RediGun ready when you need it

Jeff Della Rosa/Herald-Leader Dan Orcutt, owner of RediGun, shows a tool that’s used in the assembly of a RediGun.
Jeff Della Rosa/Herald-Leader Dan Orcutt, owner of RediGun, shows a tool that’s used in the assembly of a RediGun.

Dan Orcutt of Siloam Springs recently relocated a California manufacturing company to Siloam Springs. The company makes in-line blow nozzles for air compressors.

A RediGun allows the user to have a blow nozzle always ready when using other air-operated tools. The RediGun attaches to the end of an air hose but before the tool connector to allow for another air-powered tool to be attached to the line.

Orcutt expects to start selling the in-line nozzles, commonly called blow guns, in a national chain store.

"We're worldwide," Orcutt said. The device has shipped to five countries, including Spain, Netherlands and Canada.

Orcutt purchased the ReadyJet business about two years ago. He changed the name to RediGun when he moved it to Siloam Springs.

He's used ReadyJet blow guns since 1986.

"This is a tremendous time saver," Orcutt said. "This one is always ready. I personally had them on every hose I owned."

According to the RediGun website, Melvin Nordeen started making ReadyJets in Turlock, Calif., in the late 1970s. For nearly 40 years, Nordeen, and later his son-in-law, made the in-line blow guns in California.

In 2000, Orcutt purchased a former lumber yard at the railroad tracks and East Jefferson Street. Orcutt previously worked in construction before purchasing the ReadyJet business.

"I've been in construction since 1986," Orcutt said. "I was looking for a new venue."

After moving the company into the former lumber yard, Orcutt started selling the blow gun in various colors and with an option for engraving with custom logos.

The guns are available in three styles: classic, OSHA-approved and rubber tipped.

"As far as use, they will all work the same," Orcutt said.

Along with being a blow gun, it's also a tool hanger.

Orcutt explained that a big value to the blow gun is that the customer can put a name on one.

The casts of the blow gun, which are made at a Saint Louis foundry, are delivered to the company on Jefferson Street. Workers mill out the casts. Then, the pieces are anodized, assembled, tested, printed and shipped. They make hundreds of the guns a day. The goal is to make 10,000 a day.

The company has five employees. "I've got outside sales," Orcutt said.

The gun is used by automotive companies such as body shops, in industries, in carpentry and construction and by homeowners.

They sell for $20 each. The hose kit is $40 to $70 depending on hose length.

The company's website is redigun.com.

Orcutt has lived in Siloam Springs for 21 years.

General News on 06/25/2014