If it’s still working, then there’s no need to get it checked, right? Why would anyone take the time to do regular maintenance over equipment pieces that are still doing their jobs. Not to mention, maintenance also costs money. Isn’t it just better to keep using the equipment and hacking your way through the small issues until you can no longer ignore the issue?
It may sound absurd saying it out loud, but that’s how our thought-patterns usually go. Whether we’re ready to admit it or not, we all know that regular maintenance is necessary to keep our tools in optimum conditions. But just because we know it’s necessary doesn’t mean we’ll act accordingly. Most of the time, we’re not fully aware of just how important regular maintenance is.
The next time you start contemplating the idea of running maintenance over your tools and equipment pieces, here are a few reasons to drive you into instant action:
Prevent or Reduce Injuries
First and foremost, let’s discuss safety. Did you know that 17% of the fatal injuries in the construction industry occur from handling equipment and tools? That’s why there are strict safety protocols implemented across all industries, especially those dealing with equipment on a daily basis. Although employees increasingly receive occupation-specific and online training to help them identify and address workplace hazards, the risk of injury increases exponentially if the equipment isn’t functioning properly. If the equipment pieces aren’t checked and maintained regularly, they can start malfunctioning. If that happens, it’d be too late to realize there’s an issue and someone could get injured as a result. The same applies to any tools you’re working with, especially if they’re dangerous to use in the first place.
Maintain the Efficiency of Your Tools
The most common reason for delaying maintenance is that the tools and equipment are still working. However, can’t you realize that the ongoing wear and tear will, eventually, decrease the efficiency of your tools? Let’s take the chainsaw as an example. Chainsaws are excellent for cutting a wide range of materials, depending on the blade type, of course. However, even these sturdy tools can become dull with extended use. Not only will a dull blade do a poor job at cutting, but it will also place extra strain on the powerhead, guide bar, sprocket, and, in the long run, on the chainsaw operator. That’s why you should take your time when choosing the right chainsaw sharpener to improve your cutting experience as well as prevent damage to the chainsaw. The right chainsaw sharpener will put less strain on the motor, which will elongate its lifespan, and make cutting safer.
Fix Small Problems Right Away
You might not feel the need to address small issues right away. More often than not, you’ll be able to adjust the way you use your tools to work around those small issues. At the time, it can seem like the most practical and efficient solution, but that’s not the case at all. These small issues will keep growing and accumulating over time. The small headache you’re trying to avoid in the short-run will require a great deal of maintenance in the long-run, and the best way to prevent it from getting any bigger is to address them as soon as they arise.
Save on Repair Costs
Let’s say you decide to work around the small issues. There will come a day when these small issues have accumulated and there’s no way around maintenance. Do you realize the amount of money you’ll have to pay to fix this exaggerated issue? The more you wait, the more it’s cost you to repair the damage done. If you’ll be investing in your tools anyway, shouldn’t you look for the most cost-effective option? If you do regular maintenance, you won’t have to pay for spare parts or even replace damaged tools. You’ll just fix the small issue and you’ll be good to go.
Benefit from Warranty Coverage
There’s another important thing that most people fail to realize. Most new and large pieces of equipment come with their own warranty coverage, which should help you repair or maintain the damaged equipment. However, you’ll need to provide detailed service records to prove you’ve been maintaining your tools and equipment properly.
Although it may feel daunting at first, maintaining your tools on a regular basis will give you a lot of benefits. First and foremost, regular maintenance will ensure your equipment and tools are operating efficiently, thus reducing the risk of injury. It’s also easier, and more cost-effective, to repair small damage, contrary to big issues. Lastly, you’ll only be able to benefit from the warranty coverage if you prove detailed service records proving your regular maintenance.