Friday, August 30, 2013

M is for.....Metric!

Hi Folks,

Thanks for patiently waiting for new releases these past couple of weeks. I've been working steadily on numerous projects and have made a huge amount of progress. It's looking like September will be the busiest month of the year so far with a couple of brand new offerings and also some older ideas brought back to life. Exciting stuff is on the horizon once again!

I had mentioned today's tool on the Facebook group last week but didn't have a finished one on hand to post a picture. At any rate, I'm very pleased to bring this one back from the dead. Several years ago I made a series of tools called the Atwrench which many of you probably remember. I did a bunch of SAE version tools in steel and also made a few titanium pieces. Then I decided to do a metric offering and I made just one small batch of them in S30v steel. Needless to say, those metric pieces have been in high demand over the years and I have received MANY requests for another run of them or to make a brand new metric tool.

Well, for the past several years I have had an old titanium Atwrench sitting on my kitchen counter and it is a constant reminder to me of how handy this tool is. I have used it to pop more than a few beers of course but it has also been useful as a pry tool on numerous occasions. At 3.25 inches long (82mm), the size is perfect and the ergonomics are very satisfying indeed.

So earlier this summer I was going through some older drawings and I came across the Atwrench and Metwrench designs and it was yet another reminder to me. The time is definitely ripe for a revival of these great tools.

For this version I have left the original odd number Metric size wrench set in place. Wrench sizes are 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15mm. Up the road I may do a variation and try to include the most ideal frequently used sizes only but I'm not there quite yet. For now, the original wrench set will have to suffice.

Anyway, I played around for days with various configurations and ended up with a rather nice design update. This new tool features more aggressive, deep cut crenallations on the edges for a secure grip. The cap lifter is perfectly sized for smooth single pop action and I moved the distinctive "M" to the small end of the wrench set so it is less obtrusive and much stronger. Careful chamferring on all corners and edges ensure the most comfortable grip possible and indeed, this tool will melt into your hand. They are made of .160 S30v steel so have plenty of heft to them and they have been thoroughly tumbled to a nice stonewashed finish. All in all, a very satisfying tool and one that you will really enjoy carrying.

This is the first wave of the double sized batch. The other half of the batch is at heat treat right now and will be back in about two weeks. In addition, a double sized batch of SAE Atwrenches with the exact same footprint have already been cut and are getting surface ground next week. So the first of those will be coming in about 4-5 weeks. Lots of Atwrenches on the horizon!

The Metric Atwrenches will run $60 plus shipping. It's a one per customer sale and I'm doing this one early in the morning so our European, Aussie and Asian friends have a chance at them....
no worries, the next wave will be at a more West Coast friendly time, I promise. ;)


First wave is sold out, thank you so much!














                

17 comments:

Art V said...

nice offering Peter! score.

trevitrace said...

Lovely! Thank you, sir!

QVolve said...

Doh! Too late. Congrats all!

John A said...

I'm doing this one early in the morning so our European, Aussie and Asian friends have a chance at them....

...and those of us who work midnights!!! Score!

blaze818 said...

Soo Close!!

MH said...

Thanks Peter for bringing back a classic with some updates. Glad to have gotten one after missing the last couple sales.

Anonymous said...

Please consider making ONE tool without a bottle opener. Nothing I drink requires one, and I already have two of your tools with them. Just a thought.

Anonymous said...

Peter, Any update on titanium Ghosts?

Belush 2 said...

Whooo Hooo!!
This is such great news!!
The first run Green Ti Atwrench was my very first Atwood tool...needless to say...I have been hooked ever since.
So glad Peter has decided to revive this trustworthy tool.
(Obviously very worthy due to popular demand).
I carried mine for 3yrs before it disappeared...finally recently got a replacement from New Zealand.
Love the Atwrench design...it is a classic and my favorite design of all in recent years(except for the BigShots...of course)
Thanks Again Peter for bringing it back...hoping to score another!!

Peter Atwood said...

Thanks everyone!

No plans for ti Ghosts at this time...I still have a ton of steel ones to get through. ;)

Simon Brunning said...

Thanks for giving us a bite of the cherry over this side if the pond. I've been waking up to sold out offers for ages, but this time I was in luck. Delighted.

FuLaxAttack said...

CXC,look back on previous pages of the blog for tools without a bottle opener. Just a thought.

Unknown said...

Thanks Peter!!

Zag96 said...

Super-classic and super cool. My metric double header has served me well. Congrats to those who scored!'

olly1969 said...

I would love to have one

Nate said...

looks good.

Markdphotoguy said...

Just received my G2 Metwrench. My first Atwood tool. Can't stop holding it and wanting to use it. You do great work Peter, I'm happy my first Atwood tool was through PPT and not eBay. Cheers