle "breech", and indeed it kind of reminds me of sliding a shell into a rifle or shotgun.
These are underway and should start to be available in a week or two. And I have a couple of related pieces in mind for the future so it’s going to be an interesting fall....I should also mention that these things have the highest Fiddle Factor to date of any of my tools. :)
VERY Cool! Excellent work as always Peter!
ReplyDeleteHey Peter,can you take a pic of the Crawdaddy with a quarter for a size reference,I can't decide if I want one in Ti or damascus ;-).
ReplyDeleteThanx
The BottleBug design is really inspired!
ReplyDeletei will be watching your site in the next weeks!
-best
-greg
The Crawdaddy looks great. If you can do a version in metric sizes, I'm in!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
ReplyDeleteUnlikely we'll see these in damascus but there could be some ti items at some point. Probably not the Crawdaddy but maybe the BottleBug or one of the other planned pieces. We'll see and it wouldn't be for a while anyway.
Metric is a possibility too. I'm thinking of maybe doing a double ended Crawdaddy with metric on one end and SAE on the other.
I'm at a loss for words. *Fantastic* design, sir.
ReplyDeleteI particularly like how you solved the problem of keeping the 1/4" bit secured--both in storage and when deployed for use. Quite clever.
Good Lord, should I just have my paychecks routed straight to you? :-P
ReplyDeleteThis evolution of yours is really one of the most fascinating things to witness I've found in a long time. You really should be very proud of yourself. These are fantastic!
You've outdone yourself as usual. Thanks for the sneak peek! -Rob
ReplyDeleteThat Crawdaddy is a real sweety.
ReplyDeleteGreat design work on both models.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks
Very creative and functional tools. Your grinding time has been well spent.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding as always Peter! Now I totally get what you were talking about with the key!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant - Sign me up for a metric Crawdaddy - Great bike tool !
ReplyDeletePeter
ReplyDeleteI bow before a developing genius. Souptree hit the nail on the head _ watching the evolution of your work is inspiring and awesome. Trying to think of new excuse for wife to explain purchase of Crawdaddy in high multiples for coooool gifts.
Best
Rick
Peter, you are a GENIUS!!! I mean that sincerely!! The stuff that you come up with amazes me!
ReplyDeletePeter I was thinking since you are in the mood for new idea's. How about something like the Micro Bug Out Blade, with "Prytips" and the same size as the "Mini" Son of Pry Thing. Now that would be cool.
ReplyDeleteJust curious, what do you personally carry on your key chain or in your pockets?
ReplyDeleteI carry a lot of stuff but it is always changing. Right now I have a Gasbaby, ti whistle anodized blue, Crawdaddy proto, Jetbeam AAA, AG Russell field tweezers, 2 inch Starrett machinist ruler, mini firesteel, handcuff key.
ReplyDeleteWow Those Talonite Mini Son Of Prythings Sold Super Fast. In like 3 minutes.
ReplyDeletePeter! THat BottleBug looks fantastic...you'll be getting yet another order from me....if I can get one in on time!
ReplyDeletePeter, any chance of getting a "plain" crawdaddy, without the scredriver bit? I think the piece is stong enough to stand on its own.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought of making a wedgie-like tool with the cutout for a bit?
ReplyDeleteWow -- just got my Bottlebug in the mail last night, and I can't put it down! I can't stop.....well.... fondling is the only word I can come up with. I guess that's the "fiddle-factor" you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThe design is even better than the pictures led me to believe. The picture doesn't appear to have a screwdriver tip on the longer end, but you beveled this one so that it does. Awesome work!
This is my first Atwood, and (like many others here) I'm now going to have to spend inordinate amounts of time watching your site, and send you money on a regular basis.
Damn! ...and thanks! ;-)
I was lucky enough to find a Bottlebug for trade (had to give up my coveted Nitecore Defender Infinity)...should be here by Friday. My first Atwood!!!
ReplyDelete