Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tool Crib Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

A Tool Crib Attendant is the custodian of a company's tooling and equipment assets, serving as a critical support function for manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering operations. This role is responsible for the entire lifecycle of tools within the facility—from receiving and storage to issuance, tracking, and maintenance. By ensuring that the right tools are available, in good condition, and accurately accounted for, the Attendant directly impacts operational efficiency, uptime, and cost control. This position requires a unique blend of organizational prowess, customer service orientation, and mechanical aptitude, making it the central point of contact for all tooling-related needs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate
Production or Assembly Line Worker
Shipping & Receiving Clerk
Recent Technical School Graduate

Advancement To:

Tool Crib Lead or Supervisor
Inventory Control Specialist or Analyst
Maintenance Planner
Junior Buyer or Purchasing Agent

Lateral Moves:

Parts Coordinator
Logistics Coordinator
Maintenance Technician Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Receive, store, and issue a wide variety of hand tools, machine tools, dies, gauges, and equipment to authorized personnel.
Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all tool and equipment transactions using inventory management software (ERP/CMMS) or a manual log system.
Conduct regular cycle counts and full physical inventories to verify stock levels, reconcile discrepancies, and ensure data integrity.
Perform visual and functional inspections on all returned tools and equipment to check for wear, damage, or defects, ensuring they are fit for the next use.
Manage the check-out and check-in process for consumable items, such as drill bits, inserts, and grinding wheels, monitoring usage rates.
Clean, lubricate, and perform minor repairs and adjustments on tools and equipment to maintain them in optimal working condition.
Prepare and assemble "kits" of specific tools and components required for scheduled production runs or maintenance jobs to improve workflow efficiency.
Unpack, verify, and store new tools and equipment from suppliers, ensuring shipments match purchase orders and specifications.
Systematically organize and label all items within the tool crib, maintaining a clean and orderly environment based on 5S or similar principles.
Coordinate the calibration schedule for all precision measuring instruments, ensuring gauges are sent out and certified before their due dates.
Operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, to safely move tooling, supplies, and heavy equipment.
Provide prompt and helpful service to production and maintenance staff, assisting them in identifying and locating the appropriate tools for specific tasks.
Tag and segregate damaged or worn-out tools for repair or disposal, and process the necessary documentation.
Issue and track personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety-related supplies to employees in accordance with company safety policies.
Package and coordinate the shipment of tools to outside vendors for specialized repairs or sharpening, and track their return.

Secondary Functions

Generate and analyze reports on tool usage, breakage, and loss to identify trends, support cost-saving initiatives, and inform purchasing decisions.
Collaborate with the purchasing department to initiate re-orders for tools and supplies when inventory levels reach established reorder points.
Assist engineering and production teams in sourcing and evaluating new or specialized tooling to support new products or process improvements.
Contribute to the development and refinement of tool control procedures and policies to enhance accountability and operational efficiency.
Provide guidance to new employees on the established procedures for checking tools and equipment in and out of the tool crib.
Actively participate in facility-wide safety programs and committee meetings, promoting a culture of safety within the workplace.
Maintain SDS (Safety Data Sheet) records for all chemicals and lubricants stored within the tool crib area.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Inventory Management Software: Proficiency in using ERP, CMMS, or specialized tool tracking software (e.g., SAP, Oracle EAM, ToolBOSS, CribMaster) to manage assets.
Mechanical Aptitude: A solid understanding of various hand tools, power tools, and industrial equipment, including their proper use and basic maintenance.
Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in using MS Excel for tracking and reporting, Word for documentation, and Outlook for communication.
Material Handling Equipment Operation: Certification or ability to be certified to operate a forklift, pallet jack, or other relevant equipment.
Tool Calibration Familiarity: Knowledge of the principles and scheduling requirements for calibrating precision measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers.
Blueprint & Schematic Reading: The ability to read and interpret basic technical drawings or schematics to identify required tooling.

Soft Skills

High Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in tracking inventory, inspecting tools, and maintaining accurate records is absolutely essential.
Strong Organizational Skills: The ability to maintain a complex inventory in a logical, clean, and easily accessible manner.
Effective Communication: Clear and professional communication skills for interacting with operators, maintenance staff, engineers, and management.
Customer Service Orientation: A proactive and helpful attitude, viewing internal teams as customers and striving to meet their needs efficiently.
Problem-Solving Ability: The capacity to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, locate missing tools, and address user issues.
Time Management & Autonomy: The ability to work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and manage one's own workload with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

An Associate's Degree or a certificate from a technical/vocational program is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Industrial Technology
Logistics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a related role.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a manufacturing, maintenance, aerospace, or industrial environment.
Direct experience working in a tool crib, stockroom, or parts warehouse.
Hands-on experience with CNC tooling, dies, fixtures, or precision measuring instruments is considered a significant asset.