You may have bought your hand tools for the first time a couple of years ago from a vendor like https://www.airturbinetools.com/hand-tools/, but do you know how to maintain them properly? This article will show you how to clean your hand tools after every use, check for rust, and keep the blades in good working condition. Read on to find out how to maintain your hand tools for years!
Maintenance
The best way to extend the life of your hand tools is to take care of them properly. Cleaning tools regularly will prevent damage from dirt, oil, and grime. Moreover, it would be best to inspect your hand tools after every use to determine whether they need to be replaced or repaired. Split or cracked handles, for example, should not be used. In addition, a tool with excessive dirt and dust should not be left in the garage for long periods.
Besides keeping the blade sharp, the other parts of your hand tool need to be appropriately maintained. For example, the carbon brushes, which conduct electricity, should be regularly replaced. Drive belts, power cords, and switch assemblies should also be checked regularly. As long as they are not too damaged, you can keep them in good condition for a long time. By following these guidelines, your hand tools will last longer, and you will not have to replace them regularly.
Cleaning After Each Use
When you clean your hand tools after every use, you extend their useful life. To clean them properly, approach them as you would clean any other surface or equipment. First, use dry cleaning to remove any visible soil before washing. Next, use a suitable detergent and follow the correct washing method, including the 0 water temperature and contact time. Afterward, rinse them well to remove all detergents. Finally, inspect them to determine whether you need to clean them further.
When cleaning your hand tools, ensure they are dry before putting them away. For stubborn dirt and rust, you can use steel wool to scrub them. After cleaning them, use progressively finer grits until they look like new. Alternatively, you can use mineral spirits or vinegar to clean them. You can also use chrome polish if you can’t find these cleaning solutions. This will remove any dirt or grime.
Checking for Rust
Rust on hand tools can be easily removed. Soak the tools in a solution containing two parts citric acid to 3 parts water to remove rust. Or, you can use straight white vinegar. Soak your tools in an acidic solution overnight to get rid of rust. You can also apply lemon juice to remove rust. But if you’re afraid that your acidic solution won’t work, you can always add a bit of baking soda to the water.
Rust converters are a standard rust-removal solution found at most DIY stores. They form a protective coating on metal parts, so you can apply them without worrying about damaging them. Afterward, wipe off the tool with a rag. You’ll be amazed by the difference in quality after just a few applications. But, follow the instructions carefully and avoid using the rust converter on tools with movable joints or metal surfaces.
Keeping Blades in Working Order
Using hand tools safely begins with keeping the blades in good condition. Dull blades require more force to cut and can cause the tool to slip. Edges should be clean and free of large chips, rust, and other debris. In addition, standard metal and ceramic blades should be disposed of in a sharps container after use. Finally, make sure the tools are free of loose parts and cracks.
Regardless of the tool, you should always use a safety guard, as well as the blades of the hand tool. Blades must be inserted and removed correctly and safely to prevent accidental cuts. Keeping the edges sharp will prevent various injuries, so use them properly. Keeping the blades in good condition can be a simple task for the average DIYer.
Proper Storage
Organizing hand tools can help you keep them organized and accessible. However, hand tools are often complicated to track when stored in a box. To avoid losing them, customers use stackable plastic bins for storage. Using such a system, they can account for every tool and know where to find it. For example, long-handled garden tools can be wrapped in a tarp. An empty coffee can also make a temporary storage container.
Before storing your hand tools, remember to clean them thoroughly. This prevents damage and can help keep them in working condition for longer. It is also essential to clean tools that have metal surfaces. Make sure to use a cleaning solution approved for metal surfaces. Afterward, let them dry before placing them in a storage area. Organizing your tools properly can help you protect your investment and enjoy quality items longer.