This weekend I was on a bit of a creating jag. Boxes were sketched on for painting, things were prepared to be assembled, soldered and etched, until this happened...
This is the inside of my hand held, battery operated Engraver. This little tool is one of my favorites; however due to age and I would suppose use, the innards have obviously deteriorated, or in this case are just plain broken.
The plastic casing has cracked and broken away from the works, the metal pin that acts as a contact is in the battery tube leaving the copper wiring exposed. I have had this for a good seven or eight years, and I never thought to look inside, until it stopped working yesterday.
This brings me to the care of your tools. Not only is it necessary to keep your most important tools, your hands, healthy, it is also important to keep the implements you use healthy as well.
Once a month check you tools. Really look at them, evaluate their health and assess the best way to repair or give the tool some much needed attention. Is something broken or starting to wear or fray? Are there nicks, chips, divots, dings, or other things that may prevent you from achieving that perfect look or other task you are attempting while creating your goods?
If so, you may want to think about replacing or perhaps repairing them.
A simple sheet of sand paper can be used to polish pliers jaws and the heads of your hammers. This removes surface imperfections that may mar or interfere with the finish of your piece.
When possible tools should be kept away from each other, this eliminates much of the wear and tear on tools you are not using, they won't bang into and damage each other. Try to dust your tools during the inspection, little bits of this and that can gum up the joints or movable parts and damage the tool or cause it not to work properly.
Inexpensive plastic cases can be purchased, or plastic containers from your favorite Deli or Market can also be used as storage. Clean them out and place your tools inside. Keep the lid and you can keep them dust free.
Keep your tools in good working order and they will last you a life time.
Thank you for stopping by and having a read.
The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.
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