Tool Articles

A basic understanding of electrical systems and the relationship between current, voltage and resistance helps immeasurably when working on vehicles and machinery.

A correct-functioning mechanical injector should atomise fuel with the correct spray pattern, open at the correct pressure, and not dribble fuel. The operation of typical injector is probably simpler than you imagine. High pressure fuel from the injection pump enters the inlet, and travels down a drilling in the body of the injector to the needle valve, which is held in the closed position by the valve spring. As the pressure rises in the void around the needle valve, force is exerted on the tapered shoulder of the needle. When sufficient pressure has developed to counteract the spring, the needle lifts upwards, opening the nozzle orifice and ejecting an atomised spray of fuel into the combustion chamber.

“Silicosis is a growing concern in the building and construction industry. Because symptoms aren’t imminent and can take many years to develop there is a tendency to forget that dust is deadly and Silicosis is irreversible. By simply investing in the right tools and equipment up front, contractors are taking the right steps to reduce silica exposure and therefore prevent themselves and their work mates from potentially developing Silicosis.”

There are plenty of jobs where establishing an accurate level or straight line makes all the difference. While optical surveying equipment may seem old-fashioned in this age of lasers and GPS location equipment, they are still very much in use, and incredibly handy for particular applications.

Just as it seems there is a specialist tool for most jobs these days, there is also a specialist drill bit for every kind of drilling job you could imagine.  If we listed every type of specialist drill bit, it would be a pretty long list, but a good knowledge of what drill bits are available when a tricky drilling job presents itself is a useful thing.

Tools tend to get purchased in dribs and drabs, with new sets of spanner, sockets or screwdrivers replacing older sets, often with bits missing.  Toolboxes get upgraded, with larger units with extra storage capacity replacing smaller boxes.  But no matter how much space we have it never seems to be enough to lay out all tools in an orderly fashion so they can be located at a moments notice. If you are lucky enough to have a rainy day to spend in the workshop, there are a range of ways to better organise your tools, including custom inserts for your toolbox.

Tools tend to get purchased in dribs and drabs, with new sets of spanner, sockets or screwdrivers replacing older sets, often with bits missing.  Toolboxes get upgraded, with larger units with extra storage capacity replacing smaller boxes.  But no matter how much space we have it never seems to be enough to lay out all tools in an orderly fashion so they can be located at a moments notice. If you are lucky enough to have a rainy day to spend in the workshop, there are a range of ways to better organise your tools, including custom inserts for your toolbox.

Making your own battery cables is relatively easy, but there is a vast difference between simple bolted terminals and crimped or soldered connections.  Most farmers experience the frustration of a flat battery or poor starting engine on a regular basis.  A sluggishly-cranking engine often appears to be caused by a flat battery, but in fact can be poor battery cables, or dirty battery terminals.  Corrosion, damage or loose connections inhibit current flow from the battery to the starter motor when it is needed most.

In the past, air tools have been priced well out of the reach of all but trade professionals who could justify their expense.  But in recent years, several budget branded tools have entered the market.  While these are not built to trade standards, they work well and offer the convenience of air-powered tools for much lower price.