The TEN Minute
Power and Air Tools Maintenance Guide
May 20th 2006
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In the fast-paced world that we live in today, power and air-driven tool
maintenance doesn’t seem high on our priority list. However, tools are
an expensive investment and every one of us wants a power or pneumatic
tool to work properly and safely when we pick it up to use it. The best
way to ensure this is to perform regular maintenance and cleaning. There
are some simple routine maintenance, cleaning, storage and proper usage
tips that anyone can understand and perform. They all take only ten
minutes or less.
The first thing that most people ignore with a new tool is the operating
and care instructions. Right out of the box, if the care instructions
are ignored, your new power or air tool is destined to have a decreased
life. Improper usage can also doom your tool to an early rest in the
junk-pile.
There are some parts of a pneumatic tool that need proper oiling, or
lubrication, while some components of an electrically driven tool need
to be kept free of dust and debris. Keep the care instructions
information in a binder, or protect it with plastic and put it in a
place you will remember. When it comes time to access the information,
perhaps even years from that point, you will be glad you did.
Power tools such as drills, drill presses, power screwdrivers and rotary
tools require little maintenance. Keep them clean and store in a clean,
dry area where they have some protection. Keep dust and debris away from
areas where electricity flows, and protect them from the elements. Check
the electrical cord, switches and connectors periodically for damage.
Ensure proper tightening of chucks and bits. If the tool has been
provided with a case, use it for storage.
Other power tools like tablesaws, bandsaws, mitersaws, sanders and the
like all require special attention for their maintenance. This is
because the very nature of the tool involves a cutting or abrasive
action. These cutting and abrasion surfaces wear out and must be
replaced periodically, but it goes deeper than that. Flattening tool
surfaces, keeping sawdust and/or resin buildup away from integral
components, checking electrical and/or electronic components for any
sustained damage, wheel and bearings function and proper lubrication are
all important to proper operation and life of the tool.
Air tools are generally piston-driven and they require lubrication. It
is a simple operation; just add a few drops of pneumatic oil into the
air intake coupling. If you are using your air driven tool every day, it
doesn’t hurt to oil it daily. Keep a good tight seal to avoid loss of
pressure on components by using tape on threaded surfaces. In addition,
clean or replace filters, as needed depending on usage of the tool.
Remember to protect your tools from moisture and extreme heat and cold.
Exposure to moisture can cause corrosion on bare metal surfaces and
extreme temperatures can do damage in many ways. Finally, use your tools
as they are intended. Most tools are made for specific jobs and when
they are subject to stress they weren’t designed for, they will likely
fail.
F Penn
This article was
written by FR Penn sponsored by
http://www.mrtool.com/. Mr. Tool sells professional quality hand tools
and air tools from makers such as Michigan Industrial Tools (MIT). Mr. Tool
also carries a wide selection of cutlery from well-known brands like Boker,
Case and more. Mr. Tool sells quality tools at prices you can afford.
Reproductions of this article must include a link pointing to
http://www.mrtool.com/.
Automotive Books
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