Tools are often overlooked in industrial plants. But you would be surprised at how many times they can save the day. Ensuring that your plant is stocked with the right tools will help keep things running smoothly and efficiently while minimizing downtime and other negative consequences of not having the proper equipment on hand. We’ll discuss four tools that should always be well-stocked in your industrial plant:
Staple Gun
Staple guns are great for securing insulation, wiring, and other materials against studs or joists. They’re fast, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. The only downside is they require regular refills on staples (which can be bought at any home improvement store). Because of how often you’ll need this tool in your plant, you’ll want to make sure you have it on hand at all times.
Hammer
A hammer is a must-have for any plant. In addition to nails, you can use it as a makeshift pry bar and even flatten components in the event of an emergency. It’s also great for setting up shop by assembling heavy equipment or joining two pieces together. You never know when your plant will have to put this tool to work.
A hammer also comes in handy for a variety of other tasks. For example, if you need to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts but don’t have the right wrench on hand, a hammer can often do the job just as well. If something needs to be secured tightly, but your toolbox doesn’t contain clamps, use a hammer! You can also use it as a makeshift level by placing a straight edge against a wall and marking the location of the top.
Industrial Washers
Industrial washers are essential for any plant. The most common use is to quickly and easily join two pieces together using a nut, bolt, and metal washer (which you’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of). For example, industrial washers allow you to secure the legs on your workbench in place without drilling holes in the table.
Washers are also useful for preventing bolts from digging into wood, metal, or other materials during assembly. For example, if you ever have to bolt two wooden pieces together (such as a tabletop and base), place the washer between them before tightening down the nut with your wrench. Washers can be used in an endless number of ways in the right situation, so it’s important to keep them around!
Pliers
Pliers are a tool that you’ll probably use daily in your plant. They’re great for cutting, pulling, and gripping components. In addition to being necessary for assembling equipment, pliers can also come in handy when replacing electrical wiring or plumbing parts. Get one with an adjustable jaw so it will be able to fit any size component.
Managing an industrial plant will likely require repairs at some point. Having your plant well stocked with tools will make those repairs easier.