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Home / Surface Prep Hand Tool Buying Guide

Surface Prep Hand Tools Buying Guide

This page will introduce you to our line of high performance, Trelawny specialty hand tools.

From hand-held needle guns and scalers, to deck hammers and walk-behind scalers, BlastOne offers superior products to help you get the job done right.

Should you have a special application and need advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service.

Trelawny High Performance Hand Tools

Name Best Scenarios Benefits Disadvantages Weight Options
TRELAWNY HEAVY DUTY NEEDLE SCALER TRELAWNY HEAVY DUTY NEEDLE SCALER
  • Use for spot/ongoing m, chemical plants, bridges, pipes, welds
  • Fast to deploy
  • Low operator skill
  • Low vibration – Safety
  • Low air consumption – efficient (run more tools, lower cost)
  • Fewer moving parts – simple maintenance
  • Can be used with Vacuum shrouds and collection for dust free operation
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower more manual than other methods
2.6-3.7
  • Low Vibration (VL)
  • Range of sizes and configurations (pistol/inline)
  • Dust shrouds (all models)
  • Can convert to chisel scalers (all models)
  • Drop protection (VL)
  • Needles – Non spark (Beryllium Copper), Stainless steel (working on stainless), 3mm diameter (standard) 2mm option kgs
Electric Pistol grip needle scaler TRELAWNY VL219ES LOW VIBRATION ELECTRIC PISTOL GRIP NEEDLE SCALER Alternative to air model for when air is not easily available As pneumatic models plus can be used in most environments without need for additional equipment i.e compressor
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
3.95kgs Dust shrouds
Hand held scalers TRELAWNY HAND HELD SCALER
  • Works by fracturing hard scale and thicker build ups (compared to needle scaler
  • Use on ships, bridges, gas pipes etc
  • Fast for removal of heavy scale, hard coatings, thick build ups,
  • Low maintenance
  • Low cost
  • Low operator skill
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
2.5-3.7 kgs
  • Atex models
  • Short handle models
  • Can be used in-line for access
  • Side handle
TRELAWNY SF11 – 11 HEAD ATEX CERTIFIED DECK SCALER TRELAWNY SF11 – 11 HEAD ATEX CERTIFIED DECK SCALER Same as SF11 with ATEX certification As SF11 plus Added safety, gives security/confidence to customer to know equipment has been tested by 3rd party to a high level
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
38Kgs
TRELAWNY SF11 – 11 HEAD PNEUMATIC DECK HAMMER TRELAWNY SF11 – 11 HEAD PNEUMATIC DECK HAMMER
  • Fast scaling and coating removal on decks
  • Works by fracturing hard scale and thicker build up
  • Fast to deploy
  • Low cost per sq ft
  • Does the hard work – can blast after
  • Low vibration
  • Low maintenance
  • Low operator skill level
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
38kgs
TRELAWNY TFP 200 LARGE AREA ELECTRIC WALK BEHIND SCALER TRELAWNY TFP 200 LARGE AREA ELECTRIC WALK BEHIND SCALER
  • Removal of coatings and scale on decks
  • Concrete surface preparation (Profile, remove, level)
  • Multiple attachments for multiple applications across steel and concrete.
  • Offers more options compared to SF11 deck hammer.
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
62-71Kgs
  • Electric, gas pneumatic options,
  • Multiple heads

Hand Tool Needle Scaler Electric Pistol grip needle scaler Hand held scalers Surface prep deck scaler Suface deck pneumatic deck hammer Surface Prep Walk Behind Scaler
Name TRELAWNY HEAVY DUTY NEEDLE SCALER TRELAWNY VL219ES LOW VIBRATION ELECTRIC PISTOL GRIP NEEDLE SCALER TRELAWNY HAND HELD SCALER TRELAWNY SF11 – 11 HEAD ATEX CERTIFIED DECK SCALER TRELAWNY SF11 –11 HEAD PNEUMATIC DECK HAMMER TRELAWNY TFP 200 LARGE AREA ELECTRIC WALK BEHIND SCALER
Best Scenarios
  • Use for spot/ongoing maintenance/where other surface prep methods are not viable (environmental, practical, time, cost etc)
  • On board vessels, rigs, chemical plants, bridges, pipes, welds
Alternative to air model for when air is not easily available
  • Works by fracturing hard scale and thicker build ups (compared to needle scaler)
  • Use on ships, bridges, gas pipes etc
Same as SF11 with ATEX certification
  • Removal of coatings and scale on decks
  • Concrete surface preparation (Profile, remove, level)
  • Removal of coatings and scale on decks
  • Concrete surface preparation (Profile, remove, level)
Benefits
  • Fast to deploy
  • Low operator skill
  • Low vibration – Safety
  • Low air consumption – efficient (run more tools, lower cost)
  • Fewer moving parts – simple maintenance
  • Can be used with Vacuum shrouds and collection for dust free operation
As pneumatic models plus can be used in most environments without need for additional equipment i.e compressor
  • Fast for removal of heavy scale, hard coatings, thick build ups,
  • Low maintenance
  • Low cost
  • Low operator skill
As SF11 plus Added safety, gives security/confidence to customer to know equipment has been tested by 3rd party to a high level
  • Fast to deploy
  • Low cost per sq ft
  • Does the hard work – can blast after
  • Low vibration
  • Low maintenance
  • Low operator skill level
Multiple attachments for multiple applications across steel and concrete. Offers more options compared to SF11 deck hammer.
Disadvantages
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
  • Doesn’t provide the best level of preparation
  • Slower, more manual than other methods
Weight 2.6-3.7 kgs 3.95kgs 2.5-3.7 kgs 38Kgs 38kgs 62-71Kgs
Options
  • Low Vibration (VL)
  • Range of sizes and configurations (pistol/inline)
  • Dust shrouds (all models)
  • Can convert to chisel scalers (all models)
  • Drop protection (VL)
  • Needles – Non spark (Beryllium Copper), Stainless steel (working on stainless), 3mm diameter (standard) 2mm option
Dust shrouds
  • Atex models
  • Short handle models
  • Can be used in-line for access
  • Side handle
Dust shrouds
  • Electric, gas pneumatic options,
  • Multiple heads

Dangers of Vibrating Hand Tools

  • Click To Read Video Content

    HAVS is an acronym which stands for

    Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and it encompasses a group of symptoms, caused by damage, from the use of vibrating tools.

    Some of these symptoms include:

    • Decreased grip strength
    • Decreased hand sensation and dexterity
    • Finger Blanching or “White fingers”
    • And Carpal tunnel syndrome

    According to an article on SafetyAndHealth magazine.com“About 2 million US workers are exposed to hand-arm vibration, and as many as half will develop HAVS. Some experts believe the number may be higher because the disorder is sometimes unrecognized or under reported.”

    Worldwide estimates vary but potentially 10’s of millions of workers are exposed to high levels of vibration in the workplace.

    Donald Peterson, Joint Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University is quoted as saying, “I’d go as far to say it’s probably the No. 1 neuromuscular disorder in the world in manufacturing and construction environments, the most costly, and underappreciated.”

    If so many workers suffer from HAVS why then is this not a big industry topic?

    • In the United States OSHA has not yet established any standards regarding exposure limits to vibration for either Whole Body or Hand and Arm.
    • In Australia, OSHA has set standards for Whole-Body, but not Hand and Arm.

    This is the case even though both ANSI and the EU share an exposure limit for both categories.

    If you are thinking – well, the government knows best – consider the fact that at one time, governments didn’t outlaw silica either. Just because it’s not mandated yet doesn’t mean you should look the other way when it comes to your employees, or your own health and safety.

    As a matter of fact, according to NIOSH biomechanical engineer, Daniel Welcome – “Hard-Arm Vibration Syndrome can take six months to six years to develop and, after the fingers blanch, the condition is irreversible.”

    Friends, don’t wait for the government – The evidence is available if you google it. Protect yourself. And we’re going to tell you how.

    Here is a list of solutions that can help… and we’ve decided to list them in order of least productive – to most productive.

    1. Limit operating time for hand tools. Less time working with hand tools is obviously good for the worker, but not for the project. This is an option, but not the most productive.
    2. Use PPE gloves that absorb the vibration. However, there are a few problems with anti-vibration gloves you should know about.
      • A NIOSH study tested four types of gloves and found the gloves lowered vibration to the palms by 5-20% while operators used medium-to -high frequency tools – but only slightly lowered, or even sometimes slightly increased the vibration when using low-frequency tools. Workers receive little benefit from anti-vibration gloves for frequencies under 25hertz.
      • Also many workers do not like full finger gloves because they don’t provide enough tactile feedback or gripping adhesion to the tool. So workers cut the fingers tips off. If you’re using anti-vibration gloves do not cut the finger tips off.
    3. Another solution to limiting exposure is to rotate workers, dividing the hand-tooling surface area among many individuals. However, like solution #1 this negatively affects efficiency, consistency, and productivity. It’s a better solution than #1, but just not the best.
    4. The absolute best solution to decrease your chances of developing HAVS is to purchase specially engineered tools that minimize overall vibration.

    And in our opinion, the Superior Hand Tools you should purchase are the Trelawny VL Needle Scalers or VL Chisel Scalers. The VL stands for Vibro-Lo. Trelawny engineered these tools to have the lowest vibrational impact to your hands and arms.

    Since our industry is unfamiliar with this whole concept – it might first help to give a quick table showing what is safe and what isn’t. Vibrational magnitude is measured in meters per seconds squared. Here is a table depicting the safe recommendations from both ANSI (ANSI/ASA S2.70) and the European Union (Directive 2002/44/EC) that show you how long it’s safe to operate at various vibrational intensities.

    EXPOSURE Maximum Limit of Exposure (ELV)
    2.0 m/s2 > 24 hours
    2.5 m/s2 > 24 hours
    3.5 m/s2 16 hrs – 20 mins
    5.0 m/s2 8 hrs
    7.0 m/s2 4 hrs – 5 mins
    10 m/s2 2 hrs

Related Links:

Human Vibration MeterClick Here

Time Exposure CalculatorClick Here

Hand Tool Insights

Why Use Hand Tools?

Hand tools are an integral part of the contractors tool kit. They do the dirty work, require low operator skill, low cost, can be quickly deployed making them useful for ongoing jobs, smaller projects, alongside other prep methods.
With dust extraction they can be an efficient method for removing harmful materials and containing the material at source without (or fewer) additional mitigation methods i.e removing lead based paints on bridges

Common Issues With Hand Tools?

  • They can be slow compared to other methods and aren’t able to achieve the same levels of cleaning and preparation as equipment such as blasting.
  • Models without Vibration reducing technology can be tiring to use.
  • While generally reliable they need basic maintenance and preventative measures such as oiling and correct air pressure or electrical supply for electric models (correct cables etc to avoid voltage issues)
  • Air tools can freeze in cold conditions, again basic mitigation methods such as oiling will help.
  • Air models can generally be used for long periods of intensive work, electrical models are more prone to reliability issues when used intensively
  • Noise levels can be higher than other methods

Important Considerations For Choosing The Right Hand Tool

  • For air tools it is very important to have the correct compressor with a clean air supply.
  • Is there access for compressors or would electric be easier.
  • Air tools are generally lower cost (other than need for compressor)
  • If using for long periods low vibration options must be used.
  • Needle scalers are available in multiple sizes, weight, configuration (in-line or pistol) and these should be considered based on the job – considerations such as ease of access, reach (Long reach models available)

Bristle Blaster Hand Tool

Why Every Jobsite Should Have A Bristle Blaster Available

Cordless Bristle Blaster

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Air Pressure Is Required For Air Tools?

    90 psi

  • What air consumption (CFM) is needed for jobsite hand tools?

    This varies across models but it’s important to understand size of compressor especially if using multiple tools.

  • What about OILING the tools?

    • Use ISO22 pneumatic/hydraulic oil
    • Oil before and after use daily or with in-line oiler

  • Where can I get spare parts or rebuild kits?

    Give us a call if you can’t find the part on our website.

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