Types Of Tool Balancers

Not every tool is the same, so to effectively improve ergonomics with each of your different tools, you’ll need different tool balancers. Here’s a rundown of the common types of tool balancers available:

Retractor Tool Balancers

Retractable tool balancers are exactly what they sound like. At rest, your tool hangs slightly below the head of the balancer. When the operator wants to use it, they pull down to unwind the cable inside and bring the tool to bear. The cable is under continuous pressure from an internal spring, so when the operator lets go, the tool will return automatically to its rest position.
These tool balancers are the most basic option and are the most common type of balancer used in manufacturing settings. While less expensive than more specialty balancers, these balancers are limited by the amount of weight they can hold, which is about 4.5 kgs.
Also, the internal spring does apply some upward pressure on the tool. This pressure can be adjusted, and is much less severe for your operator to contend with than the weight of the tool itself. Nonetheless, this upward tension does put some small strain on your operator’s arm and shoulder.

Hose Reel Tool Balancers

Hose reel tool balancers are the refined cousin of the simple retractor balancer. They hold the same weight and operate on the same principle, using an internal spring. Where they improve on the basic retractor is the incorporation of a pneumatic hose as a support cable.

As pneumatic hoses are essential components of all air tools, this balancer does two jobs at once: protecting your operator from repetitive motion injuries and keeping their workstation clear of a trailing, pressurized hose. This helps reduce the likelihood of trips and falls, as well as punctured air hoses and their associated hazards.

Zero Gravity Tool Balancers

Zero gravity tool balancers are the head of the tool balancer family. They’re able to support far more weight than retractor or hose reel balancers, up to 120 kgs instead of 4.5 kg. If you need to suspend a heavy-duty tool—and the heavier your tool is, the more you’ll want to suspend it—then a zero gravity balancer is the smart choice.
Zero gravity balancers can support this extra weight because they do not rely on an internal spring. This also means they apply no upward pressure on the tool in your operator’s hand. When released, the tool remains in the same position. So, these balancers are even gentler on your operators than retractor balancers. When using a tool with a zero gravity balancer, the only thing your operator has to lift is their own arm. While these balancers are more expensive than other versions, they are indispensable for heavy tools, and the price can be justified by the added protection they offer your workers.
The right tool balancer for your assembly depends on the specific tools you’re working with, so take the time to determine the best balancer for your operation. It’s definitely worth it, as installing tool balancers in your workplace is a simple, inexpensive way to reduce operator injury from repetitive motion. Workplace injuries are costly and result in lost productivity. As such, adding tool balancers is an investment which will pay for itself at the same time that it protects your employees.