Hand tools are a vital part of a professional tradesperson or hobbyist’s arsenal. Their size and versatility makes them indispensable, so long as they are properly maintained.
In this guide, we will discuss why tool maintenance is important, and look at the best practices for improving the longevity of your hand tools. Keep reading to learn more…
Why is tool maintenance important?
Hand tools by design are tough and rigid, so it may not be immediately apparent why they need to be properly cared for. Here are some reasons why maintenance is important:
Safety
Proper tool maintenance is essential for ensuring your safety, and will keep you abreast of any changes to the condition of your hand tool, allowing you to address any issues before they become a serious concern.
Loose heads and chipped blades pose a significant risk, as they may separate during use, creating a dangerous projectile. Meanwhile, dull tools require more force to use effectively, which increases the likelihood that they could slip from your grasp and lead to accidents.
Additionally, unclean or rusty tools may carry and spread contaminants, which may cause further problems to other tools, or the health of those who come into contact with them.
Instead, regular maintenance will help to prevent and minimise these risks, keeping both you and your hand tools safe.
Performance
Inadequate tool maintenance can lead to a clear loss in performance and efficiency during use. Rust and corrosion will affect the mobility of different parts, leading to difficulties and delays in completing tasks.
For example, dull or rusted blades and saws will impact the quality of the finished cut. If you’re building something for instance, this can lead to joints being uneven or unstable. Alternatively, if you’re cutting through trees with a axe, a dull blade will take longer to complete the job – and may even create the conditions for kickback, which can be incredibly dangerous.
Regular tool maintenance will allow your tools to remain in peak condition, allowing for a smooth and efficient operation.
Durability
Having a proactive approach to your tool maintenance not only enhances the durability of your tools, but makes them a worthwhile investment.
This is because the longevity of your hand tools will correlate directly with how well they are maintained. After all, a well-maintained tool will last much longer than a neglected tool. By investing the time and effort into keeping your tools maintained, you can ensure they maintain their durability – and even save you unnecessary costs from having to replace tools that could still have had more life in them.
Cost
All of these prior points lead directly into this one. A broken or dull hand tool will lead to the inevitable costs of replacing them. This in turn may lead to a delay in completing your tasks, which could have the knock-on effect of impacting income.
A refusal to upgrade tools may too see further costs, as the time wasted forcing unfit tools to do the job may impact the reputation of an efficient labourer, which in turn could lead to a loss of income.
By expanding your knowledge of proper tool maintenance, you will be able to enhance the performance, durability, cost-efficiency, and safety of your hand tools.
Essential hand tool maintenance
Maintaining a hand tool isn’t complicated, but it is important. Building these steps into your schedule will save you in the long run, and ensure that your hand tool remains in optimal condition. Let’s look at the best pieces of advice to follow.
Inspect before use
Before you use a hand tool, check it thoroughly. Even a small chip in a blade can be the catalyst for a large break during use, which could lead to serious injury or loss of life in some circumstances.
Regularly inspecting tools will help to identify any small signs of wear and tear before they become a huge problem. If you find signs of damage, assess the potential for injury or further complications before using.
Where possible, use a suitable replacement until you can commit the time to thoroughly testing the durability of the affected hand tool.
Correct use
This step is one of the most important to reduce the likelihood of deterioration in the first place.
Forcing a hand tool to attempt something it is not best suited for is the quickest way to destroy its durability and performance (think about the phrase “square peg, round hole” here). When presented with an obstacle to overcome, take a moment to think about what tool could best achieve the right outcome.
If you have the correct tool to hand, use that. If not, and the job could be achieved with the hand tools presently available, consider how to perform the task in a way that will reduce the possibility of damage – to yourself and your tools.
Clean after use
When a hand tool, such as an axe head, saw blade or pruner, is frequently used, it will start to gather debris. This is especially true in dirty or moist environments.
Most tools can be cleaned with water and soap. Keep a clean cloth on hand to wipe away any dirt, dust and debris from the tool. If the tool had a build-up of grease, use degreasing soap and a soft brush to scrub them down first.
Special cleaning products can be used for those stubborn patches of dirt, but you should always make sure that they are suitable for use on the materials used in your tools, and do not contain any harsh chemicals that may harm the surface.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents, which may damage the metal. Unclean cloths and brittle brushes that may cause scratches, which can become vessels for moisture, and lead to further damage down the road.
Rust protection
Rust is formed when iron-containing metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture. You can’t avoid contact with the former, but you can certainly prevent the latter from ruining your tools. For example, once you have cleaned your hand tools, make sure you dry them thoroughly before they are stored away.
In some instances, you may need to apply a special coating of oil, paint, or another substance that can prevent moisture from reaching the metal. These options include:
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Dry coating: a product that dries without residue and forms a protective, rust-preventative barrier. These can be easily bought and applied at home.
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Powder coating: substances such as acrylic, vinyl, or epoxy can be applied to prevent moisture from reaching the metal. As with dry coating, application can be achieved without much difficulty.
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Galvanising: used primarily in iron or steel hand tools, this is the process of dipping the metal into a vat of molten zinc. While not readily available for most people, it provides a distinct advantage over other prevention techniques, as the bonding process is not easily diminished.
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Bluing: another advanced technique, bluing is the process of using an electrochemical conversion black oxide coating to protect against rust. To improve protection, treat with a water-displacing oil.
Sharpening
The blades of cutting tools such as hand pruners and hatchets will begin to dull over time. Regular sharpening of your blades not only improves the efficiency of the tool, but also prevents the risk of them breaking.
There are a number of suitable methods for sharpening a blade, so let’s look at the most popular ones:
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Whetstone: this sharpening method has been around for a very long time, and with good reason. Whetstones (also known as sharpening stones) are an easy and effective method for blade sharpening.
Wet the stone with water or oil, then - with the tool held at a 20-25 degree angle - slide the tool along the stone in a smooth motion. Where necessary, alternate sides to maintain an even edge.
Safety tip – place your whetstone on a stable surface to prevent the risk of slipping, and wear cut-resistant gloves.
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Sharpening file: this hand tool has a rough surface that is used to remove fine amounts of material from a blade edge. Run the file along the hand tool’s edge at a consistent angle to evenly sharpen the blade.
Safety tip – ensure the tool is secure in a vice or clamp to prevent it moving around during the sharpening. Wear safety gloves and goggles, and always file away from your body.
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Electric grinder: this device uses motorised sharpening stones to do the manual work for you. Most models come with various attachments for different types of blade, making them a versatile sharpening device for most hand tools.
Position yourself with the grinder working away from you. Hold the hand tool at a slight angle to the grinder and press down with a gentle, steady pressure.
Safety tip – make sure the grinder is working properly before use. When in operation, wear protective goggles and gloves.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication is a vital component for the maintenance of any hand tools that have moving parts. Lubrication creates a thin layer of oil, wax, or grease between moving parts, which grants them smoother movement. Pruning shears and secateurs are just some of the hand tools that will benefit greatly from regular lubrication.
Lubricants are designed to address the specific needs of different hand tools, so ensuring you use the correct one can keep your equipment functional. Let’s look at the different options available:
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WD-40: this versatile “all-purpose” spray-on lubricant is effective at getting into those hard to reach areas, which makes it great for loosening up stuck parts.
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Machine oil: this general-purpose lubrication is great for light machinery and tools, like pliers and wrenches, or hinges and bolts.
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Grease: a thicker substance than oil, grease is best suited for use in heavy-duty equipment, such as hammers and axes, as it provides a longer-lasting lubrication.
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Silicone lubricant: silicone is particularly useful for plastic and rubber components on tools, as it doesn’t degrade those materials, and provides a stick-free, protective cover.
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Graphite lubricant: perfect for situations where a non-greasy, dirt-resistant lubrication is required, graphite lubricant is ideal for locks and moving parts of hand tools as it doesn’t attract dust or grime.
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Teflon lubricant: a suitable lubricant for scissors or other small cutting tools, Teflon lubricant provides a dry lubrication that reduces friction without clogging up the works.
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Penetrating oil: if a tool joint has seized up and succumbed to rust, penetrating oil can seep into the tight spaces and loosen up those rusted or corroded areas.
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Copper anti-seize: a good option for the threaded connections in tools, such as clamps or bolts, which may be exposed to harsh environments or corrosive elements. It can prevent these connections seizing up or galling.
Maintain handles and grips
We’ve covered a lot of ways to maintain the tool part of your hand tools, but you should give equal attention to the handles.
Wooden-handled tools will develop cracks and splinters over time, which can eventually lead to them breaking and separating from the tool end. Rubber grips can also wear out over time, though their degradation will be less apparent.
Carefully check your handles and grips when you inspect your hand tools, making note of any cracks, splinters or worn-down areas. Tape can be used to strengthen smaller areas, but if a crack is too large, it is advised to replace the handle altogether.
Correct storage
Once your hand tools are cleaned and lubricated, you need to ensure that you store them correctly. The way hand tools are stored can be a large contributing factor to their longevity.
The ideal environment for tool storage is a clean, dry place free from moisture and strong fluctuations in temperature. Storing tools in a clean, dry environment will also prevent the build up of rust.
Each tool should have its own secure place. Dumping tools in a box where they may clatter around will increase the risk of damaging tools, or yourself, as you search for a particular tool in a box of sharp edges. A toolbox or workshop cabinet is a great starting point as they are designed to prevent moisture getting in. Many come with foam inserts or organising cases to ensure that each tool has its correct place.
Not only does this help to keep your tools well maintained, but also makes it easy to keep track of tools on the go. Keeping your tools in one secure place will reduce the possibility of tools going missing when you need them.
Stay informed
If you ever find yourself uncertain about what the correct guidance is with a particular tool, don’t rely on guesswork.
There is plenty of information readily available to help you make an informed decision. Manufacturer websites will often provide all the safety and guidance information you require for your relevant tool. Failing that, you can always reach out to our team to get help and advice to help you with your maintenance.
It is also wise to stay informed as new information becomes available. New products may come to market that take the stress out of certain elements of your tool maintenance schedule.
Following these tips will not only improve the performance and durability of your hand tools, but can spare you or others from potential injury. Building these maintenance checks into your routine doesn’t take long, and can save you time and money in the long run.
Safety tips
Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when using or maintaining any tool. Here are some of our top safety tips to follow when performing tool maintenance.
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Wear safety gear: always wear the appropriate safety equipment when maintaining your hand tools. Cut resistant gloves will help protect your hands when using blades or sharp tools. Protective eye goggles will shield your eyes from debris, dust and sparks. Preventing lacerations, punctures or loss of vision is crucial. Hearing protection will reduce the risk of hearing loss when subjected to high noise levels for long periods of time.
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Check electrical equipment: before using any electrical tools to maintain your equipment, ensure that the tool is safe to use. Check that the cable is undamaged and does not present a trip hazard. If the tool uses a battery, make sure it is charged and connected properly. Make sure the electrical tool is functioning correctly before using it. Check for any changes in performance or cadence. Remember: if you don’t feel comfortable using the tool, don’t risk it.
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Clean up after yourself: the debris created from a tool maintenance session may seem insignificant, but over time it will build up and may become a hazard. Invest in a vacuum or dustpan and brush, and clean up regularly. Tidy away all tools after use to prevent a cluttered workspace.
Common mistakes to avoid
Whether you are new to tool maintenance, or a professional with years of experience, mistakes are easy to make. Here are some common mistakes that may occur when maintaining hand tools, and how to avoid them.
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Using the wrong lubricant: you may think the choice of lubricant is not that important when maintaining a hand tool, but it can have big consequences if you use the wrong one. Different lubricants may cause damage to your tool, or attract dirt and jam them up.
Solution: always check the recommended lubricant for the tool in question. The manufacturer will often list their recommendations, or you can use the guidance we laid out above.
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Incorrect lubrication: even with the right lubricant, over use or under use can cause problems. Too much lubricant can cause dirt and debris to accumulate, which can lead to premature wear in the hand tool. Too little, and the tool will not reap the benefits.
Solution: apply a light, even coat of lubricant to the correct areas, and wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
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Improper sharpening: there are a number of things that can go wrong when sharpening a blade. Sharpening at a bad angle can damage the blade and reduce its effectiveness. Over-sharpening can lead to chips or broken blades, whereas under-sharpening will leave you with a dull blade that may break from having too much pressure applied.
Solution: follow the recommended guidance for each specific tool, which will usually be provided by the manufacturer.
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Leaving loose ends: nuts, bolts, and other tighteners may loosen with time, and are an easy thing to overlook when undergoing tool maintenance. If left ignored, these may cause tools to break or become unstable and dangerous.
Solution: build this check into your maintenance schedule. Check and tighten all screws, bolts and nuts on your tools, replacing any that don’t tighten securely.
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Skipping maintenance: making the time to properly clean and maintain your tools may seem arduous, especially if you have to start factoring it into your busy schedule, but it is an important part of the process. Skipping those preventative measures will lead to serious issues like corrosion and tool failure, which will cost you time and money, and possibly even risk your life.
Solution: find the time to maintain your hand tools. This may be first thing in the morning before you start a job, or last thing at night when you would normally pack your tools away.
Find the best hand tools at Hughie Willett Machinery
All the points we have covered in this article will help you to keep your hand tools in the best possible condition, but you should always start with the best tools in the first place. At Hughie Willett Machinery, we have a range of hand tools from some of the leading brands on the market.
Not only that, but our friendly and experienced team is available to provide you with all the advice and guidance you may need to make an informed decision.
Have more questions about your hand tool maintenance? Contact us online, or call 0121 308 1262 to speak to a member of our team who will be happy to answer any queries.
Find pruning tools at Hughie Willett Machinery
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