Ampco Safety Tools
Non-sparking, non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant hand tools for hazardous areas, from the company that made the first aluminum bronze safety tools in 1922. More than 300 Ampco tools are in our online store, and the full Ampco line is available to order.
Tell us your application requirements and we will match the tool to the hazard.
Non-sparking
Aluminum bronze and copper beryllium tools for flammable vapors, gases and dusts.
Non-magnetic
For MRI rooms, aircraft work and precision magnetic equipment.
Corrosion-resistant
Aluminum bronze holds up where steel tools rust and pit.
1000 V insulated
Insulated non-sparking pliers, screwdrivers and sockets.
Start here: which tool do you need?
Choose by the hazard you are working around.
| If you are working… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Where flammable vapors, gases, dusts or residues are present | Non-sparking tools | Greatly reduce the chance of mechanical sparks |
| In refineries, chemical plants, grain handling, pipelines or oil and gas | Non-sparking tools | The usual specification in explosion-risk areas |
| Near MRI machines or sensitive magnetic instruments | Non-magnetic tools | Will not be pulled by magnetic fields or disturb instruments |
| In wet, salty or chemically aggressive conditions | Corrosion-resistant tools | Aluminum bronze resists corrosion that ruins steel tools |
| On or near live electrical equipment in a hazardous area | 1000 V insulated tools | Insulated and non-sparking; not arc-flash protection |
| Around acetylene | Read the safety notes | Copper-alloy tools must not contact acetylene |
The three kinds of Ampco safety tool
Ampco's alloys are non-sparking, non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant at once; the difference is which hazard you are buying for.
Non-sparking
- Alloys Aluminum bronze; some copper beryllium
- Approval history First approved by Factory Mutual in 1937
For anywhere flammable or combustible vapors, liquids, dusts or residues create a fire or explosion risk.
Non-magnetic
- Why Will not be attracted to magnets or disturb instruments
For work where a steel tool would be pulled by a magnetic field or interfere with sensitive equipment.
Corrosion-resistant
- Alloy Aluminum bronze
For places where moisture, salt or chemicals would quickly corrode steel tools, with a long service life.
Insulated non-sparking
- Rating 1000 V
- Tools Pliers, screwdrivers, sockets and kits
Insulated and non-sparking in one tool. Not protection against arc flash; the adjustable wrenches in Ampco's IM-20 and IM-21 kits are not 1000 V rated.
Shop by category
More than 300 Ampco tools in 11 categories. Items with a price are typically in stock; items marked Request a quote get price and lead time confirmed with our quote. Everything else in the Ampco line is available to order by part number.
Wrenches
Combination (inch and metric), double open-end, adjustable, pipe and valve wheel wrenches.
Hammers & axes
Sledge, ball peen, machinists', blacksmiths', claw and cutoff hammers, mallets and axes.
Hex keys
L-type (DIN 911) and T-handle hex keys, inch and metric.
Screwdrivers & drivers
Standard, cabinet-tip, Phillips and offset screwdrivers.
Brushes
Wire wheel, cup, end and tube brushes, plus hand scratch brushes.
Tool sets
Wrench, screwdriver and hex key sets, HAZMAT kits and 1000 V insulated kits.
Chisels, scrapers & specialty
Pneumatic scaling chisels, putty knives and hand scrapers, flange wedges, a flange spreader and a drum opener.
Pliers
Combination, groove joint, lineman's, needle-nose, diagonal cutting and more.
Sockets
Socket sets in 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 in. drive, inch and metric.
Shovels
Round point, square point and scoop shovels with fiberglass handles.
Pry bars
Pry bars, pinch bars and crow bars.
Also available to order
Safety notes from Ampco
Safety tools reduce risk; they do not replace safe work practices. Ampco's own cautions:
- No tool removes every spark hazard. Non-sparking tools significantly reduce the likelihood of mechanical sparks under normal use.
- Keep copper-alloy tools away from acetylene. Direct contact can form explosive acetylides, especially with moisture. Also avoid direct contact with ethylene oxide and some explosives.
- Ground wood and fiberglass handles where static is a concern.
- Comfort grips are not electrical insulation, and Ampco tools do not protect against arc flash. Use tools rated 1000 V for electrical work.
- Use the tool for its intended job. Safety alloys cannot match the hardness of high-alloy steel.
About Ampco Safety Tools
Ampco produced the first line of aluminum bronze safety hand tools in 1922, and Factory Mutual first approved Ampco tools for hazardous locations in 1937. Most Ampco tools are made in Garland, Texas; a few items are sourced abroad and marked as such. The line covers more than 2,200 styles and sizes.
Further reading
Why non-sparking hand tools matter
Working safely in hazardous areas.
Non-magnetic hand tools guide
Where and why non-magnetic tools are used.
Non-sparking conveyor components
Belts, splices and buckets for dusty sites.
Ampco safety tools FAQ
Is Jealco an authorized Ampco Safety Tools distributor?
Yes. Jealco International is an authorized Ampco Safety Tools distributor. More than 300 Ampco tools are in our online store, and the rest of the Ampco line is available to order. We have exported US-made industrial equipment since 1950, so Ampco tools ship worldwide with the export paperwork handled in-house.
What are Ampco non-sparking tools made of?
Mainly aluminum bronze, with some tools in copper beryllium. Ampco made the first line of aluminum bronze safety hand tools in 1922. These alloys greatly reduce the chance of the mechanical sparks that steel tools can throw when they strike or slip.
Do non-sparking tools remove all spark risk?
No. Ampco states that no tool can guarantee the complete elimination of spark hazards under every condition; non-sparking tools significantly reduce the likelihood of mechanical sparks. They are one part of working safely in a hazardous area, alongside ventilation, gas detection and your site's hot-work and permit procedures.
Are there materials Ampco tools should not touch?
Yes. Ampco warns not to use its tools, or any high-copper tools, in direct contact with acetylene, because explosive acetylides can form, especially with moisture. Direct contact should also be avoided with ethylene oxide and some explosives, and certain chemicals can react with copper alloys and cancel the non-sparking property. Check with us or Ampco if you are unsure.
What is the difference between non-sparking and non-magnetic tools?
Non-sparking tools are for explosion risk: flammable vapors, gases, dusts or residues. Non-magnetic tools are for work around magnetic fields and sensitive instruments, such as MRI maintenance, aircraft work or precision magnetic equipment. Ampco's alloys are both non-sparking and non-magnetic, so one tool often covers both.
Are Ampco insulated tools rated for live electrical work?
Ampco's insulated non-sparking pliers, screwdrivers and sockets are rated 1000 V. Ampco notes that the adjustable wrenches in its IM-20 and IM-21 kits are not 1000 V rated, that its plastic comfort grips are not intended for protection against electrical shock, and that its tools do not protect against arc flash.
Are Ampco tools as hard as steel tools?
No. Ampco says spark-resistant tools cannot be made to the same hardness as high-alloy steel. They perform well when used for the job they were designed for; use the right tool rather than forcing or striking it beyond its purpose.
Can you get Ampco tools that are not in your online store?
Yes. Ampco lists more than 2,200 styles and sizes, and our store carries more than 300 of them. For anything else, send us the Ampco part number or describe the tool, and we will quote price and lead time.
Ampco and Ampco Safety Tools are trademarks of their owner. Facts and cautions are from Ampco's published information.
Need a tool matched to your hazard?
Send the tool, the Ampco part number if you have it, and where it will be used. We will confirm the right tool, price and lead time.