PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-728
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 728
JULY 2013
46
PS 728
JUL 13
PS 728
Dear Editor,
High humidity can quickly cause moisture to build up in
the vans where some of the larger tool sets are kept. Often
you may not use those tools for several weeks. Then when
you open up the van after all that time, you find moisture
has started to corrode some of the tools, especially those
with worn finishes. Sockets are a good example.
If the corrosion is too bad, you must go through the
hassle and expense of replacing the tools. These PM tools
can help you fight corrosion:
•±
The vapor capsules that hang in the van help absorb
moisture, but they need to be changed at least yearly-
more often in humid areas. If you’re operating in humid
areas, it’s a good idea to add extra vapor capsules, too.
NSN 6850-01-590-1676 gets four capsules.
•±
Make sure tools
are wiped completely
clean of dirt, grease
and moisture before
they’re stored in
the drawers. If tools
are clean and dry,
they are less likely
to corrode during
storage.
•±
Keep the van inside a
temperature-controlled part
of the motor pool complex
if possible. That will avoid
the temperature extremes
that make the moisture
buildup worse.
•±
At least weekly (more often
in really humid areas like
Louisiana), open up the van
and turn on the AC. If the
van doesn’t have AC, open
up the door and vents and
run a fan. That will help push
moisture out of the van.
Open up every drawer and
check for wet tools. Wipe
them dry if necessary.
If you run into minor
corrosion, it can usually be
removed with a wire brush.
SPC Matthew Robertson
B Co, 88th BSB
Ft Polk, LA
Editor’s note:
Just a weekly check of your
tool vans can help you avoid a collision
with corrosion. Thanks, Specialist.
Corrosion can
quickly ruin
tools like sockets
Wipe tools
clean and dry
before storing
Open van
at least
weekly
Run AC or
fan and
open each
drawer
to
check for
moisture
uh-oh,
I
should
have been checking
this tool van for
moisture buildup!
I’m afraid
to open the
door ‘cause I
think I have a
real corrosion
problem on my
hands!
728 46-47.indd
1-2
5/21/13
10:19 AM
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