|
 Telescoping
Tools - What to Look For
By Dan Fenstemaker,
Inventor of the Original
INTELETOOL
Types of Telescopic
Tools
There are many types of
telescopic tools, and I
will mention just a few.
First, telescopic means
that some part (usually
the handle) is
retractable for ease of
storage or transport,
and in some cases, can
be extended to various
lengths for different
types of work
applications.
Common types of
telescopic tools are
extension poles for
painting, various carts
and tool boxes with
telescopic handles, and
a variety of hand tools,
digging tools, and
trimming tools. Each of
these product categories
offers a range of prices
(and quality), so it is
very important to keep
two basics in mind when
you are selecting your
tool, price and the type
of steel construction.
Price
The first, and maybe the
most important rule is
do not buy cheap. Yes,
once you are in a good
range of quality
options, price should be
a factor, but trust me,
ask anyone who knows
anything about tools and
uses them on any regular
basis, and they will
tell you they would much
rather have one or two
high quality pieces than
some cheap variety pack
of low quality junk.
There may be some things
in the world where
cheaper imitations might
work, but Telescopic
tools (and tools in
general) are not one of
them.
Steel Construction
There are many types of
materials used in the
manufacturing of
telescopic tools, but
there are a few basics
to keep in mind when
making your selection.
Always look for the
highest grade steel in
the price range you can
afford.
There are many types and
grades of steel used in
the construction of
tools, and here are some
of the more common types
that let you know you
are looking at a higher
quality tool.
Professional grade
stainless and tempered
steel are used for
superior strength and
surface protection. High
performance carbides are
great for cutting
applications, high-tech
steels like titanium are
used for strength and
weight, and
high-tungsten chromium
steel is used for hot
work.
The basic rule to follow
in steel construction is
to look for highly
durable, professional
grade materials. Trying
to save money by
settling on low grade,
low quality steel will
lead to a very poor
return on your
investment.
There are other things
to keep in mind when
buying telescopic tools,
so do your homework and
ask professionals in the
field for their opinions
and experience. There is
also a great website
that I’ve developed that
offers a full line of
telescopic tools that
can be used in a variety
of work settings.
---
Dan Fenstemaker is a
telescoping tools
expert. For more great
information on
telescoping tools,
visit
http://www.inteletool.com. |
