What's up with Stagejunk?

gafftapegreenia

CBMod
CB Mods
Their web domain seems to have expired, and I've heard from a few sources that the RUFT isn't currently available.
 
I know he's been working on a new version of the site, this just may be teething troubles deploying the new site. I think we can all empathize with server issues. :rolleyes:

BUT, I'll reach out to him to see if he needs any help.
 
As for supply of RUFT... it takes him a while to build them in his spare time, which he doesn't have much of. He builds as many as he can when he can, but he has a large demand to catch up with. Most of my customers see at least a 6 month waiting period
 
As for supply of RUFT... it takes him a while to build them in his spare time, which he doesn't have much of. He builds as many as he can when he can, but he has a large demand to catch up with. Most of my customers see at least a 6 month waiting period
@rsmentele O.K. R.S., I'll bite: What's a "RUFT"?
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard.
 
Stagejunk makes some wonderful wrenches, designed for technicians, that do everything you need. Here's the ratchet version. I could never bring myself to spend $100 on one when all I really need is the basic Flat Focus tool. But I LOVE my Flat Focus Tool. It's strong, light weight and you can leave it in your pocket all day and never have it bother you.

I think StageJunk is a one man company with some great products struggling on the edge of being too big and not big enough at the same time. I hope things continue to go well for him because they are great products.
 
Last edited:
As for supply of RUFT... it takes him a while to build them in his spare time, which he doesn't have much of. He builds as many as he can when he can, but he has a large demand to catch up with. Most of my customers see at least a 6 month waiting period

I wonder if he needs an employee ;-)
 
I was just thinking the same thing. We should badger him to be the Midwest reps lol.
I think he IS the midwest rep.;) Facebook says Cincinnati OH. FB page also has this photo:
stagejunktat.jpg
 
About two years ago, I was looking to pick up an extra UFFTs (the $20 flat tool) and emailed Rob directly; letting him know how I had quickly found the UFFT to be my most often used and favorite tool, in the few months I'd been using it on gigs. Even beating out my 6" Proto c-wrench I managed to hang onto for 2 decades. Rob was very gracious and called me back to chat, and we talked about how he came about designing the original tools (if I recall, someone broke into his truck and stole his gear - which lead to hanging out at a friends machine shop, sketching up some ideas to replace the missing kit) and the fact that he was the ME at a house in Cincinnati ( Riverbend Music Centre and Taft Theatre, I think) when he's not being StageJunk. Cool tidbit about the stainless steel versions of the UFFT being made from surplussed Telco cabinets stock, following a request for SS tools by techs at a marine/underwater theme park.

Anyways, I ended up picking some more Flat Tools to pass on to friends. Rob also tossed in the pint-sized version, that he admitted was kind of a novelty keychain thing, and perhaps not especially useful. I have to agree - usually have it in my bag, but after two years, made use of it once or twice... but it still lives in my usual carry. The UFFT on the other hand is by far the handiest, simple, effective and favorite tool I carry most days. Friggn' love it, and often recommend it to folks who ask - if they can figure out where to buy one!


The idea of the RUFT is always interesting, but just a tad overkill. I see a lot of tour guys come through with one hanging, but not often used.
 
Rob really is a solid guy. I've always enjoyed talking to him at USITT. He has an amusing story about sourcing the ratcheting mechanism from Wright Tool. He said he went in and had a meeting with their production manager, and at the end they ask, "well, how many thousand do you want?" To which Rob replied "um, just 150?" Luckily they still took the order and I'm sure have made more since then.

The keychain UFFT is not a great wrench, as the Mega Combo still wins in the keychain category, but it IS a great bottle opener.

In general, I feel the the Stagejunk tools are like Source 4's, they've become a standard that's going to be hard to really improve upon.
 
I try not to ever have to use wrenches anymore, but when I do, the flat focus tool is my favorite!
 
I wonder if wrench envy applies to some people? I also have a flat focus which I like, don't use it for it's intended purpose these days, but I do like how it can go in your back pocket and not tear up your jeans.
 
I wonder if wrench envy applies to some people? I also have a flat focus which I like, don't use it for it's intended purpose these days, but I do like how it can go in your back pocket and not tear up your jeans.

In terms of wrench envy, I've definitely been lusting after those Dirty Rigger Podgers.

So if you don't use a the Flat tool for its *intended* purpose, then what DO you use it for?
 
I can understand the lust for the Podger, very cool tool.
Since I am retired I no longer mess with stage lighting, but I do sometimes indulge in a bottled beverage.
 
On Oct. 9, Rob posted on FacePlace:
Good Evening Gang ! Sorry Ive been MIA for awhile. Ive changed my stagehand job this past year and Ive ended up touring all over the world and have had not as much time to put into making the tools. I still do get tools out as I can but I have fallen way behind and it will take me time to dig out. As far as my web site goes somewone hacked it and ruined it.
Im sorry I have not gotten back with everyone who has emailed me. All I can say is this year I need some patience as I
get caught up.

Thanks for all the years of Support !

Rob
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back