Anyone who has ever worked on a mechanical system has a dirty little secret - sometimes we don't have the time or resources to use the right tool. We get the job done, but sometimes it's at the cost of replacement parts, injuries or damaged pride. I don't know about you, but my damaged pride usually comes to light when my other half comes to see how things are going and catches me doing something really stupid! The additional time I spend or the money I need to invest in replacement parts is often higher than it would have been to just get the right tool in the first place. There's a reason why there are a million specialty tools out there, one for each and every job we seem to come across that requires something a little more. Here's why:
It Improves Safety
We've all busted a knuckle trying to use the wrong tool for the job because it was what we had on hand at the time and we didn't want to go get the right one. But busted knuckles are the least of your worries when working with heavy equipment and waterworks materials. 
Back injuries from lifting something too heavy without mechanical assistance, amputations or broken bones from dropped materials (those big valves can be HEAVY!) and industry's biggest killer, slip and fall accidents can all be prevented using the appropriate tools and safety equipment for the project at hand. It also prevents productivity slowdowns from low crew morale following an accident and the high costs of a worker's compensation case and time lost due to a missing crew member.
It Improves Productivity
I remember being about 19 when my dad showed up to help with a repair to my new place. I'd been trying to balance a screw at the end of my drill and cussing it out all afternoon when the thing invariably fell off as I was getting it into position. Dad showed up with this nifty little bit holder that had a retracting tube that held that stinking screw right where it needed to be. Once again, Dad was my hero who saved the day and showed me a better way to work. In waterworks, having a valve setting jig that helps prevent it from going off-center when backfilling or box clean-out augers that really move the debris helps speed up the job.
It Prevents Damage to Expensive Parts
We've all seen someone make due when lifting a hydrant by slinging a chain around it and lifting it from that point. Not only does it lift it at an angle, making it harder to remove or install, it can actually cause damage to the hydrant in the process, tearing up the threads or torquing the pumper or hose nozzles. Having the right tool means those easily damaged parts are better protected, saving you a serious loss of expensive fittings and fixtures.
Having the right tool for the job can often protect you and your work crew against damaged equipment, worker's comp costs and wasting time. Avoid these scenarios by visiting our friends at New Concept Tools; they can help you with whatever tool you may need to complete the job.
