Proven Surface Preparation Solutions Built for Demanding Environments
At Desco Manufacturing Co., Inc., we engineer and manufacture rugged, dust-free surface preparation tools that perform under the most demanding conditions. Our equipment is relied upon across shipyards, nuclear facilities, military installations, and infrastructure projects for one clear reason: it works. When reliability, safety, and performance are mission-critical, our tools deliver consistent results without compromise. Desco’s dust containment technology is OSHA compliant and verified by independent industrial hygiene testing to be well below OSHA limits.
We’ve built our reputation over decades by designing practical, durable solutions that help professionals remove coatings, rust, and surface contaminants with precision and control. Our range includes hand-held and walk-behind scarifiers, grinders, needle guns, and industrial vacuums, each one developed for specific surface preparation challenges. Whether you’re preparing a naval vessel for repainting or ensuring surface compliance in a nuclear facility, our equipment is engineered to meet the task.
At Desco, we want to earn your business!
Product Overview and Use Cases
Hand-Held Scarifiers
Compact and powerful, our hand-held scarifiers are made for fast and efficient cleaning of larger flat areas of hard surfaces like concrete and steel. Desco hand-held scarifiers perform like three-tools-in-one through the use interchangeable abrasive heads: 1) Roto-peen hub – the scarifier performs like a shot blast machine capable of achieving SSPC SP 11 cleanliness; 2) Hammer hub – the scarifier performs like high-speed needlegun and, 3) Cutter hub – this most aggressive hub excels at particularly thick and/or tough substances such as deck non-skid, scarifying concrete or removing thick rust scale.
Walk-Behind Scarifiers
These scarifiers perform the same applications as the hand-held models but in a convenient walk-behind configuration. When large surfaces need fast, uniform preparation, our walk-behind scarifiers are up to the job. Built for high throughput and efficient dust containment, these machines tackle deck coatings, roadway markings, and concrete decontamination. Maintenance teams on naval vessels and other structures rely on their consistent performance and low-maintenance design.
Needleguns
Our needle guns are designed with productivity, ergonomics and durability in mind. Desco needle guns conform to the contour of the surface they are cleaning. The needles adhere to an objects shape while stepping over obstacles and stepping into voids. As a result, they excel on irregular surfaces and detailed work where no other tool can perform. They are used extensively in steel fabrication and ship maintenance. When Desco dust containment is employed, they are suitable for abatement and decontamination applications found in industrial and nuclear facilities.
Impact Tools
Designed for heavy-duty applications, our impact tools are used when fast material removal is critical. From bridge joints to ship hulls, they break through tough coatings and surface buildup. Their durability ensures long service life even in harsh, continuous-use environments.
Industrial Vacuums
Dust control is more than a convenience; it’s a safety requirement in many of the industries we serve. Our industrial vacuums are specifically designed to match our tools, capturing airborne dust and debris at the source. These systems help maintain clean work zones and protect workers in enclosed or regulated environments, such as ship interiors or power plants. Desco’s critical filtration vacuums provide up to 5 levels of filtration and are available with HEPA or ULPA filtration.
Grinders and Sanders
Heavy-duty, commercial-grade sanders and grinders for applications that require efficient removal of unwanted material. A wide variety of abrasive discs are supported including: coated abrasives, conditioning discs, BPH, RIP discs and diamond cup wheels. Ideal for grinding, mastic removal, coating removal, edging and coating preparation. When Desco’s articulating dust shrouds are employed, they are suitable for abatement and decontamination applications found in industrial and nuclear facilities.
Abrasives and Specialty Tools
Our abrasives are carefully selected to match the performance needs of each tool, ensuring optimal removal rates and surface finish. For unique challenges, such as curved surfaces or irregular weld beads, our specialty tools are designed to deliver clean, consistent results.
Air Fittings & Accessories
Reliable air delivery is essential for the performance of pneumatic tools. We supply durable air fittings and accessories that help maintain uninterrupted operation and extend tool life. It’s all part of ensuring your prep work goes smoothly from start to finish.
Pressure Washers and Paint Equipment
Surface preparation often goes hand in hand with cleaning and coating. Our pressure washers support thorough cleaning before or after mechanical prep, and our paint equipment helps complete the job with professional results.
Applications and Industry Use
Our tools are used by professionals who need equipment that just works, no matter the conditions. Here’s where Desco tools are making a difference:
- Shipyards: Removing old coatings from ship decks, hulls, and tanks; prepping surfaces for recoating; supporting Navy maintenance protocols.
- Nuclear Facilities: Ensuring safe decontamination and surface prep under strict compliance standards.
- Military and U.S. Navy: Used by defense contractors and naval maintenance teams to maintain fleet readiness.
- Bridges and Infrastructure: Surface prep for concrete and steel structures, joint maintenance, and re-coating preparation in highway and civil projects.
- Lead Paint Dust Preparation and Removal: Our tools are used to remove lead-based coatings and minimize airborne contamination safely. Integrated dust control systems help teams meet regulatory standards on abatement and renovation sites. Desco’s independent industrial hygiene report documents test results showing excellent particulate containment that is “well below OSHA action level”. The significance of this report is that it speaks to safety concerns in industrial hygiene terms that can expedite safety sign-offs.
The Desco Commitment
Our commitment goes beyond manufacturing. We’re here to support our customers through the full lifecycle of their tools, with responsive service, product upgrades, and a deep understanding of the challenges surface prep professionals face. When you choose Desco, you’re selecting tools built for real work and backed by real support.