Core77

Andy Klein Invents a Hidden-Slot Screw With an Incredibly Sexy Operation Method

Would you buy it?

By Rain Noe - October 25, 2021

in Tools & Craft

Inventor Andy Klein, whose twin-turbo vise we looked at here, has come up with something insane: A large screw that appears to have no slot at all. So how do you drive the thing? He shows you around the 30-second mark:

Enter a caption (optional)

If you watched the whole video, you've seen his entertaining "treasure hunt" idea to gauge interest. And if you want to hear an update on the project, just yesterday Klein released a livestream on it here.

o
1

Favorite This
Q
8

Comment

Comments

Stan Spangenberg

3 years ago

Z

1Z

Reply

A lot off trouble (costs) for a one time assembly purpose. Just use a normal srew (bolt) and a pressed fit disk for the same look.

!Report as spam
GMID Inc

3 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Andy
Fantastic idea yet it appears that manufacturing costs and time will be initial and potentially ongoing stumbling blocks.
I have a couple of thoughts which I hope you find of some value:
1. One of the screws key selling points is its flat "presentable" surface. The extreme tolerances that are required to make the screw slot visually disappear are part of the screws cost and manufacturing constraints. Have you ever thought that just having a flat finish is more then enough? Why not make the recess cover of a different material and maybe a different vibrant color? Make its 'disappearing' act merely of becoming flat while its vibrant color shows there is something unusual below.
2. By using a different material e.g. plastic, you can 'simply' cast the recessing cover in a mold and (clip it to the spring below ..... excuse my design assumption).
3. A further line of thinking . . . . the bit / key to loosen / tighten the screw looks particularly bulky and heavy.
Why the fancy bit shape? Why not a standard flat blade (3/4") or standard Robertson (#4) bit? Are they not big enough for the torque you are expecting?
Could it be reduced to a bit that slides into the screw slot?
4. You have 3 magnets on your bit plate. Why not magnetize the bit so it holds itself in place in the recessed slot. As it would be a smaller and less powerful magnet, the strength of the spring that controls the recess cover needs to be scaled back.
5. Enough of these spurious thoughts . . . . . last one . . . how about calling them
"FlatFace screws" ? You could create and interesting logo style with that name as you have 2 Capital Fs . . . . (Google tells me that stand alone, the word 'FlatFace' has been linked to a fingerboard brand (miniature finger skateboarding) . . . . who would have thought!

Amen.

!Report as spam
Chuck Mack

3 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

A modified version might work for my direct-connect frameless table leg design. As it is, I use a custom turned bolt that tightens from underneath, no slot on top.
Yes, a bit high-end. Life is short but clever things last a long time.

!Report as spam
Donald Jones

3 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

Elevator bolt comes to mind, which I use to make my knock down sailmaking sewing table. Bolt is recessed and flush with the table top.

!Report as spam
Hans Marvell

3 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

I love this, we have just had a case in my company where this would be an excellent solution. However, the potential cost of the component and tooling will make this a very hard choice to justify when combining a whole cost list or a piece of furniture or a kitchen. I hope a hardware supplier sees this and has an idea how to bring this idea to market where it does not cost the earth. Also, I with the tool needed to tighten the screw was an existing standard mount like torque screws. Good luck to this inventor, the excecution is excellent.

!Report as spam
Billy Mack

3 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

I didn't watch the who thing. Is it done with a wire EDM?

!Report as spam
- Casual Marxist
  
  Billy Mack
  
  3 years ago
  
  Z
  
  Z
  
  Reply
  
  Without doubt EDM. Can't get those tolerances with any other machining operation.
  !Report as spam
Zach W

3 years ago

Z

Z

Reply

No I would not buy this.

!Report as spam