Nine Tips for Improving the Care of Your Tools

You depend on your tools to get the job done right, and your tools should be able to rely on you treat them right, too.
The improper care and maintenance of your tools can end up costing you thousands of dollars in needless expenses. The worst part is that it doesn't even take a lot of time or money to keep your tools working they way they should. These five tips can help you avoid the need to purchase replacements as often.

How to Improve the Care of Your Tools

- Learn how to use your tools correctly. Always read the manual for instructions on how to use your tools safely. Knowing the proper way to use your tools will not only keep you from getting injured but will decrease the chance of damaging your equipment. Correctly calibrate and inspect your power tools before starting a project and then again after finishing the job. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, replace the part before it causes a more significant issue. Remember to sharpen or replace the cutting blades to keep your tools from having to work too hard and overheating. 

- A dirty tool is more than just a cosmetic issue; it can significantly decrease its lifespan. Just wiping off your tools with an old rag after using them is not enough to get rid of a build-up of dirt, dust, particles of wood and other debris. You should use a clean, damp cloth after every use. Make sure you unplug any power tool first and let it dry entirely before storing it. Try using a cotton swab to clean out any vents or use a can of compressed are to ensure all intakes and exhaust are free of obstructions. 

- Excessive wear can occur anywhere there are moving parts, particularly where these parts come into contact with each other. Metal on metal contact can cause chafing and result in overheating there isn't enough lubrication. Help to minimize any potential damage by remembering to lubricate these areas of your tools. Read through the owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's directions on how to lubricate your tools in order to avoid inadvertently damaging your them by using the wrong type of oil.

- Power tools are tough, but they are far from being indestructible. Correctly putting away your tools after using them goes a long way towards keeping them in good working order. The best place to store your tools is in the purpose-built case from the manufacturer. Keep all power tools in a clean and dry environment. Rust and corrosion can quicker than you think if you keep your tools in a damp basement or garage. Avoid storing power tools in a vehicle or unheated storage unit during extreme weather. 

- Your power tools are only as useful as their power source. If you are using cordless power tools, it is essential that you don't neglect your tools' batteries. Batteries typically provide the most power when they are fully charged, but it is important to remember to completely discharge the batteries every few weeks to keep them in the best shape. Remove the batteries from your tools after using, especially if you plan on not needing the machine for a while. 

- Follow all standard safety rules and necessary precautions.  Every technician who grabs a hydraulic tool should wear the appropriate safety clothes and gear. This includes gloves, boots, hard hat and safety glasses to prevent eye injury from ricocheting and airborne materials. 

- Know load capacities and stay wary of possible failures. If you are using a type of hydraulic lift or a hydraulic tool or system to load up products or building materials, then it is essential to always know the equipment's load capacity and failure points. Never lift a load that is over the tool's listed capacity as even if you don't see immediate signs of failure. The added stress can result in blown seals or bent plungers that will fail. 

Before applying any load to a hydraulic tool, be sure your technicians do the following:

• Make an accurate weigh-in or get as close of an estimate to the load's weight as possible and then leave a suitable gap for safety.
• Consider the environment and whether any other factors might impede normal usage.
• Use a gauge to double check that you are operating within a safe load weight range.
• Use a gauge to also determine the pressure in the system before any changes are made to the hydraulic connection.

- Never repair or use with an alternate manufacturer's product unless specifically verified. Select hydraulic tooling, dies and connectors that are all compatible. Before ordering spare parts or using an alternate connector, be sure to verify the hydraulic tool's ability to accept the die or connection to prevent injuries or product failure.

- Enact a maintenance schedule. Hydraulic tools are incredibly powerful and effective pieces of equipment that often boast a lifetime of 15 years or more with proper care and maintenance. Make sure that in addition to using hydraulic tools properly your technicians also follow a recommended maintenance schedule. The most basic of this is a thorough cleaning and brush down after every use to ensure dust and other particulates don't compromise long-term use.

With the proper care and maintenance, the tools you have today will give you many years of dependable service. Talk to our team for more tips on tool repair and maintenance.