From a humble beginning in a garage to becoming a trusted name in manufacturing...
Our team doesn't just make tools, we engineer innovation. Guided by family values and a “do what’s right, always” mindset, we help you cut smarter with fewer tool changes, less downtime, and lower costs.
From our garage beginnings to a nationwide manufacturer, our grit and drive to reinvent keep us - and our partners - ahead of the curve.
Our 
drill, built with advanced PCD technology, shows how investing in R&D drives breakthrough performance and cost-per-hole savings, earning the trust of forward-thinking manufacturers who value long-term efficiency over short-term cost.
-
Honda Came To Town
-
From Garage To Chicken Coop
-
Move to Current Location
-
The EDGEX4 Was Born!
Kerry and Kim grew sales in automotive wile Kerry pursued longer tool life and lower cost per hole.
Their PCD cross-center tipped R&D achieved over four years of use and 1,000,000 holes with no change-outs, launching the
into new markets. -
Major Equipment Updates
-
Record Year In Sales - EdgeX4
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carbide considered part of a green program?
Yes! Carbide tooling is considered a green/sustainable option.
Carbide is a recyclable material — worn or broken carbide tools can be collected and sent back to manufacturers or recycling programs to be reclaimed and reprocessed into new tooling.
This reduces raw material consumption, minimizes waste sent to landfills, and supports a circular manufacturing economy. Many tooling suppliers, including West Ohio Tool, encourage customers to return spent carbide for recycling credit programs.
What is the difference between standard carbide drills and the EDGEX4® PCD cross-center tip?
While standard carbide drills effectively handle general applications, the EDGEX4® PCD cross-center tip is engineered specifically to solve the "chisel point" breakdown that occurs at zero surface footage
By utilizing the hardest grade of solid wafer Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD), the EDGEX4® is over 113x stronger than the best-maintained carbide equivalent.
How many holes can a PCD drill last in high-volume automotive production?
In high-volume applications, such as die-cast aluminum with silica content, the EDGEX4® PCD drill has demonstrated the ability to drill up to 1,000,000 holes without changeout.
This longevity allows the tool to potentially outlast a complete four-year automotive model change without requiring replacement.
By preventing premature breakdown at the drill point, manufacturers can significantly reduce downtime associated with frequent tool change-outs.
Is custom PCD tooling worth the cost compared to cheaper carbide options?
Yes, the return on investment (ROI) for PCD tooling is driven by the drastic reduction in cost-per-hole. While the initial investment is higher, the EDGEX4® has been proven to lower the cost per hole from $.007 to $.001, making the tooling process "virtually free" over its lifespan.
Our partners have saved millions of dollars in operational costs as a result of EDGEX4® use.
What is the lead time for custom PCD drill manufacturing?
West Ohio Tool delivers custom EDGEX4® tooling in just 4–6 weeks, which is 75% faster than the industry average.
While many competitors require 16–20 weeks for custom tool delivery, our streamlined manufacturing process ensures you receive critical tooling faster to maintain production schedules.
How do you maintain PCD tooling to prevent corrosion during long production cycles?
EDGEX4® tools can remain in production for 3 to 5 years, tool holders must be regularly checked for corrosion, which often results from running lean on water-soluble coolant concentrations.
Best Practices for Care:
1. Monitor Coolant: Ensure proper concentration to protect the holder over long cycles.
2. Cap Immediately: When removing the tool, place rubber caps on the tip immediately to protect the brittle cutting edge.
3. Tube for Transport: Place the capped tool in a protective tube before returning it to West Ohio Tool for evaluation (retip, regrind, or scrap).
How does the EDGEX® drill protect my production from carbide supply chain volatility, and how does it impact cycle times?
