Beer-Claw, A New Spin on a Bottle Opener

I like it, reminded me that I have 1 red stripe left in the fridge!

-- I have Carrie, food, shelter, and wood to turn. What else do I need? Zeke Willard

Love it. Not putting it down or anything, but i would look at using slightly smaller screw heads at the end closest to the claw. To me it looks just a little underdone with the screw head hanging off the edge. On a side note, speaking of frdges, have you thought about pocketing and installing two small rare earth magnets on the hidden side of one of the halves to make a version that would stick to the fridge?

Again well done and great idea and use of your cnc.

Daniel

Love the shape and design! (ditto on the smaller screws and magnet idea)

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Van Gogh -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

I like these as well and thought the same thing on the screw. I mean no disrespect as I really like them. I love Paduak….. Great work and look fwd to seeing more

-- Ken, "Everyday above ground is a good day!"

Very Nice…...my question is this – being aluminum, will the bottom claw wear down in time???? Depending on the alloy, aluminum can be somewhat soft…..not much force being applied, but one can never tell…

By the way, I also like the magnet idea…....maybe you could recess them on the inside of the grip before you install on the tool (keeping them from view altogether)

-- Measuring twice and cutting once only works if you read the tape correctly!

Now what makes you think that woodworkers would have a beer handy and need a special tool to open them? My Father showed me how to pop the top off an ice cold bottle of beer with a masons trowel 60 years ago. Well, at the time I learned on a Coke, but the principal is the same. You hold the bottle in your weak hand with your fingers near the top, then use the edge of the trowel to pry under the lid, while using your finger as the fulcrum for the lever (trowel). A pocket knife, claw hammer, or any flat surface will also do the trick. LOL

I like the design and craftsmanship of your opener. Great project and thanks for posting it!

I hope you sell a lot of them! You could cut a logo or business name & phone number in them and sell them as business cards. I’m impressed!

-- Hal, Tennessee http://www.first285.com

This is why I posted this here, because you guys have the greatest comments and feedback. Thank you!

I have definately heard a lot about the oversized screws that hold the grips in place. I’m definitely going to make the production model with smaller hardware. Great observation!

I LOVE the idea of the magnets, and I think I might just include them. I had heard that idea once before, but since you guys seem to agree, I’m confident it’s a good idea. Thank you again!

As to the strength of the Aluminum, I thought the same thing when I first started working with the material. Now I’ve gotten used to it, I’m blown away with it’s strength and durability. I have no fear that the blade on the claw will ever wear down to the point of deformity. Excellent question though..!

Lastly, I have every hope to seel these things to businesses in bulk, with their logos/info on them. Know of any one who needs a thousand bottle openers?

Thanks again everyone, and please keep the comments flowing. I love your feedback. BTW, so far the response on Kickstarter has been fantastic. Feel free to check it out, here.

-MC

-- MC Creations, www.creationsbymc.com, www.beer-claw.com

Have you considered rivets like one would use when making a knife? It shouldn’t be too difficult to change that out. Also, have you considered a little higher degree of polish on the aluminum? That would really make it “pop” against the gorgeous wood handles.

-- Shawn DuGay, Wallingford, CT http://www.bigdogwoodworks.com

Nice!

I agree with the smaller screws, magnets and logo.

-- Dan I.G.N.

Just ordered the smaller screws with tiny binding posts. I’m still searching for rivets, but the only ones that will work with the material on McMaster-Carr have a cap that is the same size as the ones I’m using now. I like using the binding posts (very high-end for such an inexpensive item), but each one is over a buck, which really hurts the bottom line. Still hunting for rivets that will work though.

I offer a polished finish, it’s just not shown on this page (but it is shown here). I’m offering both gun metal and polished. I def agree with that.

Oh, and on my next batch, I’ll incorporate magnets and see how they work. They will be hidden under the grip, maybe even on both sides? But now we’re really killing my bottom line, lol.

Loving the feedback, thank so much!

-MC

-- MC Creations, www.creationsbymc.com, www.beer-claw.com

Those are awesome!

The 6061-T6 that it is made out of is pretty strong, while still being fairly reasonable in cost.

Super Nice. I’m sendin you a pm

-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Kentuk55@bellsouth.net

I pledged some money on kickstarter, rooting for you to get your funding. These are some pretty nice bottle openers.

-- Measure once, cut twice..

Congrats on reaching your goal for your funding on kickstarter!!!! Look forward to watching what upgrades and models you can come up with.

Daniel