Tap wrench

[MMdesigns]

Hello
I am currently studying Product design at university and have chosen to design a tap wrench for my final year design as many of my friends (who are plumbers) constantly moan about how annoying tap nuts are and how the crow foot wrenches are useless.

I was wondering if anyone would be willing to give me some feedback about what they find wrong with existing wrench designs. I would also like to know if people have the same problems with the bearhug or jaw dropper designs ?

any comments are welcome

thank you
Matt Mannion

 

[migoplumber]

no problems with mine, any improvement would be to make them lighter!!

 

[NickH]

(who are plumbers) constantly moan

Well they wouldn't be real plumbers if they didn't

 

[Hugh]

go go gadget basin wrench mine is great had it from my apprentship, dont really like using anyone elses, my be put a light on it and a flow gauge so you could balance the hots and colds to the correct flow requirments, rachet mode would be hand too!

 

[Bernie2]

Usually the head works are to big to get into all washbasins or the fixed jaws don't fit the back nut. Also few go down far enough or open up far enough for many washbasin monobloc mixers.

 

[MMdesigns]

may be put a light on it

Nice idea

Usually the head works are to big to get into all washbasins or the fixed jaws don't fit the back nut. Also few go down far enough or open up far enough for many washbasin monobloc mixers.

this is the problem i am trying to solve and i think a couple of my concepts may do just that. i am looking into making it adjustable because the influx of forigen tradesmen has meant there are hundreds of non standardised fittings now used in the uk.


thanks for your help , any suggestions are welcome

 

[moorer]

Good idea. As a woman with small hands and not the greatest grip strength some sort of ergonomic handle would be good. If nothing else find a way to slim the jaw and get a light on it and I'll trial your prototype!

 

[MMdesigns]

an ergonomic handle is in my design spec

thanks

 

[JJayMan]

YOu could contact Tool manufacturers, that way you might get a prototype made and understand the costings in manufacturing such a tool.
YOu could try monument tools, they have a link on their website to allow you to contact them about your ideas, they will also then get the tool into circulation and help you to sell it.

 

[stevetheplumber]

since the average age of plumbers is increasing its about time some one put a light into levels im often struggling to see mine in darkish corners

 

[MMdesigns]

thanks ill check it out , i have to get some form of sponsorship or funding for my final exibition so they might be handy.

yeah i will most probably include a light as a few people have suggested it. i have to see what feedback i get from my official research

 

[alexclark]

I hate to say it but there are now tools out and coming out with extendable arms, thinner jaws, stronger jaws and better handles, i think the only thing you could do that isnt already out or coming out is putting a small LED on the end to light the area up.

i think there are other tools you could design that might be more benifical, id like to see a stillson with rubber teeth that doesnt scratch chrome copper or brass fitting...etc etc

 

[MMdesigns]

ive shown all the existing designs to my tutor and he still thinks mine will be as good if not better and im passed the point of no return. ive handed in my design proposal and am stuck with this project for the long haul

 

[MMdesigns]

Hi all , i need some help with a questionaire. i need as many plumbers as possible to fill in this short questionaire .

Its 8 questions , one minute long

Basin wrench Survey

Basin wrench Survey