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 tool up or down, the spring adjusts to maintain neutral balance — creating a “zero-gravity” feel.

Key benefits:

• Reduces operator fatigue and repetitive strain

• Improves work precision and ergonomics

• Keeps cables and hoses off the floor

• Reduces risk of tool drops

• Improves workplace safety and organization

In short, a well-chosen balancer makes heavy tools feel weightless — a small addition that delivers significant productivity gains.

About the Tigon Tool Balancer Line

The Tigon range, manufactured by Mijin System, often sold under Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd., offers dependable spring balancers designed for industrial use. They’re known for straightforward engineering, solid build quality, and ease of adjustment — making them an excellent choice for companies looking for reliable ergonomic support without unnecessary complexity.

Core Features

• Weight range from 1 lb to 150 lb (0.5 kg – 70 kg)

• Cable travel of approximately 4–5 ft, depending on model

• Adjustable spring tension for precise balance

• Rotating hanger hook for smooth, unrestricted motion

• Durable metal housing with steel wire cable

• Integrated safety latch and stopper

Tigon’s approach emphasizes simplicity and reliability — the kind of tool balancer that “just works” in day-to-day operations.

Where Tigon Balancers Work Best

Tigon balancers are ideal for:

• Assembly stations with light to medium-weight pneumatic or electric tools

• Automotive repair lines where frequent up-down motion is required

• Packaging or electronics plants using repetitive hand tools

• General manufacturing needing ergonomic lifting aids

Because they’re built with simplicity and cost efficiency in mind, Tigon balancers are most suitable for standard environments — not extreme conditions like food-grade, cleanroom, or explosive-zone applications.

Tigon Model Lineup

Tigon offers three main series of ergonomic suspension devices — the TW, HW, and RW lines — designed to cover a broad range of industrial tool and hose management needs. Each series follows the same design philosophy: solid construction, smooth spring action, and dependable performance.

The TW series is the most common choice for general assembly and manufacturing lines, offering a smooth and balanced feel for daily operations.
The HW series helps improve workspace organization by keeping air hoses neatly suspended and reducing wear on pneumatic connections.
The RW series provides greater range of motion, particularly useful where operators frequently move between different heights or work zones.

Together, these series make Tigon a versatile solution for ergonomic tool and hose management — adaptable across a wide variety of production environments.

Where Tigon Excels

Tigon balancers are particularly effective in:

• Assembly and packaging lines needing smooth tool handling

• Automotive repair environments where tools move frequently

• Production cells using moderate-weight pneumatic or electric tools

• Electronics or light manufacturing with repetitive tool cycles

They’re durable enough for industrial duty yet simple enough for general use — a sweet spot between cost efficiency and functionality.

Engineering Strengths of the Tigon Design

• Consistent balance response: Smooth, even spring tension across the cable travel.

• Compact housing: Ideal for tight workstations or ceiling tracks.

• Quick adjustability: Easy to fine-tune tool balance with a simple turn mechanism.

• Minimal maintenance: Sealed housing and durable components reduce downtime.

• Safety latch and stopper: Prevent accidental retraction when the tool is released.

Tigon balancers focus on the essentials — reliable performance, simple mechanics, and solid build quality.