Tripod tool to replace Allen wrench

Interesting new tool for use with tripods. See https://www.thephoblog​rapher.com …sential-for-tripod-users/.

Someone with SPINN.DESIGN, the company that makes the device, needs to get their specs correct. It says the tool weighs 10 grams (1.75 ounces). 10 grams is about 1/3 of an ounce, there being 28.35 grams/ounce.

We are going metric of course, just doing it inch by inch.

Did I see the price right at $12? That is more than I paid for two sets of Allen keys of decent quality.

I could be wrong but this looks like a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.

This is better value,all the tools you need,
https://www.ebay.co.uk …ksid=p2057872.m​2749.l2649

Ever went into a kitchen store and discovered all the gadget that you didn't even know that you needed? They all work really well for one specific job. A herb scissor with 5 blades? This is what this wrench is reminding me: Designed to do one thing really well - but not that much better to justify the 1000% markup.

I like it. I find allen keys a pain to carry. This one will fit more conveniently in a few places I would like to carry one and it has an easy way of attaching a clip or tie.
Price is high compared to a set of keys but seems reasonable as it's a one off that will have a much smaller market than regular keys.

Weight is probably accurate. I weighed a 5/32 standard key at 8 grams. This one is smaller but has the handle. I would have liked the handle to be bright orange or yellow, even easier to find if dropped at night.

I'd probably remove the flat blade end to make it fully pocket friendly, I have found allen keys can make their way into inconvenient positions in pockets when squatting or climbing.

I use these: https://www.amazon.com …hvtargid=pla-627957513795

You can get them in various sizes including 5/32 and 1/8 inch sizes. They are hex dogging keys made for panic bars and other such egress devices, but they fit the majority of allen screws on most of the photography equipment I use and are not too expensive. The loop lets you put them on a key ring, a teather, or in your pocket without getting jabbed.

Another interesting tool but I have not tried it yet: https://www.amazon.com …d=1562372796&s=​hi&sr=1-22

Firemike wrote in post #18888751
I use these: https://www.amazon.com …hvtargid=pla-627957513795

You can get them in various sizes including 5/32 and 1/8 inch sizes. They are hex dogging keys made for panic bars and other such egress devices, but they fit the majority of allen screws on most of the photography equipment I use and are not too expensive. The loop lets you put them on a key ring, a teather, or in your pocket without getting jabbed.

Another interesting tool but I have not tried it yet: https://www.amazon.com …d=1562372796&s=​hi&sr=1-22

Cool. As a bonus, I could say I have bought dogging supplies

Choderboy wrote in post #18888479
I like it. I find allen keys a pain to carry. This one will fit more conveniently in a few places I would like to carry one and it has an easy way of attaching a clip or tie.
Price is high compared to a set of keys but seems reasonable as it's a one off that will have a much smaller market than regular keys.

Weight is probably accurate. I weighed a 5/32 standard key at 8 grams. This one is smaller but has the handle. I would have liked the handle to be bright orange or yellow, even easier to find if dropped at night.

I'd probably remove the flat blade end to make it fully pocket friendly, I have found allen keys can make their way into inconvenient positions in pockets when squatting or climbing.

It only has one size of Allen wrench. If all you need is that size, well, okay, but I need four different Allen sizes. And my requirement for a flat key calls for more torque that that tool will provide. Also, the bottom of the flat key looks straight, rather than the 25-yen coin curve that is ubiquitous.

This little tool has exactly the drivers and wrenches I need with one exception. I've got several of these in small tool pouches (with a wrench/plier/knife multi-tool, a 12-inch folding gray card, and a roll of gaffer tape) in each of my cases and bags:

https://www.performanc​ebike.com …ultitool-sd-bbmlt/p915866

The exception is that my six Manfrotto tripods need a special thin-walled 8mm socket wrench for the flip locks. I also have six or eight or ten (lost count) light stands that use the same size to tighten the locks. Manfrotto is the only source, so I've bought a passel of them and have one permanently cabled- attached to every tripod and light stand.

Yep, 1 size is all I want.

I use a SmallRig AAK2213 which has variable sized hex tools both metric and imperial. It's really for their cages but it has all of the sizes used on my RRS and Leofoto tripods. The Allen keys are stainless steel and the housing is aluminum and you can screw extras into one side of the housing. You can get good torque by finishing the tightening with the housing at a right-angle to the key in the screw head. It costs about $20.

One thing that I loved about my Linhof Profi head was it had a place to store an allen wrench

Wilt wrote in post #18900806
One thing that I loved about my Linhof Profi head was it had a place to store an allen wrench

Very fine head, too, just not a Arca compatible QR

Some of the RRS L-brackets (like the 2-piece I have for 1Dx) also have a magnet secured hole in the baseplate for an allen key. All of the Arca, Gitzo, and RRS stuff I have uses the same size, so it works out nice that my key is always with me as long as I have the camera!

The SmallRig tool set AAK2213 up in post #10 has been discontinued and replaced by tool set AAK2363, pictured below. The tools are identical. I also have what I would call a heavy duty version of this same tool set which I keep at home; AAK2373 which you can get from B&H for $45.89. I got mine direct from SmallRig in China for $23.00.

I got a three legged l bracket. it came with a molded carabener(?) It has a short allen key sticking out the end of it. you can ciip it to anything like the ring on the end of your sling. Or anywhere else.

So many other options with more sizes in the form of a pocket knife. I think that I have three that may have cost $20 total and I use them for car, home and photo applications.