Hardwood Floors December 2024/January 2025

Lubrication: For pneumatic tools, using an oil lubricant regularly is necessary to keep the moving parts working properly. Check the tool maintenance section of the manufacturer’s instructions on how to correctly lubricate your tools, as well as how much, how frequently, and which lubricant to use. Any tool with

adjustable or movable parts needs periodic lubrication, which helps prevent corrosion and rust. Sharp Bits and Blades: A dull bit or blade

can lead to rough cuts and can increase strain on your power tools. Keep your blades and bits sharp to ensure optimal efficiency and clean cuts. Using old and dull bits or blades means your power tool needs to work even harder to get the job done. This causes extra stress on the tool’s motor, which can damage parts or cause the tool to overheat with unnecessary stress. More importantly, from a personal safety perspective, dull bits and blades can be more dangerous than sharp ones. Calibration: Calibrate tools that need regular calibration, to ensure they are accurate, reliable, and consistent. Moisture meters and thermohygrometers are some examples of tools that require calibration. These tools are precision instruments. For some, the maintenance schedule in the user’s manual should outline when they should be recalibrated, usually after a specified amount of use hours. Most tool companies offer calibration services, and even certificates of calibration for their products. Scheduling: Establish maintenance schedules that include regular inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and repairs. It is a good opportunity to drop the tools off at your repair shop for a tune-up when you are going on vacation, or know that a set of equipment is not being used for a short period of time. These scheduled maintenance items can be addressed through the manufacturer, your distributor, or a specialty tool repair shop. Just be sure your repair shop is qualified (or certified) by the manufacturer of the tool. Maintaining a regular service schedule for your wood flooring tools may seem like an added expense, but it actually saves you money in the long run. The frequency of maintaining equipment depends on various factors, including manufacturer’s recommendations, usage of the tool, and age of the tool. Keep tool manuals in a location that everyone in your company can access easily.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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