About Power Tool Institute

About Power Tool Institute

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Founded in 1968 with the vision to unify and educate others about power tools, the Power Tool Institute (PTI) has established itself as the leading organization for building global understanding of power tools and for maintaining high standards of safety in the industry. Its members represent market-leading brands in the areas of portable and stationary power tools. From table saws to portable drills, from shapers to sanders, the Power Tool Institute’s members are committed to improving the industry and to being the premier resource for power tool education.

Woman using power tools and welding.

Our Members

Our Objectives

Educate the public as to the usefulness and importance of power tools

Power tools are an important part of everyday life. That is why PTI offers a variety of educational programs and materials to individuals and groups that use power tools at home or in the workplace.

Encourage high standards of safety in the manufacture of power tools

PTI works with various agencies to encourage high safety standards in the manufacture of power tools. Although most power tools are not complicated to operate, basic safety practices must be followed, and the tools must be kept in proper operating condition.

Prepare and distribute information about safe use of power tools

PTI is committed to communicating its important message about power tool safety and all the safety “musts” that accompany its products.

Promote the common business interests of the power tool industry

PTI is dedicated to strengthening alliances among its members and joining forces to pursue common business interests that affect the future of the power tool market.

Represent the industry before government

PTI is committed to continuously monitoring codes and standards affecting the power tool industry as well as proactively influencing change when member companies oppose or support government rules and regulations.

Major Activities & Initiatives

The Power Tool Institute’s primary objectives are the development of power tool standards and promoting safe use of power tools and batteries. In addition, PTI supports members through monitoring and acting on legislative and regulatory activity impacting the industry.

Power Tool Standards Activity

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) develops international standards that represent a global consensus of state-of-the-art know-how including the safety of motor-operated electric tools.

PTI participates with the commission, including holding the following seats:

  • Secretary of IEC TC 116, Safety of Motor-Operated Electric Tools: 
Development of International Standards for Hand-Held and Transportable Tools (IEC 62841 Series of Standards)
  • TAG Administrator of US TAG for IEC TC 116

Other Standards Activity

  • Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
  • American Brush Manufacturers Association (ABMA)
  • Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI)
  • International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)
  • National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
  • Unified Abrasives Manufacturers’ Association (UAMA)
  • Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA)

Membership in the Following Organizations

  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  • ASTM International (ASTM)
  • International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
  • National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • National Safety Council (NSC)

Coalitions

Take Action for Safety Today

Discover essential resources and expert insights to enhance your power tool safety knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions for PTI

Where can I find products listed on this site?

The Member/Brand Profiles page shows a listing of power tool products, and the Tool Specific Safety Information page explains safety tips and procedures specific to each power tool. In addition, most manufacturers distribute their products through a variety of channels, such as industrial distributors, large home center stores, hardware stores, and other retail outlets.

Can I purchase products through the Power Tool Institute?

You cannot purchase products through the Power Tool Institute. However, our members do manufacture and sell power tool products; therefore, you may contact any of the listed members directly to inquire about purchasing power tools or related products.

Visit the Member/Brand Profiles page for more information on our members and the products they manufacture and sell. Their individual company information, including Web address, phone number, fax, and street address, are listed on their profile page. In addition, most manufacturers distribute their products through a variety of channels, such as industrial distributors, large home center stores, hardware stores, and other retail outlets.

I just purchased a power tool and have questions about operating it safely. Who should I contact?

First, it is important that you read the instruction manual that came with the specific product that you purchased. For more information, we recommend that you contact the manufacturer of the product you purchased directly for answers to your specific questions about operating your new power tool. A toll-free information line is typically printed in your instruction manual or on the product label. After referring to the manual and the manufacturer directly, please visit the Power Tool Safety Education page on our site for general safety information about power tools. Additionally, the Power Tool Institute has several educational videos that can be watched online here.

My company utilizes power tools in the workplace and to minimize work related injuries, I would like to educate my employees about power tool safety. What do you recommend?

You may download a copy of our Teacher's Reference Guide that was created for educational venues, such as the workplace, classrooms, seminars, etc. This publication provides information and activities that were specifically designed for educational purposes. For additional information or resources, you can contact the Power Tool Institute directly and we can point you in the right direction. Additionally, the Power Tool Institute has several educational videos that can be watched online here.