PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-563
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 563
OCTOBER 1999
PS 563
25
OCT 99
PS 563
24
OCT 99
Other units
draw or paint
the outline of
each tool on
a board with
hooks or nails
placed to
mount the
tool over its
“shadow”.
The tool
manager can
see at a
glance which
tools are out. Metal tags assigned (by
name and/or number) to each mechanic
are turned in and hung over the hooks
while the tool is checked out.
Tools should be checked in as soon
as a job is finished. However, specific
check-in times should be set for jobs
that are not completed by lunch time
or the end of the day. For example,
check-in time might be 15 minutes be-
fore the break for lunch and 30 min-
utes before the end of work each day.
Maintenance
Getting back to basics means clean-
liness, too—it’s a part of toolroom
maintenance. Keep the tool area un-
cluttered. Put a lint-free cloth near the
turn-in point for users to clean tools.
Inspect each tool closely when you
get it back. Turn in the tool if it needs
to be repaired. If the tool no longer
does its job, replace it. Never issue a
tool that might be unsafe.
Remember, how you organize and
maintain your toolroom can make the
difference in how well PM is performed
in the motor pool.
Toolroom . . .
more information on security measures
for tools.
Identify/Mark Tools
Come up with a tool identification
system. Mark the tools with the letters
“US” or “USA” and the unit identifi-
cation code (UIC) or some other name
and number combination that identi-
fies the tools as yours.
Mark similar tools in the same place
on each tool using the same method
(etching, stamping or painting).
Check It Out
What goes out should come back in.
Make sure it does by establishing a
checkout system for the tools. Many
units use a tool book. When a tool is
needed, the mechanic goes to the
toolroom. The tool manager enters the
name of the tool, the mechanic’s name
and section or ID number, and check-
out time. Then, the mechanic signs his
name or leaves a special tool tag, NSN
9905-00-473-6336, that identifies him
as the one who’s checked out the tool.
Tool cards show important info
clature, NSN, size and the tool set the
tool belongs to, if it does belong to
one.
Colored tabs or colored tape can be
used to identify cards and tools be-
longing to specific sets. If possible, clip
out a picture of the tool (from a PS
article or a supply catalog) and tape
that to the card.
Use marking
to identify
tools
Identify each tool on a card in a vis-
ible file. On the card, list the nomen-
Tool book helps track tools
where
do i
begin
?
aking over a toolroom is a big job
that can be a big headache if you don’t
have a plan.
If the previous toolroom manager had
a plan, you can just keep it going. If
not, here are some pointers you can
use to install a system and keep track
of your unit’s tools.
Read the Book
First, get familiar with the toolroom
literature. Read Para 2-4 of DA
Pam750-35,
Guide for Motor Pool Op-
erations,
and Chap 6 of DA Pam 710-
2-1,
Using Unit Supply System
.
Basically, they tell you that tool sets,
special tools, and all test, measurement
and diagnostic equipment (TMDE)
must be maintained, controlled and ac-
counted for. When tools and test equip-
ment are not in use, keep them under
lock and key.
Para 3-22 of AR 190-51,
Security of
Unclassified Army Property,
gives
Outlines
quickly
show
which
tools
are out
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