Tooling services get the Master class

Paul Batson, MD, says: "Our goal is to offer a service second to none in the area of preventative maintenance, the principle being to provide a service for companies that assists them in controlling the cost of tool maintenance, particularly important where a large number of tools are spread over multiple sites, while actively reducing the risk of excessive vibration levels and associated HAV consequences. This is achieved through a structured and Preventative Maintenance Programme (PMP).”

Master Tool Services’ PMP comprises a detailed tool survey to review tool, the consumable and such details as mode of use, trigger time and associated accessories such as hoses and connectors. This is followed by regular maintenance that monitors the tool’s condition. The monitoring process will generate a controlled recall of the tools based on the trigger time for servicing with the goal of preventing unnecessary repair costs generated through poor maintenance cycles. It is designed to ‘even out’ tool maintenance costs through regular servicing, making these costs more predictable. In addition, applications support will be provided through technical representatives, with regular visits to offer advice on suitability of the tool and the consumable used for the particular application.  

"Our reputation is for high quality applications engineering support and efficient service, and it is through the combination of these that we seek to reduce our customers’ costs, while at the same time assisting in their management of tools, their maintenance and application, and the consumables used. By adopting this approach, our customers are not only being pro-active, but also demonstrating to the employees using the tools on site that their welfare is of prime concern,” says Paul Batson.

A key element of the service offered is an ‘open book’ policy regarding the service and repair records. Paul Batson states that it is important for customer to have traceability of their tools condition and repair records. "You should know what has been done to any tool within the PMP, including parts and tool repair charges. So, a history of this and the tool condition checks carried out on the tools within the PMP is available for inspection as and when required. We should be accountable to our customers where this sort of PMP is employed, as it takes the ‘unknown’ out of the tool maintenance analysis of work carried out.”  

In the area of pneumatic tools, Master’s partners include Apex Tools, Atlas Copco, 3M and Dynabrade.

As part of the PMP, Master Tool Services can offer to service other manufacturer’s tools, with stock of the relevant spare parts required for normal service held with agreed customer commitment. Also as part of a PMP contract, Master will offer a free training programme for operators in the basic good housekeeping of tools. 

Working both direct and with a logistics partner to control tool collection and transit, Master Tool Services acts as a central facility to service, repair and supply new tools as required.