Published by the National Glass AssociationOctober 2015 | Vol 65 | Num 9 | GlassMagazine.com

R A M P I N G U PN E W E Q U I P M E N T , T O O L S & T E C H N O L O G Y T A K E I N D U S T R Y T O T H E N E X T L E V E L

48 Glass Magazine® • October 2015

T O O L“The ‘Impact’ power drill, which is easier to use than a regular drill, and the ‘modified mallet.’ Besides its usual function as a mallet, this has been customized on one end to multi-task as a re-placement for the traditional vinyl roller tool. Modify-ing the mallet provides the advantage of carrying fewer tools, and also, installers feel that the wood is easier on glass than the tradi-tional aluminum of the vinyl roller tool. It’s used to install wedge vinyl, and to tap it into position.”

Mike Gutierrez, shop assistant, Giroux Glass, girouxglass.com.

Three tools, including “the hook tool, which is used to remove glass, to pull vinyl or scrape out old caulking. It looks like the medieval dentist tool of nightmares. Also, the suction or ‘D’ Cup, which is used to transport and position glass. And, last but not least, the measuring tape, without which no installer could function.”

Cesar Barragan, field superintendent, Giroux Glass, girouxglass.com.

“A caulk gun is one of the most important tools we use every day. If we do not caulk things properly, the window will not function properly.”

Ryan Roth, glazier, H.J. Martin and Son, hjmartin.com.

“I would have to say a cord-less drill/driver would be the most important tool we use every day. This one tool allows you to drill and screw something together without needing to find and carry around an air hose”

Jeff Brooks, floor manufacturing, Boyd Aluminum, boydaluminum.com.

W H A T ’ S T H E M O S T I M P O R T A N T T O O L I N Y O U R

Photo by Lizz Mullis, courtesy of Giroux Glass Inc.

www.GlassMagazine.com 49

B O X ?

“From day to day you will need any one of several tools, screws drivers, pry bars, rubber mallet, hammer, drill bits, you name it. For me, the first thing I will grab is the all-important tape measure—from going out to meet with a customer to estimate a glass replacement, to layout for aluminum frames and glass walls. It also makes a great pointer when talking to the installer and trying to show them a specific location

Rob Leonard, operation manager, K-Man Glass Corp., kmanglass.com.

“A measuring tape. It is the first tool to insure high quality and adherence to customer expectations. Despite the utilization of high tech programs and equipment, the measuring tape is a precise indicator for making sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to.”

Ben Beeler, executive vice president, product development and new ventures, Virginia Glass Products Corp., va-glass.com.

“The ‘wonder bar’ or ‘Jimmy bar.’ It is probably one of the cheapest tools to buy. We think it was originally a painter’s tool for opening paint cans, but it comes in different sizes and is really versatile for various uses. The guys here use it for scraping and prying, sometimes even as a fulcrum in removing doors.”

Brad Leslie, director, high end design, Giroux Glass, girouxglass.com.