In modern industrial assembly and manufacturing operations, ergonomic tool handling is key to operator comfort, productivity and product quality. One of the proven solutions is the use of spring tool balancers — devices that suspend the weight of a tool or assembly device, keeping it effectively “weightless” to the operator, reducing fatigue, improving repeatability and enhancing safety. In this article we focus on the Gleason Reel tool balancer line (from Hubbell Incorporated) and explore how your customers can consider Tecna  or Kromer tool balancers as equivalent alternatives. We’ll look at model series, weight capacities, cable travels, ratchet-lock options, and how to choose the right solution for your industrial ergonomics setup.

What are Tool Balancers and Why Use Them?

A tool balancer is essentially a spring-loaded mechanism that suspends a tool from an overhead point. As the tool is moved up or down, the spring mechanism compensates the weight so the operator doesn’t feel the full mass of the tool. The advantages include:

• Reduced operator fatigue and ergonomic strain

• Improved cycle times (tool is already suspended and conveniently accessible)

• Less risk of dropping heavy tools or hoses

• Better control (especially for overhead or lateral tool motion)

• Cleaner work area (tool cords/hose managed overhead)

The Gleason Reel / Hubbell Tool Balancer Line

The Gleason Reel product line (under Hubbell Workplace Solutions) includes several series of tool balancers, notably the BD series, BG series, and BH (Tapered Drum) series.

BD Series (Economical/Light duty)

• Known as “ERGO-1 BD” in some catalogs.

• For lighter tools.
  

• Weight capacity from 0.5lb to 5lb and cable travel 6ft
  

BG Series (Heavy duty, constant-tension spring)

• Supports heavier tools than the BD series; “Heavy Duty Series BG”

• Weight capacity from 3lb to 27lb and cable travel 8ft

BH Series (Tapered Drum, Extra-Heavy Duty)

• Designed for large tools / heavy loads, with a tapered drum compensating for changing spring rate. A true Zero Gravity experience

• Weight capacity from 1.1lb to 308lb and cable travel 3.3 to 4.5ftft

Key features of Gleason tool balancers

• Constant-pull action (the tool “floats”) in many models.
  

• Ratchet lock options in certain BG models (for holding height).

• Accessories like “Shock Stop” kit to further protect cable/housing.

• Safe secondary chain/cable anchor for fall protection.

Ratchet Lock Explained

The -L suffix in model numbers (e.g., BG-10-L) indicates a ratchet-lock feature that allows the operator to lock the cable at a specific height — similar to a “window-shade” mechanism.
This is useful when a tool must remain fixed in position between cycles.
If free motion is preferred, choose the non-lock models (BG-series without “-L”).

Similar Products from Tecna and Kromer

Two of the most respected European names in ergonomic lifting are Tecna (Italy) and Kromer (Germany). Both companies have decades of specialization in spring balancer technology and are known for precision engineering, reliability, and long service life.
Tecna balancers are widely used across automotive, aerospace, and assembly industries for their smooth zero-gravity operation, high safety margins, and model variety ranging from 0.8 lb to over 300 lb. Their line includes ATEX-certified, stainless-steel (INOX), and food-grade versions—ideal for environments requiring corrosion resistance or explosion protection.
Kromer balancers, manufactured in Germany, are equally recognized for mechanical durability and compact design. Their latest 82xx zero-gravity series features sealed housings, reinforced cable drums, and adjustable spring tension that keeps tools perfectly balanced throughout their entire travel range. Both Tecna and Kromer offer high-precision alternatives to Hubbell / Gleason Reel products, giving industrial users access to European-made performance with exceptional consistency and safety.

Hubbell / Gleason Reel Tool Balancers and Their Alternatives

The table below lists every Hubbell / Gleason Reel tool balancer model along with its closest Tecna or Kromer equivalents. Each alternative offers a similar weight capacity and cable travel, ensuring seamless replacement or cross-compatibility for most industrial applications. Use this reference to quickly identify a matching model when comparing features, pricing, or availability across brands. There are other alternatives and best option often depends on the application. Contact us if you need help selecting.

Summary

Hubbell’s Gleason Reel tool balancers are heavy-duty ergonomic solutions for manufacturing and assembly.
Their BD, BG, BG-L, BH, BA, and TQ series cover everything from 1 lb hand tools to 300 lb tools.

For customers seeking equivalent or specialized alternatives, Tecna balancers deliver European design and options such as stainless-steel construction, ATEX certification, and broader capacity ranges.

If you’re outfitting a new workstation or replacing existing Hubbell balancers, explore both lines on ToolBalancersUSA.com to find the best fit for your application.