This article was previously published in our December 2025 print issue of Service Truck Magazine.
This time, we feature two clever and handy tools from the “What a great idea!” category.
Lifting a gearbox or heavy component with a hoist or crane is a balancing act. Adjusting a chain or lift strap to keep the unit balanced during the lift is part guessing game, part physics experiment, as lengths must be adjusted to lift evenly or at a desired angle.
Well, the Owatonna Tool Company (OTC) has a clever answer or two: the P/N 205049 Lifting Sling and the P/N 205050 Lifting Sling.
The P/N 205049 Lifting Sling allows all adjustments to be done at the sling’s forged steel yoke. The longer you consider its simple, unique design, the more possibilities arise for its use during heavy equipment repairs. The P/N 205049 comes with two ¼-inch, 56”-long steel chains, two forged safety hooks, and has a 2,000-pound lifting capacity.
P/N 205050 is rated at a 4,000-pound capacity and is equipped with 5/16-inch adjustable chains that are 65 inches long and two forged safety hooks.
Both units retail for around $310 from Amazon and other retailers who carry OTC products.
Owatonna Tool Co.
Image 4406
OTC’s P/N 4406 all-in-one seal and bearing race driver reduces the need to carry a box of individual drivers. Photo courtesy of Owatonna Tool Co.
OTC also offers a clever bearing race or seal driver. Their P/N 4406 Adjustable Bearing Race and Seal Driver eliminates the need to lug a box of seal drivers to a machine. The all-in-one driver adjusts to work with bearings from ¾” to 3.5 inches. It is available for around $180 from Amazon and other OTC tool retailers.