Are Safety Tools really "non-sparking"?
The nonmagnetic and corrosion-resistant properties of our tools are manufactured so that they will not emit sparks that can ignite volatile materials, chemicals or gasses. The only spark that can be emitted by our Safety Tools is a "cold spark". A "cold spark" has a low enough heat level that it will not even ignite Carbon Disulfide, which has the lowest ignition point of any substance known to man. Our Safety Tools are certified non-sparking by the Factory Mutual Research Corporation.

How can I be certain that your tools are safe for use where flammable vapors or combustible residues are present?
While many nonferrous alloys meet non-sparking standards, only beryllium copper has the superior strength and hardness from which our tools are precisely forged, cast, formed, machined and hardened to strength levels that cannot be achieved in tools made from aluminum, bronze or brass. Our tools are nonmagnetic, have corrosion-resistant properties and are well suited for industrial and high technology applications. Extensive testing conducted by the Factory Mutual Research Corporation has concluded that they are safe for use even in the most volatile atmospheres.

Who should be using Safety Tools?
Organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration), MSHA (Mine Safety & Health Administration) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) have published many standards and recommendations that require the use of non-sparking tools in various environments. Many companies use non-sparking tools despite no mandatory requirement for such a product; anyone who is concerned about sparks igniting flammable vapors, liquids, dusts or residues should be using Safety Tools.

Are Safety Tools as durable as steel tools?
Our safety tools are made from alloys that are softer than steel. However, our product lines are specifically designed to allow the tools to perform their critical functions (non-sparking or non-magnetic) with minimal failures. Our Safety Tools are manufactured with alloys that provide maximum torque and shear strength plus exceptional wear-resistance. When our tools are used properly for the intended task, normal service wear will occur. Our Safety Tools demonstrate excellent resistance to corrosion in chemical, acidic, alkaline and atmospheric conditions that can compromise the performance of steel or iron-based tools. Our tools are ideal for marine applications where corrosion resistance to saltwater and non-sparking capabilities around explosive vapors on ships are critical considerations.

To what degree are safety tools nonmagnetic?
Our Safety Tools are tested to achieve the requirements set forth by the United States government for nonmagnetic tools as defined by Military Specification MIL-M-19595. They are ideal for applications where magnetic disturbances must be avoided and eddy current effects must be minimized. Using our tools near or with precision magnetic equipment will not induce or aggravate electrical disturbances, or disrupt instrument settings.

I have heard that non-sparking tools are made from dangerous materials. Is this true?
Ampco and Berylco manufacture approximately 98% of their products from alloys that pose no threat to the user’s health. Normal daily use and handling of our Safety Tools presents no known health hazards. Individuals with a hypersensitivity to beryllium can develop serious adverse health conditions due to inhalation of the metal in the form of dust. For detailed information on health, hygiene and safety requirements, link to Department of Energy 10CFR Part 850, "Chronic Beryllium Disease Prevention Program."

Where can I obtain Safety Tools?
Santoolz is a direct distributor of Ampco and Berylco Safety Tools offering superior service. Our goal is to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction with our products and services.