Common sense ways to get more work and longer tool life for less money.

by Jerry R. Fifer

“Maintenance? It’s our top priority!”

Everyone talks about keeping equipment in excellent shape and how important it is, how it saves money, and how it increases operating time on the job site. Today’s economic realities demand using every trick of the trade in order to make equipment last longer while squeezing every excess expense — including purchasing new tools — out of the balance sheet.

Service professionals know the dirty secret: saying proper, by-the-book maintenance is a priority is a lot different than actually doing it right and making a difference in the life of your equipment.

Take breakers as an example. When it comes to keeping breakers running right, the most common maintenance gaffes that cost companies both in tool wear and big money for replacements come down to four basics.

1) All grease is the same, right? No, it’s not!

The Fault: Breaker tools or points become extremely hot (as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit or more) when in use. At those temperatures, kiss standard lube grease goodbye: it will liquefy and run off the tool or actually burn up entirely. You’re left with a shorter lifespan for your tools’ bushings and broken tools.

The Fix: Spring for the good grease. Breaker grease should be, at minimum, #2 lithium-based grease containing 3 percent molybdenum. It should be rated to work at temperatures of at least 500 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Why is the molybdenum a must have? It helps the grease stick to the tool and not run off.

2) Where do I grease it?

The Fault: You may have the best grease, but failing to put enough on and applying it in the wrong way can be just as bad as using low-quality product.

The Fix: Start with a quick examination. When the breaker is raised vertically off the ground, the tool will drop down and expose the portion that is in contact with the lower tool bushing. The condition of this exposed portion is indicative of the condition of the upper, unexposed sections. The exposed portion should be thoroughly covered with grease.