Hand tools for electronics applications are becoming smarter

Buyers have an array of choices in the market, as local and imported brands are available in various levels of quality at a range of prices

By Richa Chakravarty

Friday, March 14 2014: With the increasing complexity in electronic devices, the hand tools used for repairing, fixing and troubleshooting are also evolving with newer technologies. These are not only becoming sophisticated but also smarter and more intelligent. However, it is essential to use the right tool for a particular task in order to complete the job faster and more easily. The right choice of tool usually also improves the ultimate quality of the finished product.

Here we highlight the new products from among three of the most commonly used hand tools—smart tweezers, electric screwdrivers and wire strippers.

What’s new in the market?

Smart tweezers

Smart tweezers measure both the real and imaginary impedances. The new and advanced models include a new diode test mode that indicates polarity. These combine a digital LCR meter as well, which allows the microprocessor-based instrument to measure and read out not only the resistance, but series inductance, equivalent series resistance (ESR), and DC resistance or Q. However, smart tweezers go far beyond the norm for LCR meters.

The smart tweezers from Ideal-Tek are a handheld LCR meter with a new concept. It provides solutions for testing and identification of surface mount devices (SMD) as well as troubleshooting complex electronic systems. “These precise gold-plated tweezers can be used to pick and reliably contact even the smallest SMD components, and take measurements from already mounted devices,” says Vinod Bajaj, general manager, Sumitron Exports Pvt Ltd, a distributor of Ideal-Tek products.

Some of the major improvements done on these tweezers include the use of a Li-ion rechargeable battery and the redesigned joystick controller. These tweezers automatically determine the type of the component and select the proper range for high accuracy measurements. The unit’s display clearly indicates the type of the component, measurement results and test conditions.

Mastech’s MS8910 smart tweezers can do in-circuit testing with auto detection of components and also have a display panel to show the values. “This is an economical tool that is handy for users. It helps in auto scanning, testing resistance, capacitance, continuity and diodes. Its auto power-off feature and low-battery indicator adds to its convenience,” shares Manish Kwatra, managing director, Metro Electronic Products.

Electric screwdrivers

There are many types of electric screwdrivers in different sizes, with different power and pricing levels. Electric screwdrivers can either be of the corded or cordless variety.

Depending on the applications—from light duty to heavy electronics-related work—the features of screwdrivers differ. Rapid reloading technology allows the user to change the driving bits with a mere gun-like slide action. This feature helps users to screw, rotate, reload and quickly pull the trigger to switch to the next job. Swapping bits is another advanced feature of these screwdrivers. Some of the screwdrivers offer up to 12 different driving bits and two cartridges preloaded.

“Electric screwdrivers are torque adjustable and the advanced ones are even brushless. The low volt operated DC screwdriver is highly recommended,” says Ajay Gupta, director, Advance Tech Services Pvt Ltd.

Power Shark by Kilews Industrial, offered by Sumitron, is a brushless automatic shut-off cordless screwdriver with maximum torque of up to 22 N m and repeatable torque accuracy within ±3 per cent.

Weller offers compact and light, ESD safe electric screwdriver. These brushless screwdrivers are compatible for all different applications and have maintenance-free motor with low running cost.

Advance Tech offers the BS series of screwdrivers, manufactured by ASA, Taiwan which has a high speed of 2000 RPM and a high efficiency brushless motor. “Its ergonomic design offers easy handling. With no carbon particles flowing out of the driver, it responds to environmental protection needs causing no air pollution,” says Ajay Gupta.

Advanced wire strippers

A wire stripper is used for stripping the electrical insulation from electric wires. Today, the market offers various kinds of manual, automatic, semi-automatic and laser wire strippers. The most commonly used are the automatic wire strippers, which simultaneously grip the wire from one side, and cut and remove the insulation from the other. An automatic wire stripper only works on wires within a certain size range. Ideal Industries offers one of the finest 7-in-1 wire strippers. “These wire strippers are ergonomically designed in a variety of models for every application. Ideal offers a versatile, seven-function tool with stripping blades, cushioned grips and plier nose,” shares Vinod Bajaj.

The laser wire stripper is the latest advancement in the industry. This is a computer controlled machine, which uses a laser to burn off the insulation of the wire. Laser wire stripping machines are used mostly for very fine gauge wires since they do not damage the conductor.

Advance Tech offers Abisofix’s complete product line of wire strippers. These strippers work at a low voltage, offering long life and durability. Also, based on the combination of materials to be stripped, it is possible to preset the correct working speed at the power pack offered by these strippers.

Inde Enterprises offers the Jokari T20050 automatic stripper that allows fast and accurate stripping even in hard to reach places. It is suitable for PVC insulated wires as well as those insulated by other materials. The stripping system is designed in such a way that it does not damage the conductor during stripping. It strips wire sizes ranging from 0.2 to 6.0 mm.

Taking a purchase decision

Most users are not educated enough about the right usage of these tools. “Irrespective of the tools’ different functions, users apply them without considering whether that particular tool will yield the desired result or not. Besides, as Indian buyers are price sensitive, they are least bothered about the functions of these hand tools,” shares Ajay Gupta.

When taking a purchase decision, it is very important to consider tools that are of high quality. Working with inferior quality tools will not only take a longer time but will not give a smooth finish to the end product. Users are recommended to go for branded tools as they ensure high quality. However, branded tools are also higher priced.

Safety is another important factor to be taken into consideration. These devices, though small, can cause serious injuries and burns. Though there are hand tools that are non-powered, most tools today are either automatic or semi-automatic and are power-operated. Thus, it is important to note that serious damage, cuts and bruises can happen due to improper use or lack of maintenance of these tools.

Electronics Bazaar, South Asia’s No.1 Electronics B2B magazine