Customer Reviews

T-Jak MB-101 Mini-Brute

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A friend loaned to me his T-Jak to use when I install cabinets. I used to put a cleat on the wall first, leaving holes from screws after removing. Since I started using the T-Jak, I've been able to install 3 to 4 more cabinets per day, It's like having a helper, and not having to pay him. I install the bases first, then the uppers. If during installation, it turns out that I have to raise or lower the cabinet, it's just a simple turn of the screw to move it up or down. My only complaint is that the base of the T-Jak is a bit small and is prone to tipping, but I remidied that by attaching a 12" x 18" piece of plywood to the bottom for added stability. If you install cabinets on a regular basis, you should buy this tool!

Too bad the manufactures of this tool never got past the hardware store component prototype version. Buy it if you must, it does work well, but you could easily replicate this thing almost perfectly with parts from your local hardware store. When my order arrived, I felt as though I had just been hoodwinked. I originally ordered both the tall and short versions and all of the extensions, but after realizing what they were, I kept the Mini-Brut and returned everything else and got the extensions at the hardware store for relatively little cost.

I am a contractor and can tell you to rest assured that you will not regret this purchase. I ordered this mini brute along with the taller version and will be leaving the same review for both. Working alone installing cabinets or even the above range top microwaves becomes an accurate "snap" with this product. As you are doing now, I read all the reviews and must admit that some made me wonder why the opinions could vary so much. Some had even mentioned how they could build these themselves with parts from Home Depot. Don't waste your time wondering. You'd be wasting your time running around trying to duplicate it. The "slip" nut is really innovative and ingenious. If you do purchase the taller one too, be sure to look into the "drywall" version because it includes a two foot extension at the same cost of the non "drywall" version. The only thing missing with this tool is a good carrying case of some sort. The other thing I will mention to you about these T-Jak tools is to be careful when dismantling them, sliding the threaded part back into the pipe. The threaded piece can pinch your hand if not careful. I highly recommend both T-Jak products.

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.

I just replaced all of my kitchen cabinets myself and this tool was invaluable as a second hand. Using the base cabinets to support the base of the tool, it worked great, adjusted easily and held the cabinet in place nicely as I adjusted for level and attached to the wall. I also purchased the T-Jak TJ-104D drywall kit which works equally as nice. If you do any kind of cabinet work, even if you have help, these tools are a must have.

This little T-jak is great for setting upper cabinets when the bases are already set. It has great load capacity and when screwed to a plywood base is very stable. The screw jack allows for precise elevation. I usually shoot a laser line where I want the cabinet bottom and then screw the jack until it's perfectly aligned. Only 4 stars because my bubble was burst when a friend carpenter lent me his small 3rd hand jack that uses a squeeze lever to elevate. That jack is much speedier and is just as accurate with some practice. The 3rd hand would be my first choice.

This is a very simple product that not only saves you money it saves your back! It allows for very fine adjustments when setting elevations for upper wall cabinets. Make sure you purchase both sets, the mini 101 is great for installing wall cabinets above existing base cabs. The 104 is a must for installing cabinets above the fridge and range. Take time to understand how they work and make sure the locking nut is in the correct position. Watch your fingers when you release the jack!! I have been using these jacks for a few years and just purchased a new set. Very pleased.