Tool storage solutions
by Rich Vurva and Tom Hammel
Organization translates directly into productivity on the manufacturing plant floor and on the construction job site. Being able to quickly locate the right tools and accessories and keeping them safely at the ready is a basic requirement of every project. When working at height enters the picture, safety takes on even greater importance. These manufacturers are truly thinking inside, outside, above and below the box.
KENNEDY MFG.
Kennedy Mfg. has introduced its new eKentrol series that provides a way for companies to quickly, efficiently and securely manage access to tools, parts and materials. eKentrol cabinets are available in 29-inch and 39-inch widths, and both are 24 inches deep. The standard eKentrol locking option allows PIN code or swipe card access to unlock the cabinet drawers. An Individual Drawer Lock (IDL) option allows access to individual drawers assigned to specific users.
Other benefits include an audit trail that provides a record of who accessed the lock. Maintenance or plant managers can choose to have an email sent to them on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to let them know who is accessing the storage system and when.
“All of these features are designed to give the user more security and more control over the tools and supplies they maintain in their storage units,” says Amanda Miller, marketing design manager for Kennedy Mfg.
Miller explains that the eKentrol series is just one example of how Kennedy Mfg. is responding to trends driving new product development.
“Because customer requirements are always changing, we are responding by offering more options and more customization than ever before,” says Miller. “That includes offering unique drawer configurations, custom colors and custom color combinations, a wider selection of sizes, accessories and more.”
Miller added that Kennedy has seen an increase in activity around new product development and has developed better processes around reviewing and acting on product enhancements. The idea is to get new products into the hands of distributors and customers as quickly as possible.
Another example is Kennedy’s new CNC Series of carts and cabinets intended for use in CNC machining operations to bridge the gap between tool storage, transport and use. Interchangeable tool holder inserts, made of highly durable platic, protect tools from marring. The inserts snap in a variety of steel carriers, allowing for a totally customized setup. The CNC carts feature rigid 18-gauge steel framing, tubuler end handles, perforated steel side panels for carrier support, and heavy-duty 5 x 2 roller bearing casters that offer ease of movement and an overall load capacity of 1,400 pounds.
The Kennedy ToolKart is completely modular in construction, offering horizontal or 15 degree bracket mounts for carriers. A full or half shelf option is also available.
DEWALT
DeWalt is feeding the storage desires of its loyal customers with a new DeWalt rolling metal storage system. The two products include a 40-inch 5-Drawer Top Chest and a 40-inch 8-Drawer Roller Cabinet. Combined, the Top Chest and Roller Cabinet deliver up to 1,500 pounds of load capacity. End-user-requested features auto-return closing drawers, 100-pound-capacity ball bearing drawers, 200-pound-capacity extra deep bottom drawers
and fully extendable drawers.
“This new 40-inch box is designed to be durable and tough, featuring heavier gauge steel, extra-deep, 200-pound capacity drawers and 10-3/8-deep top that fits a standing DeWalt drill with the ability to fully close the lid,” says product manager Valerie Dreher. “Knockouts in the back of the top lid allow power cords to run inside for battery charging, with the lid closed and locked.”
The model DWMT74433 Top Chest provides 9,096 cubic inches of storage space with a 10-3/8-inch deep top that stores a variety of power and hand tools for easy access. Specially designed gas struts hold the lid open, and open and close smoothly. Heavy-duty casters offer durability and easy movement.
The model DWMT74434 Roller Cabinet features 12,896 cubic inches of storage space. A 12-inch bottom drawer offers additional storage and a 200-pound capacity. The 40-inch 5-Drawer Top Chest retails for $449.99 and the 40-inch 8-Drawer Roller Cabinet retails for $549.99.
“Competing metal storage systems retail for more than $1,200 and do not include the patented DEWALT features of auto-return closing drawers, 100-pound-capacity ball bearing drawers, 200-pound capacity extra-deep bottom drawers and fully extendable drawers,” Dreher adds.
ERGODYNE
Focusing on how tool storage mechanisms can transport tools and hardware safely while at height is a growing issue in the safety world. Employers are slowly recognizing that handling of tools and tool storage must be thoroughly thought-out to increase productivity while at the same time, minimize risk.
Whenever work is occurring six feet above ground, workers must not only wear and use proper personal protective equipment (PPE), but also be trained and knowledgeable on at-height risks. Not only for the worker at height, but for the personnel and equipment below that may be struck by these tools in the event of a drop.
“Training is an important part of at-height work. Before a tool lanyard is attached or a hoist bucket is topped, workers must be trained on various components of Objects at Heights (O@H) safety solutions – from weight ratings to tool inspection and everything in between,” states Nate Bohmbach, product manager. “Ergodyne is at the forefront of developing these training solutions to ensure at-heights safety for both workers and tools.”
“But it doesn’t stop at training; using safe tool and gear storage is a must while working sky high. Ergodyne launched the Arsenal 5538 Topped Parts Pouch to tackle one of the main causes of dropped objects at heights — small parts and hardware that cannot be tethered. Featuring an innovative trap door design, the worker can store and access nuts, bolts and small tools without zipping, buckling or opening/closing the bag.”
For workers hoisting heavy tools, Ergodyne’s Arsenal 5760 Canvas Hoist Bucket is equipped with D-rings on the handle and rim for more efficient hoisting, anchoring and tethering capabilities. Along with the patented top, these hoist buckets can safety transport up to 150 pounds (68kg) of equipment.
STANLEY VIDMAR
“Known for engineered craftsmanship, Vidmar toolboxes are some of the most ergonomic, efficient and durable storage solutions in the world today,” begins Tim Vaughan, vertical market manager, STANLEY Storage & Workspace Systems. “Consumers want choices geared to their specific requirements. Vidmar mobile and stationary toolboxes integrate seamlessly with work benches, overhead storage and containers to better fit with the end-user’s exact specifications.”
For example, Vidmar modular tool storage units can be stacked in any configuration necessary and pieced together for additional layouts; and industrial toolboxes can be turned into custom mobile toolboxes with heavy-duty casters.
Vidmar preconfigured and custom-configured toolboxes are backed by a limited lifetime warranty and are equipped with the largest storage capacity of any toolbox on the market.
“The ultimate in adaptability, your toolbox can be outfitted with any number of accessories including work surfaces, back stops, vinyl mats, chase panels, any number of locking systems and more,” Vaughan adds. “Never has there been more choice than Vidmar tool storage. From concept to reality, custom-configured Vidmar toolboxes provide maximum flexibility and added options tailored to specific solutions.”
KNAACK
“Contractors, regardless of trade specialty, need easy, controlled access to their tools and equipment,” begins Chris Filardi, Werner Co. vice president of marketing. “At KNAACK, we are continually looking for ways to provide convenience and protection — two factors that are critical to effectively managing a job site. Users need peace of mind knowing their most valuable tools are protected.”
KNAACK recently introduced two new chest lid features that are raising the industry standard for job site equipment storage and protection. The proprietary 3-Sided Easy Grip Lid and Anti-Slam features will make safely accessing and storing tools even easier for professional contractors and remodelers.
The new KNAACK 3-Sided Easy Grip lid offers a continuous ergonomic grip for increased ease of access, allowing workers to quickly and easily open their storage chest from nearly any angle. The KNAACK Anti-Slam Lid is gas strut supported, helping to regulate closing speed and ensuring user control when opening and closing the chest.
The 3-Sided Easy Grip feature now comes standard on all KNAACK chest models, while the Anti-Slam feature is available on all products, except models 36 and 32. Now popular KNAACK models, including STORAGEMASTER Chests and JOBMASTER Chests, include new industry leading features without an increase in costs.
“KNAACK job site storage chests offer a smart organizational solution for contractors who are interested in taking job site efficiencies to the next level. Maximum security, increased productivity and user safety are the cornerstone of the KNAACK brand.”
This article originally appeared in the Jan./Feb. 2016 issue of Industrial Supply magazine. Copyright 2016, Direct Business Media.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The November/December issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Kimball Midwest. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and Mike Marks, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
