Meaning, Types and Importance of Tool and Machine Maintenance for JSS 1

Machines and Tools: Maintenance of Tools and Machines

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of maintenance;
2. identify different types of maintenance practices;
3. enumerate reasons why tools and machines need regular maintenance;
4. maintain and care for workshop tools and machines.

Meaning of Maintenance

Maintenance is the act of keeping tools, machines and equipment in good working condition through regular cleaning, servicing, repairing and protecting them from damage.

Tools and machines are used daily in homes, farms and school workshops. Over time, constant use causes these items to wear out, accumulate dirt, develop rust or break down. Regular care ensures that tools and machines remain safe, reliable and ready for use at any time.

Types of Maintenance Practices

Maintenance practices are grouped into three main categories based on when and why the care is carried out. These categories are preventive, corrective and predictive maintenance.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance involves actions taken regularly to prevent tools and machines from breaking down. This type of maintenance is performed before any fault or damage occurs.

Examples of preventive maintenance include:

1. Cleaning dirt and debris off a hoe or shovel after farm work.
2. Applying engine oil or grease to the moving joints of a pair of pliers to prevent stiffness.
3. Storing metal tools in a dry cupboard to prevent rust.
4. Tightening loose bolts and nuts on a wheelbarrow before using it.

Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance involves repairing or replacing parts of a tool or machine after a breakdown or damage has occurred. This practice restores a broken item back to its working state.

Examples of corrective maintenance include:

1. Replacing a broken wooden handle on a hammer or axe.
2. Patching or replacing a punctured tyre on a workshop wheelbarrow.
3. Replacing a worn-out blade on a hacksaw.
4. Welding a cracked metal joint on a school workshop desk.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance involves monitoring the condition of a machine while it is working to predict when a fault might occur. This allows maintenance to be scheduled just before an actual breakdown happens.

Examples of predictive maintenance include:

1. Listening to unusual sounds or vibrations in an operating electricity generator to determine if the engine needs servicing.
2. Checking the thickness of a machine belt regularly to schedule a replacement before the belt snaps.
3. Monitoring the temperature of an operating electric motor to detect overheating before the motor burns out.

Importance of Maintenance

Regular maintenance of tools and machines is highly beneficial. The main reasons why tools and machines require regular maintenance include:

1. To extend lifespan: Regular care prevents premature wear and tear, making tools and machines last much longer.
2. To ensure safety: Well-maintained tools are safer to use. For example, a sharp, firmly handled cutlass is safer than one with a loose handle and a dull blade.
3. To save costs: Preventing breakdowns through regular oiling and cleaning is much cheaper than buying new tools or paying for major repairs.
4. To improve efficiency: Clean and lubricated machines work faster, use less energy and produce better results.
5. To prevent sudden breakdowns: Regular checks ensure that machines do not stop working unexpectedly during important tasks.

Cleaning and Maintenance Materials

To keep workshop tools and machines in good condition, specific cleaning and lubricating materials are required. These materials help remove dirt, prevent rust and reduce friction between moving parts.

Common cleaning and maintenance materials include:

1. Detergent: Used with water to wash off dirt, mud and non-greasy stains from plastic, wooden or painted surfaces.
2. Liquid soap: Used for general cleaning of tool surfaces and washing hands after maintenance work.
3. Brush: Used for scrubbing away stubborn dirt, dried mud, or rust from metal surfaces.
4. Cotton or rag: Used for wiping off dust, moisture, water and excess oil from tools before and after use.
5. Grease: A thick lubricant applied to heavy moving parts, such as gears and wheelbarrow bearings, to reduce friction and wear.
6. Engine oil: A liquid lubricant used to oil light moving joints, hinges and metal surfaces to prevent rust and ensure smooth movement.

How to Clean and Maintain Workshop Tools and Machines

This section describes the practical steps required to clean and maintain simple workshop tools and machine parts. Performing these steps regularly keeps workshop equipment in excellent working condition.

How to Clean and Lubricate a Hand Tool

Hand tools such as pliers, shears and garden trowels require regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent rust and stiffness.

The required materials are:

1. A dirty hand tool
2. A wire brush or stiff scrubbing brush
3. Detergent and water
4. A dry cotton rag
5. Engine oil

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Use the brush to scrub away dried mud, rust or debris from the metal parts of the tool.
2. Wash the tool using water and detergent to remove any remaining dirt or grease.
3. Wipe the tool completely dry with a clean cotton rag. Metal tools must never be left wet, as water causes rust.
4. Apply a few drops of engine oil to the moving joints and pivot points of the tool.
5. Open and close the tool several times to allow the oil to penetrate the joints.
6. Wipe off any excess oil with the rag to prevent dust from sticking to the tool during storage.

How to Maintain a Louver Frame

A louver frame is a simple mechanism used in windows. It has moving metal joints that can become stiff and noisy if not maintained.

The required materials are:

1. A louver frame
2. A damp rag
3. A dry rag
4. Liquid soap
5. Engine oil or grease

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Wipe the metal louver frame with a damp rag and mild liquid soap to remove dust, cobwebs and grime.
2. Dry the frame thoroughly with a clean, dry rag.
3. Apply a small amount of engine oil or grease to the moving joints and pivot points of the louver mechanism.
4. Gently operate the louver handle up and down several times to distribute the lubricant evenly through the joints.
5. Wipe away any excess oil or grease from the frame to keep the window area clean.

Safety Rules During Maintenance

Safety is important when working with tools and maintenance materials. Important safety tips include:

1. Wear protective gloves when handling sharp tools or strong cleaning chemicals.
2. Do not spill oil or grease on the workshop floor, as this can cause slips and falls. Clean up any spills immediately.
3. Keep cleaning chemicals, engine oil and grease away from open flames or heat sources, as they can catch fire easily.
4. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after completing maintenance work.