USING HAND TOOLS (UHT)

Terms to Understand

Hand tool is a device or instrument which is usually handheld and is used to carry out a particular purpose.

Tool box is a container used for keeping and helping tools maintain its good condition.

Property custodian is a person who is responsible in managing tools and consolidating all status reports about tools and equipment.

Computer System Servicing Hand Tools Functions and Uses

1. Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tool - This is a tool that has a static electricity generated by friction on carpets, tile flooring, clothing, hair, fabric, and others.

Anti-static Wrist Strap - Used to prevent ESD damage to computer equipment.

1. Insert your hand into the band hole of the Anti-Static Wrist Strap;

2. Clip the alligator clip on a power supply screw; and

3. Check if it is clipped firmly. Once everything is set right, ensure that you are grounded by holding any metal around you for 5 seconds.

Anti-static Mat - Used to stand on or placed hardware on to prevent static electricity from building up.

Apply the mat to the working table and place the equipment to be used.

2. Hand Tools - These refer to computer tools that are being manipulated manually and are used to perform work on stuff or physical systems using hands.

Cross Screwdriver - Used to loosen or tighten crosshead screws.

1. Hold the tip of the screw driver with one hand as you turn its handle with the other;

2. Grasp the handle with your dominant hand and the tip with your other hand as close to the head of the screw as you can; and

3. Apply enough force to turn the screw driver clockwise to tighten the screw and the opposite direction to loosen.

Flash Drive - Handheld device used for formatting computer operating systems.

1. Hold the flash drive in the handle; and

2. Plug the flash drive into the computer's USB port.

Wire stripper - A small, hand-held device used to strip the electrical insulation from electric wires.

Peel the network cable using different wire stripper blades.

Crimping Tool - Used to conjoin two pieces of metal by deforming one or both of them in a way that causes them to hold each other.

1. Insert RJ45 into crimping ports; and

2. Squeeze the handle of the crimping tool to properly set the RJ45 wire.

Flashlight - Used to conjoin two pieces of metal by deforming one or both of them in a way that causes them to hold each other.

1. Hold the flashlight carefully; and

2. Move the flashlight switch button to “ON”.

3. Cleaning Tools - Having acceptable cleaning tools is important when maintaining or repairing computers. When using these tools ensure that computer components are not damaged during cleaning.

Lint-free Cloth - Used to clean different computer components without scratching or leaving debris.

By hand, use the lint-free cloth swab on equipment with dust

Compressed Air - Used to blow away dust and debris from different computer parts without touching the components.

1. Hold the compressed air vertically; and

2. Press the button above the compressed air to let the air out.

Cable ties - Used to bundle cables neatly inside and outside of a computer.

The cable tie is used to tie the scattered cables.

Parts organizer - Used to hold screw, jumpers, fasteners and other small parts and prevents them from getting mixed from each other.

Just like a cabinet, using a part organizer is just the same.

4. Diagnostic Tools - Good computer network cables are more dependable with each new generation of computers and hardware, but that do not mean they are problem-free.

Multimeter - Used to test the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer components.

1. Use the two test probes of the device on either end of the wire or the electrical parts of the computer;

2. Change the range to continuity; and

3. If the needle responds, it means that the wire or electrical device has continuity or in good condition.

LAN Tester - Used for testing network cables for faults or missing pair connections.

1. Insert the two ends of the network cable with RJ45 into the RJ45 ports of the LAN tester; and

2. Turn on the LAN tester to see if the network cable is working properly.

Proper Tool Selection

1. Know and understand the scope of labor and plan for the action to be undertaken in accomplishing any tasks.

2. Selecting the simplest tool for every task requires training within the proper handling of the tools, safety and maintenance and following the manufacturer’s manual.

3. When obtaining the tools, all the associated tooling and consumable parts, as recommended by the manufacturer must be included. Additionally, related consumable parts must even be selected and used in step with their manufacturer’s instructions.

Environmental Safety and Health for Tools

Once selected, use the tool for the purpose that it had been designed. For safety measures, follow the Do’s and Don’ts within the manufacturer’s manual.

a. Keep all tools in good shape with regular maintenance.

b. Consider the correct tool for the job.

c. Examine each tool and do not use damaged or defective tools.

d. Operate each tool according to its manufacturer’s instructions.

e. Observe appropriate use of the tool and protective equipment when using.

Marking Unsafe or Faulty Tools

Assessments that may be made or tagged after cautious inspections are the following:

1. Proper operating condition. Tools and equipment that are tagged with this assessment are considered safe to be used. Only tools that experienced intensive inspection must be tagged with this. These tools must be visually checked and operationally tested before releasing to anyone.

2. Recommended for upgrade. This is intended for the tools and equipment that are still in good operational condition but are not so outdated. These tools must be upgraded soon to stick with new standards and benchmarks. Old tools can still be used occasionally.

3. Damaged and for repair. For tools and equipment that are labeled as damaged or for repair must not ever be put into use. These tools impose a threat to the user and will delay the completion of works. Damaged tools must be sent for repair at once.

4. For disposal. This pertains to tools and equipment with worst condition such as broken and is beyond repair. The tool might also be damaged and buying a replacement is more beneficial. Tools that are tagged during this group must be properly thrown away for them to not become a hazard within the workplace.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to a device or appliance designed to be worn during work or held by worker for his protection against health and safety hazards.

PPE in Computer System Servicing

Aside from goggles, safety shoes, apron, gloves and facemask, the anti-static wrist strap and anti-static mat are the most essential equipment to follow according to its PPE standards.

Reporting malfunctions, unplanned or unusual events to the property custodian

Here are the suggested procedures if there have been no malfunctions or technical hitches after the completion of the work requirement.

1. You must bring the request form and return all the borrowed tools to the property custodian.

2. The return report would need to state that all returned tools are still in proper operating condition.

3. After delivering the tools, ensure that the property custodian waives your accountability form.

In case there have been problems that occurred during the completion of work requirement that resulted in damaging a tool or equipment, follow these procedures.

3.1 Report instantly to the property custodian in case are mishaps or damages to any requested tools, so he could issue a replacement instantly.

3.2 Request for one more set of tools to use.

3.3 Prepare the tools to be returned, once the work requirement is finished,

3.4 Be bound to attach an evidence detailing the events that caused the tool or equipment to be damaged.

3.5 Have the report received by the laboratory custodian so proper investigation can start.

3.6 If proven that there was no negligence on the part of a worker, the worker must be waived from any accountability to the damages.

Tool and Equipment Maintenance

In choosing good quality tools you must be wise and practical, but if you take good care of the tools and equipment, they will last longer and return you a good favor. Make sure that your tools are safely and properly stored, cleaned, and well maintained to save you from time, effort, and money as well as making your business, projects and jobs easier.

Preventive maintenance is the key for a systematic care and protection of tools, equipment and machines in order to keep them in a safe, protected, usable condition, limit downtime and extend productivity during work. You must always be aware that maintenance tasks which are potentially hazardous can result to injury.

The successful maintenance program is:

• well organized and scheduled;

• controls hazards;

• defines operational procedures; and

• trains key personnel.

METHODS IN MAINTAINING HAND TOOLS

Conduct Maintenance Activity

It is necessary for a tool to be well-maintained and one of the methods in doing this is conducting a maintenance activity. The table below shows a sample of maintenance activity for a specific hand tool.

Conduct Maintenance Schedule

It is necessary to make a schedule for checking the condition of tools as part of its maintenance. Below is the sample maintenance schedule for tools.

Proper Storage of Tools, Parts, and Equipment

To ensure that tools and equipment remain in good condition and will last for a long time, store them properly. Properly stored tools and equipment is easy to find when needed and are less likely to be lost.

When it comes to storing the tools, you have to work with the space that you have. Maybe you hang them on a pegboard or store them in toolboxes, bags, or chests or maybe you keep them in drawers. Pegboards are great storage systems for tools. They let you see all your tools at one glance and make use of wall space efficiently. If you do not have enough wall space for a pegboard you can take advantage of the pegboard system by building a hinged system, a rolling pegboard, or even a portable pegboard system.

Toolboxes are also great ways to store the tools. They have the great advantage of portability. While some people use toolboxes to store all their tools, they can also be convenient to transport your most commonly used tools while leaving the bulky tools stored at home.

It is always important to be aware of the environment where you are storing your tools. Rust is one of the deteriorating factors when it comes to tools. Places such as garages, basements and other enclosed areas can have humidity issues, especially if they are not air conditioned or heated. If you keep your tools in a location such as these, they will be prone to rust. Placing silica gel packs in your toolboxes or drawers is also an easy and inexpensive way to help absorb moisture and keep your tools rust free.

Good Practices in Storing and Maintaining Tools

• Properly store and label the tools.

• Properly place and label the tools on the board.

• Consider drawing the shapes of the tools on the board so that they always put back in the same position.

• Use bins for storing small parts.

• Consider assign an individual (or individuals) responsible for the good maintenance of tools and parts.

Benefits in Storing and Maintaining Tools

• Tools and parts are kept in good condition and are easy to find.

• Costs are reduced.

• Productivity is increased because time is not wasted looking for tools, parts and equipment.

• Workshop staff develops a sense of responsibility and pride in their work.

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