USE/CARE OF HANDTOOLS & MEASURING TOOLS - OD1621 - LESSON 2/TASK 1
d. Care of Screwdrivers.
(1) Dressing and Shaping. When a screwdriver becomes nicked, or the
edges become rounded, or when other damage occurs so that it does not fit a
screw slot, it must be reground or filed.
The sides must be parallel to
keep the tool from lifting from the screw slot (figure 14 on the following
page) and the tip must be square, at right angles to the sides and to the
blade. If using a file, place the screwdriver in a vise.
When using a grinder, adjust the rest to hold the screwdriver against the
wheel to produce the desired shape, parallel or concave. Do not grind away
more material than necessary to remove nicks or square up the end. After
squaring the tip, grind both sides until the tip is the required thickness.
Frequently dip the screwdriver into water during grinding to prevent loss of
temper by overheating. If the blade discolors (blue or yellow), the temper
has been damaged.
Retemper by heating about 1 1/2 inches of blade to a
cherry red with a torch.
Immediately dip about 3/4 inch of the blade in
clean cold water. Quickly rub the hardened end with aluminum oxide abrasive
to brighten it.
Watch the color creep back into the tip from the heated
portion of the blade. When the color becomes light blue, dip the blade into
water. The tip is now retempered and ready for use.
(2) Precautions.
Handle the screwdriver carefully.
Use the right
size screwdriver for the job.
Keep the blade clean.
Do not carry a
screwdriver in your pocket unless it has a pocket clip.
Never use a
screwdriver for prying or chiseling operations.
When difficulty is
encountered in driving or removing screws that are hard to turn, do not use
pliers to turn the screwdriver.
Pliers will damage the screwdriver.
For
hard to turn screws, select a square bladed screwdriver designed for heavy-
duty, and a wrench which properly fits the blade.
(3) Storage.
After use, wipe the screwdriver with light oil and
place it in a rack or tool box.
For long-term storage, apply rust
preventive compound over all metal parts and store in a dry place.
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