Just as we were getting our product off the ground and into market, Tradie Magazine did a write up and got one of their resident tradies to test out Busy Bob hands-on to see what it was all about. 

TRADIE MAG ARTICLE

TOOL TEST

As most builders know, fitting a door can be really easy or really hard, depending on where it’s going and what type of door it is.

Busy Bob is an innovative and versatile tool designed to change how hinged, cavity and sliding doors are installed.

Inventor and builder Rob Hayes has used one for many years. He’s lifted hundreds of doors with one as a professional builder and with over 35 years in the trade, Rob was fed up with the industry standard of wedges and toe-balancing chisel tricks. He knew there had to be a better way.

So, when Rob sent us his labour of love, we called in a builder to give this door installation tool a run for its money. Check out our Tradie’s final verdict to determine whether this really is every builder’s buddy…

Job

Hang a new door into an existing frame.

Planing, sanding and fitting the hinges

The additional functions of Busy Bob make sanding, planing and installing the lock-sets on doors easier.

The tool comes with an additional piece. This is the flat stabiliser bar which slides onto the bottom of the tool at the top end. Its purpose is to stabilise the tool when it’s flipped on its edge in the lie-down horizontal position, allowing the door to be held horizontally on the ground and clamped tight to allow for the back planing, sanding and fitting of the hinges easily.

Our Tradie found that it is best when the door is clamped at the far end of the door, about 200mm from the end. With the tool out of the way and the door held firmly on its side, you are then able to move along the door freely while working on it.

Installation

Once the hinges are installed, mark the distance of the hinge from the end of the door combined with your desired clearance onto the door jamb.

Busy Bob fits under the door to lift the door into the correct position using the same cordless drill and driver as is used for the screw. Our Tradie found that it is best to fit Busy Bob at about 90 to 120 degrees to the door frame and about half way out from the frame so the door can sit well-balanced on the tool. Finally, tap it into place with your foot as necessary.

When fitting the lockset, Busy Bob fits under the outer edge of the door, locks upwards and holds the door firmly for the lockset to be fitted easily without wobbling and needing knees or feet to hold it. You can then work from both sides of the door to drill and install.

From start to finish, the sturdy, precise level of the Busy Bob works to allow easy, accurate positioning of the door. No fuss, no mucking around.

So, what’s the verdict? 

Best feature?

“The time saved on each installation varies from about 20 minutes on a simple install to about 10 minutes on a wider or heavier door, and without frustration.”

Would you buy it?

“Absolutely! The Busy Bob really does do its job. It should be a permanent fixture in every builder’s tool box.

The tool is sturdy and built to last – I stand by that. Even the tote bag is tough, with straps that are also great for hooking over one finger when you already have both hands full of gear.

The Busy Bob is great for carpenters, builders, even painters. I can also see it being valuable for those with limited skills, know-how, time or man power to change out or install a particular door or gate.

You’d be hard-pressed getting this builder to fit a door again without it!”

“From start to finish, the sturdy, precise level of the Busy Bob works to allow easy, accurate positioning of the door. No fuss, no mucking around.”

Product Specifications

• Made from high-grade zinc plated steel with a high-resistance rubber flex drive for longevity.

• W: 100mm, H: 125mm, L: 200mm

• Weight: 1.6kgs

• Maximum lift height: 75mm

• Every unit comes with a heavy-duty canvas and Velcro carry bag.