The use, maintenance, and upkeep of manual hardware tools

Hand tools, compared to electric tools, mainly rely on the hand to twist or force the tool. Hand tools can be divided into wrench, pliers, screwdriver, tape measure, hammer, socket, cutting, scissors, set, and auxiliary types such as tool carts according to their purposes, and each category has different models.

Most people have not received training before using manual tools, which leads to frequent accidental injuries. According to statistical data, injuries caused by improper use of manual tools account for 7% to 8% of all accidental injuries each year. Therefore, for commonly used manual tools and lightweight electric tools, it is necessary to understand their correct usage methods, maintain and manage them properly, and pay attention to safety during use.

Instructions for using manual tools

Here are just a few commonly used manual and electric tools, introducing their correct usage methods and safety precautions:

1. Metalworking hand bow saw: Use appropriate saw blades to match the workpiece, such as cutting solid or thick soft metal with 14 teeth per inch; Tool steel, iron pipes, hard metals, etc. use 18 teeth per round; And 24 teeth per inch are suitable for sawing metal plates, metal pipes, and thin iron bars. Push the saw forward and gently lift it when pulled back.

2. Wrench: ① Choose a wrench of appropriate size according to the nature of the work. ② When using an adjustable wrench, apply force towards the fixed edge and never towards the movable edge. ③ If the wrench opening is worn or slips during use, it should not be used again to avoid slipping and injuring hands. ④ Do not use a wrench as an iron edge to strike. ⑤ Do not add a pipe to the handle end of the wrench to increase its torque.

3. Screwdriver: ① The appropriate screwdriver should be selected according to the size and shape of the screw head groove. ② The handle of the screwdriver should not be struck with a hammer. If the handle is damaged, it should be replaced immediately. ③ Do not use the screwdriver as a chisel or lever. ④ Electrical screwdrivers should be used to test current, and general screwdrivers should not be used to test high voltage electricity. ⑤ The blade of the screwdriver should not be ground to avoid damaging the hardened surface. ⑥ The screwdriver should not be placed in clothing or pants pockets to avoid injury in the event of collision or fall.

4. Pliers: ① Pliers are only used for fastening, inserting, and removing various pins and nails, as well as cutting or twisting various wires. ② Pliers cannot be used to tighten or strike bolts or nuts. ③ The handle of the pliers should not be tapped or extended to increase the clamping or cutting force.

5. Handheld electric drill: ① When tightening the drill bit, it is necessary to use a wrench that meets the specifications and type. ② Before turning on the drill switch, the drill must be firmly held. ③ When the electric drill is not in use or when replacing the drill bit, the power should be turned off before putting it down. ④ The drill bit should be removed first at the end of work. ⑤ Apply moderate pressure to the drill bit. Too much force may break the drill bit or reduce its operating speed, while too little force may cause the drill bit to wear out easily. When drilling quickly, the pressure must be light to ensure smooth perforation. ⑥ When drilling small workpieces, the workpiece should be fixed with fixtures and must not be held by hand during drilling. ⑦ When using an electric drill, do not wear loose clothing, tie ties, scarves, or gloves. Long hair should be tied up.

6. Handheld grinding wheel: ① Before use, check whether the grinding wheel is broken, rotates improperly, the grinding disc is unbalanced, and the protective cover is loose. ② Wear goggles or a face mask when grinding. ③ Both oneself and others should avoid the direction of rotation of the grinding wheel to prevent flying debris or grinding wheel fragments from splashing. ④ After cutting off the power supply of the grinding wheel, it cannot be ground again, let alone accelerated to stop in this way.

7. Electric soldering iron: ① The tip of the electric soldering iron should be kept clean and free from debris. ② Do not strike to prevent the insulation magnetic tube from breaking and causing electrical leakage. ③ It is advisable to use a 30-40 watt soldering iron for transistor components. ④ When not in use, the soldering iron should be placed on a bracket or insulating material. ⑤ The temperature at the tip of the soldering iron is very high, so attention should be paid to avoiding burns or fires caused by proximity to flammable materials.

Prevention of injuries caused by manual tools

1. Direct factors causing injuries from manual tools:

① Impact or collision: The tool used loses control and flies out or the body loses balance, resulting in an impact on the worker themselves or nearby colleagues.

② Cutting: being cut by the cutting edge, burrs, or sharp corners of a tool.

③ Splash: Substances generated during work, such as chips, chemical solvents, etc., that splash out and harm the body, eyes, or skin of workers or others.

④ Electric shock: An accidental electric shock caused by electric tools.

2. Causes of injuries caused by manual tools:

① Improper selection of manual tools.

② Not maintained according to regulations.

③ Not checked according to regulations before use.

④ The method used is incorrect.

⑤ Not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

⑥ Improper storage location of tools.

3. Principles for safe use of manual tools:

① Choose manual tools that are suitable for job needs.

② Keep the tools in good working condition.

③ Choose hand tools with good material quality.

④ Check the manual tools before use.

⑤ Use manual tools in the correct way.

⑥ Hand tools should be placed in a safe place.

⑦ Appropriate protective equipment should be worn before work.

⑧ Choose standard tools or designated manual tools.

Maintenance and management of manual tools

Generally, people are more aware of the need to maintain machinery, equipment, or dangerous goods, but they often neglect and take manual tools lightly, resulting in a higher proportion of injuries caused by manual tools compared to machines. Therefore, maintenance and management of manual tools before use are even more important.

（1） Maintenance of manual tools:

1. All tools should be regularly inspected and maintained.

2. Various tools should have inspection and maintenance record cards, and detailed records of various maintenance data.

3. In case of malfunction or damage, immediate inspection and repair should be carried out.

When the tool is damaged, the cause of the damage should be identified.

5. The correct usage method should be taught before using the tool.

Tools that are not used for a long time still need to be maintained and serviced.

7. All manual tools must be used according to their designed purpose.

8. Do not use the tool until it is securely installed.

9. Tool maintenance should be carried out in a stationary state.

10. Carry sharp tools and do not stab others.

11. Never use tools that are damaged or have loose defects.

12. The tool has reached its service life or usage limit and is prohibited from being used again.

13. When maintaining tools, the principle is to not damage the original design.

14. Tools that cannot be repaired in the factory should be sent back to the original manufacturer for repair.

（2） Management of tools:

1. Tools should be centrally stored by dedicated personnel and easy to inspect and repair.

When borrowing and issuing dangerous tools, protective equipment should be provided at the same time.

3. Various tools should be stored in a fixed location.

4. Each tool should have recorded data, including purchase date, price, accessories, service life, etc.

5. Tool borrowing must be registered, and borrowing data should be kept complete.

6. The quantity of tools should be regularly inventoried.

7. The storage of tools should be classified.

8. Tools that are more prone to damage should have backups.

9. Standardize the specifications of the tools as much as possible.

10. Valuable tools should be stored properly to avoid loss.

11. Tool management should establish management and borrowing methods.

12. The storage area for tools should avoid moisture and have a good environment.

13. Industrial and commercial scrapping shall be handled in accordance with regulations, and a supplementary purchase shall be applied for.

14. The borrowing of tools should be cautious, prompt, reliable, and simple.

Manual tools are generally used for operations in special environments, such as flammable, explosive, and extremely harsh conditions. Belonging to consumables, the correct use of manual tools can reduce the occurrence of injury accidents.