Maximizing Productivity: Key Considerations for Selecting the Right Metalworking Power Tools

Dec. 04, 2024

Maximizing Productivity: Key Considerations for Selecting the Right Metalworking Power Tools

How do you put a price on productivity?

Price is an important consideration when choosing a tool for a metalworking application, but it should not be the only factor in making a decision. Other factors also have an impact on total cost of ownership, performance, and overall productivity.

Ergonomics

A key factor to pay attention to is the ergonomic design of the tool, especially the following aspects:

1/Power-to-weight ratio

The power-to-weight ratio affects how long an operator can operate a tool in a given period of time, material removal rates, and operator health. If you’re trying to decide between two tools, the power-to-weight ratio is critical to choosing the right tool for your needs. For example, the CP3650 angle grinder from Chicago Pneumatic weighs only 1.8 kg but packs 1,800 watts of power to maximize productivity.

2/Vibration

Limiting the vibrations a worker is exposed to while operating a tool is critical to health and productivity. Excessive vibration can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which in extreme cases can cause a complete loss of sensation in the hand, leaving the operator with lifelong disabilities. Choosing a tool with vibration reduction and tool stabilization features, such as an auto-balancer, helps you use the tool more safely for longer periods of time and can increase material removal rates by up to 15%.

The level of vibration from a tool and the duration of exposure to vibration determine whether an operator is likely to develop HAVS. Vibration and noise can be minimized by selecting tools with lower vibration levels, assessing work patterns, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as ear defenders.

3/Weight

Some tools weigh more than 5 kg, so weight is an important consideration when comparing tools. Can the operator operate the tool for hours at a time? Weight values can be found in the manufacturer's catalogue, but the operator should always test the tool to ensure its suitability. On paper, weight can be a deceptive value: ergonomic design makes heavier tools easy to handle, minimizing physical strain on the operator.

4/Design

Other features and accessories of the tool can help improve the performance and maneuverability of the tool. For example, a tool with an ergonomically designed handle can reduce vibration, while a tool with an angled head allows the operator to see the weld better, thus optimizing accuracy.

5/Safety

The right tools also help reduce the risk of accidents and maintain productivity. Power tools such as PWRTOOLS have automatic stop settings that manage safety and productivity well. They help maintain very high speeds to increase material removal rates while preventing grinding chips from harming the operator.

Maintenance

Because maintenance cycles and requirements vary from tool to tool, it is difficult to make comparisons. However, a very important aspect to note is the maintenance interval, which indicates how many hours of use the tool must be before maintenance is recommended. Understanding and adhering to maintenance requirements is critical to ensuring optimal performance and maintaining specifications that help increase productivity, such as power and speed.

These three questions can help you find the right tool for your needs. 1. What will you be using the tool for – grinding, cutting, or drilling? 2. What size abrasive do you need? 3. Will you be using the tool for a long time? Consulting with leading manufacturers will help you ask the right questions and determine the best tool for you.

As the above points illustrate, there are multiple areas where productivity and long-term cost benefits can be improved. Reviewing the requirements and finding the right tool for the application, as well as understanding the needs of your operators, will help you make the most of your investment.

PWRTOOLS is a leading wholesale supplier of power tools and accessories, renowned for offering top-quality products tailored to the needs of industries such as construction, manufacturing, and DIY enthusiasts. As a trusted manufacturer and supplier, we provide a wide selection of durable, high-performance tools that meet the latest technological standards.

Our extensive catalog features a variety of power tools, including high-performance drills, hammer drills, impact drills, angle grinders, impact wrenches, rotary hammers, drill bits, and more. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, PWRTOOLS has become the go-to supplier for power tools importers, wholesalers, companies, and brand owners. Our products serve diverse sectors, including construction, woodworking, metalworking, automotive, plumbing, and gardening—ensuring exceptional results across a range of applications.

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