T Jak TE 101 1 Foot Extension :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Think again about using 1/2" pipe

2007-02-24
You can use 1/2" pipe extensions, but be aware that these will not be drop-in replacements. I bought the Mini-Brute then tried 1/2" pipe extensions. They will work, but I decided that the little details make a big difference. The biggest problem is that 1/2" pipe uses pipe threads and T-Jak uses regular threads throughout. This means that:
1. The plastic base will be stressed by forcing pipe threads into it, and the T-Jak is designed to have the pipe bottom out when it is threaded in. T-Jak did this in order to avoid having the cabinet load be carried by the plastic threads in the base. With pipe threads, if you don't force the pipe to the bottom of the base, the load will only be supported by a couple of the plastic threads in the base. If you do not force the pipe threads to the bottom of the base, the support will also be wobbly because the pipe threads are tapered.
2. With 1/2" pipe you have similar problems where the standard extension that comes with the Mini Brite has to be attached to a pipe coupling. The only difference is that the threads are metal instead of plastic. The coupling used for pipe threads does not fit the 1 foot T-Jak extension that comes standard with the MiniBrute. If you don't use a pipe wrench to force the extension into the pipe thread coupling the extension will be wobbly and weaker. If you use only T-Jak extensions, you can hand tighten them. With pipe threaded extensions, you need to use a pipe wrench to tighten them or the extension will not be stable because of the combination of pipe threads and regular threads. I know I don't want to mess around with a pipe wrench when I add or remove extensions.

Another note: T-Jak says it is adjustable from 15 to 24 inches. That means that there is 9" of adjustment. I checked and sure enough they only allowed for 9" of adjustment. So what do you do if you need it to be 25" or 26" tall? If you add a T-Jak 12" extension you are already too tall (27") even with it adjusted to its minimum. I suppose they expect you to use a piece of wood to shim it up without using an extension. It appears to me that they could have easily allowed a couple more inches of adjustment but they didn't for some reason.
Incidentally, the 12" extension is only 11.5" long and the 24" extension is also deliberately a half inch short. Why?

This thing is overpriced. If someone knows of something better, please post the info here.

Real life experience testimonial

2004-05-22
I recently used the T-Jak for upscale remodeling work. It is fantastic for having on location. Header and girder adjustment, ceiling joist positioning, pocket door installation, it is all around very useful. Where an adjustable vertical support can benefit the task, the T-Jak is the ticket!

Don't Buy It

2002-05-19
Go to the hardware store and buy the exact same thing for a fraction of the cost. Then, buy some orange paint. Now, send me the money you saved.

You're welcome.

Don't Buy It 2002-05-19
This is just a peice of threaded pipe with a coupler painted orange. Go to your local hardware store and buy a peice of pipe and a can of orange spray paint, then send me the difference. You're welcome.