Are you planning on sending your tools off for sharpening or reconditioning? If so, it’s important to package them correctly to avoid any possible damage along the way. (If you’re unsure if your tools need to be sharpened, read our 6 Signs You’re Ready for a Regrind.)
As a specialty tool sharpening shop in Minnesota, we’ve witnessed firsthand what happens when tool shipments aren’t given the care they deserve. Drill bits have come in chipped or snapped in half, boxes have been damaged or torn through completely, and entire end mills have gone missing, never to be seen again.
Unfortunately, there is very little we can do in these situations. To prevent these tragic outcomes (and an uncomfortable phone call on our part), follow our five simple steps to properly package and protect your tools for shipping.
1. INDIVIDUALLY WRAP EACH TOOL
When preparing your tools for shipping, the first step is to individually wrap each one in its own protective tube or sleeve. This helps protect them from being scratched or gouged during transit.
Other methods include a stripcoat melting tank that tools can be dipped into to form a protective coating. This is a much more industrial option, but it can be very effective.
2. BUNDLE YOUR TOOLS TOGETHER
Once all your tools are individually wrapped, we recommend using a rubber band or some stretch film to band all your pieces together. This ensures minimal movement in the box, decreasing the chance of them tearing through the box or becoming damaged along the way.
3. SURROUND THE TOOLS IN THICK PADDING
After you’re finished bundling your tools, use thick padding to completely surround each bundle. We recommend using Instapack foam for this, but bubble wrap also works well, provided all the sharp edges are covered.
4. DOUBLE-BOX YOUR SHIPMENT
If you’re not already aware, certain materials such as carbide can be especially heavy. If you’re sending in carbide tools, we recommend double-boxing them or first placing them inside a hard plastic container. This will help minimize the chances of them tearing through the box, should they move around in transit.
5. DON’T FORGET YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
Before sending off your package, be sure to include your company’s contact information so we can easily reach you about the specific applications and requirements for your tools, should we have any questions or concerns.
Follow these five steps and your tools will be well protected during their entire trip to Special Tools. If you have any questions about tool sharpening or reconditioning, please feel free to contact us at 763-753-6515. Our tool sharpening experts would be happy to help!
CHOOSE SPECIAL TOOLS FOR ALL YOUR SHARPENING AND RECONDITIONING NEEDS
At a time when the initial cost of these tools can be very high, it’s more important than ever to make sure you get the full use out of them. At Special Tools, our team of experienced sharpening professionals will help keep your tools precisely tuned and highly accurate for years to come.
Visit our website to get a FREE tool resharpening estimate. Then be sure to send your properly packaged tools to:
SPECIAL TOOLS INC.
3950 STARK DRIVE NW
SAINT FRANCIS, MN 55070
