Hand tool maintenance

Keep employees safe and extend the life of your tools with the proper maintenance.

• Avoid repair and maintenance costs by purchasing the best quality tools. Your tools will last longer and are less likely to be damaged from proper daily use.
   
• Inspect tools for dull or damaged edges, and damaged handles or grips. Wooden handles must be kept free of splinters or cracks and be held tight in the tool.
   
• Have a professional sharpen edges or tips of tools and blades.
   
• Replace damaged handles or grips immediately.
   
• If a tool breaks or malfunctions, report it to a supervisor.
   
• Mark or tag damaged tools with “Do Not Use” to prevent someone from using the tool and getting injured.
   

You can learn how to replace blades for some tools yourself, like the 1286 pruner from A.M. Leonard. Watch this video to learn how to replace the blade on this pruner. The 1286 blade can also be used as a replacement blade for #2FEL Felco pruner.

More safety tips: BLR-Business and Legal Resources, http://safety.blr.com