CRKT Hook and Loop Tool Review

CRKT Hook and Loop Tool Review

CRKT Hook and Loop Tool Review

By: Tin Man

Much like the advent of Paracord, every now and again a product is released which, while seemingly genius in its inception and applicable uses, is also exceptionally unique. It stands out not because of its ingenuity, but simply because it leaves many a man asking “Why wasn’t this thought of 20 years ago?”

I recently came across such a product that was pointed out to me by an acquaintance who saw it at the Blade Show. It’s called the “Hook and Loop Tool,” designed by Trip Felton.

Many of us in the criminal justice/military/security field, and especially those who are reading this article, likely own Velcro in some form or another. While such Velcro may be used to attach gear or

secure equipment, it might also appear on the countless patches that we have. And Velcro, much to the chagrin of those who work in grassland or desert environments, gets dirty.

And it gets dirty quick.

In essence, it does what it is indeed designed to do: attach to something. Unfortunately for us, Velcro does not discriminate, and will attract dirt, lent, cactus, twigs, grass, etc. Fortunately for us, however, Mr. Felton has designed a tool to remedy the transgressions of Velcro. And he has done so with his Hook and Loop Tool, manufactured by CRKT.

About the size of a harmonica when folded, it’s small enough to store nearly anywhere, and light enough so as not to be noticeable. It also sports a small hook on the end so as not to open accidently and thereby get caught in any other pieces of gear.

The device “brush” has two main features. Foremost, it has a side that contains hard, metallic bristles used for cleaning out the hard plastic “hook loops” of Velcro (again not the soft “frizz,” but the hard plastic “hook” loops – just remember “Hard bristles for Hook loops,” or “H for H”). On the reverse side, it has softer bristles that are used to clean both the Hard bristles (I’ll explain later) and the “frizz” side of Velcro. Let us start with cleaning dirty Velcro:

When Velcro becomes dirty, it must be cleaned. Used the Hard metallic bristles to clean the Hook loops of the Velcro.

The Target:

 You’ll then notice that the Hard metallic bristles are inundated with debris. To clean them out, simply flip over the device to reveal the removable soft bristles that you use to clean out the hard bristles. The soft bristles are also used to clean out the softer “frizz” side of Velcro.

And lastly, Voila. The hard bristles are now clean. Easily pick the debris out of the soft bristles and discard with your hand.

Aside from Velcro cleaning, the device also has a rock remover on it that can be used to leverage stubborn rocks or pebbles out of boots, and also serves as a nifty glass breaker:

The “ridges” on the side of the tool are also used for getting wrinkles out of clothing. Any time that a dryer or iron are unavailable and you need to get some massive wrinkles out of your uniform, pants, etc., simply drag the tool over them to mitigate their appearance.

And, of course, this review would not be complete without listing an alternative use of the tool. Having been an EMT Instructor in a desert environment, I’ve seen a nice share of booboos. Particularly, I’ve treated dehydration, gunshot wounds, broken limbs, and, inherent to any desert, cactus encounters. The Cholla Cactus, which has previously been a bane to my existence, is indeed heinous. Its barbed needles stick in the skin in a way which makes removal difficult.

Instead of using a pair of pliers to remove each needle individually, as is needed with Cholla Cactus, simply “comb” the cactus out with one sweep of the Hook and Loop Tool.

No needles. No fuss. No pain.

Overall, the Hook and Loop Tool is outstanding in its design. Its versatile features provide for an instrument created to primarily conduct one task: to clean and maintain Velcro. Its alternative features are also phenomenal. By instituting these utilities, the Hook and Loop Tool is an advantageous

instrument which should belong in any kit. After much research, I discovered that it can be ordered/preordered on the following websites:

http://www.crkt.com/hook-and-loop-cleaner-tool-9900

http://www.bladehq.com

http://www.gpknives.com

http://www.knifecenter.com

http://www.lockharttactical.com

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