Hand tools @ work station ?

interesting, Are those Allen Keys going to someone else pockets???? Have you put a lock on the tool box??? and or assigned them to a lead person or whoever incharge for that line??? if so, Heads must roll. Stealing person won't bring any good quality to the company!

Good luck,

reply »

Can you have them checked in and out at the beginning and end of each shift? Any missing tools must be paid for by employee, This does make them stick around longer. Of course then you end up with "someone came by and took them" excuses. but it does work to some degree.

russ

reply »

Seems we both have something in common. My company used to issue each person a toolbox with solder pumps, cutters, pliers and the good stuff. But we can never keep them in the boxes. They tend to walk away after a few uses. There's nothing you can do or implement that will work unless those under you or who uses these tools are willing to make the effort to put them back where they belong. All boils down to honesty and work ethics.

Good luck!

This message was posted the Electronics Forum @

reply »

You can't hope for responsible operator, so make them pay for their tools. When you hire them, you issue them the necessary tools they need for their jobs and they have to give a deposit and sign a receipt. If they quit the job, they get their money back. If they loose the tools, you keep the money. If they claim someone else stole their tools, my answer is don't leave your tools unattended, same as jewelry, matches, calculators.. anything personal. It seems that everywhere people are assuming less and less responsability for what happens to them. Dig a big hole in the floor and sure enough someone will fall into it then claim they did not see it.

reply »

Partition the toolbox and label the partition with what tool belongs there. Place a clipboard alongside the toolbox with a signout sheet. Instruct the employees that EVERY tool removed from the box must be signed out and signed back in when returned. Do frequent spot checks initially to get them in the habit. Eventually they may not sign out the tools but they will return them promptly when finished with them for fear that they will get caught with a tool not signed out.

reply »

If your main concern is keeping small hand tools at specific work areas, such as placement machines and screen printers, then you can try a few different things.

First, many machines have an access panel that is key controlled. If you place the tool box(es) in the access panel and ensure only necessary personnel have a key, then it will cut down on many "walk-through" thefts.

Second, some small tools that are most often used have a hole which you can use to attach a lanyard/cable, and attach it directly to the machine. Just make sure you have enough cable length to reach the necessary areas! This is very effective for box cutters and most screwdrivers. Remember also, if it doesn't already have a hole, you can drill one. McMaster-Carr carries plenty of plastic sheathed thin gauge cable, crimps, and crimping tools.

Third, on some tools too thin to drill, such as allen keys, you can weld a small ring loop on one end, and use that to attach your cable.

Cables are an extreme solution, and can look messy, but if you're really worried about tool retention, it sure does work. :)

reply »

I have considered using the same security methods employed at thousands of Gas stations across the USA. The bathroom key is attached to a large carburator, tire rim, or any 30 pound piece of towing chain!

Seriously, I look at my processes and try and develop "tool-less" solutions where possible. In the event of required tool, issue tools to Technician/ Operator and indicate missing tools will be considered a negative performance indicator (big deal-we've been in a wabe freeze for over 3 years!)

I like the method used in my high school wood shop class. The tools were hanging on a large board. When you removed a tool its bright orange silouhette could be seen. At the end of class we could leave ONLY if there was NO orange showing.

Bottom line here is you need local responsible leadership to keep the tools from walking away. If I ever find the ass-clown who keeps stealing the track-ball from my machine keyboards...so help me God!!!

reply »