Real Avid’s Smart-Assist Quick-Connect system solves the, “I can’t see what I’m doing!” dilemma for DIY gun enthusiasts
by Rob Reaser
I knew I was entering a more “challenging” phase of life when I needed increasingly more light to see by when working under my nearly 40-year-old Jeep. Anyone familiar with old Jeeps knows that the undercarriage is mostly a darkened landscape covered with a thick veneer of oil and black crud. It sucks light like a black hole (assuming tales that we’ve been told of black holes are true). I eventually had to switch from using a 24-inch shop light when crawling around that dark territory to a high-output, well-focused headlamp. That worked pretty good until the need for bifocals kicked in. After that, it was (and remains) a struggle to keep both my light and my bifocals aligned with my point of focus.
Now, whether working under the Jeep or fiddling with guns on a work bench, the need for ample light and detailed focus has never been greater. And I know that I’m not the only one out there who finds it sometimes challenging to see what’s going on when working with small gun parts and fine detail tasks.
That’s why I want to shine a light, so to speak, on a relatively new product from the folks at Real Avid called the Smart-Assist Quick-Connect system.
The concept is straightforward and relatively simple, yet its benefits are significant not only for those of us who struggle seeing during close work, but also for anyone who needs a visual assist or a third hand when cleaning, upgrading, or working on firearms in general.
The system is comprised of a rechargeable light, a strong, 5-inch diameter magnifying glass, and an adjustable cell phone holder. All these items secure to the end of flexible “arms” that can be positioned exactly where you need them around your work area. The opposite end of the arms features integrated clips that secure to the system’s Smart-Dock. This allows you to remove or add the Smart-Assist tools as needed. The Smart-Dock that is included with the Smart-Assist Quick-Connect System works as a stand-alone piece or in conjunction with other Real Avid tools, such as the company’s Master Gun Vise and the Master Gun Workstation. You can also use it with the new Bore-Max Master Cleaning Kit and Workstation.
Using the Master Gun Vise as an example, this product comes with a Smart-Assist dock as part of the unit. The Smart-Assist arms clamp into the dock via the four docking ports (two on each side of the dock). The dock can then slide along the vise’s dual rails, allowing you to move the Smart-Assist tools to the desired position along the rifle or shotgun being worked on.
While I have recently outfitted my shop with a series of overhead LED lights, I’ve found that I often need a little more punch directed at the work piece — especially for close-up work. The Smart-Assist 180-lumen light (which is removeable from the arm) provides that extra kick I need to see into those small, dark places. The light has two illumination settings, plus a second LED on the end of the housing that you can use for more precise beam placement or as a flashlight (perfect for finding those small springs, screws, and detent balls that inevitably hit the floor).
The magnifying glass is, of course, another huge advantage for anyone doing fine detail work or for those of us who have tipped over into the bifocal age. The large glass and robust power factor allow you to work at a more comfortable distance from the work piece, saving you from neck and shoulder strain during long sessions at the bench.
Don’t have a Real Avid Master Gun Workstation? No problem. The included dock features a base with two mounting holes so you can secure the system anywhere on your work bench. Real Avid also sells a 3-pack Smart-Assist Surface Mount kit that offers individual mounting bases for the Smart-Assist tools. You can also buy a magnetic-base mount for metal surfaces.
In another example of Real Avid’s penchant for system compatibility, the Smart-Assist dock integrates with the Master Gun Vise by securing to the vise’s dual guide rods. This is perfect when working on handguns or any small parts that are best performed in a vise.
The third member of the Smart-Assist triad is the adjustable cell phone holder. There are a couple solid reasons why you might want to have this in your DIY arsenal. One, it places the mobile device right where you can see it when following how-to videos. Second, you can record your work as it progresses in case you want to help other DIYers through your social channels or if you simply want to record the process for future reference. Either way, this offers a great, hands-free way to document your work or to follow someone else’s.
The Smart-Assist Quick-Connect is a pretty slick system for the DIY enthusiasts. That it can be used in conjunction with your existing Real Avid bench tools or as a standalone product for your work bench only adds to its versatility.
And if your eyes aren’t already begging for a little help at the work bench, stay tuned…they eventually will.
