Messy, tangled charging cables are more than just an eyesore—they’re a safety hazard and a productivity killer in busy forklift zones. Cable retractors offer a simple way to keep charging areas clean, organized, and protected from unnecessary wear.  But not all retractors are built the same…  From heavy-duty spring mechanisms to mounting flexibility and environmental durability, the right choice depends on your space, your fleet, and how your team works. In this 2025 buyer’s guide, we’ll break down the best cable retractors for forklift charging stations and what to look for when choosing the one that fits your operation. Why Cable Retractors Matter for Forklifts Charging Through countless shipping docks and warehouse floors, we’ve learned that small upgrades in cable management deliver outsized returns. In busy environments where teams ship cargo and use material handling equipment like forklifts, cable retractors play a crucial role in supporting efficient shipping operations.  Here’s...

Introduction In industrial and assembly environments, few tools deliver as much ergonomic value as a spring tool balancer. By suspending the weight of pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic tools, balancers reduce fatigue, improve accuracy, and extend the life of cables and hoses. Among the many brands trusted by manufacturers worldwide, Tigon tool balancers stand out for their balance of quality, simplicity, and affordability. They’re dependable, easy to maintain, and ideal for a wide range of light to heavy assembly tasks. At the same time, manufacturers like Tecna, Kromer, and Endo build on the same engineering principles as Tigon — offering specialized refinements for high-precision, heavy-duty, or regulated environments. This guide explores Tigon’s range, performance, and design — and helps you understand where each brand fits best. What Is a Tool Balancer? A tool balancer is a spring-driven device that counterbalances the weight of a suspended tool. As the operator moves the...

In today’s industrial assembly and manufacturing operations, maintaining high productivity while protecting your operators from fatigue is more important than ever. One of the proven solutions for ergonomic tool handling is the use of spring-driven tool balancers — devices that suspend a tool or assembly device from an overhead point so the operator effectively feels “weightless” when manipulating it. This article focuses on the ENDO Tool Balancer line (from Endo Kōgyō Co., Ltd. of Niigata, Japan) and explores how to select the right series, what the key specifications mean, and how ENDO models compare with alternatives in the market. Whether you represent a manufacturing line, an ergonomics manager, or a distributor like us at BD Solutions LLC (ToolBalancersUSA.com), this guide will help you make an informed choice. What is a Tool Balancer and Why Use One? A tool balancer is essentially a mechanical spring mechanism with a tapered drum (or...

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...