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A Removable Wall Hook, Yea or Nay?
Overdesign, or are we missing the point?
Enter a caption (optional)The amount of retailers selling those brass key hooks indicates they're popular. The utility of having something you can quickly hook and unhook, and their classic appeal, is obvious. Is there a modern-day equivalent?
A startup company called Dango Products thinks so. Their Loop Hook is a CNC-milled piece of aluminum, and they're calling it "a utility grapple that will hang on most ledges, rails and branches to keep your everyday carries off the ground and always in sight."
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Enter a caption (optional)It seems useful enough, and while the aesthetic and price point don't appeal to me, it was good enough to get Kickstarted and get the company going. We're always interested when design entrepreneurs start a company around a single, small, low-tech object, because it seems so doable.
Where it gets a little crazy for me is the version they offer with a wall mount, which raises the price from $25 to $45. This consists of an aluminum mount for the hook which you are meant to screw into a wall, and which is encased in either walnut, bamboo or more aluminum, and the hook slides in and out of it.
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Enter a caption (optional)I can't for the life of me think of why I'd want a two-piece wall-mounted system incorporating a hook that I could pull off of the wall. If I'm going to dig around for some anchors (or get the stud finder) and put holes in sheetrock, it's because I'm installing something that I want to offer permanent utility. This bracket just seems overdesigned to me. What say you?
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I was at a restaurant at a ski area in Colorado where they had designed hooks into the tables for your gear. Mittens and goggles and backpack could be hung there to drip while the table stayed somewhat clear. I've always thought it was a great idea. This portable hook is another thing to lose and somehow seems kind of awkward. The removable hook base doesn't appeal to me personally but I can see some folks who are insanely organized finding it helpful.
Maybe I am blind... or maybe this is something we just don't see in the UK... but I cannot see a use for this that would see me paying that sort of cash for a hook.
First and foremost, the Dango is a hook design, but most of the people commenting here are failing to see the other utilities that this product offers. Not only does it help hold your bag etc., but also your keys; allowing you to have all your items within sight. For most men, not having things bulge out of our pockets is a godsend. That being said, this tool also has a bottle opener, which appeals to most young working professionals who are out and about all the time. The design language is tactical, modern, utilitarian, and appeals to both sexes. Yes you can get a cheap $1 hook elsewhere, but this product is proudly manufactured in the US with quality materials and will last you a lifetime. Simple and effective.
I like the thoughtfulness that went into this simple product. I like that I wont have to "hack" a plastic trinket designed for a purse. I like the colors and branding. And I like that its made in the USA.
As has been said, I'm not the target for this market. What might be useful would be a wall mount that fits with a carabiner design. Many people use them for everything from house and car keys to climbing gear, and while you could put a utility hook in the wall and suspend the biner from that, the hook is there even when it's not in use. A plate mounted to the wall would be less obtrusive. Just a quick thought.
Products like this already exists and sells for less than a dollar on ebay. They're more feminine and called purse hooks, but it's not hard to hack this for the same purpose. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-Portable-Crystal-Purse-Handbag-Hook-Hanger-Bag-Holder-Foldable-Folding-FE-/331847084442?var=&hash=item4d43a0a99a:m:mboK6CmfHML1QGXJYixDuUg
Yes you could hack that but would you really sport that on your messenger bag. Dango target audience is for outdoorsy people that want a rugged light weight durable hook that is simple, clean and great looking.
Not to mention buying this along with a permanent wall hook will set you back less than $10
I'm into it.