Having the right tools is essential for any mechanic. Investing in high-quality tools will pay off and help you work safely and efficiently. If you’re interested in learning more about the essential tools for forklift mechanics, be sure to take a look at “Building Your Toolkit: The 11 Essential Tools for Forklift Mechanics.”
A torque wrench is a must-have tool for forklift mechanics. It allows you to ensure that all bolts are tightened correctly, preventing safety hazards and damage.
Pliers
Pliers are one of a mechanic’s most versatile hand tools. They come in many shapes and sizes and are used to grip, position, tighten, loosen, cut, and more.
Use pliers of the appropriate size for your hand and comfort. Using a pair of pliers that is too small can lead to pinched fingers and hands, while using a pair that is too large may result in dropping the tool or not being able to operate them properly.
Slip joint pliers have adjustable jaws for gripping objects. Groove-joint pliers have both holding and cutting functions, while lineman pliers are specialist combination pliers with electrically insulated handles for safety around live wires.
Wrenches
A wrench is a tool for tightening or loosening bolts and screws. Different wrenches come in various sizes and shapes to fit different bolt heads. Good-quality wrenches ensure every screw is tightened properly and meets OSHA safety standards.
A socket wrench has a one-piece opening with a recess for gripping the opposite faces of a bolt or nut head. They are generally much bulkier tools compared to spanners. The hex wrench has a six-point, eight-point, or twelve-point opening and is used for bolts and nuts with a hexagonal shape. There are ring spanners that have short, stubby handles for easier use in enclosed spaces.
Screwdrivers
Whether working on an engine or removing rusted bolts, having the right tools will make your job easier and more efficient. Various tools like pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers will ensure you have the best tool for the job.
Screwdrivers are hand-held tools used to insert and remove screws. They can be manual or powered and come in various sizes and types. Their shaft or shank is commonly made from firm steel to avoid twisting deformation when applying force. They can also have a rounded or hexagonal shape and come in different colors and materials.
They may also feature an interchangeable tip called a driver that comes in multiple-bit tools for various screw types. They can have a ratchet action to increase the speed of screwing and loosening fasteners.
Torque Wrench
Torque wrenches are precision tools that help ensure bolts and screws are tightened to the proper specifications. This helps you meet OSHA standards for safe repairs and reduces the risk of equipment damage.
A torque wrench features a calibrated scale indicating how much force is applied to the fastener. Depending on the type of wrench, this may be measured in either foot pounds or meter kilograms.
Most models have one set of large numbers on the body and a second, smaller set of numbers on the handle. The higher the number, the more torque is applied. When the dial lines up with the ft-lb mark, the desired torque has been reached, and it’s time to stop tightening.
Impact Gun
If you need a forklift mechanic job, check out https://welchcareers.com/auto-mechanic-jobs/. These professionals require an impact gun to loosen and tighten stubborn nuts and bolts efficiently. This tool is a more powerful alternative to a regular ratchet wrench and breaker bar, making it faster and more effective. Additionally, it’s great for removing or installing heavy fasteners like lug nuts and frozen or rusted bolts.
The hammering mechanism in the impact wrench motor produces solid blows that create a massive amount of force that efficiently loosens and tightens bolts. This power is then transferred to the output shaft in short bursts of movement.
This can prevent under-tightening and over-tightening of critical components, which may cause safety hazards. This tool can also prevent leaking oil, which causes damage to the engine.
Hammers
Having several types of hammers available makes repairs easier and quicker for a forklift mechanic. Choose hammers that are made from highly durable materials to ensure they last. Also, consider purchasing a rubber mallet with a softer strike than metal-headed hammers.
Refrain from settling for cheap tools, as they may not be built with quality in mind. Instead, opt for a more expensive tool that will outlast the many projects you’ll use it on. This will ultimately save you money in the long run. Also, remember to purchase eye protection and work gloves when using hammers. These will protect you from injuries caused by sudden impact and slipping handles.
