It is not news that concrete work is hard, tedious and exhausting, and you still suffer the consequences of pain much longer afterwards. So if there were an easier, efficient and less painful way to do it, and be productive, wouldn't you take it? Enter Jiffy Clip Inc.

Jiffy Clip ( www.jiffyclipinc.com) is a company founded by both a contractor and inventor who started out on a mission to find a better way for installment and reinforcement of concrete that would also provide the added benefit of better health and well-being. This idea came to them by an orthopedic surgeon who was shocked by the number of young men in their 30s who came in to him with back problems and carpal tunnel who worked in the concrete industry. They thought there must be a better way.

For the last two years, they have been constantly developing and testing products — each with a specific aim towards the user. Their goal with the product is first its use and productivity, and second, the added benefit that they are more ergonomically friendly. That is something that the company boasts users have been quite pleased with.

Bobby Robertson, CEO of Jiffy Clip, has noticed the response from workers in the concrete field, and received an overwhelming reaction from them, something important to him because he realizes the difficult and strenuous job they have. Not only the long hours, harsh conditions and exhausting work, but the real damage that it can do to their bodies.

The products that Jiffy Clip produces includes applicator guns, clips and ties, that all allow the user to get the job done faster and not have to bend as much — making it a more efficient, easier and less arduous process, while maintaining the structure's durability.

The newest product from Jiffy Clip is the Tie-Free Post Tension Chair. As most know, post-tension work can be wearing, but is necessary. Post-tensioning is a method of reinforcing concrete. It is a form of pre-stressing where the reinforcing is done on the layout after it is formed. While concrete can resist compressive forces, it is weaker under tension, whereas steel is not, so it needs the combination in post-tensioning to reinforce it and build strength, as well as maintain durability and keep the concrete compressed.

Steel bars are generally used and then tied into place. It is a tedious job, and involves much bending over and exhausting work. Not to mention long hours and much time spent to make sure that the job is done precisely and securely. But Jiffy Clip has come along with a new and improved product that will make the job easier, the job come out better and will actually make you feel better in the end.

"The end game is that you don't need to tie these," Robertson said. "We have eliminated the need to tie the layout. That it's strong is important, but it's been a long-standing tradition of having to tie. Some people believe you still have to, but you don't with this product."

The Tie-Free Post Tension Chair makes it simple to secure cable while making it easier on the body. In one step, a pro can raise and secure the cable, then move on to the next, making the job swift yet efficient. The workday is productive and time is not wasted on the task of tying rebar to the chair. In addition, the product simply snaps into place in a secure fashion, so that it will not dislodge. The durability of the chairs is outstanding, and with a Polymer base, it minimizes damage to underlying surface areas. A bonus is that the chairs are color coded for easy inspections.

The other benefit of the Tie-Free Post Tension Chair is the structure. There is a single post in the middle, compared to other triangle shapes, which may cause a flow problem if there are issues of porosity with concrete mixtures. With a single post, it ensures the easiest flow. Also, when it comes to durability, there is an ease of installation and reliability, but as with all post-tension work, when there is a lot of installation, you may have to rethread. It has nothing to do with the chairs and whether they were tied or not, but repairs are possible within this system.

"The Tie Chairs allow for greater productivity," Robertson said. "Not only because they are faster and more efficient, but also for the companies, to help manage their HR costs and the costs of wire.

"The corporate world focuses on performances and saving money, but it's the guy in the field who I've observed," Robertson said, and recalls a hot summer day in Phoenix when he really saw the immediate effect of his product. "The installation guys were working on one project. They started out quick, with a whole bunch of people, put all the cables out, chairs, ties, and it's backbreaking work, not fun to do. Then they started falling apart, and it's really tough to watch.

"Then we go to the next project, and set up for the next home. They say, 'so now we tie it?' We say 'no,' and they just smile and jump to the next task. It's so great to see the relief. The end user has the biggest response. Once they use it, they don't want to go back," he said. "That is the difference in their product."

The fact that the worker does not need to tie the layout is a breakthrough, and one that should ease the stress on the mind and the body. When it comes down to it, there are some in the field who just might be stuck on the old ways, but Robertson explains that though it is conventional to tie a layout, it is by no means a necessary part of post-tension work. "It has been a longstanding tradition in this industry because of how education and teaching is handled from generation to generation in companies," Robertson said. "We are changing that."

An applicator for the Tie-Chair can also be used. The "Jiffy Jack" is a way to lift when replacing the chair. It is easier on the body and is good for concrete workers who are in the field using their products with reinforced concrete, different kinds of rebar, post tension cables, or two different kinds of steel. The economic benefit again is that another step has been eliminated. The applicator gun and chairs work together as a system and also keep a worker from injuring himself. He can stand upright and use it instead of bending over all day. No more aching back.
And it is not just Jiffy Clip and the guys in the field who admire the products. Engineers have been involved from the beginning and the chairs exceed industry requirements. When an inspector showed up to make sure they were secure, he commented on how easy they were to inspect.

"You can look down on it and see that every single intersection is secure. Otherwise, you have to inspect every single tie individually if it is done the old way. With the Jiffy Clip way, it is snapped securely into place."

Robertson said the new Tie-Free Post Tension Chairs will be available this month from : Fastenal, Industrail Fasteners, Inc., and White Cap Construction Supply.
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"It's a good feeling to know that we're making their job a little easier," he said. "We have successfully eliminated the need to tie and we are ready to share that with the industry." CM