This section provides an overview for tool balancers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 41 tool balancer manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked tool balancer companies as of November, 2024: 1.Unidex Corporation, 2.Visumatic Industrial Products, 3.Dixon Automatic Tool, Inc..
Table of Contents
A tool balancer is a device that suspends tools, such as hand tools, via a wire or air hose in areas where manual labor is performed.
When a suspended tool is used, the wire or air hose extends to the length pulled and retracts to its original length when released. This feature allows the tool to be kept out of the way when not in use, maintaining a tidy workspace and improving work efficiency. Tool balancers are also beneficial for suspending heavy tools that are difficult to hold for extended periods.
Tool balancers are utilized in various workplaces to suspend tools for manual tasks. Common settings include automotive assembly lines, machine tool setup areas, and electrical product assembly lines.
Tools typically suspended include hand tools such as wrenches, electric screwdrivers, air impact wrenches, and air guns. Using multiple tool balancers allows for the selection and use of the necessary tools as needed.
Tool balancers are designed to exert a force on the wire that slightly exceeds the weight of the tool, ensuring smooth extension and retraction. The wire extends when a tool is pulled and retracts to its original length upon release.
The primary mechanisms for generating rewinding force are springs and electric motors. In spring-operated balancers, the winding force increases with the length of wire unwound. To counteract this and maintain a constant pulling force, the winding section is designed with a tapered helix shape, allowing the radius to increase as the spring's elastic force grows. Electric motor types adjust the take-up torque based on the weight of the suspended tool.
For suspending air tools, an air hose is used in place of wire in tool balancers. The hose is designed to withstand the force of suspending the tool while also providing an internal air channel to supply air to the tool.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Mile-X Equipment, Inc., founded in 1979 and located in Coldwater, Ohio, USA, is a manufacturer of automotive and industrial equipment. The product offerings include automotive service equipment, such as tire changers, wheel balancers, and automotive lifts, along with industrial equipment like shop presses and oil filter crushers. These products are designed to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in automotive repair shops, industrial facilities, and manufacturing plants. The solutions find applications across various industries, including automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, metalworking, and manufacturing.
Mountz Torque, founded in San Jose, CA, in 1965 is a manufacturer of torque products such as Robotic Screwdrivers, Torque Calibration, and Measuring Torque. The company's product portfolio includes Preset Torque Limiters, Torque Sensors, Run Down Adapters, Calibration Equipment and Torque analyzers and Sensor Accessories. Their products are used in the energy sector for wind turbine assembly and maintenance, critical aerospace components and systems and automotive assembly lines and maintenance applications. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation.
Advanced Technology Products (ATP), established in 1990 in Ohio, the United States, is a manufacturer of precision-made tubing, fittings, and pneumatic accessories. The company began as a joint venture between a Japanese tubing manufacturer and an American distribution organization to provide service to the Japanese automotive industry within the US. It has been providing cutting-edge solutions for multiple industries. Its product range includes a wide range of pneumatic, push-to-connect fittings, and a complete offering of FRL’s. It is ISO 9001:2015 Certified, and is also continuing to expand its offerings and capabilities to meet the changing needs of its customers.
Visumatic Industrial Products, established in 1966, is a manufacturer of automated fastener feeding and driving equipment for industrial organizations undertaking assembly work, such as clips, bolts, pins, nuts, and specialty fasteners used in machine builders, general manufacturing, medical, and defense industries. The Lexington, Kentucky-based company provides standard and pistol-grip handheld solutions for ergonomic, quality, and speed improvements. The company offers various fully automated fixed systems and robotics, such as Viper 4-axis SCARA robotic screw driving system, dual x-y robot, rotary indexing, customer re-programmable robotic software, and multi-spindle systems.
Unidex Corporation was established in 1991, and is located in Warsaw, NewYork, is a manufacturer of material handling equipment and assembly systems for use in the automotive, aviation, food processing, medical and pharmaceutical industries. The company manufactures manipulators, jib arms, end effectors, mobile lift & assembly tables, as well as work positioners, adjustable height workbenches, personnel lifts, gas cylinder trucks, and carts. They also offer buildings lean manufacturing assembly systems with load capacities of up to 10,000 lbs along with elevator-manufacturing & custom modification services.
Nitto Kohki USA is the US-based subsidiary of Japan-based Nitto Kohki. Nitto Kohki was established in 1956, originally as a manufacturer and marketer of air micrometers and other devices. Nitto Kohki develops products that save on energy and labor while being cleaner for the environment. 4 of Nitto Kohki’s product segments are tools, pumps, CUPLA, and delvo. Tools are used in wood working, aerospace, renewable energy, bridge building, and automotive. Pumps are used in hospital equipment, semiconductors, health and beauty equipment, and medical devices. CUPLA products are used in high purity chemicals, HVAC production, computer and server cooling, and plastic injection. Delvo products are used in door frames, PCBs, home appliances, and lighting.
Dixon Automatic Tool, Inc. was originally founded in 1946 in Rockford Illinois. Dixon Automatic Tool is an automated assembly products and services supplier. Dixon Automatic Tool offerings include automatic screwdrivers, automatic nut-runners, automatic part placers, automatic setting systems, robotic end effectors, assembly work cells, hand-held drivers, feeder bowls and feed systems, and features Stöger products for customers’s automation needs. Dixon Automatic Tool also offers two escapement types that can be tooled to escape and transfer piece parts, as well as electric hand-held screwdrivers.
Detroit Balancing Service is a balancing business manufacturer that is headquartered in Ypsilanti, Michigan and was founded in 1990. The company offers a wide range of balancing services that meets production, prototype, and engineering studies through computerized dynamic and static services. The company provides balancing from armatures, gears, pulleys, pumps, and spindles. The company has vertical rotators that can carry up to 250 lbs, horizontal overhung to 1000 lbs, machine shop capabilities, and cradles.
ASG is a division of Jergens, Inc., was founded in 1976, and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. ASG both manufactures and distributes solutions for assembly including precision torque and angle DC electric fastener systems. ASG is ISO 9001:2015 certified. ASG groups include ASG Express, ASG Precision Fastening, ASG Automation, and ASG Integrated Services. Together they specialize in electric and manual screwdrivers, production aides, tool accessories, air motors, pneumatic torque control tools, pulse tools, torque wrenches, current control tool systems, automation systems, auto feed systems, air grippers, torque arms, screwdrivers & nutrunners for automation, and peripheral automation equipment.
Mijin System, established in 1976 and based in Centreville, Virginia, United States, is a manufacturer of spring balancers, electric screwdrivers, and pneumatic tools. The company also produces Auto Hinge and Cupla products in automobile machinery, shipbuilding, electronics, heavy industry electric, etc. The products manufactured by the company meet the ISO 14001 environmental standards. The balancers are produced to improve the worker's efficiency and reduce damage caused to the tools. The company is known for making labour-saving tools.
Reelcraft Industries Inc., founded in 1971 and based in Columbia City, Indiana, is a manufacturer of cord, hose, and cable reels. Its heavy-duty hose reels are used in the automotive, service, heavy, medium and light industries, as well as OEM applications. These models include motor-driven, spring retractable, hand crank reels and handling hose, measuring up to 600 feet. Reelcraft hose reels are used to transfer air and fluid, and some are designed to coil power cords, extension, and, welding cables.
Kinequip, Inc. was founded in 1946 in Buffalo, NY as a distributor of industrial parts, accessories, and kits. Today these offerings have grown to include motors, compressors, blower systems, clams, pumps, various fittings, gauges, and sensors, as well as pneumatic and high-pressure devices. Kinequip also serves as a distributor for individual device and parts manufacturers. Kinequip additionally offers custom-designed solutions ranging from R&D to unique components and special-made parts, as well as value added designs on demand.
Ergonomic Partners is a branch of Tri-State Overhead Crane, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Ergonomic Partners has a 50-year history as a turnkey solution manufacturer for material handling applications. Ergonomic Partners provides customer solutions for repetitive lifting application, precise product placement, and awkward load handling. Additionally, Ergonomic Partners provides off-the-shelf ergonomic material handling and workstation equipment with custom designed and engineered handling devices and special equipment solutions. Custom lifting devices include ergonomic lift assists, easy arms, manipulator arms, vacuum lifters, tool balancers and more
Central Air Compressor was founded in 1959 and is based in Warren, Michigan. Central Air Compressor is a supplier of energy efficient air compressors, dry air systems, purification, and industrial process chillers. Central Air Compressor offers both new and used equipment as well as parts and accessories. New equipment options include compressors, air drying & filtration, process water chillers, nitrogen generators, and air piping. Central Air Compressor offers 24-hour emergency service and is able to provide air audits, complete compressed air systems, installation, and preventative maintenance.
Cardinal Carryor was founded in Lexington, Kentucky and is now based in Louisville. Cardinal Carryor is a distributor specializing in mobile material handling equipment sales, rental, and service. Cardinal Carryor’s equipment offerings include forklifts, forklift attachments, forklift batteries and battery chargers, industrial sweepers and scrubbers, automated guide vehicles, and equipment parts and accessories. Cardinal Carryor’s service options include mobile battery cleaning, rebuild, and repair, rental equipment services, training, and battery planned maintenance options.
Mazzella Companies was founded in 1954 and is based in Cleveland, Ohio, US, as a manufacturer and distributor of lifting products. The company offers a range of slings, overhead cranes, hoists, engineered lifting devices, coated and bare metal products, and aluminium. These items have diverse applications: slings lift heavy objects; overhead cranes move materials; hoists position equipment; engineered lifting devices ensure precision; metal products serve construction and manufacturing; and aluminium is used in aerospace, automotive, and packaging due to its unique properties. Some of the major market segments the company serves are construction, steel, energy, durable goods, shipbuilding, and mining.
Schenck USA Corp, incorporated in New York, United States, specializes in providing balancing and diagnosis technologies for rotating and oscillating components and armatures since 1908. The company is a subsidiary of Shenck RoTec GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany. Schenck's product mix range from electric motor armatures to the largest jet engines, and the smallest rotors for dental drill instruments to large power-generating turbines. Schenck Balancing Machines offer the latest balancing technologies with superior operator interface instrumentation.
NCI Clean, now part of North Central Instruments, began in 1995 as Innotech Products as a distributor for laboratory and cleanroom equipment. NCI Clean offers modular cleanrooms and products intended for use in cleanrooms such as flooring, paint, filters, curtains, and instrumentation. Other cleanroom equipment include air showers, surge isolation pods, desiccators, cleanbenches, fume hoods, spray guns, glove boxes, anti-fatigue mats, and shoe cleaners. Other equipment includes gowning room furniture and components, cleanroom apparel, microscopes, and supplies such as alcohols, swabs, and wipes.
Hassel Materials Handling Co. was established in 1968 and is a distributer for material handling solutions. Hassel Materials Handling product lines include “carts & trucks” such as picking carts and shelf trucks, “cranes, hoists & crane accessories” such as jib cranes and chain hoists, “ergonomic products” such as industrial seating and antifatigue matting, “gravity & power conveyors” such as gravity conveyors and plastic belt conveyors, “loading dock equipment” such as dock lights and hoppers, “security & wall systems” including guard rails and post protectors, “shop equipment” such as workstations and welding reels, and “storage products” such as workbenches.
Dunham Rubber & Belting Corp. (DRB) has been in operation since 1965 and is based in Greenwood, Indiana. DRB offers a variety of products and services, including conveyor belts and accessories, hydraulic hose and fittings, industrial hose and fittings, sanitary hose and fittings, material handling and ducting, sheet rubber and gaskets, UHMW, polycarbonate, and acrylic sheets, as well as supplies for the egg processing, brewery, distillery, and winery industries. In January of 2023, DRB was acquired by Belt Power, an independent distributor and fabricator of conveyor system components.
AIRMATIC was founded in Philadelphia in 1944. AIRMATIC serves a many industries including cement and concrete, oil, gas, energy, biomass, chemical products, feed & grain, food manufacturing, glass & ceramics, and clay. For these industries, AIRMATIC provides installation, maintenance, fabrication, silo cleaning, inspection, and repair, as well as repair and rebuilding of power tools. AIRMATIC also has an extensive lineup of products for sale including air cannons, automatic lubrication systems, belt conveyor components, flow detectors, finishing equipment, safety equipment, industrial vibrators, railcar openers and unloading equipment, rebar tools, valves and actuators, and mechanical force exciters.
Source Equipment Company, Inc. was established in 1989 and headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts. Source Equipment Company is a solution provider in warehousing, distribution management, and equipment sourcing. Source Equipment Company’s extensive catalog includes bins, boxes, cabinets carts, casters, chairs, containers, conveyors, cranes, barriers, dollies, doors, dumpers, hoppers, lifting equipment, office furniture, pallets, partitions, platforms, racks, safety equipment, scales, security equipment, trucks, wires, work benches, and other warehouse equipment including access equipment such as stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, ramps and residential elevators.
ENDO KOGYO CO.LTD, founded in Niigata, Japan, in 1931 is a manufacturer of Spring Balancers Air Hoist, and Air Balancers. The company's product portfolio includes Cable Reels, Slip rings, Crushers, self-locks and rail systems. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
Rofab, established in 1983 and based in Ånäset, Sweden, is a manufacturer of tapping gears. The company also produces various products such as castings, balancers, gearboxes, and fasteners. The company makes balancers in different weight classes with and without latches to lift exhaust tools and hoses. The company has fasteners of other materials and castings that fit the industry. The balancers provided will create a good working environment in the warehouse and industry. The products are catered to pulp, mining, and engineering industries.
Hendo Industries, established in 1986, and based in Mumbai, India, is a manufacturer and supplier of spring balancers, and pulleys. Their product portfolio includes spring balancers, push-pull trolleys, C-rail tracks, double pulleys, suspension tracks and long-stroke spring balance. The company also offers high performance, minimum maintenance, energy-efficient design, and longer operational life with sturdy construction for all its products. They also provide guidance through safety and manual instructions with various catalogs on their website.
Item America LLC., established in 2007 and based in Hagerstown, Maryland, is a manufacturer of industrial building kit systems used in factory equipment, construction machinery, and plant facilities. The company has over 4,500 components and systems, including controllers, fastening elements, and trolleys designed for use in work-bench systems, machine cabins, and robotic applications such as robot tables, bases, and cells. The company offers software for profile machining, ergonomics, and motion design. It also allows customers to perform rule-based 3D designs directly on the browser or any end device.
Rush Machinery, Inc., established in 1983, is a manufacturer of production and support machinery for companies that work with carbide and other hard materials and use diamond and CBN wheels. The machinery includes balancing systems, wheel truing & dressing machines, cut-off machines, drill & tool grinders, and drill grinding fixtures used in oil & gas, manufacturing, automotive, construction, and transportation industries. The company in Rushville, NY, USA, offers support for the machines by doing wheel replacements and complete machine rebuilds to keep the machine running smoothly.
APPLIED Adhesives, formerly known as Adhesion, Inc. is a manufacturer of adhesives and equipment for numerous industries including automotive, electronics, filtrations, renewable, packaging, construction, bottle labeling, furniture, and transportation. APPLIED Adhesives has ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 certifications at its Rockford, Michigan facilities. APPLIED Adhesives provides adhesives for foam and mattresses, cabinetry, countertops, wood products, sportswear, workwear, and other individual uses. APPLIED Adhesives also provides sales, installation, automation, refurbishing, spare parts, and repair services.
Gison Machinery Co., Ltd was founded in 1945 and is currently located in Taichung, Taiwan. Gison is a manufacturer of air tools, pneumatic tools, and related equipment for numerous applications including decorating, construction, aerospace, and shipping industries. Tools such as sanders, orbital sanders, grinders, and suction cups for lifting are made as both robotic arm attachments as well as handheld pneumatic devices. Other pneumatic tools include air hammers, screwdrivers & wrenches, dent pullers, and most other standard hand tools or power tools.
Carl Stahl Kromer, established in 1917 and based in Gottenheim in southern Germany, is a manufacturer of spring balancers. The company produces various products such as hose spring balancers, atex balancers, ESD balancers, weight balancers, and various accessories in multiple designs. The company also customizes the equipment for industry and work environments. Different industries in which Kromer manufactured products are used are automobiles, logistics, technology, medical, and fitness. The company also holds ISO 14001 certification and follows the standards to manufacture balancer products.
Chengmao Tools Industrial Co., Ltd., founded in 1977 and based in Taichung, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of assembly machines and tools used on production line. Its product range includes Automatic Wheel Lacing Machine, Automatic Screw Feeder, Tool Supporting Arm, Torque Reaction Arm, Spring Balancer, Copper Tube Sealing Tool, Hose Balancer, Air Nipper,and more. The company's offered products are used in construction, food & technology, and related industries. Chengmao Tools has raceived ISO-9001:2015 certification in quality management.
Conductix-Wampfler, established in 1902 and based in Weil am Rhein, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in energy and data transmission systems. The company’s product portfolio includes conductor rails, cable festoon systems, and compressed air and electric supply systems. These products are used in various industries, including automotive, wind power generation, and the oil and gas industry. The company provides services including the installation of products at customers’ sites, training, and maintenance. It exports its products to various countries, including the United States, Australia, and China.
U.S. Air Tool Company, also known as USATCO, was established in 1951 and is based in Ronkonkoma, New York. USATCO is a US manufacturer and worldwide distributor of tools for the aviation industry. Some of USATCO product categories include: abrasives, files, air drills & accessories, air hose & accessories, application tools & accessories, assembly tools, blind riveters & accessories, composite cutting tools, deburring tools, hand tools, hi-shear installation & removal, lighting & inspection, material removal tools, overstock inventory, punch & cutting tools, rivet guns & accessories, sanders & grinders, saws & accessories, sheet metal forming equipment, USATCO custom tool kits.
Ellison Technologies was founded in 1983 as a supplier of machining solutions and is headquartered in California. The company provides CNC machining solutions, including lathes, machining centers, lasers, and metrology tools that help manufacturers to meet all their production needs. There are also EDMs, Saws, Grinding machines, and Automation systems for part set-up, production set-up, production movement, cobots, and robotics. They also provide services that include maintenance and repair of machines along with supplying parts and accessories. They serve industries that are complete Machining centers, or Turning centers.
Vestil Manufacturing Corp. is a manufacturer and distributor of material handling equipment, based in Michigan since 1957. The company produces equipment for various industries such as they make floor markers, speed bumps and car stops, etc. for Facilities Maintenance. Their hoists and trollies, drum handling equipment, carts, and dollies, and industrial ladders have applications in the agricultural, manufacturing, construction, and general marketing industries. Other than that scales, casters, wheels, packaging equipment, and similar items have uses in the postal services, hospitals, restaurants, and food production companies. Overall Vestil provides a solution to manage material handling in any department.
PowerMaster Industrial, established in 1978 and based in Eastern Ontario, Canada, is a supplier of heavy-impact tools and construction equipment. The company also supplies tube extenders for boilers, heat exchangers, and tools to install and remove the tube extenders. The company also rents rolling motors for tube extenders for different industries and all engineering works. The magnetic core drills available with PowerMaster uses German technology. The alignment tools supplied are used for pipe installation in the bowels of the boiler room. All the products catered are to the boiler and heat transfer industries.
R. P. Crawfard Co., Inc. began in 1962 in Pittsburgh, PA. RPC primarily develops and sells industrial products but also sells and promotional and consumer products. Industrial product lines include pallet racks and other material handling equipment, warehouse equipment including platforms and production tables, and storage shelving. Promotional and consumer products include apparel with and without logos, technology-related products, backpacks, bags, and coolers, pens and markers, drinkware, flags, and umbrellas.
Fox River Packaging is a packaging goods distributor founded in 2009 and based in Commerce, California. The company offers various packaging materials, equipment, and systems such as steel strappings, shrink-wrapping machines, thermal transfer labels, and polyethylene films for mass production and logistics operations. mission For clients with specific use cases, the company provides design, testing, and demonstration services around custom packaging solutions. Consultation, installation, maintenance, and training services are also offered. Fox River Packaging’s clients include Ford, Boeing, and the Pentagon.
BDI Exppress was established in 1935 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. BDI develops and deploys custom distribution and supply chain solutions for customers across Asia, Europe, and North America. BDI serves multiple industries including automotive, primary metal, food processing, public utilities, pulp and paper, mining, material handling, bearings, mechanical power transmission, electrical power transmission and motion control, linear motion, pneumatic and hydraulic fluid power, industrial, safety, and material handling.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Unidex Corporation |
6.8%
|
2 | Visumatic Industrial Products |
6.8%
|
3 | Dixon Automatic Tool, Inc. |
5.7%
|
4 | Mijin System |
4.5%
|
5 | Reelcraft Industries, Inc. |
4.5%
|
6 | Nitto Kohki U.S.A., Inc. |
4.5%
|
7 | ASG, Division of Jergens, Inc. |
4.5%
|
8 | Herrmann Associates |
4.5%
|
9 | Detroit Balancing Service, LLC. |
3.4%
|
10 | Kinequip, Inc. |
3.4%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the tool balancer page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 22 | 78.6% |
India | 2 | 7.1% |
Japan | 1 | 3.6% |
Sweden | 1 | 3.6% |
Taiwan | 1 | 3.6% |
Canada | 1 | 3.6% |