Sunday, March 23, 2014

Power Tool Maintenance Procedures

Power Tool Maintenance Procedures

By Peter Mathers


The more complicated a device is, the more there is that can go wrong with it. While something like a hammer has is fairly straightforward in what can go wrong with it, a power tool, such as a saw or drill, has a lot of moving parts and mechanisms that could form problems if not checked and maintained regularly. Some of the important steps are detailed in this article.

Of all the common power tools, hand drills tend to see the most action. In addition to its titular task of drilling holes, there are a lot of attachments that can be used for polishing, sanding and grinding surfaces. Because it sees so much use, you'll want to make sure it's maintained properly. If drill bits become dull over time, be sure to sharpen or replace them. Overheating can be an issue if you use the drill for long stretches at a time. The best defense is to take short breaks to let it cool and to keep the vents unobstructed. You can use compressed air to remove most debris, and a tooth brush for more stubborn patches on the fan and motor.

After you finish using it, a drill should be cleaned to prevent debris from blocking moving parts during the next use. After wiping it down with a cloth and light cleaner, oil can be used to keep the metal pieces clean. Cordless drills with rechargeable batteries should be recharged and maintained per the specs of the manufacturer.

The bread and butter of the modern lumberjack is the chainsaw. Hands down, it is the best handheld tool for cutting through tree trunks, among other uses. It can be a huge asset when working on large projects, but there's also the potential for catastrophic accidents if proper precautions and regular maintenance aren't maintained. Take the time to regularly clean the chainsaw, removing the fuel cap and cleaning the vents of obstructions. You can clean a paper filter by tapping it to knock any pieces of dirt loose. Mesh filters can be cleaned with water and detergents if you unscrew and remove them. Before placing them back in the saw, give them time to completely dry. To clean the muffler, make sure the fuel tank is drained and the spark plug is disconnected first. Then remove the cover.

Pieces that are damaged should obviously be repaired or replaced. Any dirt and contaminants you see should be cleaned. A small brush or wire can be used to clean the areas too small for a cloth. The carburetor should be calibrated properly; otherwise, you may not be able to start the saw. When you finish, make sure every piece and screw is solid and tight in its proper place. While you're at it, you can check the chain and make sure that it's sharp across its entire length and at the proper tightness.




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