USING HAND TOOLS (UHT)

(USE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE HAND TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT)

USE APPROPRIATE HAND TOOLS AND TEST EQUIPMENT

Hand tools are very essential for day-to-day jobs. They have been used by
humans since ancient times to complete various useful tasks. Hand tools are of
different types and can be used for any kind of work. Some tools are versatile and
some of them are specifically used for a specific job.

PROPER USE OF TOOLS

 The purpose of an antistatic wrist strap is to

equalize the electrical charge between you
and the equipment. The antistatic wrist strap is
a conductor that connects your body to the
equipment that you are working on. When
static electricity builds up in your body, the
connection made by the wrist strap to the
equipment, or ground, channels the electricity through the wire that
connects the strap.

 An antistatic mat is slightly conductive. It works by drawing static

electricity away from a component and transferring it safely from
equipment to a grounding point:

1. Lay the mat on the workspace

next to or under the computer
case.

2. Clip the mat to the case to

provide a grounded surface on
which you can place parts as
you remove them from the
system. Reducing the potential
for ESD reduces the likelihood of damage to delicate circuits
or components.
PROPER USE OF HAND TOOLS

A technician needs to be able to properly use each tool in the toolkit. This
topic covers many of the various hand tools used when repairing computers.

 Screws

Match each screw with the proper screwdriver.

Place the tip of the screwdriver on the head of the screw.
Turn the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screw and
counter clockwise to loosen the screw.

Screws can become stripped if you over-tighten them with a

screwdriver. A stripped screw, may get stuck in the screw hole, or it may not
tighten firmly. Discard stripped screws.

 Flat head screwdriver

Use a flat head screwdriver when you

are working with a slotted screw. Do not use a
flat head screwdriver to remove a Phillips
head screw. Never use a screwdriver as a pry
bar. If you cannot remove a component,
check to see if there is a clip or latch that is
securing the component in place.

CAUTION: If excessive force is needed to remove or add a

component, something is probably wrong. Take a second look to make
sure that you have not missed a screw or a locking clip that is holding the
component in place. Refer to the device manual or diagram for additional
information.

 Phillips head screwdriver

Use a Phillips head screwdriver with crosshead

screws. Do not use this type of screwdriver to puncture
anything. This will damage the head of the screwdriver.

 Hex driver

Use a hex driver to loosen and tighten bolts that

have a hexagonal (six-sided) head. Hex bolts should
not be over-tightened because the threads of the bolts
can be stripped. Do not use a hex driver that is too
large for the bolt that you are using.
 CAUTION: Some tools are magnetized. When working around
electronic devices, be sure that the tools you are using have not been
magnetized. Magnetic fields can be harmful to data stored on magnetic
media. Test your tool by touching the tool with a screw. If the screw is
attracted to the tool, do not use the tool.

 Part retriever, Needle-nose pliers, or tweezers

The part retriever, needle-nose pliers, and tweezers can be used to
place and retrieve parts that may be hard to reach w ith your fingers. Do
not scratch or hit any components when using these tools. CAUTION: Pencils
should not be used inside the computer to change the setting of switches
or to pry off jumpers. The pencil lead can act as a conductor and may
damage the comput er components.

PROPER USE OF CLEANING MATERIALS

Keeping computers clean inside and out is a vital part of a maintenance

program. Dirt can cause problems with the physical operation of fans, buttons,
and other mechanical components. On electrical components, an excessive
buildup of dust will act like an insulator and trap the heat. This insulation will impair
the ability of heat sinks and cooling fans to keep components cool, causing chips
and circuits to overheat and fail.

CAUTION: When compressed air is used to clean inside the computer, the
air should be blown around the components with a minimum distance of four
inches from the nozzle. The power supply and the fan should be cleaned from the
back of the case.

CAUTION: Before cleaning any device, turn it off and unplug the device
from the power source.

Computer Cases and Monitors Clean computer cases and the outside of
monitors with a mild cleaning solution on a damp, lint -free cloth. Mix one drop of
dishwashing liquid with four ounces of water to create the cleaning solution. If any
water drips inside the case, allow enough time for the liquid to dry before
powering on the computer.

 LCD/LED Cleaning

Do not use ammoniated glass cleaners

or any other solution on an LCD screen, unless
the cleaner is specifically designed for the
purpose. Harsh chemicals will damage the
coating on the screen. There is no glass
 protecting these screens, so be gentle when cleaning them and do not
press firmly on the screen.

 CRT Monitor Cleaning

The CRT monitor is your old-school

computer screen and uses a glass much like
old television sets. To clean the screens of CRT
monitors, dampen a soft, clean, lint -free cloth
with distilled water and wipe the screen from
top to bottom. Then use a soft, dry cloth to
wipe the screen and remove any streaking
after you have cleaned the monitor.

Clean dusty components with a can of

compressed air. Compressed air does not cause electrostatic buildup on
components. Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area before
blowing the dust out of the computer. A best practice is to wear a dust
mask to make sure that you do not breathe in the dust particles.

Blow out the dust using short bursts from the can. Never tip the can
or use the compressed air can upside down. Do not allow the fan blades
to spin from the force of the compressed air. Hold the fan in place. Fan
motors can be ruined from spinning when the motor is not turned on.

 Component Contacts

Clean the contacts on components with isopropyl alcohol. Do not

use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol contains impurities that can damage
contacts. Make sure that the contacts do not collect any lint from the cloth
or cotton swab. Blow any lint off the contacts with compressed air before
reinstallation.

 Keyboard Cleaning

Clean a desktop keyboard with

compressed air or a small, hand-held
vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

CAUTION: Never use a standard

vacuum cleaner inside a computer case.
The plastic parts of the vacuum cleaner can
build up static electricity and discharge to
the components. Use only a vacuum
approved for electronic components.
  Mouse Cleaning

Use glass cleaner and a soft cloth to

clean the outside of the mouse. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mouse. If
cleaning a ball mouse, you can remove the
ball and clean it with glass cleaner and a soft
cloth. Wipe the rollers clean inside the mouse
with the same cloth. Do not spray any liquids
inside the mouse.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

Personal safety Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use
personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) that is appropriate for the task
and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other
items, this may include:

Point to note:
If you’re not certain what are appropriate or required, ask your teacher.

Safety check
 Do not use flammable cleaners or water on electrical equipment.

 Make sure designated walkways are kept clear of any obstructions.

 Always wear protective clothing and the appropriate safety equipment.

  Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal
safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks.

Point to note: If you are unsure of what these are, ask your teacher.

SAFETY PROCEDURE
In many types of work, hand tools are used
every day. They make work easier and allow
people to be more efficient. However, many
students often fail to see the hazards these tools can
present. In this module "Hand Tool Safety" shows
workers how accidents can be significantly
reduced and reviews the various hazards that are
associated with specific types of tools.

Safety Requirements
For your protection, observe the following safety requirements:

 Follow all cautions, warnings, and instruct ions marked on the

equipment.

 Ensure that the voltage and frequency rating of the power outlet
matches the electrical rating labels on t he system.

 Use properly grounded power outlets

Safety Precautions
To protect both yourself and the equipment, observe the safety
precautions.
MAINTAIN HAND TOOLS

Teacher’s note:

To avoid accidents in the work place resulting from the incorrect use of
hand tools, it will be important that you understand the proper use of your items.
Have your group discuss your concerns about the dangers involved in using hand
tools. During the discussion, each member is reminded of correct methods in
manipulating hand tools. During the session, every member practices the correct
methods in manipulating hand tools. It is important that everyone has an
opportunity to use tools in the practice session.

PROPER USE, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE TOOLS

The use of safety hand tools should be a key component of most industrial
safety programs. An understanding of the hand tool’s intended use and
environment, combined with proper tool selection, maintenance and storage,
will greatly reduce the risk of harmful accidents.

THE FOLLOWING COMMON-SENSE GUIDELINES FOR TOOL USE, MAINTENANCE

AND STORAGE:
 Keep hand tools clean and free from ferrous or other contaminants.

 Do not use hand tools in direct contact with acetylene, due to the possible
formation of explosive acetyl ides, especially in the presence of moisture.

 During normal use, all pliers and screwdrivers will progressively develop
some damage to the striking faces of screwdrivers or the cutting edge and
striking end of pliers. As part of the normal operating and safety procedures,
these tools should be returned to the workshop, as with steel tools, to have
the faces and heads redressed. This is essential to prevent eye damage
resulting from chips detaching from the item during use.

 Do not hand tools fitted with wooden handles in places where the handles
may dry out and shrink. This will increase the risk of the handle breaking or
the head becoming loose.

 Tools are designed for specific use. As with any tool. In addition to the
probability that the tool will be damaged, this is a dangerous practice for
the safety of the operator.

 The accepted standards of safety and maintenance for common steel

hand tools must also be adopted with non-sparking hand tools, in addition
to any specific recommendations resulting from the alloys used.
 When sharpening hand tools, follow normal safety procedures, such as the
provision of eye and face protection, adequate extraction and dust
collecting facilities.

Keep this in mind: