7 Basic Guidelines in Maintaining Hand and Power Tools

Using hand tools and operating power tools requires you to take great care of them. In this article, we will tell you the six basic guidelines for maintaining hand and power tools.

Using tools is a part of many peoples’ lives, but they can become dangerous if they are not maintained. You can reduce your chances of injury, accident, and danger by maintaining and looking after your tools.

Here are seven basic guidelines in maintaining hand and power tools:

Regular Inspection of Tools

The first, and some would argue most important, of our list is the regular inspection of your tools. If you do not inspect your tools regularly, then the risk is always present that there is a fault with your tool, which you could use unknowingly and potentially harm yourself. Inspecting your tool depends upon the tool itself. For power tools, you might need to dismantle them and check their wiring and motors, while with standard hand tools, you need to examine them by hand briefly.  You may also consider investing in an under tray tool box for your vehicle to keep your tools organized and protected from the elements, especially if you transport them frequently. This can help ensure your tools are in good condition and readily accessible when you need them.

Work on Your Tools

If you have tools that need to be taken care of, then work on them and take care of them regularly. Whether that means finding the best sharpener for your chainsaw or polishing your hand tools, keep them clean, and more importantly, in good condition. Regular repairs and maintenance will increase their lifespan, thus saving you money.

Protect Yourself

When you are handling tools and inspecting them, you should always protect yourself. For power tools, wear the equipment required of you, for example, a faceguard. For hand tools, wear a glove to not poke yourself on anything sharp or any ridges poking out when you inspect the device. Getting into the habit of wearing protective equipment whenever you handle your tools will benefit you and prevent you from hurting yourself in the future.

Use Them Carefully

Part of maintaining your tools is using them and carrying them carefully. Some people are very blasé with their tools, and it is usually these people who are in a constant state of buying new tools. Instead of recycling your tools constantly, use them carefully and keep them for a lifetime. If you are ascending a ladder, wear a toolbelt or a tool bag, and if you are using them, use them delicately but effectively. When you use your tools carefully, you ensure that they last you a lifetime.

Your Surroundings

When you are using tools, you need to know everything going on and happening around you. Most accidents occur when people are using tools ignorant of their surroundings. Know who is behind you, next to you, who is coming, and what potential hazards lie in your immediate area. By knowing your surroundings, you can circumvent danger and ensure that you do not damage your tools or health.

Use the Right Tool for the Job

An essential piece of advice is always to ensure that you are using the right tools for the job. You would be surprised at how many people use inappropriate tools, for example, the handle of a screwdriver to hammer. When you begin to misuse your tools, you not only risk breaking them, but you risk hurting yourself. Every tool has an intended purpose and should be used solely for that. Liberally using your tools can be very dangerous. An essential piece of advice is always to ensure that you are using the right tools for the job. You would be surprised at how many people use inappropriate tools, for example, the handle of a screwdriver to hammer. When you begin to misuse your tools, you not only risk breaking them, but you risk hurting yourself. Homeowners like to shop ICS concrete chainsaws here to ensure their gear is perfect for the job. With such proactive behavior, they avoid any issues while working on their projects.

Adhere to Instructions

When it comes to power tools, your tool will come along with a set of manufacturers’ instructions. Hand tools tend not to, but then again, most hand tools do not require instructions. With more complicated tools, follow the instructions carefully. If you do not follow the instructions, you put yourself in danger and risk breaking them. The instructions for your tools will also tell you how to store them and what not to do, which prevents misuse, improper storage, and breakage. 

The bottom line is that the message we hope to convey on this page is always careful when using tools. They are not to be taken lightly and can be dangerous if misused. Follow every instruction listed on this page, and you should never have any problems with your tools. If you decide to ignore the instructions on this page, then while you are not guaranteed to hurt yourself, you are guaranteed to risk injuring yourself and risk breaking your tools.

Maintaining hand and power tools might seem complicated, but in reality, it isn’t. You can do most of the things listed here quite easily and without the help of others. Look after your tools, and you look after yourself.