Tools Repay Care And Maintenance

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32387, 28 August 1970, Page 10

Tools Repay Care And Maintenance

The care and maintenance of equipment all will pay dividends. It will increase the life of tools and make work much easier and therefore more pleasant. A paint scraper, wire brush, oily rag and sump oil are most useful additions to any tool shed. Immediately after use, mud or other extraneous matter should be scraped off and the gear, whether tool or machine, wiped over with the rag. Rust soon penetrates, corrodes, pitts and dulls metal surfaces, increasing friction and thereby adding to the work load. It is also considerably reduces the life of such equipment and makes it very difficult to restore to previous order once it has been allowed to develop. In addition to keeping gear clean, watch for blunt edges to cutting tools, another very common occurrence which again can make for less easy manipulation and also for inferior work. Worn, loose or damaged parts which need attention , are frequently allowed to ' reach such a state of disrepair that they become virtually useless. Check and maintain -everything for peak efficiency. A little time now can save considerable time (and money) later. Finally a word about handles so frequently abused yet so vital to smooth operation. Damage can be mini-

mised if tools are kept in appropriate places, not left out in the open or thrown about. Careless use and exposure to the elements causes drying out, splintering and cracking, which results in weakening so that they may

break under strain and/or cause blistering of the hands. Wooden handles can be wiped over with raw linseed oil from time to time whilst metal ones should also be wiped over after use and before being put away.