Review of Omikron's KeBump tool

by **digital_blue** » 13 Jan 2006 15:10

Well, I've had some time now to experiment with this tool and am now ready to share my thoughts.

First let me say simply that this is a pretty good tool. The material of the striking surface is perfect. It does the job well; far better than the handle of a screw driver or other such implement. The rest of the review will offer comparisons to the original Tomahawk, as that is what it is modeled after.

The very first thing I noticed was that the handle is a bit shorter than my Tomahawk. I did find this a little less than ideal. Actually, my biggest beef is that the handle does not curl back like the original. Until using this tool I'd never really noticed what a difference in comfort the curl on the handle provides. It's presence allows you to hold the handle with a looser grip while still maintaining control. I did find that lacking this curl on the KeBump I was forced to grip the handle a little tighter and the comfort was compromised somewhat. This is not a tremendous problem, and did not make the tool totally undesirable by any means, but the difference was noticeable.

The handle of the KeBump is also made from a different material than the Tomahawk. Properties are similar, and I'm not sure that the differences were particularly noticeable, but it's something I thought I'd mention. I really didn't see any pro or con to the different handle material.

One other small alteration I would have liked to have seen is with respect to the method in which the handle is affixed to the striker. Like the original, there is a screw that holds the striker to the handle. However, unlike the original, this is all that secures the striker. This means that after some use the striking surface can pivot somewhat. From speaking with Zeke79 I know that he encountered this as well, and was able to easily rectify this with some two part epoxy.

So, my recommendations for future improvements on the tool would be a slightly longer handle with a curl on the end for support, and the addition of some two part epoxy to the striking surface before securing with a screw.

But, having said all that, the tools is effective just as it came to me. Far better than the MacGuyver tools I'd used in the past and well worth considering for those who wish to further their bumping skills. Some slight modifications on Omi's part would make the tool that much better, but I'd still offer that if you're used to using a screwdriver handle right now, you'll likely see a vast improvement in your success rate with this tool.

It's a nice piece of work Omikron. Thank you!

db

by **Omikron** » 13 Jan 2006 15:50

I'd like to address some of the issues that I've been aware of, and that you've touched on. The second design, which is already at the factory, incorperates a longer handle, and a bend at the end for comfort. Additionally, the screw is going to be eliminated completely and bonding will be achived via a chemical bond stronger than the material itself, so it will not come apart. The material of the handle is going to be changed to accomodate this.

One question, though: I know that the original Tomahawk has a hole drilled near the base of the handle. I assume this is for the purpose of hanging the tool on a hook. Is this a feature that is desirable? If so, I can have it drilled during the manufacturing process.

Any additional suggestions that people have are always welcome, as I am still aiming to have full production ready by the end of the month.

by **Omikron** » 13 Jan 2006 15:51

By the way, in case anyone was wondering, I named it the KEbump tool because the driving scientific concept behind it all is Kinetic Energy, or, K.E.

by **Omikron** » 13 Jan 2006 15:56

One more thing I'd like to inquire about, db. Although I am aware of the POSSIBILITY of the striking block rotating during use, I have not experienced this in the least with the prototype that I've been using for about two months or so. I screwed those down pretty tight.

Have you actually experienced this issue, or is it just a concern over the design? This is going to be a non-issue with the final design, but I am curious.

by **digital_blue** » 13 Jan 2006 16:25

No, I can't say that I've experienced any rotation of the striker as of yet, but I can twist it gently with my fingers and see some rotation. It occurs to me that it is bound to loosen up over time. I could be wrong mind you. I have not yet done the alteration with the epoxy on mine, so I could hold back. But then again, as you say it won't matter with the new designs. I'm glad to hear that you're planning these alterations. It will make this already effective tool that much more comfortable.

As far as a hole in the handle, my personal opinion is that this is a minor point. If I wanted one, I'd be perfectly capable of drilling one and wouldn't fault the toolmaker for not having it there. However, I suppose some might prefer it. Is there any chance that the hole will lead to early breakage of the handle though?

db

by **Omikron** » 13 Jan 2006 16:32

digital_blue wrote:No, I can't say that I've experienced any rotation of the striker as of yet, but I can twist it gently with my fingers and see some rotation. It occurs to me that it is bound to loosen up over time. I could be wrong mind you. I have not yet done the alteration with the epoxy on mine, so I could hold back. But then again, as you say it won't matter with the new designs. I'm glad to hear that you're planning these alterations. It will make this already effective tool that much more comfortable.

As far as a hole in the handle, my personal opinion is that this is a minor point. If I wanted one, I'd be perfectly capable of drilling one and wouldn't fault the toolmaker for not having it there. However, I suppose some might prefer it. Is there any chance that the hole will lead to early breakage of the handle though?

db

The hole would be drilled so low on the handle that there would be no flexing of the material in the area. I don't think this would affect the integrity of the material.

by **devildog** » 13 Jan 2006 18:55

When can we get one? How (a website with a simple paypal setup, hopefully)? How much?

And why isn't it ready yet, you lazy @#$@#??!?!?! I want one! NOW NOW NOW!!

by **digital_blue** » 13 Jan 2006 21:20

Awwww... dd... you know... you're really makin' me feel bad about having one of each right now. Honest. It just tears my heart apart.

db

by **devildog** » 14 Jan 2006 6:05

It would have been funnier if you had just taken a picture of it while 'pointing' at it

Hey, why don't we have any pictures of this thing anyway?

by **Chrispy** » 14 Jan 2006 6:16

devildog wrote:Hey, why don't we have any pictures of this thing anyway?

Sir, I concur.

by **digital_blue** » 14 Jan 2006 13:02

Well, I figured that if Omi wanted pictures of it on the site just yet, he'd put'em here. I had considered a "pointing" picture for you dd, but couldn't be bothered. Plus, I think it's your turn.

I think we'll need to get more creative with the "pointing" pictures. I think my next one will be a bit more subtle. Perhaps something like a "Where's Waldo" pointing picture.

db

by **Omikron** » 14 Jan 2006 18:13

I'm fairly certain that I posted pictures AND video in THIS thread. That is what db has. If you want pictures of the final design, you will have to wait. :-P

...and in case you missed it, I'm waiting for zeke79's final review before I send the new design into production.

by **zeke79** » 16 Jan 2006 17:46

Review to come tonight. I have been doing some side by side testing of the KEbump and the Tomahawk that has involved bumping several locks and averaging the strikes to open each lock across a number of attempts with each tool. I will post my results tonight when I get home from work, but I can already say that the success rate is just as good as my Tomahawk. When Omikron adds the final bend on the end of the tool it will be just as good in my opinion.

by **Omikron** » 16 Jan 2006 18:20

zeke79 wrote:Review to come tonight. I have been doing some side by side testing of the KEbump and the Tomahawk that has involved bumping several locks and averaging the strikes to open each lock across a number of attempts with each tool. I will post my results tonight when I get home from work, but I can already say that the success rate is just as good as my Tomahawk. When Omikron adds the final bend on the end of the tool it will be just as good in my opinion.

I'm glad to see you're doing well, zeke. :-D

I'm sure everyone here is eager to hear your results.

by **devildog** » 16 Jan 2006 19:48

Especially you, you greedy little capitalist!

Hehe, that's ok--I'm a greedy little capitalist, too!

Review of Omikron's KeBump tool

Review of Omikron's KeBump tool

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