Hand tools are necessary for various tasks, from mechanical work to home repairs and DIY projects. They need appropriate care so that they can perform well. Proper maintenance of hand tools is not only important to save your investment but to ensure your safety as well. Using a tool that is not properly maintained is unsafe for use and can lead to injuries ranging from pinched fingers to loss of eyesight.
A well-maintained tool can prevent accidents caused due to rust, broken handles, dull blades, etc. To ensure your safety and proper maintenance of your hand tools, this blog will guide you regarding the importance of maintenance of hand tools, essential maintenance tips, safety precautions, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Maintenance Of Hand Tools Is Important
Your hand tools might seem tough and rigid but they need proper care to maintain them in good condition. Here are some of the reasons why maintenance of hand tools is important-
Safety
If your hand tool is not in good condition, then it might lead to accidents. For example, a hammer with a loose handle can lead to injuries. Also, chipped blades of hand tools can break and cause injury.
Performance And Efficiency
Inadequate care of tools can lead to the development of rust and corrosion. Also, you might encounter difficulty due to loose screws and dull blades. As a result of this, they might not work well and require extra time and effort to complete the task. Taking proper care of hand tools can enhance their performance, as well as efficiency.
Increased Durability
Proper maintenance reduces the wear and tear of hand tools. This ensures the durability of the tool and extends the life of your tools. Along with this, it saves you money for costly repairs and replacements.
Cost-Effectiveness
Hand tools are a significant investment and they need to be properly maintained for use in the long run. Regular care of hand tools reduces the probability of spending money on repairs and replacements.
7 Essential Handtool Maintenance Tips
You don’t have to follow any complicated procedures to maintain hand tools. Just adopt the following maintenance tips to ensure the optimal condition of hand tools-
Clean Your Tools After Every Use
Hand tools such as hammers and screwdrivers are often used in dusty or moist conditions. Thus, it is important to clean them properly after every use. You can use a dry or damp cloth to remove dirt, grease, and debris to remove any dirt. If the tools are greasy, you can use mild soap or a brush to scrub them and wipe them out to properly clean it.
Proper Lubrication
Hand tools such as pliers, wrenches, and scissors have moving parts that need regular lubrication to function properly. The use of proper lubrication tools and lubricant is essential. Lubricant creates a thin layer between moving parts to allow them to move smoothly. This reduces metal-to-metal contact further reducing friction between moving parts and wear and tear.
Regularly Sharpen The Blades
The blades of cutting tools such as knives, chisels, and shears often get dull over time. Cutting using tools with dull blades requires more force and effort. This can also lead to poor results and injuries. They require regular sharpening to perform well. You can use a whetstone, sharpening file, or electric grinder to sharpen the bladed tools. Also, it is important to sharpen it in the direction of the blade edge to prevent any damage to the tool.
Store Them Properly
Proper storage of hand tools plays an important part in their maintenance. Leaving tools scattered around can cause damage to the tools, as well as increase the risk of being injured. It is essential to use a toolbox to organize the tools. Also, storing them in a dry place is necessary to prevent them from being exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, and rust.
Tighten Loose Parts
Over time, the joints and handles of hand tools such as hammers and screwdrivers get loosened. This reduces their efficiency, as well as increases the risk of falling apart. Thus, regularly keeping check of the tool’s joints is necessary so that you can tighten the screws, nuts, and bolts.
Inspect The Damage And Wear
Regularly inspecting the tools is crucial to identify small problems before they cause huge damage. Thus, checking the signs of wear and tear regularly can help you find any issues and address them immediately.
Replace Worn-Out Handles And Grips
The wooden-handled tools often develop cracks and splinters over time. If handles are not replaced on time, they can break, thus replacing them on time is crucial. Also, the rubber grip can wear out and become sticky. You can purchase new grips or cover the handle with tape to improve their grip.
By following the aforementioned tips, you can keep your tool safe and functioning. Through proper maintenance, you can improve their performance and ensure they stay functional for a long time.
Hand Tool Safety Tips During Maintenance
Hand tools have sharp edges, blades, and heavy metals, thus maintaining them can be a risky job. To prevent any injury, it is crucial to adopt safety precautions while maintaining your tools-
- Always wear protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles while sharpening blades, removing rust, or applying lubricant.
- While maintaining the electric hand tools, make sure to turn off or unplug them.
- Don’t scatter them on the floor or table as it cluttered workspace can lead to accidents.
- Always use the right tool while repairing or maintaining your equipment.
Common Mistakes To Avoid During Hand Tool Maintenance
Whether you are a rookie or a professional dealing with hand tools, anyone can make mistakes. Here is a list of common mistakes that one should avoid during hand tool maintenance-
- While sharpening the blades, make sure not to oversharp them as it can lead to chips or broken blades.
- Make sure to use the right lubricant for the tool, as the use of the wrong lubricant can cause damage to the tool.
- Even in storage, tools are prone to rust. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid storing them in damp areas.
- Use a sufficient amount of lubricant. Both over-lubrication and under-lubrication can damage the tools.
Looking for a replacement for your hand tool
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Conclusion
In conclusion, proper maintenance of hand tools is crucial for ensuring their performance, longevity, and safety. By following the aforementioned maintenance tips and performing regular inspections can keep your tool functional for years. A little time and effort spent in taking care of your hand tools can save you time, money, and effort in the future.
FAQ’s
How often should I clean and lubricate my tools?
The frequency of cleaning and lubricating depends on the tool’s usage. It is important to clean the tools after every use or every couple of months if it is not in use. Also, the moving parts of tools need lubrication once in a few months. Also, the tool, especially moving parts, should be lubricated once in a few months.
Can I use vinegar to prevent rust?
Yes, you can use vinegar to prevent rust. However, it is better to use tool-specific rust prevention oil to protect it from rust and corrosion for a longer time.
How to know when a tool needs to be replaced rather than repaired?
If the condition of tools is worse like deep cracks, broken handles, or broken blades, then it is better to replace the tool to ensure safety.
