Discover four specialised tools used across mining, construction, heavy transport, and industrial maintenance. From laser aligners and Huck tooling to hydraulic bolt tensioning and pin presses, learn how these solutions can improve safety, efficiency, and reliability on site. 

 

At WATT, we’re best known for our expertise in torque tooling and porta power. But behind the scenes, our capabilities extend far beyond that.

Over the years, we’ve built out a range of specialised equipment designed to solve niche challenges across mining, construction, heavy transport, and industrial maintenance.

They might not be tools you reach for every day, but when the right application arises, they can make a significant difference to your operations.

Here are four specialised tools worth knowing about. They might just be the solution you’ve been needing.

1. Laser Aligners

Helping industrial equipment perform at its best

When it comes to rotating equipment, even the smallest misalignment can have significant consequences. 

Laser aligners use pinpoint accuracy to align assets such as motors, pumps, and gearboxes, helping maintenance teams address issues before they lead to excessive vibration, noise, premature wear, and unexpected downtime. 

Modern systems, such as the OPTALIGN Touch, are designed for the realities of industrial environments. With no pre-alignment required and a rugged design that’s waterproof, dust-proof, and shockproof, teams can carry out precise alignments quickly and confidently, even in demanding conditions. 

Common applications:

• Mining processing plants
• Manufacturing facilities
• Water treatment operations
• Industrial maintenance programs

Why you should know about them:

Accurate alignment helps extend equipment life, reduce maintenance costs, minimise vibration and noise, and improve the performance of critical assets. 

2. Huck Tooling

When traditional bolts just won’t cut it

Mining environments are full of vibration-heavy applications, and traditional threaded fasteners aren’t always up to the task.

Enter Huck tooling.

Installed using specialised hydraulic or pneumatic equipment, Huck fasteners create a permanent jointing solution designed to withstand extreme vibration. Once installed, they’re built to stay in place until intentionally removed.

One of the most common applications? Screens. 

These vibrating screening systems rely heavily on Huck fasteners because conventional nuts and bolts can gradually loosen under constant movement.

Most importantly, these systems are safer, faster, and quieter than alternative methods. Operator fatigue is minimised, as well as better maintaining equipment.

Specifically, through the use of Huck bobtail, this tooling can remove the fastener without the use of hot works (i.e. gas axe and grinding), which there is an ever-increasing demand. 

Common applications:

• Screens and processing equipment
• Rail infrastructure
• Heavy transport equipment
• Structural steel installations

Why you should know about them:

If vibration is causing recurring maintenance issues, Huck systems may provide a safer and longer-lasting alternative.

2. Pin Presses

A safer approach to a stubborn job

Removing pins from heavy machinery can be a challenging part of maintenance work. Traditional methods can be time-consuming, labour-intensive, and increase the risk of damage equipment. 

Pin presses are designed to safely remove and install pins on heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and other mobile plant, helping maintenance teams complete critical repairs and servicing more efficiently.

Built for straightforward set-up and operation, they help reduce downtime by getting machinery back into service sooner. 

 Beyond pins, these tools can also assist with the assembly and disassembly of components including: 

• Chain sections
• Driving wheels
• Pulleys
• Rollers
• Gears
• Bearings
• Shafts

Common applications:

• Earthmoving equipment maintenance
• Mining fleet maintenance
• Construction equipment servicing
• Heavy transport workshops
• Mobile plant repairs

Why you should know about them:

Faster maintenance means less time spent struggling with stubborn components and more time keeping essential equipment operating smoothly.

4. Hydraulic Bolt Tensioning

Precision where it matters most

When critical bolted joints need to be tightened accurately and consistently, hydraulic bolt tensioning offers a smarter approach than conventional torque tightening.

Rather than applying force through rotation, hydraulic bolt tensioning equipment stretches the bolt or stud axially to a predetermined load before the nut is tightened. This virtually eliminates friction from the tightening process, resulting in a more accurate and uniform clamping force across every fastener.

The result is improved joint integrity, faster completion, and greater confidence in applications where precision is critical. 

Common applications:

• Oil and gas pipelines and wellheads
• Pressure vessels and heat exchangers
• Steam and gas turbines
• Wind turbine towers and foundations
• Heavy industrial equipment and structural connections

Why you should know about it:

Hydraulic bolt tensioning delivers fast, precise, and repeatable bolt loading, helping improve joint reliability, reduce maintenance time, and minimise the risk of failures in high-pressure or safety-critical applications.

It’s not just about having the right tool

Often, it’s about knowing that the tool exists in the first place.

If you work in mining, construction, heavy transport, or industrial maintenance, one of these specialised tools might be exactly what you need to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, or solve a problem that’s been difficult to tackle with conventional methods. 

And if you’re not sure where to start, that’s what we’re here for.

Got a project you need help with? Contact us.

The WATT Difference

At WATT, we know that finding the right solution isn’t always straightforward.

While torque tooling and porta power remain at the core of what we do, our team is constantly looking beyond the obvious to connect clients with the equipment best suited to their application. Sometimes that’s a familiar favourite. Other times, it’s a specialised solution they may not have known existed.

Whether it’s helping extend the life of critical assets, improving safety outcomes, or introducing a more efficient way of working, we’re committed to going the extra mile to find the right fit for the job.

Because the best solution isn’t necessarily the most common one: it’s the one that helps our clients work smarter, safer, and with confidence. 

 Torque Soon™ 🔧