Safety Shark's Non-Sparking Tools collection provides specialist hand tools for use in workplaces where flammable gases, vapours, combustible dusts or other potentially explosive atmospheres may be present.
Manufactured from specialist Beryllium Copper (Be-Cu) and Aluminium Bronze (Al-Br) alloys, these tools are designed to reduce the risk of mechanically generated sparks compared with conventional steel tools while providing the strength and durability required for demanding industrial applications.
Our range includes spanners and wrenches, adjustable wrenches, sockets, ratchets, hammers, striking tools, pliers, screwdrivers, hex keys, cutting tools, pipe tools and specialist maintenance tools.
Non-Sparking Tool Material Comparison
Different applications may require different tool materials. The WEDO non-sparking range is manufactured primarily from Beryllium Copper (Be-Cu) and Aluminium Bronze (Al-Br).
| Property |
Beryllium Copper (Be-Cu) |
Aluminium Bronze (Al-Br) |
| Main Alloy Content |
Cu + Be + Co + Ni + Fe >99.0% |
Cu + Al + Ni + Fe + Mn >99.0% |
| Beryllium (Be) |
1.5–1.7% / 1.8–2.3% |
— |
| Aluminium (Al) |
— |
10–12% |
| Nickel (Ni) |
— |
4–6% |
| Co + Ni |
>0.2% |
— |
| Co + Ni + Fe |
<1.2% |
— |
| Fe + Mn |
— |
<5.8% |
| Hardness |
30–40 HRC |
20–30 HRC |
| Tensile Strength |
1117–1326 N/mm² |
782–989 N/mm² |
| Extensibility |
δ ≤1.0% |
δ ≥5% |
| Elasticity Limit |
840–880 N/mm² |
450–550 N/mm² |
| Magnetic Value |
0 |
1.2 |
Properties & Applications
The specialist alloys used in these tools provide characteristics that make them suitable for applications where conventional steel hand tools may not be appropriate.
| Property |
Application / Benefit |
| Reduced-Sparking |
Designed for work in potentially explosive environments such as oil & gas facilities, petrochemical plants and other areas where control of ignition sources is important. |
| Non-Magnetic / Low Magnetic |
Beryllium Copper provides non-magnetic properties for equipment and work areas where magnetic interference needs to be minimised. |
| Corrosion Resistant |
Particularly useful in corrosive environments, including marine, offshore and emergency-service applications. |
| Forged Construction |
Forging after casting provides improved mechanical properties and tool finish. |
Beryllium Copper or Aluminium Bronze?
Beryllium Copper (Be-Cu) provides greater hardness and tensile strength and is specified by WEDO with a magnetic value of 0. This makes it particularly suited to demanding applications requiring reduced-sparking and non-magnetic tool characteristics.
Aluminium Bronze (Al-Br) provides excellent corrosion resistance and reduced-sparking properties while offering greater elongation. It is a practical choice for many general industrial hazardous-area applications.
The appropriate alloy should always be selected according to the specific workplace hazards, application and site requirements.
Typical Application Fields
| Industry |
Industry |
Industry |
| Petrochemical |
Chemical Processing |
Mining |
| Refineries |
Fireworks Industry |
Defence |
| Gas & Oil Pipelines |
Flour Silos & Mills |
Aviation |
| Power Stations |
Breweries |
Marine |
| Paint Manufacturing |
Alcohol Processing |
Aerospace |
| Plastics Manufacturing |
Distilleries |
Automotive |
| Pharmaceutical |
Fire & Emergency Services |
Industrial Maintenance |
Hazardous Area Applications
Non-sparking tools are commonly selected for work where potentially explosive atmospheres can occur due to flammable gases, vapours or combustible dusts.
Hazardous areas may be classified according to the likelihood and duration of an explosive atmosphere being present. The appropriate tools and equipment should always be selected according to the site's hazardous-area assessment and applicable Australian requirements.
Important: "Non-sparking" or "reduced-sparking" does not mean that a tool can never produce a spark or that its use alone eliminates ignition risk. Workplace hazardous-area procedures, risk assessments and applicable safety requirements must always be followed.
Professional Non-Sparking Hand Tools
Explore our growing range of specialist tools for oil & gas, drilling, mining, petrochemical, chemical processing, power generation, marine, maintenance and other demanding industries.
Safety Shark can assist with individual tools, complete tool sets, specialist sizes and project quantities.
Need help selecting between Aluminium Bronze and Beryllium Copper? Contact Safety Shark with your application and tool requirements.
