Whether you're running a business or working from home, on the manufacturing floor or under the kitchen sink, a trustworthy toolkit is essential. And when it comes to maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) environments, the right set of tools is all-important. But how can you be sure you're getting reliability and quality, and getting it at the right price?
Successful tool management and procurement—no matter who you are—requires attention to detail. And that starts with what your tools are made of.
1. Materials and Craftsmanship
First and foremost, you'll want to be sure your tools are made from quality materials to enhance their performance and longevity. As with many things in life, tools made from cheaper, inferior materials may seem like a cost saving shortcut—but with time and continued use, you'll be dipping back into your pockets for more frequent tool replacement.
Generally speaking, most hand tools benefit from a steel construction with the right combination of hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistant properties. This is achieved by adding alloys such as chromium-molybdenum and chromium-vanadium to the steel (itself a mix of iron and carbon) and heat-treating the material to alter its hardness and structure.
Produced with equal care and hardened to similar levels, chromium-molybdenum (Cr-Mo) and chromium-vanadium (Cr-V) are nearly identical, and both quality materials have very similar properties. Either is a great choice for a variety of hand tools in normal use cases, from utility knives and aviation snips to combination wrenches and locking pliers.
2. Ergonomic and User-Friendly Design
Ergonomically designed hand tools fit comfortably in hand, adding reliability and quality by reducing strain and fatigue. They can also help with performing tasks: A screwdriver that fits naturally into the palm of your hand, for example, only increases torque and rotational force, helping to get the job done quicker. An adjustable wrench with a double-dipped grip, meanwhile, is less likely to slip around during use.
Everyone loves comfort, of course. But an ergonomic design—complemented by user-friendly elements like intuitive controls and clear labeling—can also increase productivity, enhance safety, and even deliver cost saving benefits over time, limiting the need for tool replacement. Investing in thoughtfully designed tools lets workers focus on the task at hand, instead of struggling with their tools. At the end of the day, it's an opportunity to enhance the overall work experience for all who use them.
3. Packaging and Presentation
Quality tools and accessories are of little value if they don't arrive intact, or if they're lost or damaged within days on the job. That's why NorthSky's Black Canyon brand of power tool attachments, drill bits, hole-cutting tools, socket sets and more come in high-quality, reusable plastic packaging and heavy-duty carrying cases.
Our thoughtfully designed packaging is yet another source of value, offering convenient storage and organization for your workspace as well as cost saving opportunities. By protecting your investment and extending the life of your tools with proper protection and storage, you reduce the need for tool replacement or repairs. Cutting edges aren't dulled in transit—materials arrive sharp and ready for use on day one. No more misplacing attachments after one use, or losing tiny drill bits in the toolbox black hole.
Ultimately, our packaging made from quality materials—like our tools themselves—reflects our commitment to offering you reliability and quality, so you can maximize your productivity and efficiency on the job.
