A tool control system is, simply , a method and a container, designed to and hold a specific tooling requirement for designated work,for example on ships, aircraft, vehicles ,in industrial environments.
All are contained in a G.R.P box. The panels which hold the tools are developed to contain a specific tool complement as required for designated work. Every tool layout is comprehensively documented by means of Tool layout Design drawings; these drawings show full details of the box, its function , tool compliment and panel layouts, and are numbered for for identification and reference purposes.
Advantages which accrue from use of such a Tool Control System need hardly be stressed: some of the obvious ones are, briefly:-
ECONOMY/EFFICIENCY
Ease of tool identification and selection, ease of access, handling and checking, increase operative efficiency, and result in important work time reduction in all stages of use. With effective but simple control, the high cost normally arising from day to day tool losses is reduced to a minimum, and the consequent savings over a period are significant. Additionally, the cove afforded by a tailored system greatly reduces the number of kits required, and therefore substantially reduces the capitol cost of furbishing and re-furbishing.
DURABILITY
Fibre glass containers have the double advantage of high strength combined with lightness in weight: the boxes will stand up to very long and wear, in all conditions and climates. repair, when necessary, can be carried out simply effectively and relatively cheaply.
FLEXIBILITY
Box records/documentation make it possible not only for complete boxes/units to be re-ordered by reference to the identification numbers which relate, but also for revisions to layouts, and modifications to retention features, to be specified for separate supply, thus retaining boxes in service, with ultimately little withdrawal costs.
When ordering a replacement panel it is only necessary to quote the relevant TLD No and panel No. the replacement of a defective panel by a new panel involves, at the most, removal and replacement of 5 set screws.
SAFETY
Tool retention features are so designed that whilst tools can easily extracted and replaced, they are securely held when in position, and every tool position is clearly identifiable by its silhouette. the Tool kit verification is simplified, and the likelihood of tools being left in or around related equipment is thus minimised: a factor on no little value, particularly when high cost equipment is involved.