JCB is eyeing a pie of the organised hand tools market, which is estimated in the region of Rs 100-200 crore, reports Bhushan Mhapralkar.

JCB is a name synonymous with quality construction equipment worldwide. It is almost generic when it comes to backhoe loaders in India. Associating the name with hand tools may not look out of place. Not when the name JCB has already come to associate with safety footwear. Starting with Europe, JCB has ventured into the Indian hand tools market with an aim to satisfy the growing need for superior quality hand tools. According to Aditya Teja, National Sales Manager, the quality of hand tools in India is not up to the mark. Teja notes that there is only one big player (Taparia Tools) at the organised end of the hand tools market in India. The very end of the market that JCB is keen to conquer. "The market is between Rs 100 crore and Rs 200 crore," quips Teja. He adds, "We are looking at satisfying the growing need for superior quality hand tools." To match the name, JCB has products like tool stations, foldable work stations, torque wrenches, screw drivers, retracting cartridge screw driver, indestructible handle hammers, Punches, chisels, wrecking bars, hacksaws, hacksaw blades, snips, rivetter, wrenches (open jaw, ring slogging, pipe, box, wheel and adjustable), spanners, measuring wheel, feeler gauge, bench vices, G-clamps, grease gun, bucket greaser, oil can and more to offer.

Perhaps, the most interesting among the products JCB has to offer is the retractable handle screwdriver. It is also reflective of how good, or how useful a hand tool from JCB could be. It is a multi-purpose screwdriver with a patented pull-out cartridge design. Priced at Rs 1400, the retractable cartridge screwdriver consists of a palm saver cap, which prevents blisters in the palm; patented pull-out retracting cartridge, which makes it easy to find, store and change bits; a handle made from nylon (ABS resin); EZ guide collar, which provides greater control by maintaining full contact between the bit and the screw; alloy steel shaft, and an end of the shaft - a 1/4-inch Hex nut driver. "People are happy buying the retracting cartridge screwdriver for Rs 1400," avers Teja. He adds, "Multiply by 14 (the screwdriver stores 14 bits), and the retracting cartridge screwdriver is as good as 14 screwdrivers. This makes the retracting cartridge screwdriver highly economical." Drawing attention to the guiding collar of the retracting cartridge screwdriver, Teja mentions that (Taparia Tools) is at the opening price point of the organised market. He further explains that the Gedore and Jhalani split created a void at the organised end of the market. A void that was filled by Taparia Tools. The other player, Snap-on, according to Teja, is too expensive. Only American companies knowing the brand, prefer to opt for Snap-on products he claims. JCB, according to Teja, is promoting tools for what they are worth. Drawing attention to a new product - foldable workbench (work station) with unique quick opening and a load bearing capacity of 450 kg, Teja concludes, "We offer world-class tools."