What Are OEM Products?

If you’ve ever looked for industrial components, you might have come across the term “OEM products.” Buying industrial OEM components has many benefits, but first, it’s worth understanding what this term means.

So, what are OEM products?

OEM stands for an original equipment manufacturer. It refers to products bought directly from the manufacturer. Generally, this definition fits companies whose products are sold as part of other products or by a secondary retailer. If the latter, the secondary retailer is a value-added retailer.

This article will look in more depth at what we mean by OEM industrial components and the benefits and some examples.

What you will learn:

• How buy OEM products work
• Benefits of OEM
• Examples of OEM components
• Key takeaways and next steps for purchasing your own OEM products

Buying OEM Components

Investopedia defines OEM products as components sold to companies as part of other products. For example, a computer processing chip sold by IBM to, say, Dell as part of their computer products would be an OEM product.

But, it only becomes an OEM product if you can also buy it directly from the original manufacturer, hence the name. 

The secondary reseller of the product (in this example, Dell) is the value-added retailer. This fact holds because it adds the original product into something, which adds value.

Generally, OEM products are for business-to-business sales rather than directly to the end-user. But, this isn’t always the case, particularly in trade industries such as construction. Often, in construction, the end-user is a business entity anyway.

Aftermarket products are something similar yet different. An aftermarket product is essentially a generic replacement for the OEM product. This replacement is common in computing, where you might buy a non-branded graphics card to replace your original, branded one.

Benefits of Buying OEM Products

While aftermarket products might save you a bit of money, there are clear benefits to working directly with an OEM. Here are the main ones.

Quality

With industrial OEM components, you know you’re getting quality products. Dealing with the company that designed and manufactured the component usually translates to superior quality.

Also, it gives you a certain sense of trust in the product you receive. For example, buying ratchet clutches as OEM products means you deal with the company that designed and produced the original product rather than a knock-off.

Response and Support

Another benefit of using an OEM is that its response time is often quicker, and you have support during the buying process. While this isn’t necessarily unique to OEMs, it comes down to you cutting out any middlemen.

For example, you could buy industrial OEM components from a product supplier. It would receive your order or query, process it, and then, if necessary, order the components from the OEM. This process can lead to delays.

Alternatively, going directly to the OEM means you don’t have to wait for other communication between companies. You also benefit directly from the company’s industry knowledge, which can help you decide.

Value

Industrial OEM components aren’t usually cheaper than aftermarket products. But they’re always worth the extra investment. The investment is worth it because they’re made to higher product standards and carry the company’s reputation.

An OEM produces better products because its company name is attached to the product. If made low quality, it’ll suffer as a result.

Also, buying from the OEM guarantees you an exact replacement for any existing products you own. For example, buying your ratchet crank handles from Lowell’s means you get the product you expect. You don’t always have this guarantee with aftermarket products.

Warranty

Perhaps the most important benefit when buying industrial OEM components is the attached warranty. You want your product to last as long as possible or be guaranteed a replacement if it breaks.

Most aftermarket products either come with a poor warranty or don’t have one at all. But OEM products often come with a decent warranty, again because the company wants to protect its reputation and give you faith in its products.

Examples of OEM Products

While it should be clear what we mean by OEM products, here are some examples of branded components to illustrate the benefits of buying directly from the original manufacturer.

Ratchet Crank Handles

Ratchet Crank Handles adjust machinery. Therefore, it’s worth buying a product that’s high-quality and durable.

For example, Lowell’s ratchet crank handles feature fixed or rotating knobs for added durability. They include numerous safety and adjustability features and a variety of openings.

While you can buy aftermarket products, the benefit of buying OEM products from a company like Lowell is that you know there is a high standard associated with making the product. 

Ratchet Clutches

Ratchet clutches control motion using locking gears. Again, it’s important to buy a quality product because they do a lot of work.

Buying industrial OEM components from a company like Lowell gives you confidence in the safety and security of the product. 

Also, buying directly from the manufacturer gives you customization options. Lowell products ratchet clutches come with custom sizes, shapes, and tooth arrangements.

The benefit of this is that you still get a quality OEM product, but one with your specifications in mind. This benefit saves you from having to opt for cheaper aftermarket products that might not last as long.

Roller Clutches

Roller clutches provide torque in one direction but free movement in the other. They’re useful in various industrial and mechanical applications.

As you can probably guess by now, buying roller clutches as OEM products means you get quality and can save money by dealing directly with the manufacturer.

Lowell’s roller clutches are again fully customizable based on your needs. Along with being a superior product, this gives you the advantage of integrating them into your end product.

Key Takeaways

Hopefully, this article has given you some clear information on OEM products. In industrial and mechanical applications, buying industrial OEM components has many benefits for the consumer.

So, next time you need a specific product, be sure to search out the original manufacturer. Over time, that’ll save you money and will also make the process much easier. And, of course, we can’t forget the superior warranty.

Lowell Corporation offers the best hand tools in the industry. Whether you need a strap wrench or a socket wrench set, you’ll want the right balance between cost and efficiency. Our custom hand tools make tough jobs easier with waterworks engineers and lineman tools. We’ve been increasing productivity in construction, maintenance, and manufacturing operations since 1869. So let our waterworks and lineman wrench technology simplify your workload. With our essential industrial/OEM parts, you get the backing of the most trusted name in the hand tool industry.

Above all, Lowell Corporation is proud to manufacture all of its lineman tools right here in the U.S.A. in the heart of New England. All Lowell wrenches are 100% guaranteed with our one-year manufacturer warranty against defects in material and craft for one year from the date of delivery.