Hand Tool Distributors Key Terms

Learn the lingo of hand tool distributors

By Lori Carver

These key terms will describe the tools that you should know. The terms will help you decipher what certain tools do and how they function, as well as other information about the tool such as safety features.

Find the meaning of ESD safe or ergonomics in regards to hand tool distributors. Explore hand tool distributors websites and gain the certainty that you know the key terms they use to describe the hand tool you need.

Prototype

A tool that has been designed but is not yet available is a prototype.
Try: Excelta gives information on how requests for prototypes can be made.

Custom design

Custom design in regards to hand tool distributors refers to tools that are already on the market but may have a special twist from the normal usage. This is different from a prototype because a prototype does not yet exist whereas a custom design tool is a take-off from an existing tool.
Try: Duckbill offers information on custom design hand tools and some of their uses.

ESD Safe, Electrostatic discharge

Electrostatic discharge or ESD safe refers to the process of protecting the workers and the tools from static electricity. Hand tool distributors sell hand tools with ESD labeled on them to avoid potential hazards from static electricity.
Try: Hakko provides information on the importance of ESD in hand tools. The information cites methods for protecting the worker and the materials.

Liquidated merchandise

Liquidated merchandise refers to discontinued hand tools or hand tool buy backs from businesses who closed their doors. Not all hand tool distributors handle liquidated merchandise; however, when they do they should provide the source of the merchandise.
Try: Salvage Closeouts provide liquidated merchandise consisting of hand tools and other products. For more information on what to expect when you buy liquidated merchandise click on the link that says, "Click here for a sample manifest." The pdf file gives examples of the kinds of liquidated merchandise and hand tools available.

Innovative products

Innovative products are cutting edge hand tools that have just come on the market. Only certain hand tool distributors carry these newest products and will generally have a page devoted to them.
Try: Greenlee offers a wide variety of innovative products with information on the application of each. Watch their video for even more information on hand tools.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to making hand tools easier to work with on the wrist and hands. Hand tool distributors should clearly list this feature on the site for the tools to which it applies.
Try: Abrability Project offers information about what ergonomics means in hand tools. Read this long article for useful ways to apply ergonomics to your hand tools.