Arrived in Mechanicsburg, Pa --- initial thoughts

Originally posted by William Adams

Mine just arrived, and it was quite pleasant to put all the bits in the leather case:

and as noted in another thread, I have a selection of Felo and other bits in Altoids tins --- I'll also be pairing this up w/ some drill and countersink bits and I'm going to be re-arranging my precision tool bag and frequently used tool roll around the Metmo Driver and Grip.

Thoughts:

• it's a bit disconcerting, possibly even disingenuous that one can specify anodizing of the aluminum parts, but then completely replace them w/ the stainless steel barrel and bit handle upgrades --- if those are going to continue to be offered, it would be nice to have separate SKUs for all the possible combinations. As it is, I'll be using the original barrel as a replacement part and putting the bit handle on my son's when it arrives (see the post here: Harlequin and leather – MetMo CubeClub Forum).

• it would be nice if spare/individual parts were available, esp. if they were blemished factory seconds at a low enough price to make putting a second unit together from such spare attractive --- the whole thing makes me want to see a "Harlequin" unit w/ a black anodized barrel and grey handle. EDIT In bright, direct sunlight one can see that the anodization is not quite the same for both handle and barrel --- a powerful argument for installing the stainless steel upgrade (or making it the default?)

• there was a bit of overlap in the add-on bit set and what was included w/ the unit --- more spares, currently stowed away in the box. EDIT: I used the two empty slots for the hex and Torx keys, so all slots are full.

• when packed w/o the spare parts the position of the hole for the strap made things a bit loose, so my OCD demands that I fill the two empty positions w/ suitable bits/adapters/extensions (but see below) EDIT: filled the two empty slots w/ the Torx and hex keys

• the case wants a leather flap to cover the bits --- a piece of leather which slips onto the longest extension to simultaneously protect it (mine already has some chipping to the anodization) would be a nice touch --- that will be a future project (in the meanwhile, just using a leather scrap and wondering if a chamois would be appropriate).

• it's big --- I think a slightly smaller version could be made and would sell well, and might make it justifiable to increase the price of the current unit --- while I was considering it, the Driver is not going into my EDC bag, just too large/heavy, but a smaller one would. If you're designing a smaller unit, it should be more symmetrical, w/ the handle being a complete rounded rectangle, and working as a cross when deployed, and protecting the ratcheting end when closed.

• the shiny/smooth fold-out steel handle is a fingerprint magnet, I kind of wish the outer edges were more rounded/textured, though the chamfering is quite nice, and that the hardware securing it was countersunk into it --- some sort of checkering would be a nice option, and I'm probably going to be subjecting mine to a diamond drag engraver (having the ability to buy a blemished steel handle would make that a slam dunk). I also wish that the handle was parallel, but I'm guessing it's a trapezoid for reasons (stronger/more resistant to bending, and makes slipping in/out of a case easier) EDIT: but it turns out the screws holding the handle weren't fully tight --- doing this has them nicely parallel and makes slipping in/out of the leather holster much easier.

• The screws holding the handle in place are a bit loose, and probably should be thread-locked in place --- I can loosen/tighten them by spinning the handle end-over-end --- should that not be done? EDIT: see above --- they were loose, and tightening them addressed this nicely.

• The outer portion of the hole on the end deforms to an oval from the bending/machining --- would it be workable to machine it as an oval which is narrower along the axis of the part and which would then open up to a circle? Again, looking at the end where the ball-bearing is framed by an oval offends my OCD. EDIT: Perhaps the hole could be made small to begin with, then drilled out to full size after bending?

• I agree w/ other reviewers --- the brass knurled knob for switching the ratcheting functions is just a bit too long --- perhaps the original form w/ the ball-end could be offered as an option? EDIT: also, mine wasn't screwed in all the way, and when it was, is a bit too long on the threaded end --- perhaps that could be peened in?

• The idea of checkering makes me wonder what sort of decorative appearance could be achieved by engraving the balance of the parts --- perhaps pair up w/ an artist who does such work?

• I'd love to see a leather case which accommodates the Driver, the bit extension/adapter kit, and an assortment of bits, and the Metmo Grip

Looking forward to your next project!

If you're still taking suggestions on it, I'd love to see a small double pinion egg-beater hand drill --- it kills me that Lee Valley's current replica is single pinion, and I can't quite justify getting a collectible Bridge City Tools unit, and my luck w/ vintage ones has not been good --- all of them seem to be awkward to carry, and it would be interesting to see one designed to fold/unfold for storage and carrying/usage.

Other tools to consider:

• some sort of vice grips/pliers --- Malco just crashed and burned on this, but not sure if that signifies an opening in the market, or that there's no room in-between/above China and German tools (one thing which I do have in my precision tool bag is a pair of small Knipex Cobra and Plier Wrenches) EDIT: Apparently Channellock is back on this importing from Spain

• some sort of measuring device --- surely this can't have peaked when Starrett created the combination square in 1879 --- I have a reproduction Stanley Odd Jobs paired w/ a vintage 4-fold rule, and every time I get it out I wish that there was an updated version which was as nice to use as my 4" Starrett combination square (and it kills me that I can't find a 9" one in good condition) EDIT: Interestingly, the Stanley Odd Jobs was patented in 1887, so was a reaction to the traditional combination square.