HEX RATCHET
A holder designed to securely grip an Allen key, allowing the user to fasten hex bolts without the hassle of constantly repositioning the Allen key.
DESIGN BRIEF
To design an Every Day Carry (EDC) tool for a target market of our choosing.
The design constraints were the tool needed to have at least one metal component, as well as a textile component.
FOR IKEA FURNITURE ASSEMBLY
This product is targeted towards individuals assembling IKEA or Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) furniture. This user group is primarily made up of students/young adults, though these items are used by people of all ages.
The majority of this kind of furniture is held together by socket bolts, and each piece of furniture comes with the appropriate Allen key(s). More often than not, these Allen keys are difficult and frustrating to hold and use, and make the building process much longer and more difficult than it should be
COMPONENTS
There are three components to the tool:
The Top - a screw cap that secures the key to the tool.
Ratchet Driver and Grip - a ratchet taken from a screwdriver, securely fastened to a lathed aluminum handle with milled grooves for grip.
Connector - The midsection that has a milled channel, allowing a #2 to #8 Allen key to be secured.
The case is a 3D printed hardshell plastic covering with canvas sewed onto it. The top and bottom friction fit together via the foam insert, which is soft foam carved to fit the tool.
The tool was designed to be able to hold an Allen key from both the long and short side.
