Published: March 26, 2008 11:29 am      

Innovation

WAURIKA — A Waurika man’s creation was winner of one of the Most Innovative Products contest, when the World of Concrete held its 2008 convention and products show in Chicago.

Jim Simmons, owner of Simmons Tool LLC in Waurika, invented a tool called The Striker, which makes the process of driving stakes for construction use more efficient and safe.

The Striker’s handle keeps the user’s hand out of harm’s way, and the tool’s broader striking plate reduces the possibility of damaging stakes.

In October, Simmons signed a contract with DaveCo Industries in Garland, Texas to manufacture and market The Striker. At the World of Concrete event in late February in Chicago, The Striker was winner of the Attendees’ Choice in the tools category of the Most Innovative Products contest.

“Historically, the top of the stake has been the striking target, but The Striker enlarges the target with its strike place, which protects the stake from damage and distributes the blow evenly,” DaveCo Industries editor Carly Zander said, in a press release announcing the contract with Simmons.

“The process is made safer because The Striker handle keeps the user’s hand out of harm’s way, while providing increased confidence to swing with full force. The end results are that stakes are driven faster, easier and with less risk of injury.”

DaveCo Industries is manufacturing four models of The Striker at this time. The Model 100, which was Simmons’ original design, is for use in driving stakes that are 1 by 2 inches. Other models are the Model 200 (2 by 2 inch stakes), the Model 300 (2 by 4 inch stakes) and the Model R100 (for rebar up to 1.25 inches).

The Striker has been extremely well received by contractors, construction workers, field technicians, welders, farmers and homeowners.