Simple Solutions – 2001-07-01
Safer holding Problem: Holding a drill press vise by hand is not always safe or convenient. What's a simple, safe way to keep the part being drilled in place? Solution: Make a fixture like the one in the illustration. It can be bolted or welded together using light angle or bar stock. The vise is positioned by sliding it left-and-right and by sliding both the vise and fixture front-and-back.
Safer holding
Problem: Holding a drill press vise by hand is not always safe or convenient. What’s a simple, safe way to keep the part being drilled in place?
Solution: Make a fixture like the one in the illustration. It can be bolted or welded together using light angle or bar stock. The vise is positioned by sliding it left-and-right and by sliding both the vise and fixture front-and-back. Safety is increased because torque from the drill bit is transmitted by the fixture to the drill press table.
Contributor: Randall Geib, Fenner Drives, Manheim, PA
Straight starts
Problem: Getting a good, straight start with a manual tap can be a difficult task. Is there a way to make sure the tap is straight up and down to get it started properly?
Solution: After drilling the hole to be tapped in a drill press, remove the bit. Leave the drilled part in place. Put the tap, with handle, in the hole, and place a bearing ball on the tap handle. Gently lower the drill so the chuck holds the bearing and tap steady, then begin turning the tap.
Contributor: Jim Fraley, Maintenance Director, Barkel, Inc.
One-hand starter
Problem: Starting a Philips-head screw in a hard-to-get-at tight spot or with only one hand free can be aggravating. How can you ease the frustration?
Solution: Wrap the end of the screwdriver with a piece of electrical tape, leaving a little sticking over the end. Place the screw on the end of the screwdriver, and close the tape over the head of the screw. After the screw is started, a gentle pull on the screwdriver will pull the tape free. Remove the tape, and continue to drive the screw.
Contributor: Dave White, Titan Wheel Corp. of IL, Quincy, IL
Is it sharp?
Problem: Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if the reversible blade in a utility knife has already been used and reversed. Is there an easy way to determine if your fresh blade is really fresh?
Solution: Before you put a new blade into a utility knife, color the cutting edge with a permanent marker. The color will wear off during normal use, giving you a fast, visual indication that the edge may be dulled.
Contributor: Ben Skaggs, Thermo Black Clawson, Middletown, OH
Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.