How to Maintain Underwater Tools
Understanding how to maintain underwater tools is a crucial aspect of owning them. Implementing the correct care procedures can significantly enhance their performance and durability. Investing a bit of time in learning about underwater tool maintenance not only saves money but also ensures the tool operates more efficiently.
Maintaining Stanley hydraulic underwater tools is straightforward yet essential for safeguarding against natural wear and tear, which can degrade the tool over time. This practice also helps users prevent unnecessary damage.
How to Maintain Underwater Tools
1. When connecting or disconnecting tools, ensure the circuit control valve is set to the "off" position. Incorrect positioning can damage quick couplers and lead to hydraulic system overheating. Before connecting, always wipe clean all couplers.
2. During periods of non-use, store the tool in a clean, dry area to prevent damage. It's important to keep tool markings, such as warning stickers and tags, intact and legible for emergency situations and to remind users of safety protocols.
3. Avoid reversing the circuit flow, as this action can harm internal seals. Hydraulic oil should flow from male quick connect couplers to their female counterparts. Always connect the supply hose to the "in" port of the tool.
4. Inspect hoses, couplings, and other components before each use. Replace worn parts with those recommended by Stanley Hydraulic Tools. Any replaced supply hoses should have a minimum working pressure rating of 2500 psi/172 bar. Refer to the manual for correct flow rate and pressure ratings for each tool, ensuring not to exceed these limits to prevent internal seal failure.
5. Use the tool only for its intended tasks to avoid breakage and nullification of the tool's warranty.
6. Any necessary service beyond hose and coupling replacement should be carried out by a skilled maintenance professional. Ensure that the recommended relief valves for the tool are installed on the pressure side.
7. Should issues arise with an underwater tool, consult the troubleshooting section of the user manual. This resource can help identify problems based on observed issues, providing insight into whether professional assistance is required.
8. If the issue is easily fixable, adhere to all safety protocols and instructions in the user manual. If unable to perform repairs, seek assistance from a licensed professional for the work.
SMP have been suppling underwater tooling to the commercial diving industry for over 35 years. Over this period we have become experts in our field, able to offer experienced advice, as well as maintenance and services for these systems. Our range of underwater tooling boasts a good variety of hydraulic tools such as chainsaws, grinders, drills and hammers.
See our range of tools here: https://www.smp-ltd.com/shop/commercial-diving-equipment/tools/
