Just as frame designs have evolved, so have tool designs. In fact, there are some tasks you just cannot perform well without the correct modern tool. While they don’t have the glam factor of fashion frames, or the high-tech “wow” of the newest lenses and coatings, these hard workers make dispensing and fabrication life a lot easier. Here’s a look at some you should know about.
The One-Stop Shop
Repairing or adjusting frames without breakage or marring can be a breeze if you have the correct tools. Pliers should be task-specific, and when applicable, have Delrin or nylon facings to avoid frame damage. Trying to do everything with a basic snipe nose pliers just doesn’t work with today’s frame materials and designs. Several manufacturers have put together kits of pre-selected pliers that perform most of the bending and adjusting chores you encounter.
The Ergo Pliers Kit from Vigor, A Division of Grobet USA includes seven dispensing pliers for tasks as diverse as angling endpieces, adjusting nosepads, bracing compression mounting bushings, and more. There is even a midget lens aligner for turning the smallest of lenses. The handles of all these pliers are cushioned for comfort, and the leatherette case keeps them all neat and tidy.
Amcon offers a 14-piece kit that includes 12 commonly used hand tools, a PD ruler, and a carry case. There are cutting pliers, a lens aligner, nylon jaw gripping pliers, chain/snipe pliers, a wide-mouth caliper, files, and screwdrivers. This would be a great kit for a traveling optician. Cushioned handles seal the deal.
Hilco’s Deluxe Dispensing kit features the company’s Ergo Pro comfort handles. The kit includes an assortment of adjusting pliers, files, a lens aligner, screwdrivers, nosepad pliers, cutting plier, a lens clock, and a wide-mouth caliper. It’s neat, portable, and has almost everything necessary to outfit a basic dispensing lab.
Western Optical Supply also has some useful tools kits while Lab-Tech, Inc. has an inexpensive tool case that holds six to seven tools, making it ideal for the dispenser on the go.
Under Pressure
A good example of tool evolution is the wide array of hand tools designed to handle rimless compression mountings. Any attempt to remove or replace compression fittings without a specialized plier is a recipe for disaster. Hilco offers its ErgoPro Rimless Pliers Kit with eight tools critical for assembling and adjusting rimless mountings. Fabricate, remove, or adjust—the tool is in the kit!
Western has the Maestro, a rimless compression/bracing plier. It has opposing Delrin jaws that avoid frame or lens damage, and one jaw pivots to accommodate the lens curve. It even opens up extra wide for handling thicker lens edges.
Vigor’s Rimless Bushing Pressing Pliers control the pressure evenly when installing compression mountings. They also have nylon jaws so the tool won’t mar the frame and to avoid lens damage. Lab-Tech offers the Compression Pressing Pliers, a similar set of pliers.
The Tale of the Broken Screw
Think of those pesky situations when you spend way too much time doing something easy, like replacing a screw. What could be simpler? You know the optical gremlins are just waiting to destroy the lenses or frame you’re working on.
For example, the screw is broken off in the hinge barrel. You have several options, starting with the most basic—a slotting file. This tool is offered by almost all tool manufacturers. Simple, plain, and easy to use, the file only requires that there is enough of the screw left to file a slot in the top of it. Once done, you’ll be able to place the blade of a screwdriver into it and back out the screw normally.
Suppose you don’t have enough of the screw above the surface of the hinge barrels for the slotting file? Now is the time to call in the screw extractors. These burred blades look mean, and are designed to bite into the broken end of a screw so it can be turned until it’s backed out. These little puppies are very handy.
Lab-Tech has a Screw Extractor Set that includes three wrenches that hold small (x1.25mm), medium (1.50mm), and large size (2.0mm) extractor blades. The swivel-head design of these wrenches makes them as simple as a screwdriver to operate—simply twist the barrel of the tool while applying pressure to the top of the broken screw to extract it.
Optisource International can fix you up with its Screw Extractor Plier, a beefed-up version of the basic extractor that looks like a plier. Just squeeze the extractor end onto the broken screw and twist to get it moving. You can get more power with a plier grip, and the screws really do come out easily. The coated handles provide a good hand hold, and there’s a lifetime warranty on the tool.
Amcon’s Screw and Rivet Tool can do several jobs. It removes broken screws with a quick punch through a well-supported stake and will also flare or peen screws. The tool includes two interchangeable points and two base posts. The points and posts are constructed of high carbon steel for long life and effective use.
The Turn of the Screw
Tired of spending huge amounts of time trying to determine which screw is needed for a frame that’s missing one? Hilco has the solution with its Fast-Find Screw & Hole Gauge Set. You can determine the diameter and length of screws (and holes) in seconds. No more time-wasting trial and error or rummaging through your screw supply. When you find the right size, the Starter Screw Holding Tool from Hilco will grasp it securely, allowing you to get it started in the hole.
Go ahead…take a look around your office and see what new tools you might need. If you trade in some of those old ones for more modern versions, you’ll find your optical life a lot easier and more enjoyable.
by Sharon Leonard, LDO, ABOC-AC, FCLSA
totallyoptical.com
