A flat tension tool.

[Neilau]

A while back I was thinking of building a “Sharpie/Artline” pick set. Read several of the posts on these sets but they all had one problem.

The torsion tool. That L shaped little bugger just meant that it had be stored separately.

I have been thinking how to make a flat torsion tool and all the ideas were too complicated (hinges etc).

However I think I might have come up with something here.

I knocked up a “proof of concept” prototype and amazingly it works pretty well.

Like I said it is just a prototype made from bits of scrap and a piece of bicycle spoke. Someone with better tools (mini lathe, taps and dies etc) could make a screw in version that would be more stable and nicer to look at etc. Maybe a set of different thickness and length blades?

The blade and spoke could be threaded and I’m sure some of the metal workers could come up with better ideas.

The blade/s could also be connected to the handle by a small chain or something for storage.

It does what I set out to do and that is to have a flat tension tool by being in two parts that will fit into a sharpie with a couple of thin picks.

Posting this to get any comments on what you guys think – feedback?

Thanks.

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Plus latest hook.

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[Anarchy_won]

Very cool

[Oldfast]

Hmmm. An interesting thought there Neil.
Looking forward to seeing what becomes of it.

I do like the idea that you could have a variety of blades, but only one handle.
It's the connecting of the two that seems to be the biggest challenge.

[Neilau]

OF.

If I had some taps I'd thread the blade. Bike spokes have one end threaded so you could screw the blades on.

As it is the blade stays on the handle very well.

It was just quickly knocked up to see if it would work - it did.

With the right tools and skills, I think you could make a really functional set.

Its not to replace regular T tools just to fit into a "Sharpie" set.


BTW, stopped making picks from spokes. Like hack saw blades some are a lot stronger than others. New ones are quite soft and bend too easily.

[scudo]

That looks like a neat tool, Just wondering although well beyond my capabilities if it could be hinged in some way, thinking about the small hinges as used on spectacles.

[DCT]

I like it!
Way to think out side the box:)

[Neilau]

That looks like a neat tool, Just wondering although well beyond my capabilities if it could be hinged in some way, thinking about the small hinges as used on spectacles.

I thought about that but I was trying to keep it as simple as possible. The glasses hinge would probably work but then you are limited to one blade.

If the end of the handle was turned down to fit the hole exactly - that might work - or putting a little bend in the tip of the handle.

I think threading the blade to the handle would be the easiest and most versatile.

But like I said I don't have tools to do that.

Thanks for the feedback.

[rerun12]

ive given this thought myself and im looking forward to seeing what you come up with Neilau. im no engineer, and i m not sure if this will help but heres something might be worth looking into. kinda like how those flex keys work, modeled after the human spine:


heres the link to the site, gives a bit more info: http://geekdad.com/2014/12/spine-eyewea ... rfect-fit/

[Neilau]

Thanks Rerun.

An interesting idea but I'm afraid a bit beyond the hobbyist builder (or me )

The whole idea is to be as simple as possible and easy to make.

I'll get some spoke nuts and cut one down ans silver solder it onto a blade and see how that goes. Though drilling a hole in a flat piece of thin metal is about as simple as it gets.

Just an update. I've run through about 25 -30 of my locks trying it as it is and it has worked every time. I shortened the tapered end of the handle and put a small 90 deg. bend into it to stop it slipping off and falling into the key way. It also engages the blade a bit better..

Nice to see that I'm not the only one who has been thinking about this. It won't replace a regular torsion tool but for an emergency or "Sharpie" set might be just the thing.

Thanks to all who have responded.

[huxleypig]

Loving this Neilau, very nice solution.

What chance a smaller tip for TOK?

[Neilau]

Thanks Hux.

TOK tools are already flat -- except for the long reach end.

I suppose that if you had a means of fixing the blade tightly to the handle - by screwing it on - there is no limit to the number of blades of different thickness, width or length.

Make whatever blade you need. All it needs it a (threaded) hole.

With a TOK you would need to have the handle at 90 deg. to the key way but that wouldn't matter.

With a well made tool you could have just one handle and any blade that you liked.

Anyone out there (with the right tools) like to make a threaded blade and handle to test it out. Wouldn't take long - I imagine.

I know you're out there. seen your work.

I also know it works, just needs to be "polished" up a little.

Anyway, thanks again for all the feedback.

[jimylongs]

Awesome idea. I wonder if you use a thicker piece of material for the blade portion, maybe like .040 or .050 thick, if you could tap threads into it enough to hold alright. The Peterson prybars are .040 and .050 I believe.

[scudo]

Possibly another way.
A threaded handle at the tip with a flange on it.
Slide the tension tip down on to it.
Then a lock nut to tighten it against the flange.

Too fiddly for me to achieve but could be possible.

Drawing not to scale.

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[Doogs]

I like the idea Neiiau. I'm always looking to make my kit smaller and the wrenches are a pain as they take up so much space. I think keeping it simple and tapping the ends and using the spokes threads is the way to go. Sweet and easy and just a matter of finding the right tap.

[Neilau]

Awesome idea. I wonder if you use a thicker piece of material for the blade portion, maybe like .040 or .050 thick, if you could tap threads into it enough to hold alright. The Peterson prybars are .040 and .050 I believe.

Jimy.

I don't see why you can't use any thickness, shape or length you like.