How many times a day do you loosen and tighten mounting screws?
For those of you who like gadgets, this one will help make the frequent task of twisting mounting screws a little bit easier. It's called the Rabbit Key and it has two purposes: to screw mounting plates, and to look pretty cool. This thing, which was developed by filmmaker Kei Kosonoy, is small, fits on a keychain, is made of stainless steel, and costs just $8.
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "I already use a coin/washer to loosen and tighten my mounting screws." Right, and those definitely work, but we were able to talk briefly with Kosonoy to get an explanation as to why he developed the Rabbit Key. He told us, "In the beginning, it didn't cross my mind that I wasn't the only one with that problem. Some people prefer a coin or washer, but not me. It was nonsense for me to use a coin or washer to mount a rig worth thousands of dollars. Originally I designed it for my personal use, but after my friends kept asking me for one, I realized it could help a lot of people."
So, is the Rabbit Key meeting a need for filmmakers? Maybe. Is it solving any type of real issue in the cinematic world? Not entirely. But it is a special little tool that has a solitary cinematic purpose, which is kind of cute in a functional sort of way. It may be more of a novelty item, but it does have functionality, especially when it comes to convenience—attach it to a keychain and attach the keychain somewhere on your camera/tripod/whatever bag and it's there whenever you need it. You don't have to dig around to find a coin or a washer, or hurt your fingers twisting and turning screws when you do find one.
You can preorder one right now at B&H for $8.
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Your Comment
22 Comments
Just put one of these bottle openers on your keychain. I got one for free and now I use it all the time to tighten tripod base screws. Then when you wrap for the day you're there to open beers on the grip truck.
https://www.discountmugs.com/product-images/zoom/metal-bottle-opener-key...
July 13, 2016 at 9:46AM, Edited July 13, 9:46AM
Great tip! Thanks.
July 13, 2016 at 10:06AM
Cool find. I've got lot's of multi-tools but this would be nice as an always-on-me backup.
July 13, 2016 at 9:57AM, Edited July 13, 10:06AM
10 bucks! How expensive for a little piece of metal!
July 13, 2016 at 10:39AM, Edited July 13, 10:39AM
It has a rabbit on it ;-)
July 13, 2016 at 1:41PM
"Some people prefer a coin or washer, but not me. It was nonsense for me to use a coin or washer to mount a rig worth thousands of dollars."
By "some people" he means smart people. The only nonsense is what he is saying.
Just because the gear cost more doesn't mean the screwdriver you use on it has to.
I prefer the old Spielberg quote "Why pay a dollar for a bookmark? Why not use the dollar for a bookmark?"
Plus I already got these at the local hardware store for $2 mostly for the phillips head.
http://www.roxics.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/wp-1468432221088-e14684...
Now had he developed a keychain mounted screwdriver small enough to get at those little screws that mount a Manfrotto head to the sticks, I'd be into that.
July 13, 2016 at 10:44AM, Edited July 13, 10:59AM
Yes! Best thing about using a coin is, the screw gets tightened, and you still have the money. A phillips head would be useful.
July 13, 2016 at 11:14AM, Edited July 13, 11:14AM
I'm a big fan of this. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FIX126K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpag...
Half the price. Clips on and off your keychain easily. Opens beer bottles.
July 13, 2016 at 10:46AM
I like this!
July 13, 2016 at 7:28PM
$10 for a rectangular piece of metal with a hole drilled on one end. Man, I need to get to work. I'll sell mine for $3!!!
July 13, 2016 at 11:02AM, Edited July 13, 11:02AM
Thank you for the post V Renée!
Yeah, it is a bit pricey. I am working to lower the costs of manufacturing & distribution. The goal is to cut down the price to make it super accesible.
July 13, 2016 at 11:07AM
This is brilliant! But $10? I'll keep using my house key instead.
July 13, 2016 at 11:43AM
Just got a better deal with B&H, the Rabbit Key is now $ 7.99
July 13, 2016 at 12:45PM
Washer on a keyring works great. I like to attach one to the zipper pulls of my camera bags.
July 13, 2016 at 12:18PM
Here is an alternative if people need this tool sooner. Same use but cheaper price with more tools - https://www.amazon.com/SE-Keychain-Set-Pc-1243BO/dp/B002JWURPU/ref=sr_1_...
July 13, 2016 at 3:16PM
What about Allen Keys? They should integrate the design for Allen Keys too!
July 13, 2016 at 10:52PM
I prefer these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/INDOOR-OUTDOOR-SCREWDRIVER-CAR-AUTO-HANDY-KEY-CH...
because they are small and don't poke holes in your pocket.
July 14, 2016 at 7:24AM
Just received mine yesterday. Didn't even think about the price. Also got a speedbooster so I guess the ten dollars paled in comparison.
July 14, 2016 at 7:59AM
I got the $30 version from Filmtools ; )
July 14, 2016 at 9:58PM
The problem with any regular screwdriver blade (and hence all the alternate tools mentioned in the comments) is that it doesn't fit the slot. I have a swiss army knife which I use most of the time, but some of my screws are showing signs of wear. I almost bought the filmtools screwdriver just for the blade, but it was just too expensive. I will be getting this one shortly. Two, actually. One for the keychain, one for the bag.
July 15, 2016 at 4:25PM
This is so crap. Theres this thing they invented a while ago, its called a coin!!!
It does EXACTLY the same thing. I prefer the 10 cent version, 5 cent versions often work just as well. Depending on where you live there are also 20c, 50, 1 dollar, 2 dollar and 5 dollar models. But in Australia we can only use the 5c and 10c models.
Incidentally for the price of one $8 gimmick with a rabbit on it I can have 105!! 10 cent pieces (exchange rate) but in the U.S. you can have 80 dimes or whatever you call them. They may not have a rabbit on them but they will have a president on them or whatever else you worship there. A gun perhaps...
Their video starts with "Still using a coin?" They start implying there is something wrong with a coin.
A coin won't stab you in the leg or arse in your pocket because you've sat down funny. $1 will get you 10 coins in any store that are better than this think and it doesn't matter if you loose them.
July 16, 2016 at 2:14AM
Looks like a good tool.
I posted a $1.00 DIY solution called "SmoothDriver". Anyone can make it and it also provides a way to steady pans, tilts and slider shots. Just loop it over your tripod or equipment to make it easily accessible
More info at:
https://whatyougottoknow.com/2016/07/16/smooth-driver-the-1-00-diy-tool-...
July 17, 2016 at 9:32AM