‘It’s not rocket science,’ people often say when describing how easily a problem might be solved. But cryogenic, ice hardening technology, used by NASA and other space agencies to develop rocket fuel, is now being used to manufacture stainless steel screwdrivers. Previously, stainless steel hard enough for industrial or construction applications has been too brittle for everyday use. Bahco design engineers have overcome this by using cryogenic technology, giving their stainless steel screwdrivers and torsion bits superb hardness and durability.
Electricians, electrical engineers and technicians working within the automation industry will probably be aware that using a conventional steel screwdriver to drive stainless steel screws can leave traces of ‘foreign’ debris on the screws and other fasteners.
This contamination causes them to oxidize and create extraneous rust, which is not only unsightly but, more importantly, can lead to serious corrosion and a threat to hygiene and safety if left untreated.
The only effective solution is to ensure that non-rusting stainless steel screws are driven by stainless steel screwdrivers, which can also be used when driving non-stainless steel screws.
Renowned for its hygienic qualities and ease of cleaning, stainless steel is widely used in ‘clean rooms,’ in the food manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, within hotels and restaurants and in the automotive, aerospace, oil and gas business sectors.
Stainless steel’s resistance to all weather conditions, corrosion and antacids also make it suitable for use offshore.
Using stainless steel screwdrivers cuts costs by reducing the frequency of replacing worn tools. Their introduction is timely as the use of stainless steel screws has grown by almost 70 per cent over the past few years.
“This technical achievement provides further evidence of Bahco’s market leading innovation,” says Mark Haywood, who leads the Bahco team in the UK.
“The breakthrough offers significant benefits to electricians, electrical engineers and other technicians required to work in any ‘clean’ environment where corrosion must be avoided.”
Bahco’s stainless steel screwdriver range features round blades made from high performance alloy stainless steel. They are now available from all good trade counters, along with a range of ¼” stainless steel torsion bits, with a choice of slotted, Phillips®, Pozidriv® and Torx® heads.
For further details or technical information visit www.bahco.com
