How to get the most out of your working tool?
Handheld breakers and drills are core equipment in various construction tasks. While having the right equipment is a good starting point, several factors can help you get more out of them to optimize performance, improve productivity, and extend your handheld tool’s life. One of them is selecting the right working tool based on your job.
Know your tools
Moil point
Designed for breaking materials, including concrete, asphalt, bricks, the moil point is the tool for penetrating a hard surface when there is no open edge to position the tool in.
Narrow chisel
Compared to the moil point, the narrow chisel is a better tool for breaking and cutting when there is an open surface or an edge available. It gives you better control over the direction of the split and is less likely to get stuck in the material you are breaking.
Wide chisel
A wide chisel is a useful tool when you want to achieve line contact instead of point contact. It is well suited for use in cutting applications, for example, when cutting thin concrete slabs and asphalt, when the blade's depth is greater than the thickness of the material.
Asphalt cutter
Developed explicitly for cutting hot asphalt, the tool features a thin blade to ensure a clean cut on freshly rolled asphalt. The tool is available with two options: a standard straight edge or a curved edge that delivers quicker penetration and reduced vibration. It is self-sharpening, and the low resistance of the thin blade means that it cuts through material very quickly, providing an exceptionally clean edge.
Digging chisel
These are the ideal working tools when ground conditions are challenging, for example, when there is a high concentration of aggregates in the material. The blade is thicker and deeper than in other types of chisels. However, at 3”, it is still narrow enough to enable the blow energy from the breaker to be targeted at a smaller mass, helping deliver more power per square centimeter for optimal impact.
Ground rod driver
Ideal when working with long electrical rods, the cup-formed driver holds the end of the ground rod in place while the impact from the paving breaker drives it into the ground. It is designed to withstand metal to metal contact and features inbuilt resistance to stress fractures.
Tamping pad
A tamping pad is the perfect tool for working on corners and small areas of asphalt and trenches, for example, when carrying out temporary refills. It is available in different sizes featuring both square and round profiles and can be easily operated by one person.
Moil point
Narrow chisel
Wide chisel
Asphalt cutter
Digging chisel
Ground rod driver
Tamping pad
Use them right
Even with the correct working tool, some steps can help improve performance even further. From maintenance to compressor settings, various factors can have a significant effect on the progress of your task and the productivity of your tool during its lifetime.
Focus on capacity and pressure
Before commencing work, you should always check that you have the correct compressor capacity and set the pressure correctly. The handheld pneumatic tools are designed to run at 6-7 bar.
Regular maintenance
Do not neglect tool maintenance, as it will affect the speed and quality of work. Remember to check lubrication at regular intervals and carry out maintenance when required. The best synthetic lubricants, such as CP Airolene Plus Tool Oil, are specially developed for use in breakers and hammers, preventing rust and ice build-up for smooth operation in all environments.
Proper storage
When the job is done, clean your tool properly and store your tool in the right position, upright in a stand or stored horizontally on a rack. Drain the water, make sure there is no moisture left and lubricate the tool when it is going to be stored for a longer time.
When stored overnight, compressors and hoses can accumulate water due to condensation. Make sure to flush the water before connecting the hose to your handheld tool.
Check for damage
Consider the wear limit
Use the measuring gauges to ensure you keep the tool within the wear limit. To further enhance efficiency and optimize precision, keep the chisel clean and sharp at all times.
Eliminate dust
Ensure to eliminate dust in the hose couplings, when connecting the hoses. Clean the chisel and striking surface before inserting the tool. This will avoid spoiling the piston.
Use a dust collector
Use a dust collector to keep the site dust-free to enhance visibility during critical tasks and improve health and safety.
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