Ergonomics and innovative technologies fuel the handheld tool market.
Railtech Matweld’s Head Wash Grinder removing material for a head wash repair weld to be installed.
by Jennifer Nunez, assistant editor
getting big jobs done with
hand-held tools
M
anufacturers and suppliers of hand-held tools are offering the most comfortable and safe products to combat operator fatigue and reduce injury risk.
Amsted RPS
2014 was an exciting year with much growth in the Amsted RPS product line, says John Stout, vice president sales and marketing. Amsted RPS introduced the Buy Americacompliant e-clip, manufactured out of its Atchison, Kan., facility. A complete line of hand-held tools are available for each fastener. Most recently, Amsted RPS developed an e-clip pull–on tool made of lightweight 22 Railway Track & Structures
aluminum constr uction with an ergonomic design made for quick, easy and safe installations. “As the MACRO Armor product line of abrasion-resistant products has expanded over the past three years, Amsted RPS has developed the tools to make installations more accurate and increase work crew productivity,” Stout explained. “We recognize the limited track time available for railroad maintenance crews constrains their ability to productively repair and upgrade rail infrastructure, so in response, we have developed our MACRO Armor Repair Plate and MACRO Placement Tool that ensures the original geometry of the rail seat is restored, while reducing
December 2014
the time to repair concrete by more than 25 percent.” Amsted RPS manufactures fastening products for wood ties, concrete ties, direct fixation and embedded rail systems. The company anticipates a strong year for its portfolio of fastening products and associated track tools in support of customer initiatives to build capacity and maintain infrastructure. In addition to the standard line of hand tools, Amsted RPS also develops custom designs to meet unique needs of customers. Each new design is rigorously tested in its AALA-certified lab located in Atchison, followed by field trials for performance and durability. www.rtands.com