For many companies, finding the right contract manufacturer makes all the difference between ensuring seamless product supply or delayed shipping times and endless waits. Choosing the wrong contract manufacturer leads to frequent delays, cost overruns, and a disrupted supply chain. With so much at stake, it’s critical that you make the right decision.

In this guide, we walk you step-by-step to help you find the best contract manufacturer in India who matches your business needs.

How to identify the best contract manufacturer in India for my business?

Finding a contract manufacturer best-suited to your business needs requires extensive research and planning. The more time you spend comparing and analyzing will help you make a quality decision. Keep in mind that a contract manufacturer used by another company may not be the best option for you, as business needs vary.

Check out this step-by-step guide to locate the best contract manufacturer in India for your business:

Step 1: Start by conducting a feasibility study

Before you begin your search for the right contract manufacturer you need to evaluate whether contract manufacturing is the right choice for you.

• Assess the short and long-term benefits of outsourcing manufacturing to a CM.
• Get inputs from project managers.
• Evaluate all variables – budget, timeline, legal issues, and more.

Weigh the pros and cons to decide if contract manufacturing is the right choice for you. Once you have decided to go with a contract manufacturer, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Scrutinise the Reputation of the Shortlisted Candidates

The next step is to draw up a list of potential contract manufacturers in your niche.

• Check their reputation and ratings online.
• Ensure that you go with a reputed contract manufacturer with years of experience in the industry, as the reputation of your brand lies in your choice.
• You can also ask for suggestions and referrals from other brands in your space.

Step 3: Look for Experience

Just like you wouldn’t select a candidate for a job with no prior experience, you want to look for a contract manufacturer with years of experience in industrial manufacturing.

• Evaluate the manufacturing technologies they use
• Relevant capabilities and more

Step 4: Factor in Scalability

Here are a few questions to keep in mind:

• Will the contract manufacturing partner be able to step up (or step down) production as required?
• Do they have the right resources for production management?
• Do they show signs of limited capability?

You don’t want to enter into a contract with a manufacturer who is struggling to keep up with the pace of production.

Step 5: Budget in all Expenses

It’s a good idea to get an approximate quote from the contract manufacturers on your list. This gives you a clear picture of all the expenses involved:

• Shipping costs
• Compliance and regulation licenses
• Contract fees
• Tariffs
• Raw material procurement
• Packaging and more

Do the math. Check if the costs of contract manufacturing are lower than the expenses you incur if you handle the job in-house.

Step 6: Communicate Expectations Clearly

Once you have shortlisted your choice of preferred contract manufacturers, the next step is to communicate your expectations with them clearly. Gauge their responses. See if you’re on the same page regarding project details, so that you can avoid nasty surprises later on.

The best contract manufacturer in India will be transparent and straightforward. They will let you know whether your project is feasible or not so that you can decide whether to choose them or not.

Step 7: Work out the Day-to-day Operational Details

• How much autonomy are you willing to give to your contract manufacturing partner?
• How much communication do you want with them? Do you want to get daily updates or is it sufficient if they give you monthly reports?

Discuss these questions with your team and then communicate the same with your preferred contract manufacturing partner.

Step 8: Visit the Contract Manufacturer if Possible

Set up interviews with each contract manufacturer you’re considering. Let them know your project expectations and evaluate their responses. If possible, consider a site visit to get first-hand information about the functionality and feel of each production facility.

Step 9: Rank the Contract Manufacturers on your List

Use the nine steps listed above to rank and order each contract manufacturing partner on your list. Allow your project managers, and other stakeholders to give their scores as well. Then, arrange the contract manufacturers on your list according to your preference.

Step 10: Sign the Contract

Congrats! You’re close to the finish line. Once you’ve evaluated the contract manufacturers on your list, it’s time to draw up the contract and officially formalize the partnership.

Alok Tools – Your Trusted Contract Manufacturer in India

With due diligence, in-depth research, and planning, you can easily find the best contract manufacturer who matches your business needs. Finding the best contract manufacturer in India may feel overwhelming. With hundreds of contract manufacturing organizations, how do you ensure that you’re making the right choice?

At Alok Tools, we guarantee to make the partnership trustworthy, transparent, and turnkey. We specialize in industrial manufacturing and value-added production services for clients across the world in various sectors. Partner with Alok Tools, the best contract manufacturer in India to keep down costs and accelerate profits!

Manufacturing is a complex activity and requires plenty of planning, design and execution. Product manufacturers have plenty of things to juggle. They have to design the product, source the right materials, manufacture the product, and perform quality assurance tests, package and ship it. Tackling all this by yourself can feel like a herculean task.

Worry not, this is where we come into the picture. As one of the top contract manufacturers in India, we help you at every step of the manufacturing process. Whether you’re trying to reduce the time of your product manufacturing cycle or cut down costs, we can help you out.

With Alok Tools, you don’t have to deal with the myriad manufacturing challenges all by yourself. As a trusted contract manufacturer we help you make production as smooth as possible so that you can focus your efforts on your core business practices.

In this guide, we walk you through the top 10 benefits of hiring Indian contract manufacturing companies. With a trusted contract manufacturer by your side, you can produce high-quality, market-ready products while keeping down overhead costs.

10 Benefits of Hiring a Contract Manufacturer in India

Even if you have the necessary manpower, resources, and experience to handle manufacturing in-house, there are certain benefits of outsourcing your manufacturing process. Here are the top ten benefits of why you should hire contract manufacturers.

1. Produce High-Quality Products

One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing manufacturing is that contract manufacturers have the expertise to create high-quality products. They have a team of skilled product engineers, quality testers as well as advanced manufacturing tools like 3D printers, precise cutters, and drillers, milling instruments, CNC machines, and more.

Result: You get world-class products that are more functional and aesthetically appealing.

2. Reduction in Manufacturing Costs

When you outsource your manufacturing needs to a contract manufacturer, you don’t have to invest in expensive manufacturing equipment or hire machinery operators, warehouse maintenance staff, product engineers, etc. The contract manufacturer handles it all for you.

From sourcing raw materials to labelling and packaging the final product – your contract manufacturer handles it all for you. This helps you cut down on overhead costs, which in turn, results in significant savings.

3. Stay within Project Deadlines

One of the biggest challenges of in-house manufacturing is that there are several unknowns. Machine breakdown, staff leaves, difficulties in procurement – any single factor can delay and derail the entire process. However, when you partner with a trusted contract manufacturer, you are guaranteed that the project will be completed as per the agreed timeline.

4. Reduce Manufacturing Time

This is one of the main reasons why even big companies hire contract manufacturers in India. When you outsource manufacturing, it reduces manufacturing time. CMs (Contract Manufacturers) have advanced tools to reduce the time taken to produce a product. You can get your products on shelves within just a few weeks, if you desire so.

5. Save Resources

Contract manufacturers help to save resources in two major ways:

• By using lean manufacturing techniques, you can cut down on wastes generated, which in turn, translates to more savings for you. It also helps you lower the carbon footprint of your business, improving your sustainability practices.
• Save the precious time of your resources. Instead of focussing on manufacturing details, your team can spend time on other important tasks like lead generation, conversion, branding, marketing, product improvements, etc.

6. Operate with a Lean Team

Manufacturing is a labour-intensive process. It requires a large team of: engineers, machine operators, skilled workers, plant managers, warehouse staff, etc. When you work with a contract manufacturer, you get to enjoy the benefits of a large workforce without worrying about payroll management, shift scheduling, etc.

7. Scalability

Scalability is one of the other primary benefits of contract manufacturing. You can increase (and even reduce) manufacturing capabilities as per market demands. You don’t have to invest in additional machinery and staff if your product volumes increase. Similarly, you can reduce product quantities if needed, without worrying about keeping staff and machinery idle.

8. Perfect for Small Businesses and Startups

Contract manufacturing levels the playing field. By reducing manufacturing costs and time, it makes it easy for small businesses and startups to get their products into the market cost-effectively. It helps small businesses compete against the bigger corporations, without compromising on the quality of products.

9. End-to-End Services

Contract manufacturers handle it all. This includes prototype design, material sourcing, manufacturing, assembly, packaging, labelling and shipping. Keeping the entire process from start to end under one roof cuts down costs significantly.

10. Gain an Edge over your Competitors

When you partner with an experienced contract manufacturer in India like Alok Tools, you get more out of the partnership. We are not just your manufacturing partner. But, we also guide and assist you with vital knowledge that can help your product stand out in the market. With years of experience in manufacturing, we have a thorough working knowledge of the industry. Our insights will help you gain an edge over your competitors.

How to Identify the Best Indian Contract Manufacturing Companies?

Now, that we’ve seen the advantages of contract manufacturing, let’s focus our attention on how to select the best contract manufacturing partner for your niche.

The right contract manufacturer streamlines the manufacturing process from start to finish. They help in reducing production time and costs, giving you a world-class product that is designed to stand out.

While selecting your contract manufacturing partner, look for a company who offers you end-to-end service. Your partner should be able to handle it all. Right from sourcing raw materials to offering design suggestions to handling packaging and shipping. The best contract manufacturers in India walk you through every step of the process.

They don’t see you as yet another client, but a partner. They offer value-added services like advice on material selection, design feedback, and more. Look for a contract manufacturer who has been manufacturing products under their brand. This is key, as it helps you get a clear idea of the quality and standards of their manufacturing.

With an experienced manufacturing partner by your side, you can produce world-class products and emerge as a leader in your industry. So, what are you waiting for? Outsource your manufacturing need and deliver groundbreaking products and capture the market!

These lines are created by a manufacturing finishing process known as knurling. Knurling helps to create any combination of vertical, horizontal, or crisscrossing lines on the surface of a workpiece. Knurling can be done either using a machine like a lathe or by hand using the right tools.

How does knurling work?

Knurling doesn’t add any material. Rather, it creates a rough texture by removing or cutting away some of the material. Knurling tools have a specific pattern. This can be either horizontal, vertical, or a combination of both. When the knurling tool is pressed against the workpiece, the pattern on the tool is replicated on the workpiece.

Knurling tools have a “V-shaped” tooth. It’s created by displacing the material on the workpiece. When the knurling tool is pressed against the surface of the rotating workpiece, it creates the required pattern.

Knurling tools can produce the following patterns:

Straight – horizontal or vertical lines

Diagonal lines

Diamond patterns

Applications of Knurling

Knurling has a huge range of applications in daily use. It’s primarily used for:

Decorative purposes

Serration surfaces that are keyed or locked together in unit assemblies

To improve the grip of hand tools

Consumers love having a textured finish rather than a smooth finish. This is one of the main reasons why knurling is used on a product, to enhance its aesthetics. It creates an attractive pattern on the surface of the workpiece.

Besides aesthetics, knurling is also used for other practical purposes like improved grip. Hand tools like hammers, wrenches often have a knurled handle to improve stability and performance while using it. Here’s an example. Consider a hammer with a smooth handle. The smooth surface is prone to slipping easily, leading to accidents. On the other hand, consider a hammer with a textured handle. The knurled handle protects against slippage, helping users have a steady grip.

Hand Vs Machine Knurling

Knurling can be done either by machine or hand. Hand knurling uses a rolling roll that creates the desired pattern on the workpiece. Machine knurling uses a lathe to cut the desired pattern on the workpiece.

Hand knurling is the most basic knurling process and doesn’t require large machines. It can be completed with a simple roller tool. Hand knurling creates the patterns primarily uses pressure. When the worker runs the knurling tool across the surface of the workpiece, it creates a textural indention on the object. Machine knurling, on the other hand, creates the texture by chipping away a small portion of the material of the workpiece.

Check out the knurling tools from Alok Tools:

Quick Acting Knurling Tool

This is a knurling tool that is easy to set up. It minimizes the pressure on the lathe, crossfeed, or center screw. The depth of the knurling impression can be set based on the production work. It creates medium diamond-patterned knurls in the following size:

¾” x 3/8” x ¼”

Besides our quick-acting knurling tool, we also offer knurling tool holders and spare knurls for knurling tool holders.

If you require more info on our range of knurling tools or need help finding the right set of knurling tools, drop in an email to sales@aloktools.com, and our team will get back to you with the required information.

Step 1: Familiarise yourself with the Different Types Available

Tap wrenches can be classified into two types:

Double-end Adjustable Wrenches – It has a threaded handle that is fixed to a clamp. It’s used on larger taps where there is adequate room to turn the larger wrench. They are also called as bar wrenches.

T-handle Wrenches – It has a collet that secures the tool. T-handle wrenches work well for small spaces that require an extra reach.

At Alok Tools, we have the following styles of tap wrenches to suit various needs:

Ratchet Tap Wrench

It comes with a smooth, chrome-plated body and is a handy tool to include in your toolset. It works using the reversible ratchet mechanism. It works with taps and other tools that need to be turned by hand.

Adjustable Tap Wrench

It’s a high-quality tool used for hand tapping operations. As the name implies, it comes with tempered and hardened jaws, adjusted to suit various applications. You can comfortably use it with screw extractors, reamers, and other standard tools.

Extra Long Tap Wrench

It has an extra-long handle of 33cm, making it ideal for spaces that are hard to reach. The handle can be extended to ensure better leverage. The tempered and hardened jaws make it robust and long-lasting. It has a shiny, chrome-plated finish.

T-handle Tap Wrench

This is a general-purpose tap wrench that can be used for various hand-tapping operations. The handle has a heavy knurled cap that offers a firm grip. It’s an ergonomic and high-quality tool that works well for DIYers as well as professionals.

Step 2: Assessing your Needs and Figuring the Required Size and Shape

The next step is to decide if you need an adjustable tap wrench or a fixed one. Adjustable tap wrenches can accommodate tool heads of varying sizes. However, they are not as strong as fixed tap wrenches. That doesn’t mean one type of tool is better than the other. It all depends on your usage.

If you’re looking for a tap wrench to help you with small DIY projects around the house, then we recommend purchasing a couple of adjustable wrenches to cover all your size requirements. On the other hand, if you’re looking for tap wrenches for bigger and professional projects, you can invest in fixed tap wrenches.

The number of wrenches you need to invest in depends on how often and the type of jobs you will use them. If you’re looking for wrenches for home use, then a couple or more wrenches in standard sizes are sufficient. If you’re a professional, then investing in a complete set of fixed and adjustable tap wrenches will help you carry out all tasks with ease.

Step 3: The Measurement Type

Wrench heads are either measured in metric or US standard sizes. Metric measurements use millimetres, while US standard sizes use inches. At Alok Tools, our wrenches are marked in mm. If you require wrenches in US standard sizes, get in touch with our team, and we can help you out.

Step 4: Understanding the Materials used

The materials used in the tap wrench play a crucial role in determining its durability, aka how long the wrench will last. Materials like chrome plating offer longer durability and ensure much better corrosion resistance. The highest quality wrenches are made with chromium-vanadium. While cast iron and wrought iron wrenches provide outstanding durability, they are prone to rusting. So, opt for wrenches with chromium-finish.

Final Thoughts – Try our Tools

Now that you’re aware of the different types of tap wrenches and how they work, you can choose the right tool for your specific needs. Sometimes you may feel that you need to try out a tool before you purchase it. Trying out the tool can give you the confidence that it’s the right one for the task. Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements and see if we can arrange a trial.

If you require any further help, don’t hesitate to contact our tool experts at Alok Tools, India’s leading industrial hand tools manufacturer and exporter.

From building large structures like bridges and ships to minute automobile parts, medical tools, and delicate jewellery, metalworking plays a crucial role across industries and sectors. Not just industries, metalworking is also a popular hobby among DIY enthusiasts.

Choosing the right tool plays a crucial role in determining the success of any metalworking task. This is why we recommend that you pay careful attention when selecting the right air pneumatic tools for your metalworking projects. In this post, we outline the major factors that you should consider when choosing the right pneumatic tool for metalworking.

1. Speed

The speed of the tool you choose plays a crucial role in determining your project’s output productivity. The speed determines the material removal rate, hence the overall productivity. Ideally, there is no optimal speed that suits all applications and materials. The tool’s ideal speed for your project depends on several factors like required surface finish, disc size, disc type, and more.

Also, remember that high speed does not always mean an increase in productivity. With certain materials, high speed can lead to local heating, damaging the material and the tool. Make sure to check the pneumatic tool’s speed to determine if it suits your application before purchasing it.

2. Metalworking Material

Different metals have varying requirements. Hence, it’s not possible to specify one single pneumatic tool that suits all applications. To achieve the best results with your new air tool, you need to consider each metal’s features separately before making a purchase decision.

For instance, steel and steel alloys are hard to grind. Hence, the tool you choose has to be powerful to achieve the desired results. FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymers), on the other hand, are malleable and are easy to grind. Hence, they need to be worked with tools that are not too powerful, as powerful tools can quickly grind to the composite and melt the material.

3. Application

The application is one of the deciding factors in selecting the right tool. This is because different features of the tool are required for various tasks. To give an example, applications like chamfering, cutting, and weld seam work well with tools like vertical and angle grinders. These tools have disks that are specifically designed for these applications. On the other hand, applications like surface sanding require low-speed pneumatic tools like angle rotary sanders. Finishing tasks are best carried out with rotary orbital sanders and belt sanders.

So, make sure to consider the application type while choosing the right pneumatic tool.

4. Safety and Ergonomics

Safety and ergonomics are two factors that should never be compromised. The safety and convenience of the operator using the tool have a direct impact on productivity. One major factor to consider here is the power-to-weight ratio. You need to ask yourself this question while choosing pneumatic tools – will the operator be able to use the tool continuously for long periods without experiencing discomfort or strain?

Look for pneumatic tools with an auto-balancer. This feature helps in significantly reducing the vibrations during operations, thereby improving safety and decreasing operator fatigue.

5. Finally, Check out the Additional Features

Besides these four essential factors, you can also consider additional features. These are not mandatory but good to have. Certain features help in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the task. For instance, some pneumatic tools come with spindle locks. These are designed to reduce downtime and minimise abrasive replacement.

Besides the features mentioned above, auto-balance is a great additional feature to look out for. For instance, a pneumatic tool with an auto balancer helps in effectively increasing the material removal rate by 15%. This is because workers can use the tool safely for long periods without getting tired soon.

The five features listed in this guide help you choose the best pneumatic tool for your metalworking project. If you have any further queries regarding pneumatic tools, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. As India’s largest exporter and manufacturer of pneumatic tools under the brand name Ozar-Toku, we can help you find the best air tools for your specific requirements. Get a free quotation for industrial tools today.

The Three Common Types of Vices include:

1.  Machinist Vice

It’s an excellent multi-purpose holding tool and is one of the most popular vice types. It has a flanged bottom that has a larger surface area. The large surface area helps to stabilize the vice and paves the way for convenient clamping to the work table.

However, one of the significant drawbacks of the machinist vice is that it occupies plenty of space. If your work table is small, then you can opt for other types of vices like the CNC or Toolmaker vice. Here, at Alok Tools, leading industrial tools vices manufacturers in India, we supply high-quality machinist vices that are lock-down, meaning the moveable jaw is fixed steadily to the work table and doesn’t rise, while the screw is fixed.

2. CNC Vice

The CNC vice overcomes the drawbacks of the machinist vice. The design of the CNC vice is compacter, and it offers a rigid holding compared to the machinist vice. The smaller design of the CNC vice means that you can use multiple vices on your work table, without having to worry about the availability of space.

CNC vices can be clamped either horizontally or sideways. However, the one drawback of CNC vices is that they don’t have a flange. Lack of flange makes it tricky to secure them steadily to the table. However, this drawback can be easily overcome by using special table clamps that are supplied with the CNC vice. At Alok Tools, our range of CNC vices feature a lock-down design, improving their hold.

3. Toolmaker Vice

Compared to the other two types of vices, toolmaker vices are smaller, more accurate and inexpensive. However, they are cumbersome to use. The tightening is achieved by a multi-step latch instead of a single screw used by the other vices.

Toolmaker vices are used for jobs that require the workpiece to be moved from one machine to another. It’s easy to leave the work in the toolmaker vice and move it to the next machine, without disturbing it. While toolmaker vices have a lock-down design, unlike the other two types of vices, it doesn’t come with replaceable jaws or work stops.

Now, that you are aware of the three common types of vices, let’s take a look at,

How to Select the Right Vice for the Job?

While it may appear easy, selecting the right vice for the job can be tricky. Worry not, here in this guide, we share with you a few factors to consider so that you can choose the right metalworking bench vice for the job.

• Depth of the Vice

The first factor to consider is the throat depth of the vice. The throat depth is the distance between the top sides of the jaws to the top side of the slide below the jaws. A large throat depth means you can hold larger workpieces.

While selecting a vice, make sure to unwind the screw to its fullest so that you can get a clear idea of the maximum throat depth of the vice. If you work with large objects, then choose a vice with a bigger throat depth is highly recommended.

• Size of the Objects to be Used

This is an extension of the above factor. Make sure to consider the average size of the objects that you usually work with. Larger objects require a vice with a larger jaw width. Generally, the jaw widths of vice are measured in inches and it ranges from 4, 5, 6, 8 and so on.

• Weight of the Vice

Another factor to consider is the overall weight of the vice. Two vices with similar jaw widths may vary in weight. So, make sure to consider the weight of the vice while choosing. Check whether your workbench can handle more massive vices that weigh more.

• Vice Usage

Finally, you need to consider the intended usage of the vice. How will you use the metalworking bench vice? Will you use the vice as an anvil and hammer over it? If yes, then you need to ensure that you pick a sturdy vice that can handle this abuse. Vices with a sizeable rear anvil work well for hammering.

Select the Right Vice that is perfect for your Requirements

Make sure to consider all the factors mentioned above, while choosing a metalworking bench vice. With that said, there are plenty of vices available in the market. You may have to browse through multiple types, specifications and more.

If you’re confused about which is the right vice for you, you can always get the help of our tool experts, here at Alok Tools, one of the best tools manufacturing companies in India. With a wide range of industrial and hand tools, we supply our customers with the best quality tools at the most affordable prices. To know more, get in touch with us.

First, a quick introduction on,

What are Vices?

Vices are holding tools that are used in machines like drilling machines, milling machines, lathes and more. It’s used to hold a workpiece securely during a specific task. Design-wise, there are three primary types of vices, like:

Plain Vice

It’s the most common type of vice and is mainly used for milling operations. It’s mounted directly on the machine table. It’s fastened to the table with jaws. The jaws are either at right angles or parallel to the table. The workpiece is attached firmly between the fixed and moveable jaws.

Swivel Vice

As the name implies, this vice has a swivel operation. The workpiece is milled at an angular surface, without moving it. The base of the swivel vice is clamped to the work table using T-bolts.

Universal Vice

The universal vice is highly versatile. It can be swiveled at a horizontal plane just like the swivel vice. Additionally, it can also be tilted in a vertical position to make way for angular cuts. It’s mainly used by toolmakers and hence is known as toolmakers vice.

Modular Vice from the House of Alok Tools

As the leading machine and modular vice – manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters in India, Ozar Tools, the global tool brand from the house of ALOK INTERNATIONAL PVT. LTD. offers a wide range of machine vices suitable for various applications. Our bestselling product categories include:

• 2-way swivel and tilt vice – precision
• 3-way swivel and tilt vice – precision
• 3-way unigrip drill press vice
• Bench vice
• Drill press vice – multi-side use
• Engineers steel bench vice
• Milling vice – self-centering
• Offset steel bench vice
• Precision drill press vice
• Precision milling machine vice
• Precision toolmakers steel vice (Pin Type)
• Precision toolmakers steel vice (Screw Type)
• Unigrip drill press vice
• Welders corner angle vise clamps
• Woodworking vices
• Modular vices

Closer Look at the Features and Highlights of our Modular Vices

Designed for precision milling and grinding, our modular vice is perfectly suited for standard and CNC milling machines. It can be used to work individually or set up as part of a series along with other modular vices. The moveable jaw is made of high-grade hardened special alloy steel. It is hardened and stabilized to ensure durability and quality.

Available Sizes and Dimensions

Salient Advantages of Modular Vices from Alok Tools

No Wear
As we manufacture with the highest quality materials, our vices have the most robust structure. All our vices and accessories are made using case hardened HRC 60 ±2 special alloy steel. Thereby offering the best performance, maximum rigidity and no signs of wear and tear. We offer a standard product warranty on all our vices and associated mechanical components.
High Accuracies up to ±0.2mm
The modular vice offers precision alignment along with the machine axis, thereby enhancing the quality of the output.
Quick Clamping
The clamping action is completed within minutes, thanks to the sliding clamping device. Thereby making it super easy to use.
Modularity
All our vices and accessories are modular – meaning components can be interchanged with different work holding systems in perfect alignment.
Handy, Space-Saving Design
The design of the modular vice is such that it can be moved easily, in spite of having a solid construction. It allows for easy movement from one machine to another.
Safety and Rigidity
Both the jaws (fixed and moveable) and built as one solid piece. There are no additional key-nuts or slides. Hence, the jaw has higher rigidity, and there is no bending. Also, the jaw plates are manufactured at a pull-down angle. This ensures that during the clamping operation, the workpiece is held at a precise angle, and there is no chance of injury.

For more details regarding the tool – features, applications, prices and more get in touch with our expert sales team. Also, Alok Tools has an exclusive distribution program, where we partner with overseas vendors to supply quality industrial and hand tools at the best prices in the market. Drop us an email or give us a shout out on social media to know more.

What’s included in this guide?

• What is an adjustable spanner?
• What is it used for?
• How to use it?
• Safety Tips to follow while using an adjustable spanner
• Adjustable Spanner Sizes available at Alok Tools

What is an Adjustable Spanner?

Also known as an adjustable wrench, an adjustable spanner is used in various industries. It’s a popular hand tool that is used by both professionals and DIYers.
As the name implies, it functions just like a regular spanner. The only difference is that it has a flexible, moveable jaw that can be altered. An adjustable spanner is used to grip on a fastener head like a bolt or nut and helps to tighten or loosen it.
One of the biggest drawbacks with a regular spanner is that it can be used to work only with one particular size of bolt or nut. You need multiple spanners or wrenches to work with different fasteners. On the other hand, an adjustable spanner can work with multiple nuts and bolts. It offers you the convenience of using a single tool for multiple jobs.

What is it used for?

The key role of an adjustable spanner is to provide a firm grip on a fastener, usually a nut, pipe, or bolt, to loosen or tighten it as per the job. Most adjustable spanners have a smaller lower jaw that moves backward or forward, narrowing or widening the gap. The upper jaw is fixed around the fastener snugly. Most adjustable spanners work with imperial as well as metric fastener gauges.
However, one slight drawback of an adjustable spanner is that it has a slightly heftier head compared to a regular spanner. This is the reason why few people find it difficult to switch over to adjustable spanners, especially when working in tight or confined spaces.
While choosing an adjustable spanner, make sure to pick high-quality ones. Poor quality adjustable wrenches suffer from the wandering lower jaw syndrome. This means the lower jaw doesn’t lock into position, and the width set by the user doesn’t stay locked in, leading to periodic resets and readjustments.

How to use it?

Using an adjustable spanner is quite easy, especially if you’re familiar with regular spanners. Just like the non-adjustable model, you have to position the adjustable spanner over the fastener.
Not just the operation, but also adjusting its size is quite easy. All you have to do is turn the screw (the worm screw), which is mounted on the base or the side of the spanner head. Alternatively, the screw can also be located at the top of the handle, where the handle meets the lower jaw.

Let’s take a look at the steps involved in using the adjustable spanner:

Step 1: Identify the size of the bolt or nut you want to loosen or tighten.

Step 2: Turn the worm screw on the spanner to adjust the width to suit your requirements. Depending on the direction you turn the screw, the width increases or decreases. It’s always the smaller lower jaw that moves, and the upper jaw remains static.

Step 3: Once you have opened or closed the jaw to the desired width (which is determined by the markings on the spanner head), place it over the bolt or nut. Ensure that you get a secure grip. If you don’t get a good grip, then it means you have to adjust it further.

Step 4: Once you get a good grip on the fastener, the next step is to open/close it as per requirements. Just like a regular spanner, turn the fastener to the left to loosen it and to the right to tighten it.

Safety Tips to follow while using an Adjustable Spanner

Here are some basic safety tips to ensure that you use it appropriately.

1. Find the right fitting tool
Look for an adjustable spanner that fits well on all the major fastener sizes. This reduces the risk of slipping and damaging the tool or the user. The maximum gap between the spanner jaws and the fastener should not be more than a millimeter. If you notice a bigger gap, then you need to readjust the jaw size.

2. Don’t apply too much pressure
If you’re applying more force and pressure on the tool, it means you’re not using it correctly. There are possibilities that it would slip and fall, leading to injuries.

3. Look for signs of wear and tear
Make sure to check the tool for visible signs of wear and tear before starting the job. Adjustable spanners have to be recalibrated regularly to provide maximum efficiency.

4. Keep it clean
Make sure to store the tool securely in the right toolbox after the job. Prevent excessive grease and grime from accumulating on it.

5. Finally, be aware of your environment
This safety rule applies to all tools and not just adjustable spanners. Make sure to ensure that there is sufficient space for maneuvering it.

Adjustable Spanner Sizes available at Alok Tools

As the leading manufacturers of adjustable spanners in India, our tools are precisely designed to meet international standards. With best-in-class engineering, our tools are exported to a large number of clients across the world.

Here are a few special features of our tools:

• Superior phosphate finish
• Forged special steel
• Made in tune with ISO standards

Our Sizes include:

• 8”/200 mm
• 10”/250 mm
• 12”/300 mm
• 15”/350 mm

Looking to order our tools in bulk? Get in touch with our team to get customized quotes and special discounts.

Continue reading for our take on the ongoing tariff war and how it can impact Indian manufacturing.

What’s happening and how it all started?

Let’s rewind to March 2018. The United States President Donald Trump placed heavy tariffs on Chinese imported aluminium and steel coming into the country. In a tit-for-tat response, China imposed heavy tariffs on billions of dollars worth American goods imported into China.

The dispute peaked when the US demanded China to reduce its massive trade deficit of US $ 375 billion and also provide more access for American goods in the Chinese domestic market. With these two economic super-powers locking horns, global expansion weakened significantly all over the world, affecting several other countries.

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) reduced the global economic forecast for 2019, stating that a trade war between China and the US would cause significant damage to the global economy.

How does this Impact India?

With the US reducing its imports from China would look at other countries to make up the deficit. Among a handful of other manufacturing countries like Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, and several others, India is better positioned to gain from this trade dispute.

The United Nations in a report released earlier this year has identified India as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the ongoing trade war.

India is the ninth biggest trading partner of the US. In 2018, India exported goods worth US $ 83.2 billion to the US and imported goods worth the US $ 58.9 billion. The trade surplus for that year was the US $ 24.2 billion.

The Not So Good Effects for India

It’s true that trade disputes will make the US turn to other emerging markets. However, industry experts state that India and China have diverse manufacturing capabilities. Meaning, goods manufactured in China cannot be readily replaced or compensated by India.

A vast majority of goods exported by China are finished manufacturing goods. China mostly exports toys, furniture, plastics, machinery, and consumer electronics. On the other hand, India’s export basket mostly consists of semi-finished goods and raw materials like minerals, diamonds, precious metals, pharmaceuticals, and vehicles.

The Good Impacts for India

The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China is a golden opportunity for Indian manufacturers. They can use this opportunity to ramp up their manufacturing strategies and qualities. The US will need world-class goods manufactured at competitive rates.

By improving the domestic manufacturing sector, India could very well fill in the gaps, making huge wins. In an interview with Times of India, Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, the hugely popular Chinese smartphone company, stated that growing trade tensions between China and the US could increase the flow of Chinese investment into India.

Nicknamed as the Steve Jobs of China, Lei Jun stated that India is the biggest market for Xiaomi outside of China. Apart from smartphones, Xiaomi is looking to expand its product line in India by including ACs, washing machines, water purifiers, refrigerators, and even electric vehicles.

Just like Xiaomi, other Chinese manufacturers will look at India as their first choice for investments. Similarly, Apple, who for years, manufactured all its phones in China, is all set to set up a production base in India in 2019. Though Apple has been producing older models of its smartphone in Bengaluru for years now, the company will commence production of newer models in India later this year.

What does this mean for the Indian Manufacturing Sector?

Even if the trade disputes settle, India is likely to benefit heavily in the long term. Chinese manufacturers are likely to set up subsidiary production units in India, and American investors are likely to shift their manufacturing bases to India.

In the event that trade disputes don’t settle as expected, India still stands to benefit. Indian manufacturers can improve their product qualities to meet global standards and increase their exports to the US.

What’s your take on the US-China trade war? What do you think will happen for Indian manufacturing? Share your views with us.

Have you tried to loosen a rusty bolt or old nuts? Have you ever experienced the difficulty of fixing a nut? There are plenty of times when a regular wrench just doesn’t cut it.

An Impact wrench is all you need. With better power, force and most importantly, a better grip than ordinary ones, it’s a handy tool for all tasks.

What is an impact wrench and what’s it used for? 

An impact wrench is a tool that generates a high torque or rotating force so that you can use it to remove or adjust nuts and bolts. It can be used manually or in automatic mode.  Automatic versions include hydraulic, air controlled and electric impact wrenches.

If you use a simple wrench, it may take hours to complete a primary task, but an impact wrench makes the job easier and faster.  The best part is that irrespective of whether you are a professional or an amateur, you can use this efficiently.

If you are wondering where to get it, no worries, we’ve got you covered. Visit our online store for a wide range of Impact wrenches of high quality.

Like every tool impact wrenches have a set of safety guidelines which make the tool safer and easier to use.

Here some of the common mistakes to avoid while using an impact wrench

• Prepare beforehand

Before you use any tools like an impact wrench, it’s important that you read and completely understand the instruction manual. Make sure you read the manual and understand specified warnings.

It’s important you dress appropriately while using the wrench. Keep hair and jewellery out of the way. Wear a mask to protect yourself. Also wear a thick jacket, gloves, and safety goggles. Overalls are one of the best clothing options for work, as they don’t come in the way during work.

• Examine the Impact wrench and accessories for damage

Before using an impact wrench make sure you have all the important accessories and also check whether they are free from any type of damage like breakage or cracking. Using damaged accessories can result in serious accidents.

• Operate the Impact wrench properly

Never try to use impact wrenches for jobs which are unsuitable or complex. Avoid applying force to prevent accidents. Also, make sure you have a firm grip on the tool, and it’s in your control. Safety always comes first. Make sure the workplace is safe.

• Be aware of your workplace

Using impact wrenches in tight corners with electric cables, pipelines and gas lines can be dangerous. It’s always better to avoid such places.  If it’s an unavoidable situation, make sure to take all safety precautions before commencing works.

Take precautions like clearing the people away and also disconnecting the pipelines.

Never try to use impact wrench in cold and wet places, as it can result in fatal shook. If you are working at height, make sure that you stand atop a stable platform. Also check that no one is standing below, to avoid painful drops.

• Unplug the impact wrench when not in use

If the impact wrench is not in use, unplug and store the tool and its accessories in a dry and enclosed space. Never try to change the accessories when the wrench is still plugged on. Grievous injury can happen.

Store the impact wrenches and accessories in a safe place. Exposure to sun or rain can damage the tools.

• Match your wrench to the job

Always make sure you buy the best quality impact wrenches made by trusted brands like Alok Tools. This saves you from monumental repair costs in the long run.

One of the common mistakes made is buying the wrong type of tool for the job. There are three types of wrenches – air, electric, hydraulic.

If you are a professional opt for air impact wrenches, as it has the best PVR (power to volume ratio). If it’s for home use, electric is the best option as they have a good PWR (power to weight ratio) and also they are less expensive.

Apart from this, other features, like battery level indicator, torque limiter, and extended warranty must be checked to ensure that you have the perfect tool for the job in hand. Check our impact wrenches for a wide variety of options.

• Mind your wrench size

Using a wrong-sized impact wrench is a common mistake made by a vast majority of customers. Getting a small size gives insufficient torque for the job, while a bigger size is bulky and difficult to use. Consider where and how long the wrench is going to be used.

For example, air controlled Impact wrenches are suitable for jobs that run over a long period as it has great PVR (power to volume ratio) than other impact wrenches. Electric impact wrenches are a perfect choice for home use because there is no additional infrastructure required.

• Use the right power sockets

Very often, inexperienced and amateurs users use the wrong sockets for impact wrenches. Regular household sockets are not made to be used with cyclic loads and are likely to wear down quickly, causing the impact wrench to slip while in use.  Impact wrenches require sockets heavy-duty sockets that are flat and grip well.  This prevents them from tear and wear and frequent slipping.

• Tighten with precision

This is another common problem of inexperienced users who underestimate the torque being applied by an impact wrench. Over tightening can cause trouble. It can strip or stretch the threads. Even when there is no damage, it becomes difficult to loosen them.

For instance, a vast majority of us would have struggled to loosen a wheel nut that has been fixed tightly by a mechanic using an impact wrench in the workshop. For this reason, it’s recommended that you use a torque wrench for tightening to avoid damages and troubles. On the other hand, you can use an impact wrench for loosening nuts and bolts.

• Just apply the right amount of torque

Never underestimate the amount of torque applied. An impact wrench is an ideal tool for loosening, removing, and refitting nuts and bolts but mistakes slow you down and cost your money and valuable time.

• Damaging threads

Cross threading usually damages the nuts or bolts. The best way to prevent this by threading them by hand before using impact wrenches.  This is important for aluminum or any other soft metal fixing, as they are prone to damages.

To conclude you are probably now aware of the common mistakes of using an impact wrench. Use this guide to avoid them. Always remember that safety is your first priority. Keep in mind these common mistakes, so it doesn’t happen to you.

Make sure you buy from a reputed brand. You can also contact us for any doubts and clarifications regarding impact wrenches. We are online now providing you with best customer service. You can also contact us at +911244227095/+911244308799, or you can write to us in sale@aloktools.com.