INFORMATION SHEET 1.2.

10

(PROPER TOOL MAINTENANCE)

If you take care of your tools, they will return the favor. Proper care and routine
maintenance of your hand tools and power tools makes any home improvement or repair
project easier, safer and more successful. Proper tool care also saves you money
because the better they’re cared for, the longer they’ll last.

HAND TOOLS
Hand tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, levels, and wire cutters
are examples of common household tools that are often left out in places such as
basements, garages and tool sheds. Tools are tough, but they are not indestructible and
exposure to the elements can take its toll.

Below are some tips on how to take care of your tools and store them properly so that
you get optimum use out of them.

Clean, Inspect and Care for Tools

Make it a habit to clean tools after each use before you return them to storage. Wipe
them down with a rag or old towel and be sure they are free of dust, grease and debris
before you put them into their proper places. This is also an opportunity to look for any
damage or defects. Check your tools' handles for splinters, breaks and cracks. Also,
make sure that metal parts show no signs of corrosion or rust. Repair or replace any
tools that show signs of damage.

Cold chisels, log-splitting wedges and other striking tools can be very dangerous if they
are not maintained properly. Because these types of tools are used for repeated
striking, the surface of the metal head eventually mushrooms out and spreads to form a
lip or ridge around the edge. With continued use, there is more spreading and the metal
lip may continue to thin, split or curl until it finally breaks. If the metal head separates
from the handle while in use, this could result in a dangerous projectile. To prevent this
hazard, just grind off the metal edges with a powered grinder on a regular basis.

Safety Alerts!

Don’t use tools that need repair or replacement. Broken tools can cause injury.

Don’t use tools inappropriately; you risk injury to yourself, others and damage to the
tools.

After cleaning, use an all-purpose oil, such as WD-40® to lubricate tools with adjustable
parts. Lightly spray other metal tool parts as well (avoid getting oil on handles), such as
screwdrivers and bladed lawn and garden tools. Wipe away any excess with a rag
before storing. This will help fight corrosion and rust.

If your tools already show signs of rust, there are a number of rust removers available at
True Value, such as Evapo-Rust Rust Remover. You can also try spraying tools with
WD-40® and then scrubbing them with steel wool or a stiff wire brush. Afterwards, wash
them with warm, soapy water and scrub them again with a cloth or rag until all signs of
rust are gone. Then dry them thoroughly with a clean, dry rag. Apply a light coat of WD-
40® and wipe away excess oil before storing.

Safety Alert!

You should wear heavy gloves when cleaning or removing rust from tools that can
cut. Wear safety goggles when using a wire brush to remove rust.

Smooth weathered, rough wooden handles with a medium-grit emery cloth. Handles
should be smooth enough to slide your hand along. If the wood is very rough, first sand
across the grain in a shoe-shine fashion. Finish by sanding with the grain. Wipe a dry
handle down with a heavy coat of linseed oil to rejuvenate and protect the wood.

Bladed tools, such as shovels, pruners and other lawn and garden tools should be
sharpened once per season. Use files to sharpen digging tools and to sharpen nicked or
dull cutting tools. For digging tools, file the working edge to a 45-degree bevel with a
coarse file. Hone and maintain the sharp edge of all cutting tools with a medium-grit
sharpening stone. For faster cutting, wet the stone with water or lubricate it with honing
oil depending on the type of stone you have.

A proper storage system is a must for hand tools. A toolbox, storage container, shelving
unit, or a combination of all of these can be used to keep your tools protected and in
peak condition. Ideally, your storage units should be kept somewhere with minimal
exposure to moisture and temperature changes. Remember to keep tools in their
respective places or hung on designated hangers when a job has been completed.
Store Tools Properly

Helpful Tips

Use a small tool bag for the tools you use most often such as tools for simple jobs
around the house. The rest of your tool arsenal can remain in your main toolbox.

You should have a space where you can inspect your tools and perform necessary
maintenance tasks, such as a worktable. Cover it with newspaper or plastic sheeting
to protect the table and make it easier to clean up after you're done with the job.

Hang lawn and garden tools, such as shovels and rakes, on a wall to get them off of
the ground and to protect them from moisture.

POWER TOOLS
Power tools such as electric drills, saws, sanders and nailers need routine maintenance
just like your hand tools. Because of their mechanical and electrical parts, power tools
are more susceptible to problems caused by poor maintenance, dust and debris
accumulation and general malfunction. The following are some helpful tips on how to
clean and properly store your tools.

Keep Power Tools Clean

Dust and grime can bring your power tools to a grinding halt if left unchecked over time.
Wipe them clean with a rag after every job has been completed and then store them.
Deep clean periodically by using a damp cloth. Get into exhausts and intakes and other
hard-to-clean areas with lightly oiled cotton swabs or other slender tools.
Helpful Tip

Using an air compressor or a can of compressed air to blow air into vents and
crevices is the best way to remove dirt and dust from inside tools.

For tools that use filters, replace the filters as specified by the manufacturer’s
instructions.

Store Power Tools Correctly

Keep your power tools protected from dust, moisture and other adverse conditions by
storing them properly after use. Keep them in their original cases if possible, or tuck
them away in storage drawers or tool chests, preferably in a garage or basement with a
moderately controlled climate. This not only protects them, it also keeps them organized
so you can easily find the tool you need when you need it.

Helpful Tip

Remember to keep instruction manuals for all of your tools. They are provided to
you by the manufacturer so that you can safely and competently operate your tools.
They’ll also have valuable information on how to care for the tool, find replacement
parts and other important pieces of information. Store manuals either in a toolbox
drawer or a cabinet in your workspace/storage area so that they are readily
available.

Inspect for Wear or Damage

Periodically inspect power tools for any signs of wear or damage. Pay special attention
to power cords. If you see frayed insulation or exposed wires, have the cord repaired or
replaced immediately by a professional, unless you have the expertise to do it yourself.
Damaged power cords can potentially lead to injury from electric shock or can cause a
 fire. Also, check the cord’s prongs to see if they are bent or loose. If any are, repair or
replace.

Safety Alert!

Always unplug electric tools when cleaning them or making any repairs to avoid the
danger of electric shock. It’s also a good practice to unplug them when not in use.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Keep moving parts lubricated for premium performance. Not only does it keep the
mechanics of a tool running smoothly, it also decreases the chance of rust developing.
While common machine oil is a good choice, consult your owner’s manual to see if the
manufacturer recommends or requires a specific type of oil.

Keep Batteries in Shape

Cordless, battery-powered tools are convenient and portable and have become very
popular for contractors and homeowners alike. To keep them running efficiently and
effectively, it is essential for their batteries to be maintained.

Batteries remain working at peak level by fully charging and then fully discharging their
power once every couple of weeks. Don’t let batteries sit unused for extended periods
of time. Try to use batteries once every two weeks.

Care for batteries by cleaning contacts with cotton swabs and alcohol. Store batteries
you won’t be using for a while in a dry, clean place away from excessive heat.

That’s it! Follow these general steps and your tools should last for years.

Here’s what you’ll need to complete this project successfully.

Before you begin, use the shopping list below to uncheck the tools you already have
to complete this project.

Then, print or save your updated list and bring it to your local True Value hardware
store, where an expert Hardwarian will give you the remaining tools and expert
advice you need to complete this project.

 Rag, cloth or old towel

 All-purpose WD-40® oil
 Rust remover (optional)
 Steel wool
 Stiff wire brush
 Heavy gloves
 Safety goggles
 Medium-grit emery cloth
 Linseed oil
 Coarse file
 Medium-grit sandpaper
 Honing oil
 Toolbox
 Shelving unit
 Tool storage container
 Tool bag
 Sealable containers
 Newspaper
 Plastic sheeting
 Mild detergent
 Cotton swabs
 Air compressor
 Alcohol

Prepared by:
GODOFREDO P. SAJOL, JR.
Trainer