Tool and Equipment Maintenance: Communicating Expertise and Ensuring Project Quality
As a refurbishment contractor, you bank on your skills to prove to your clients that you can meet their expectations. But apart from your capabilities, the hardware is just as crucial to ensuring the quality of your projects.
When your tools are always available and ready-to-use, you waste no time and immediately start on the next project. You’re able to deliver consistent quality in all your assignments.
Having well-maintained and efficient plastering tools and equipment, drills, hammers, cutters, sanders and other hardware is also a sign of diligence. It shows clients that you take your job seriously. But if your tools are rusty or corroding, it might send the wrong impression. Plus, they can dampen your efficiency and service quality.
Some tools are harder to clean than others. Rust, cement, grease, dirt, plaster and paint encrust and eventually erode your equipment.
How do you remove these substances?
Plaster Build-Up
Hawks, trowels, floats and spatulas get caked with plaster. The build-up can be challenging to remove once it dries, especially if it’s been there for a while. Soak handheld metal tools in water and baking soda overnight to soften the dry plaster. Then, scrape the leftover with a putty knife. Scrub the stubborn layers with a scouring pad.
Sand the tools lightly with 400 grit sandpaper to bring back the shine of the metal. It’s important to get all the plaster off and make the tool as smooth as possible, so you’re able to glide it evenly across surfaces.
For the non-metal parts of the tool, like the handles, the plaster easily comes off through sanding. Don’t forget to lubricate your plastering tools before storing to prevent rusting.
Rust
Plenty of solutions for rust are available at varying price points. The cheapest one is white vinegar. Soak your hand tools in plenty of vinegar and leave it overnight. Scrub with coarse steel wool until all the rust comes off, then rinse the tools thoroughly in clean water to remove the last traces of vinegar and rust. Pat dry.
The vinegar method takes a lot of time and effort. If you prefer a quicker solution, use WD-40 Rust Release Penetrant. Let the product sit on the tool for about 30 minutes. Then buff it using a drill with rust and paint stripper attachment to easily remove the rust.
Dried Cement
Many use hydrochloric acid to wash off cement build-up on tools but dealing with HCL can be harmful. It’s easier to use cement removal products instead, like Mortar Stain Remover. Spray the solution on the tool and let it soak for several minutes. If you’re cleaning flat tools, like scrapers or trowels, gently tap the surface using a hammer. This will break off the cement in chunks, making it easier to dissolve.
Scrape off the remaining cement with a putty knife. Wipe clean with a cloth and lubricate before storing it.
High-Quality Tools and Equipment
Remember to invest in high-quality tools and equipment that can withstand multiple cleaning sessions. Frequent buffing, scraping, scrubbing and soaking in chemicals can make low-standard tools dull.
Bryson provides London fit-out and refurbishment contractors with high-quality power tools, tool accessories and other construction equipment. We combine top of the line product offerings, excellent customer service and seamless customer experience.
Call us at 020 8660 9119 or browse through our website to learn more about our product offerings.
