Masonry Magazine July 2006 Page. 24

Words: Kevin Hewson, Wally Bertschinger
Masonry Magazine July 2006 Page. 24

Masonry Magazine July 2006 Page. 24
MASONRY TOOLS

Hand Point Fit for a Mason
Trow & Holden's ergonomically designed Carbide Comfort Grip Hand Point provides a superior hold, allowing masons to hit it more accurately and with more power, said Norm Akley, president of the Barre, Vt.-based company.

"This particular tool has a contour handle that provides a better grip for more powerful blows," he said. "Comfort is first. They're more comfortable, so you can hold them with less shock." The 1-3/8" round hand point ($65) is also easier to sharpen because of its shape, Akley said. "You just follow the contour of the point to sharpen." It is also available with a chisel point. For more information, visit www.trowandholden.com.

Back-friendly Tool Belt
WEIGHING IN at only six ounces, the ergonomically designed Toolster utility tool belt ($40) can be worn all day without causing fatigue. The belt holds common hand tools, and the fabric medical-grade Neoprene and SBR Uloop, with 100-percent nylon on the inside keeps tools close to the body to eliminate a bulky fit and reduce lower back stress.

"Ninety-nine percent of tool belts put weight on the back," said Stuart Lyle, president and CEO of Toolster Belts Inc. in San Diego. "Ours distributes the weight from the lower back to the hips, buttocks and thighs, so the major muscle groups support the weight." In fact, it actually strengthens lower back muscles, he said.

The belt, which fastens with Velcro, wraps around the waist and one leg. It contains removable pouches for easy customization and a secure front pocket for valuables.

Lyle invented the belt following an injury that made it nearly impossible for him to wear a traditional tool belt. "I designed the Toolster after a bad fall that left me with back and shoulder injuries," he said. "It's important for people who carry tools to be able to do so without damaging their bodies, or in my case, slowing the healing process."

For more information, visit www.toolsterbelts.com.

STRAPMASTER® Portable One Man Tool Shop!
Create Custom Brackets on the Job Site! Imagine making every configuration on the job. Hang any device and fit the bracket exactly as you need it, when you need it. Call for details and FREE literature.

SPLIT TAILER® Companion Tool makes Split Tails on job site!
Handles stainless steel up to 2" wide x 3/16" thick. Manually operated, perfect results as needed. Call for details and FREE literature.

Exclusive Distributor
Eastern Marble and Granite Supply, Inc.
2353 Beryllium Rd. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
1-800/643-8818 Fax. 908/789-9555 email.sales@easternmarble.com


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