Proper care maintenance electrical tools

Like with measuring tool storage, there are different cleaning recommendations for different types of gages and materials. Be sure to follow the guidelines for your specific tools to ensure you thoroughly clean them and avoid damaging them. Conscientiously cleaning your devices is crucial, as any residue that remains on your device may impact the accuracy of your measurements. The material your device is made of plays a significant role in the cleaning method you should use.

If an instrument is mostly aluminum, for example, avoid using alcohol, as it can cause aluminum to deteriorate. As part of your routine gage maintenance, you should have a regular cleaning schedule in place for your devices. Various factors influence how often you should plan to clean your instruments. Before using a device, look for foreign matter on it, as this material could affect the readings. At times, you may need to do some maintenance beyond your typical scheduled gage cleaning.

Spot cleaning may involve using stronger cleaners, repeating cleaning processes until you remove all contaminants or other techniques. Another critical element of precision instrument care is handling measuring instruments correctly during use. Taking care to avoid accidental damage and use your tools correctly can help to extend their life and ensure accurate readings. Take care to avoid sudden shocks or rough treatment such as dropping, throwing or banging the device against hard surfaces.

Placing rubber mats in workspaces can help protect tools from damage should someone accidentally drop them. Never use measuring tools as hammers or to pry open other objects. Calipers, for instance, have ID jaws that come to sharp points. They appear to be ideal for cutting open boxes, but using calipers in this way cause burrs to form on the jaws. Even though these burrs may be too small to see with the naked eye, they can still affect the accuracy of the instrument.

As mentioned earlier, you may also want to avoid touching instruments that are especially sensitive with your bare hands, as the oils on your skin can cause corrosion.

For some tools, minimizing the time you spend holding it or only touching it at certain points may be enough. For the most sensitive instruments or those you need to handle more frequently, you can use lint-free gloves or accessories, such as tweezers, lifters and forks, made specifically to handle sensitive instruments.

Another reason to avoid handling measuring tools for long periods is the heat your body produces. Holding an instrument for an extended period can cause it to heat up, potentially throwing off the accuracy of the unit. You should also avoid setting it on hot or cold sources and keep it away from sources of cold air or heat.

Throughout the entire process of using the instrument, be careful to keep it at the proper temperature. Training is vital for ensuring the proper handling of measuring equipment at all times. Employees should receive sufficient training for each type of instrument they will use, so they know how to take accurate measurements without damaging the tools.

You will also need to periodically conduct preventive gage maintenance, including regular lubrication and calibration. You may also want to create a system for keeping track of what maintenance tasks you complete at which times and the conditions of your various instruments. You may want to do some upkeep yourself and outsource other assignments to third parties. One essential aspect of gage maintenance is lubrication, as it will prevent damage caused by corrosion and oxidation.

For many types of precision measuring tools, lightly oil them after each use. Be sure to remove any excess oil from the surfaces of the instrument using a clean, dry cloth. If a device is visibly wet with oil, it may attract particles that can cause internal wear of certain parts. Even better, store the smaller tools in a heavy-duty toolbox with an organiser or compartments.

Tools like portable punch and die sets , pneumatic nail guns, adjustable wrenches, plunge routers, and circular saws need lubrication because they have moving parts that rub against metal surfaces.

Without lubricating oil, the tools can wear down quickly, starting from the point of contact. To be clear, lubrication is different from the grease that you need to wash off. Dirty grease is bad for your tools, while lubricants or basic machine oil are formulated specifically to stay on. Moreover, lubricants must be applied sparingly. One best practice you should never ever forget is checking for damage on your tools, especially the ones that run on electricity, pressurised gas, and diesel.

Keep an eye out for loose cable joints, exposed wires i. Wiring flaws are fire and safety hazards , so you need to be mindful of them when using your power tools. These four steps can go a long way to ensuring that every item in your toolbox is in great condition. Make the most of your tools and your investment by caring for them regardless of the price.

Use this article as your guide. Tristian Hagenes July 8, Get the most out of your tools and ensure they live out their expected shelf life by following these four best practices: 1. To avoid rust when storing your tools:. Cleaning your tools may be the last thing you want to do after a day of work, but it's essential for keeping your tools in good shape. And it really only takes a few seconds per tool unless you've got something really nasty on your hands.

It's well-worth the time spent doing a little cleaning to save the time spent repairing a tool or the money spent replacing it later. Cleaning your tools doesn't have to be difficult at all if you're prepared:. While you're at it, don't forget that your toolboxes, belts, and bags will need some care as well. Clean out your toolboxes every once in a while by emptying them and wiping them down.

If you've got leather belts and bags, you'll want to condition the leather once in a while. For bags and belts not made of leather, a quick wash should do the trick. We're going to assume you use your tools safely. You wear goggles and gloves when you should and you follow the safety protocols recommended for your power tools.