SIMONDS NEWS

Both tools feature a knurled 5-3/4” long x 2” dia. handle for a sure grip and produces 2,450 lbs. of closing force to tackle tough production tasks. 

 The SP-002.5 hand model can be actuated by a simple thumb trigger, and the SP-002.5F Remote Power pack can be fixtured into an automated system or onto an end-of-arm system and actuated by a 4-way valve. These air powered ergonomic tools can be equipped with application specific jaw sets to eliminate repetitive manual squeezing and create a safer workplace. 

Requiring only 90 PSI shop air, Simonds’ SP-002.5 Power Packs can be fitted with a wide variety of Jaw sets for cutting, crimping, clamping, notching, hole punching, de-gating, pin insertion and removal, and other applications. 

Simonds’ SP-002.5 power pack and jaw sets are priced according to whether the jaws are standard or designed to customer requirements. Literature is available upon request.

1) REDUCE FORCE AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

Forceful exertions with a hand tool can cause many CTDs, including trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Using a hand held manual tool requires the exertion of force, which can put the employee at risk for injuries. By switching to a Simonds air powered tool, the force the employee must exert may be completely eliminated. The only force the employee may have to exert would be the minimal pressure of the thumb or finger to activate the trigger. On many power tools, even this is required since a foot pedal can be used to activate the tool, which effectively eliminates the risk of CTDs to the hand. Using the Simonds air powered cutting tools eliminates the excessive forces that are necessary when manually cutting through heavy materials, such as cables, wires or plastic gates, thereby significantly reducing the risk of injuries, while increasing productivity.

2) USE STRONGER THUMB MUSCLES

Operating hand held cutters and crimpers involves the exertion of force by continuous flexing of fingers and thumb. In contrasts, using the Simonds air powered cutters will eliminate the use of the fingers to operate a tool and relies instead on the stronger thumb muscle with is less prone to injury.

3) ELIMINATE CONCENTRATION OF PRESSURE IN PALM

In addition to the amount of force exerted, where is also an important issue. Most hand held cutters have handles that dig into the center of the palm, increasing the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. By using a Simonds air powered cutter, there is no longer an exertion 

4) ELIMINATE EXERTION WITH FINGERTIPS

The majority of hand crimpers available have such large grip spans that employees are forced to hold and operate the tool with their fingertips. The forceful exertions with the fingertips can cause trigger finger. By switching to Simonds bench mounted air powered crimpers, the risk of trigger finger is eliminated.

5) AVOID PINCH GRIP

Finally, it is best to avoid the pinch grip, which is weaker and makes the hand prone to injury. Hand held manual cutters require the employee to use the pinch grip (thumb opposes fingers, even though it is a wide span). In contrast, the Simonds air powered cutters allow the employee to use the safer, whole hand power grip.

6) ELIMINATE AWKWARD AND STATIC POSTURES

Using manual or powered tools with the hands and arms in awkward or static postures can lead to CTDs. Be sure to evaluate your workstations to insure that employees are working with their wrists held straight, with their hands held close to waist height, and with their elbows held close to their bodies. Additionally be sure employees do not reach forward, upward, backward or sideways for extended periods of time, especially if they are holding an object in their hands.

7) MINIMIZE REPETITION

Repetitive use of tools can cause CTDs. However, when the repetitive task does not involve forceful exertions or awkward postures, there is a significant decrease in the risk of injury as compared to a repetitive tack which includes these factors. Nonetheless, jobs should be designed to minimize repetition as much as possible.