It is crucial that engineering tools are regularly lubricated and cleaned in order to maintain a high functioning standard. Especially important is the removal of excess water and debris.
Water and Debris Contamination
Water contamination and debris build up are some of the most common threats to engineering tools. A common misconception is that if you regularly drain the air tank in a compressor, you are protecting your engineering tool from water damage, but this only prevents rust in the tank.
The motor in an engineering tool has machine polished surfaces much like the cylinders in your car’s engine. Water, dirt, rust and other contaminants quickly destroys these surfaces causing premature wear to a motor, reducing performance and the overall life of an engineering tool. It is recommended that draining and purging the entire air system from the compressor to the tools weekly, as the first step to address wear and tear on an engineering tool.