Tools aid network installation and maintenance

Companies looking for safe, ergonomically designed hand tools, that will boost efficiency while remaining cost effective, need to consider the ImpactPlus series of hand tools from OK Industries.

Companies looking for safe, ergonomically designed hand tools, that will boost efficiency while remaining cost effective, need to consider the ImpactPlus series of hand tools from OK Industries.

Developed for telecomms and datacomms network installation and maintenance engineers, working both in the field and at customer facilities.

The ImpactPlus series of hand tools are designed for use with insulation displacement connection (IDC) technology.

IDC provides the same tight connection as the more traditional wire wrap method, but the engineer is not required to remove the insulation from the cable in order to make the connection.

To achieve electrical connection the wire is placed by hand into a V-shaped groove in the inner portion of the terminal, the impact tool, (also known as a "punch down" tool), is then placed in the groove to compress the wire against the sharp edge of the terminal, which then cuts through the insulation and into the copper connection.

When purchasing hand tools, price and functionality are obvious considerations, but just as important are the issues of ease of use and operator safety.

Companies are expected to place a much greater level of importance on these issues and to meet this criterion OK Industries has developed a range of tools that combine advanced features, comfort and safety, with affordability.

"To provide a comfortable and safe grip we decided to work with a fully certified ergonomist", explained Mark Tutty, UK Business Manager for OK International.

"With the required application we had to take into account risk of injuries caused by repetitive stress, impact recoil and operator fatigue.

What we have ended up with is a unique and innovatively designed series of tools that virtually eliminate the risk of injury and boost operator efficiency".

The round surface handle is longer than traditional tools of this type and has an over moulded cushion designed for maximum comfort and to protect the delicate nerves in the palm of the hand.

Several features have been included to protect the fingers during operation: The impact setting switch is rounded on the ends and can be operated with two fingers rather than one to distribute the stresses more widely.

The blade retention nut and blade storage compartment can be operated with minimal finger pressure and the front end of the tool is flared to prevent potential injury from the fingers slipping onto the terminal block.

Another very important feature, when working with terminal blocks at varying orientations, is that the blade can be easily adjusted, through 90 degrees, enabling the engineer to maintain the most comfortable hand and forearm position to prevent excessive wear on the wrist.

OK Industries has adopted a totally unique, single-sided blade in the ImpactPlus series design.

"Traditional tools have dual function, double-sided blades", adds Tutty.

"But as well as being more expensive (up to 50%), the operator may not require both functions.

We decided that a single-sided blade, that exactly matched the current application, would provide the most cost-effective solution.

And by adding a specially designed retention nut, the operator is able to quickly and easily load a new blade, for a different application".

The ImpactPlus series offers a range of blades to suit all types of terminations, including 66 block, 110 block, BIX and Krone.

As the blades are smaller than the industry standard, a storage compartment has been integrated into the handle to hold up to three blades.

(Not available with the larger BIX and Krone blades).

"We also put a lot of thought into the longevity of our tools", concludes Tutty.

"The tool housing has been constructed from an engineered polymer, which provides an extremely strong case to prevent damage if dropped.

For maximum wear resistance and blade life, the blades have been constructed from either high-carbon or stainless steel".

"Where high volume, high density connections are required, I believe there is no tool on the market that provides the ergonomic design, versatility and cost savings of the ImpactPlus series".

A four-page brochure is available detailing all the features included in the ImpactPlus range, together with ordering information and product specifications.

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