October 10, 2024, 10:48 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Once a wall plug is in the wall, it is often difficult to remove – at least without leaving traces with a drill hole. “Dübelix” is designed to solve this problem. The drilling attachment will be presented on “Shark Tank Germany” – myHOMEBOOK spoke to the inventors in advance.
“Dübelix” is the name of the small drilling attachment designed to solve a typical DIY problem. The device was invented by master locksmith Markus Beck (54) and warehouse logistics specialist Robert Sobolewski (42). They will be presenting their product on “Die Höhle der Löwen” on September 23 (VOX, 8.15 p.m.). Their goal: The “Dübelix” should be in every toolbox and prevent frayed drill holes after removing dowels. Beck and Sobolewski are offering 25 percent of their company shares in return for a 30,000 euro grant from Löwen.
How the “Dübelix” drilling attachment works
If you attempt to extract a dowel from a drill hole using needle-nose pliers, you may unintentionally enlarge the hole, a common issue with porous walls such as those found in older buildings. This is where “Dübelix” comes in. The device fits into the drill chuck of any cordless screwdriver, which most DIY enthusiasts probably have at home. Unfortunately, it does not work without it.
The length of the dowel to be removed (6, 8, or 10 mm) must first be set on the device; then the device is inserted into the drill chuck of the screwdriver. You then position it at the corresponding drill hole containing the dowel to be removed. The conical thread should now unscrew the plug from the wall, ideally without damaging the wall. “This makes removing wall plugs quick, efficient, and safe,” the founders assure us when asked by myHOMEBOOK.
Isn’t a suitable drilling attachment enough to get the plug out of the wall?
There are various tools for removing a plug from the wall. However, this does not mean that they always work without leaving traces in the hole. One popular method is to drill out the hole using a standard drill bit the same size as the plug.
“Drilling out a dowel is possible, but it does have some disadvantages,” the founders counter. The hole often has to be reworked over a large area, as the drilling process would damage the wall. According to Beck and Sobolewski, this could also result in splinters and residue. There is also the risk of accidentally drilling too deep and damaging cables or pipes behind the wall. The depth adjustment of the “Dübelix” is intended to counteract this.
What is the device suitable for?
Online reviews of the “Dübelix” are mixed regarding its performance. Some users criticize that it can leave traces, such as when the black rubber attachment rotates with the dowel. Additionally, pliers are still required to detach the dowel from the “Dübelix” after extraction.
“We took a very close look at the feedback from our customers and developed the Dübelix accordingly,” explain the founders. They have rectified the weaknesses of the first version, and the current version has been improved in several respects. “We attach great importance to continuously improving the product and offering our customers an optimal solution,” Beck and Sobolewski assure us.
Who is the product intended for?
With the “Dübelix,” the question arises as to whether the device is aimed more at DIY enthusiasts or professionals. According to Beck and Sobolewski, the product is primarily aimed at “DIY enthusiasts” looking for a “safe and simple solution for removing dowels.” However, professionals could also benefit from the “Dübelix,” for example, when a “clean and time-saving solution” is required.
What does the device cost?
The “Dübelix” is currently listed on Amazon for 14.99 euros, but prices may vary. On another site, however, it only costs around 9.50 euros. “The lower price is for the predecessor model, which also incurs shipping costs,” explain Beck and Sobolewski. “The current version of the Dübelix has been improved and optimized to meet customer requirements,” say the two inventors. Hence the slightly higher price. Currently, “no price changes are planned.”
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“Dübelix” on “The Lion’s Den”
Markus Beck and Robert Sobolewski are presenting their “Dübelix” on “Die Höhle der Löwen” to ensure that their product becomes part of the toolboxes in Germany. They are willing to offer a quarter of the company shares if an investor, referred to as a ‘lion,’ agrees to support them with 30,000 euros. The episode airing on September 23 will reveal whether an investor takes the opportunity and a deal is struck.
All information and episodes of “Die Höhle der Löwen” can be found on RTL+.
The German original of this article was published in September 2024.