Brinley Buckley Roberts, Head of Marketing at Carl Kammerling International, the home of C.K Tools, discusses what wholesalers should consider when it comes to selecting the right hand tools.

Tool choice is a careful consideration for electrical professionals and wholesalers alike and can make or break a reputation.

For any electrician, an inadequate tool purchase can lead to downtime, a slow work rate, and ultimately an unforecasted replacement purchase, all impacting bottom lines. A tool that delivers a poor finish can lead to reputational damage and prevent repeat business as well as being unsafe to use. And in the long term, a bad recommendation from the service desk will result in a lack of trust for the stockist.

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to choosing which hand tools to supply, to ensure wholesalers are providing the best, and safest, solutions for their customers and driving that all important customer loyalty and repeat purchase.

The hidden dangers to consider

Many workplace accidents are down to having inadequate or sometimes incorrect tools for the job in hand. For example a screwdriver made from low quality materials with a blunt tip can cause a painful puncture injury if it slips and electrical shocks can occur when using tools without the appropriate insulation properties.

But there are also the more gradual, hidden hazards from using sub-quality tools which aren’t ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and ease of use. Over time, prolonged use can cause soreness, aches, pains, fatigue and when these symptoms are ignored – even musculoskeletal injuries.

Let’s take Repetetive Strain Injury (RSI) as an example. Did you know that half a million people within the British workforce suffer with RSI? Although commonly associated with extended computer use, those working in the electrical sectors are equally vulnerable, if not more so. The condition (and those related to it) costs the UK around £3 billion each year in lost work hours and production. For those who are self-employed and afflicted by RSI, that cost is carried by them, including lost work hours, treatment and recovery time.

The latest guidance and product innovations

Retailers are ideally placed to provide accurate advice on these issues and offer product solutions which fit the latest guidance. Understanding the latest product innovations and the factors that end users want and need will help customers complete their jobs efficiently and safely. The Health and Safety Executive offers clear guidelines for the prevention and support of RSI in work: use power tools where applicable and appropriate, select tools that are right for the job, consider lighter tools, and those that minimise the amount of force needed.

Listen to the industry

Here at C.K Tools the starting point for any new product is listening to what the industry is asking for. By working closely with a panel of professionals we can develop innovative solutions and product evolutions which tackle the everyday issues electricians face and make their job that much more efficient.

Our NPD team will then consider the design, the multi-functionality, the durability, the materials, and of course – the ergonomics. There’s no product without a clear thought process behind it; each tool is methodically planned, CAD designed, prototyped and thoroughly tested to develop the quality hand tools which C.K Tools is known for. Hand tools have to be inherently comfortable and safe to handle. Ergonomic tools are designed to fit your hand and the task naturally, helping to prevent award postures, harmful pressure points and other health related issues which can emerge from repetitive tasks such as RSI.

Opt for premium hand tools

Strong, durable and high-performing hand tools need to be made from exceptional materials. Material choice is of great importance to C.K Tools and has contributed considerably to the reputation we’ve built over more than 200 years. We’re committed to developing innovative tools which offer exceptional strength and durability. Many of our products, such as our award-winning Dextro VDE range of screwdrivers are made in Germany for this very reason.

Each screwdriver features precision-engineered tips and is torque-tested up to 20Nm, highlighting the strength of steel sourced from North Rhine, a region renowned for its steel production. Designed for exceptional durability, these screwdrivers provide unmatched comfort and control, ensuring users can complete any task with ease.

Stocking a premium hand tool demonstrates an understanding of the challenges electricians face, the requirements of the trade and their health and wellbeing. With some much riding on the performance, reliability and convenience of these tools, it’s this emphasis on quality which is the key securing repeat business and a strong bottom line.

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