Footage Tools

What Footage Tools does

Footage Tools Inc. is a privately held Canadian industrial manufacturer specializing in precision underground utility infrastructure tools. Incorporated in 1982 as a spin-off from Aecon Utilities' Cliffside Pipelayers division and headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, the company designs and produces squeeze-off tools (manual, hydraulic, and steel variants for pipe from 1/4" to 24"), mainline tapping tools (4" to 24"), Big Shot pneumatic underground piercing tools (2.0" to 4.0" diameter), service line replacement wedges, PE pipe pullers, and supporting accessories such as alignment clamps, cold rings, and grounding spikes. All products are CNC-machined from solid billets of aircraft-grade aluminum or nickel chromoly steel — a subtractive manufacturing approach that the company positions as delivering superior long-term strength retention compared to welded or tubular alternatives. Manufacturing is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and Big Shot piercing tools carry a 3-year warranty. The company's flagship C2400 Squeeze Boss, launched in April 2025, delivers 791 tons (1.5+ million pounds) of hydraulic squeeze force and was the first tool certified to effectively squeeze 24" SDR 7 HDPE pipe; it won the 2026 Abbott Award for Innovation from NASTT.

Footage Tools serves five primary end-markets — natural gas distribution, waterworks and plumbing, oil and gas (with a Permian Basin focus for the C2400), underground construction, and the broader polyethylene pipe industry — through a hybrid direct and channel go-to-market model. Direct sales are handled by an inside sales team reachable via toll-free phone (1-888-737-3668) and email, while international and large-customer reach is delivered through a global distributor network that includes ISCO Industries (which also serves as the flagship co-development and rental partner for the C2400), UPSCO, GROEBNER, EGW, and C.R. Wall. Pricing is quote-based rather than publicly listed, and the company expanded its online catalogue in June 2026 to add a self-serve e-commerce layer. Revenue is generated primarily through industrial hardware sales (and limited rental via ISCO); no revenue figures are publicly disclosed. Leadership under sales visionary Dan Ferguson and manufacturing expert Nigel Burbidge (both since 2004) has driven global distribution expansion, and the company maintains nine industry association memberships spanning gas, water, and PE pipe standards bodies.

Name

Footage Tools

Legal name

Footage Tools Inc.

Website

https://footagetools.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Footage Tools Inc. is a privately held Canadian manufacturer of precision CNC-machined underground utility tools — squeeze-off, tapping, and piercing equipment — serving natural gas, waterworks, oil and gas, and underground construction markets through direct sales and a global distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Underground Utility Tools and Equipment

NAICS

Construction Machinery Manufacturing (333120)

SIC

Construction Machinery & Equip (3531)

akta.pro primary industry

Trenchers & Pipe Layers (IMAHAAAJ)

Keywords

• Underground utility tools
• Squeeze-off tools
• Pipe tapping tools
• Underground piercing tools
• Polyethylene pipe equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Vaughan

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Industrial tool and equipment sales: Footage Tools generates revenue from the manufacture and direct sale of specialized underground utility tools. Product categories include squeeze-off tools (manual, hydraulic, and steel), tapping tools, Big Shot underground piercing tools, pipe pullers, wedges, fusion tools, and utility accessories. Sales are made directly and through distributors globally. The C2400 Squeeze Boss is also available for rent through ISCO Industries.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Footage Tools manufactures and sells specialized underground utility tools for gas, water, and pipeline infrastructure contractors. The product lineup includes hydraulic and manual squeeze-off tools for HDPE and steel pipe (1/2" to 24"), mainline and service tapping tools for pressurized pipeline connections, Big Shot pneumatic underground piercing tools (2" to 4" diameter), pipe pullers, service line replacement wedges, and utility accessories such as alignment clamps, cold rings, leak detectors, and grounding spikes. All tools are CNC-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum or nickel chromoly steel billets at the company's Vaughan, Ontario facility.

Product overview

Footage Tools is an industrial tools manufacturer specializing in underground infrastructure equipment. The product portfolio centers around squeeze-off tools (manual, hydraulic, and steel variants for PE and steel pipe from 1/2" to 24"), tapping tools (mainline and service tapping for 4" to 24" pipes), and Big Shot underground piercing tools (pneumatic tools from 2" to 4" diameter). Supporting products include service line replacement wedges, pipe pullers, and utility accessories (alignment clamps, cold rings, leak detectors, reel lifters, grounding spikes). All tools are precision CNC-milled from aircraft-grade aluminum or solid steel, designed for natural gas, waterworks, underground construction, oil and gas, and polyethylene pipe industries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Big Shot: Underground piercing tools - U215, U262, U300, U400 models ranging from 2.0" to 4.0" diameter for underground utility installations
• Squeeze Boss
• C2400 SQUEEZE BOSS

Products and services

• C2400 Hydraulic Squeeze-Off Tool (Squeeze Boss) The strongest squeeze-off tool on the planet, delivering 791 tons of squeeze force for precision pipeline control on 16" to 24" HDPE pipe (SDRs 7 to 21). Built with precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum and chrome-plated steel side shafts. Designed for oil and gas, natural gas, water/wastewater, mining, landfill, and utility contractors.
• C1600 Hydraulic Squeeze-Off Tool Hydraulic squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 12" to 16" MDPE and HDPE pipe safely and effectively for gas and water utility crews.
• C1200 Hydraulic Squeeze-Off Tool Hydraulic squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 8" to 12" MDPE and HDPE pipe. Features 8-sided positive locking indexable gauge plates and 150 tons of squeezing force.
• C850 Hydraulic Squeeze-Off Tool Hydraulic squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 4" to 8" MDPE and HDPE pipe safely and effectively, featuring 8-sided positive locking indexable gauge plates.
• C600 Hydraulic Squeeze-Off Tool Hydraulic squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 2" to 6" MDPE and HDPE pipe. Features 8-sided positive locking indexable gauge plates and 10,000 PSI system with quick connect fittings.
• C177 Hydraulic Squeeze-Off Tool Hydraulic squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 1" to 4" MDPE and HDPE pipe. Features 6-sided positive locking indexable gauge plates and aircraft grade aluminum squeeze bars.
• C75 Remote Squeeze-Off Tool Manual remote squeeze-off tool designed for squeezing 1/4" to 1" PE service lines safely and effectively from above ground. Constructed of aircraft grade aluminum alloys.
• C85 Remote Squeeze-Off Tool Remote squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 1/4" to 1" PE service lines safely and effectively. Constructed of aluminum for lightweight and strength.
• C100 Manual Squeeze-Off Tool Manual squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 1/2" to 2" PE pipe. Features 6-sided positive locking indexable gauge plates and aircraft grade aluminum squeeze bars.
• C50 Manual Squeeze-Off Tool Manual squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 1/2" to 1-1/4" PE pipe safely and effectively. Features swing-out/lock-in bottom bar design with oversqueeze protection.
• C36S Steel Squeeze-Off Tool Heavy-duty steel squeeze-off tool designed for emergency response situations involving 3" to 6" steel pipe. Features dual-acting hydraulic cylinders and bottom swing-out bar.
• C125S Steel Squeeze-Off Tool Gear-driven steel squeeze-off tool designed to effectively squeeze steel pipe from 1/2" to 1-1/4". Features proprietary gear drive mechanism with 20-to-1 ratio for ease of squeeze.
• C165 Steel Squeeze-Off Tool Emergency steel squeeze-off tool designed to control steel gas line breaks, anodes, and distribution lines up to 2" diameter remotely. Features telescopic handle extending from 7' to 14'.
• C170 Steel Squeeze-Off Tool Steel squeeze-off tool designed to squeeze 1/2" to 2" steel pipe. Delivers 39 tons of squeezing force with bottom swing-out bar for easy installation.
• MLT 1224 Mainline Tapping Tool Mainline tapping tool engineered for safe, efficient, and precise tapping operations on larger diameter pipelines from 12" to 24". Features CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum alloy components and 3" hard chrome-plated drive shaft.
• MLT 412 Mainline Tapping Tool Mainline tapping tool engineered for reliability, precision, and long-term performance for 4" to 12" applications. Features CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum alloy components and 2" hard chrome-plated drive shaft.
• T395 Natural Gas Tapping Tool Kit All-in-one tapping tool kit for natural gas lines with independent feed and rotation for better operator control. Includes tapping tool, wrenches, extensions, adaptors, and toolbox.
• T752 Mini Tap XL Tool Kit Complete tapping solution for drilling through saddle-mounted corporation stops from 3/4" to 2" into pressurized CI/DI and PVC water mains.
• U215 Big Shot Underground Piercing Tool Compact 2.0" diameter pneumatic underground piercing tool. Weighs 23 lbs, measures 35" long. CNC machined from solid billet of nickel chromoly steel. Ideal for water, gas, and cable installations.
• U262 Big Shot Underground Piercing Tool 2.5" diameter pneumatic underground piercing tool. Weighs 56 lbs, measures 55" long. CNC machined from solid billet of nickel chromoly steel for superior strength.
• U300 Big Shot Underground Piercing Tool 3.0" diameter pneumatic underground piercing tool. Weighs 75 lbs, measures 55" long. CNC machined from solid billet of nickel chromoly steel with superior strength and wearability.
• U400 Big Shot Underground Piercing Tool 4.0" diameter pneumatic underground piercing tool, the largest in the Big Shot lineup. Weighs 108 lbs, measures 59" long. CNC machined from solid billet of nickel chromoly steel.
• Service Line Replacement Wedge Wedge tool for replacing 3/4" and 1" water services. Two styles available: single cutting edge for copper lines and triple cutting edge for PE lines. Sold individually or as kit.
• PE Pipe Pullers Pipe pullers manufactured from solid stress proof material on CNC equipment. Features sharply tapered buttress type threads for quick insertion.

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and minor.

• ISCO IndustriesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2025ISCO Industries collaborated with Footage Tools in the development of the C2400 Squeeze Boss, providing field insights and testing (including testing on 24" SDR 7 in Midland, Texas in late 2024). ISCO serves as the primary distribution and rental partner for the C2400, making it available for purchase and rental through isco-pipe.com.
• PE AllianceminorOthersFootage Tools is a member of the PE (Polyethylene) Alliance, an industry association supporting polyethylene pipe and fitting standards.
• American Gas Association (AGA)minorOthersFootage Tools is a member of the American Gas Association, a trade organization representing natural gas utilities and distributors in the U.S.
• American Waterworks Association (AWWA)minorOthersFootage Tools is a member of the American Waterworks Association, a standards and advocacy body for water utilities.
• Utility Contractors Association of Ontario (UCAO)minorOthersFootage Tools holds membership in the Utility Contractors Association of Ontario.
• MEA Energy AssociationminorOthersFootage Tools is a member of the MEA Energy Association, serving Midwest energy and utility professionals.
• Northeast Gas Association (NGA)minorOthersFootage Tools is a member of the Northeast Gas Association, serving the Northeast U.S. gas industry.
• Louisiana Gas AssociationminorOthersFootage Tools is a member of the Louisiana Gas Association.
• NASTT (North American Society for Trenchless Technology)minorOthersFootage Tools is a member of NASTT. The company won the 2026 Abbott Award for Innovation from NASTT for the C2400 Squeeze Boss.
• Canadian Gas AssociationminorOthersFootage Tools is a member of the Canadian Gas Association, the national voice of Canada's natural gas industry.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• RIDGID (Emerson): Broad-line professional tool brand owned by Emerson, offering pipe wrenches, threading, and tapping tools to plumbers, utilities, and contractors. Overlaps with Footage Tools in pipe-related tools but operates at much greater scale across many categories.
• Vermeer Corporation: Diversified industrial and construction equipment manufacturer with trenchers, horizontal directional drills, and trenchless installation tools. Overlaps with Footage Tools in underground piercing and pipe-handling equipment, but as part of a much broader portfolio.

Direct peers

• TRIC Tools: Manufacturer of pipe bursting systems for trenchless replacement of gas, water, and sewer lines. Directly comparable to Footage Tools in the underground utility equipment category, addressing similar pipe replacement and renewal applications.
• TT Technologies: Manufacturer of Grundomat piercing tools, the most direct competitor to Footage Tools' Big Shot underground piercing tool line. Both serve trenchless underground installation contractors in gas, water, and telecom with pneumatic piercing equipment.
• Reed Manufacturing: Manufacturer of pipe tools including cutters, wrenches, vises, and tapping tools for waterworks and gas utilities. Comparable to Footage Tools in serving the same utility contractor and municipal customer base with mission-critical pipe tools.
• Pow-R Mole Trenchless Solutions: Specialty manufacturer of pneumatic piercing tools and trenchless equipment for water, gas, and utility installations. Directly comparable to Footage Tools' Big Shot product line with similar product positioning and end customers.
• Digital Control Incorporated (DCI): Manufacturer of locating and tracking equipment for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations. Overlaps with Footage Tools in the underground construction and HDD tooling ecosystem, serving the same contractor customers.
• Melfred Borzall: Manufacturer of horizontal directional drilling (HDD) tooling, piercing tools, and accessories for underground utility installation. Comparable to Footage Tools as a specialty underground construction equipment supplier serving the same contractor base.
• McElroy: Manufacturer of fusion equipment for thermoplastic pipe, a complementary product set to Footage's squeeze-off, tapping, and piercing tools for HDPE/MDPE pipe. Both serve gas, water, and industrial PE pipe markets with mission-critical joining and handling equipment.
• HammerHead Trenchless: Provider of trenchless equipment including piercing tools, pipe bursting systems, and lateral lining products. Directly comparable to Footage Tools in the underground utility and trenchless construction equipment category.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FootageTools
• Facebookfacebook.com/Footagetools
• LinkedInca.linkedin.com/company/footage-tools-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/footagetools

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Footage Tools