Solutions
By Staff -- Plant Engineering, 1/1/2004
Key keeper
- Problem: Many small drill presses and small milling machines don't have a convenient tool holder. How can chuck keys and small bits be kept handy?
-
Solution: Place
a large bar magnet inside a plastic bag and place it on a metal part of the
machine tool. This will keep chuck keys and several bits close by and free of
chips.
Contributor: Bob Courtwright, ShowShine MotorSports, Evans, GA.
Rolling snake
- Problem: Pushing a wire snake through conduit can be difficult; the snake can get hung up. Is there an easy way to make the snake behave and move through the conduit?
-
Solution: Drill
a hole through a wooden ball that is smaller than the conduit ID. Bend a piece
of wire to look like a paint roller handle. Attach the ball to the wire, and
the wire to the snake. The ball will easily roll through the conduit.
Contributor: Ralph Dewey, BP Solvay Polyethylene North America, Deer Park, TX.
Save pallet lumber
- Problem: Sometimes large pallets can't be reused but have good pieces of lumber on them. Is there a way to salvage the lumber without wrecking it?
-
Solution: Use a
¾ in. hole saw with pilot drill. Run the hole saw around the nail or staple
about ¼ in. into the lumber. Remove the pilot drill and finish cutting through
the lumber.
Contributor: Ralph Bauer, JM Originals, Inc., Ellenville, NY.
Safety First...
In all cases, even if not specifically mentioned in the writeups, verify that the tip does not violate any relevant code, standard, or practice. Always use the appropriate safety equipment and procedures when applying the maintenance tips.
