Construction workers know how important construction and heavy equipment maintenance is to keep everything working and in tip-top condition.
Machine and tool maintenance should be carried out regularly to clean rusty tools and prevent the build-up of rust which makes it easier to loosen tight bolts when performing servicing or repairs. This helps to prolong the life of tools and machinery and avoid breakdowns. All this could help save time and money, as you won’t have to worry about performing emergency repairs, sourcing spare parts or resort to hiring equipment at premium rates.
Whether you need to loosen a seized screw, prevent the formation of rust, or clean moving parts of machinery to prevent general wear and tear, PlusGas should be an essential part of your toolkit.
Before you begin, you’ll need to wear suitable protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves, goggles/face shield, respirator, boots, clothing, or apron, as appropriate. If you are unsure of what PPE you should be wearing, visit the HSE website for further guidance.
How to use PlusGas during construction equipment inspection and maintenance
1. Loosen a tight bolt or screw
- If you have a stuck bolt or screw that is rusty or corroded, clean it with a small wire brush first.
- For small seized-up parts, use PlusGas penetrating spray on the affected area. It’s also ideal for getting into smaller areas. You only need to wait a few minutes to let the fast-acting spray penetrate deep.
- You can then loosen the seized metal part by turning the screw, nut, or bolt, using the required tool, such as a socket or spanner.
- For extremely seized metal parts or large metal components, use PlusGas penetrating oil to soak the metal part overnight. The penetrating fluid can cover the full area and penetrate for longer to help break down rust and debris that could be preventing the part from releasing.
- After the seized bolt or part has been removed, use a clean cloth to wipe and dry any residue. This is especially important if the machine or tool gets hot whilst in use or will be near an ignition source.
- Floors and surfaces can become slippery as a result of over-spray or spillage. So, don’t forget to clean any floors and any surfaces after using PlusGas metal lubricant spray or fluid.
2. Dirt removal and de-greaser
- Keep construction machinery and tools clean after use by rinsing with water to remove any debris and dirt, then dry thoroughly.
- For general maintenance, spray PlusGas to areas prone to grease and dirt build-up. Use a scrubbing brush, sponge or cloth to wipe away excess grease, dirt and grime.
- If the item can be exposed to water, continue to wash the part with warm soapy water and rinse with cold water.
- Dry the part with a cloth and then coat with PlusGas for general protection or specialist greases or lubricants as required.
- PlusGas cannot be used for dirt removal on any electrics, brake discs, brake pads, or drums.
3. Prevent rust
- Use PlusGas aerosol as a water displacement spray to act as a waterproof barrier. Spray liberally onto a cloth and wipe off tools or components, or spray directly onto the area and wipe away any excess or runs.
- This will help with rust prevention and corrosion from forming on your metal tools and machine components in the future.
- It is important to use PlusGas on components prone to rust before any long-term storage as well as looking for new signs of rust forming.
It is recommended to schedule regular inspections of your construction tools and machinery to spot any issues and always ensure machine maintenance is carried out as required. You can take any action before it affects the quality and life of the tool or machine. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when carrying out any servicing and maintenance and always tighten screws and bolts to correct tolerances.
Safety tips for using PlusGas
When using PlusGas penetrating fluid or spray, ensure you follow the safety advice on the container and consult safety datasheets. You must avoid inhalation of vapours, as well as contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. To help with this, provide adequate ventilation, wear PPE, and don’t use near ignition sources or when eating and drinking.
To find out more safety tips and disposal information, read our Health & Safety tips here or download datasheets. If you have any further questions about using PlusGas to keep your construction tools in top condition, please get in touch.
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