PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Tools are used according to undertaken task.

• Routine maintenance of tools undertaken according to standard operational procedures, principles and techniques.

• Tools stored safely in appropriate locations in accordance with manufacturers specifications or standard operating procedures.

Materials/ Resources

What Do You Already Know?

Let us determine how much you already know about performing basic preventive maintenance of electronic tools and equipment. Take this test.

What Do You Need To Know?

Read Information Sheet 2.1 very well then find out how much you can remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 2.1.

Information Sheet 2.1

Maintaining Hand tools

1. Screwdrivers

A. Select screwdriver that’s fit the screw head slot perfectly.

B. Keep the screwdriver’s handle dry, and clean to prevent slippages.

C. Never use a screwdriver as chisel.

D. Never hammer a screwdriver’s handle.

2. Pliers

A. Always keep pliers in good condition by cleaning and regular application of oil.

B. Never use pliers as substitute for a wrench or hammer.

C. Never hammer the pliers when cutting wires.

3. Files

A. When using a file, keep a firm grip on its handle at all times.

B. Do not blow filings as they may get into your eyes .

C. Always use a file card in cleaning a file.

4. Mini drill

A. Hold the mini drill firmly at 90 degrees with the material to be bored and make

sure to tighten the chuck jaw of the mini drill securely before using it.

B. Hold the metal, wood, or plastic firmly on the vise when drilling holes. Do not hold it with your hands.

C. Clean chips with a brush, not with your hands.

D. Keep the work area always clean by using paint brush.

5. Pencil type soldering Iron.

A. Clean and tin the tip of the soldering iron before use.

B. A 30-watt soldering iron is recommended for soldering electronic components in printed circuit board.

C. Clean the soldering tip with dry cloth, cotton, or tissue paper after using.

D. Do not wash the tip of the soldering iron with water to speed up its cooling process after use. It might corrode the soldering tip.

6. Soldering Gun

A. Do not use this type of the soldering instrument with light soldering

work. It might damage the Electronic components and PCB because of its very high temperature.

B. If the soldering tip fails to achieve its maximum temperature, tighten the two nuts holding the tip of the soldering gun.

C. Do not use in mass production assembly. It might be overheated.

D. This type of soldering equipment is more convenient where only few connections are to be made requiring much higher temperature like direct chassis soldering.

7. Desoldering tool

A. Heat the terminals to be resoldered before sucking the melted soldering lead with the desoldering tool to avoid direct contact of the desoldering tool’s tip with the tip of the soldering iron.

B. Clean and oil the inside sucking spring and the tip of the desoldering tool regularly so that the melted soldering lead will not stick permanently inside the desoldering tool.

8. Volt -Ohm- Milliammeter ( VOM)

A. Do not play with this instrument by holding both test leads or connecting them in any part of your body trying to measure your resistance .

B. Rest the function switch at 250 VAC when not in use.

C. Place this instrument in a dry cool place, In free from any vibrations

D. When making current and voltage measurements, be sure you are in the correct settings of function switch .If the current or voltage being measured is much greater than the value indicated in the function switch, the VOM will be damaged.

E. Avoid touching any metallic part of the test lead when measuring current or voltage

9. Electronic instruments like oscilloscopes, signal generators, digital multimeters and like should be connected to the power line at least once a week to warm up the circuit. This will serve as regular check-up and it will prevent the electronic components from corrosion due to moist specially during rainy season when the air is wet.