Care and use
Working Angle
Critical to tool life is using the tool at the correct working angle of 90° to the working surface. Failure to do this will result in high contact pressure between the tool and the bushings and the likelihood of galling between the surfaces. In turn this can lead to premature failure of the tool plus damage and rapid wear to the bushings. Worn bushings can allow the tool to be angled over to a position where the striking face is hit at an angle by the piston.Lubrication
Lubrication of the tool/bushing with the correct quality high temperature/high pressure grease at regular intervals is essential. Such greases are best able to cope with the extreme contact pressures generated by an incorrect working angle, leverage and excessive bending etc.USE OF CHEAP SUBSTITUTES (OR NO GREASE AT ALL) IS FALSE ECONOMY AND WILL RESULT IN PREMATURE TOOL FAILURE.
Blank Firing
Continuing to use the hammer when the tool is not or only partially in contact with the work surface will result in the tool being fired down on to the retainer pin. This will cause heavy wear and damage to the upper retainer flat radius area and the retaining pin itself.Tools should be examined regularly, eg. every 40 hours for damage in this area which should then be ground out.
At the same time as the tool is examined the opportunity should be taken to check the tool bushings for wear and damage with a view to replacement or reconditioning as necessary.