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Tool Types

Electric Tool Buying Guide

Identifying the right tool for your application can sometimes be a challenge. This guide provides an overview of our electric assembly tools, designed for safety, quality, and reliability in industrial applications.

Welcome to the Atlas Copco Electric Tool Buying Guide. This resource can assist you in learning more about the available features and functions of our tools so that you can make an informed decision about which tool to use for your project. If this guide doesn't answer all your questions, please feel free to reach out to one of our experts for more information!

Understanding our Tool Types

   

Electric Tools

Traditional electric tools are connected directly to an electrical source with a cord, providing stable performance for assembly tasks.

Ideal for: Situations where power and precision are critical.

Benefits of electric tools:

  • Higher torque and power output
  • Consistent power supply
  • No battery management
  • Lighter weight
  • Cost-effective

Limitations of electric tools:

  • Limited operator movement
  • Cable may be bulky or obtrusive in tight quarters
  • Dependent on available power source
  • Potential for wear and tear
  • Less portability

Cordless Tools

Cordless tools offer you the freedom to work in various locations without being tethered by power cords. This mobility makes them highly versatile.

Ideal for: Environments where mobility and flexibility are essential.

Benefits of cordless tools:

  • Greater mobility and flexibility
  • No power cord to manage
  • Easier to transport
  • Reduced Tripping Hazards
  • Usable in hard-to-reach spaces

Limitations of cordless tools:

  • Heavier due to onboard batteries
  • Limited battery life requires charging, management
  • Lower power output compared to corded tools
  • Higher initial costs, battery replacement costs

Fixtured Tools

Fixtured tools are designed to be mounted on assembly lines or workstations to provide stability and precision for repetitive tasks.

Ideal for: High-volume production environments where consistency is crucial.

Benefits of fixtured tools:

  • High precision and repeatability
  • Increased productivity, throughput
  • Enhanced operator safety
  • Consistent quality
  • Reduced operator fatigue and error

Limitations of fixtured tools: 

  • Limited flexibility and mobility
  • High initial setup cost
  • Requires dedicated space, infrastructure
  • Longer setup and calibration times
  • Less suitable for low-volume or custom applications

Your Application Needs

+/- 5% Accuracy

Safety Critical

Safety-critical applications are environments where failure could result in severe consequences, such as injury, loss of life, significant environmental harm, or financial loss. To ensure safety, tools must offer precision, reliability, and traceability so that every assembly is completed to exact standards.

  • Yes Full traceability and reporting
  • Yes Advanced tightening strategies
  • Yes NOK results can be a life safety issue

+/- 7.5% Accuracy

Quality Critical

In quality-critical applications, consistent and precise fastening is crucial to maintaining the quality and performance of the final product. These applications require precise control, rigorous testing, and strict adherence to standards to ensure that the final product meets all necessary specifications.

  • Yes Support multiple torque ranges
  • Yes Programmable tightening strategies
  • Yes Reduces hardware costs

+/- 10-15% Accuracy

Customer Critical

Customer-critical refers to environments where large quantities of products are made, and efficiency and ergonomics are critical to maintaining production speed and minimizing operator fatigue. It’s important that tools are durable, easy to use, and capable of sustaining high-speed operations over long periods.

  • Yes OK/NOK reporting
  • Yes Eliminates manual checks
  • Yes Improved process efficiency

How does fastening impact your application?

Learn about the fundamentals of torque theory with our free webinar on-demand!

   
   

Connectivity

Atlas Copco’s advanced controllers and software provide intuitive monitoring and control of tightening operations performed using Atlas Copco electric assembly tools. Assembly process control and quality assurance are made easy by advanced control functions. Controllers are essential components for electric tools, providing critical functions that enhance their performance, safety, and versatility. We offer physical controllers, tools with integrated controllers as well as server-based controller solutions. These allow users to adjust settings for different tasks, ensure the tool operates within safe limits, and provide valuable feedback and diagnostics.

Form Factors

Inline

Inline tools are designed to be used within a continuous production or assembly process, where they operate directly "in line" with the workflow. These tools are typically integrated into manufacturing lines to perform specific tasks such as fastening, measuring, cutting, or marking, all while the production line is running. 

Right Angle

Right angle tools are designed with a 90-degree angle between the handle and the working end, allowing them to access tight or confined spaces where a straight tool might not fit. These tools are useful in environments where space is limited, and the operator needs to work at an angle to the fastener. 

Pistol Grip

Pistol grip tools are designed where the user's hand wraps around a handle perpendicular to the tool's working end. This design provides a comfortable and ergonomic way to hold and operate the tool, making it easier to apply force and control the tool's operation, especially in repetitive tasks or for extended periods.

  

Key Technologies

Traceability

Traceability enables manufacturers to monitor and document every aspect of the production process, ensuring quality, compliance, and safety. It provides a robust framework for managing risk, improving processes, and responding effectively to any issues that arise.

Ergonomics

Safety and ergonomic principles protect workers from injury and illness while optimizing their comfort, efficiency, and overall well-being. These aspects are crucial in creating a work environment that meets regulatory standards and promotes productivity, job satisfaction, and long-term health for employees.

Sustainability

Sustainability is the creation of manufactured products through economically-sound processes that minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources. It also encompasses enhancing employee, community, and product safety. 

   

Functionality

Expand the functionality of your electric tools with advanced tightening strategies. These are cutting-edge approaches and techniques that leverage the latest technologies and business models to enhance productivity, efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. These strategies are often aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0 and aim to address the complexities of modern manufacturing environments.

Integrations

Integrations are critical for creating a connected, efficient, and agile production environment. By seamlessly connecting systems, processes, and data, manufacturers can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance product quality, and respond more quickly to market demands. While there are challenges associated with integration, the long-term benefits make it a key strategy for modern manufacturing success.

Productivity

The performance and outcome of an assembly process is vital to the quality of the end-product in many advanced industries. Implementing more efficient tools and fine-tuning working processes are a critical part of the continuous work for improving industrial productivity. Atlas Copco’s electric tool offerings allow for the robust ability to handle high cycle count environments, while offering high-speed fastenings. 

Ready to Learn More?

Contact an electric tooling expert today to determine what solution is best for your application and get an on-site demonstration.