How to Properly Use Non-Sparking Hand Tools?

Non-Sparking Hand tools are mandatory to be used while working in areas with solids, liquids, and gases classified under flammable and explosive materials. Conventional Steel Tools can generate a spark and cause an explosion and fire. Non-Sparking Hand Tools also sometimes referred to as anti-Spark, Safety Tools or Sparkless Tools must be used for Safety.

SINOTOOLS, a leading manufacturer of non-sparking tools, offers

common-sense guidelines for proper use and maintenance of non-sparking tools:

• Keep non-sparking tools clean and free from ferrous or other contaminants, which may impair the non-sparking properties.

• Do not use non-sparking hand tools in direct contact with acetylene, due to the possible formation of explosive acetylides, especially in the presence of moisture.

• During normal use, all hammers and chisels will progressively develop some damage to the striking faces of hammers or the cutting edge and striking end of chisels. 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 store hammers and other 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.

• Avoid overstrikes, causing damage to the shaft. Replacement handles are often available from the manufacturer and should be fitted by a competent operator, using an approved method of fitting and paying particular attention to the fitting of the wedges.

• Fiberglass handles can offer advantages over wooden handles in terms of breaking stress and tolerance for adverse environmental conditions. Fiberglass shafts fail progressively, rather than catastrophically, reducing the risk of sudden failure, injury, or damage.

• When selecting a wrench, the jaw opening should have a close and tight fit on the head of the nut or bolt to which it is being applied. This is especially true with non-sparking tools, as they typically do not have the hardness of steel tools.

• Tools are designed for specific use. As with any tool, additional torque should not be applied through the use of “cheater bars.” In addition to the probability that the tool will be damaged, this is a dangerous practice for the safety of the operator. Wrenches should not be used as levers; screwdrivers not as chisels, and so on.

• 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 non-spark safety tools, follow normal safety procedures, such as the provision of eye and face protection, adequate extraction, and dust collecting facilities.

How do I store and maintain my non-sparking tools?

Keep non-sparking tools clean and free of ferrous metal contamination which can reduce their non-sparking ability. Avoid contact with acetylene which can form explosive acetylides, especially in the presence of moisture. If damage has occurred to the striking face of hammers or to the edge of chisels, the tools should have the faces and heads redressed. Do not store hammers and other 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.

Why does a non-sparking tool specify that it is beryllium-free?

The non-sparking tool industry is sensitive to the potential toxicity of beryllium dust, mist, and fumes that may occur while working with the softer metals in a non-sparking tool. Other non-sparking metals do not carry that same concern.

We are a Non-Sparking Hand Tools supplier, please feel free to contact us if you need them!