march2023 - 18
COVER STORY
Technicians buy hand tools on a biweekly, if not weekly basis, Stinson notes, adding " and if they're not buying, then they're warrantying. "
Photo credit: James Stinson
KEY TRENDS
As vehicle components continue to
progress, the evolution of hand and specialty
tools closely follows. In addition
to tools being created, or redesigned,
to assist technicians' work more efficiently,
there has also been a continual
shift across the spectrum, regardless of
new parts, and that is to help technicians
work efficiently.
This includes manufacturers taking
a closer look at improving ergonomics
as well as decreasing pain
points when having to work in notso-comfortable,
awkward tight spaces.
A better grip
Having a good grip on a tool is essential
for obvious safety concerns. But just as
importantly, a good grip benefits the
user in more ways, especially if it's a
tool used frequently.
" Ergonomics now play a great
role in today's hand tools, " says Gray
Hendricks, executive vice president of
sales, marketing, and product development
at Titan Tools.
One example now common in the
market, he notes, are tools with handles
that provide a better grip to decrease
user fatigue while still providing the
ability to do the task at hand, such
as screwdrivers removing fasteners
that may have once been damaged or
required an impact driver to remove.
With the trend now focused on the
grip and ergonomics, tool manufacturers
are spending more time thinking
through the ergonomics of their tools,
says Chris Sanford, vice president of
sales for SK Tools.
" What it comes down to is you want
as much torque as you can with as little
strain on your wrist and arm, " he says.
Andre van Lagen, sales manager
for North America at Mueller-Kueps
18 Professional Distributor I March 2023 I VehicleServicePros.com
also agrees, adding that the material
used in the handles has been a focus
when it comes to technician comfort.
Last year, Mueller Kueps launched
its Heavy Duty Duo Handle Pry Bar,
No. 276 343V2, which features not
one, but two ergonomic, soft-touch,
and hammer-resistant handles. By
having two handles, the pry bar allows
for two-handed use for not only safety,
but also comfort.
Whether it's the size and shape of
the handle, the material used to construct
the handle, or the coating covering
the handle, these are just a few
ergonomic features worth bringing up
with your customers.
Too close for comfort
Working in tight spaces is inevitable
for technicians, especially as vehicle
components continue to advance.
To help ease pain points, hand and
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
march2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of march2023
Editor's Note: Attitude of Gratitude
Sneak Peek
Most Wanted
Cover Story: Getting a grip on hand and specialty tools sales
In Focus
Diagnostic Tech: Tesla service and repair
Show Me Your Truck: A new lease on life
Go Sell Something: Selling Against Number One
Driving Sales - Power and Air Tools
Tales from the Road: Taking care of business
march2023 - 1
march2023 - 2
march2023 - 3
march2023 - Editor's Note: Attitude of Gratitude
march2023 - 5
march2023 - Sneak Peek
march2023 - 7
march2023 - 8
march2023 - 9
march2023 - 10
march2023 - 11
march2023 - 12
march2023 - 13
march2023 - Most Wanted
march2023 - 15
march2023 - Cover Story: Getting a grip on hand and specialty tools sales
march2023 - 17
march2023 - 18
march2023 - 19
march2023 - 20
march2023 - 21
march2023 - In Focus
march2023 - 23
march2023 - 24
march2023 - 25
march2023 - Diagnostic Tech: Tesla service and repair
march2023 - 27
march2023 - 28
march2023 - 29
march2023 - 30
march2023 - 31
march2023 - Show Me Your Truck: A new lease on life
march2023 - 33
march2023 - Go Sell Something: Selling Against Number One
march2023 - 35
march2023 - Driving Sales - Power and Air Tools
march2023 - 37
march2023 - 38
march2023 - 39
march2023 - 40
march2023 - 41
march2023 - Tales from the Road: Taking care of business
march2023 - 43
march2023 - 44
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