408-2823
Rev
AB
7
of 13
5.1.
Daily maintenance
1. Immerse the hand tool (with handles partially closed) in a reliable commercial degreasing compound
to remove accumulated dirt, grease, and foreign matter. If no degreasing compound is available, the
tool can be wiped clean with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do
not
use hard or abrasive objects that could
damage the tool.
2. Ensure that the retaining pins are in place and secured with retaining rings.
3. All pins, pivot points, and bearing surfaces should be protected with a
thin
coat of any good SAE
™
20
motor oil. Do
not
oil excessively.
4. When the tool is not in use, keep the handles closed to prevent objects from becoming lodged in the
dies.
5. Store the tool in a clean, dry area.
5.2.
Periodic inspection
Lubrication
Lubricate all pins, pivot points, and bearing surfaces with SAE 20 motor oil as indicated in Table 3. Wipe
excess oil from the tool, particularly from the crimping area. Oil transferred from the crimping area onto
terminations can affect the electrical characteristics of an application.
Table 3: Lubrication schedule
Tool is used . . .
Lubricate . . .
Daily (production)
Daily
Daily (occasional)
Weekly
Weekly
Monthly
Visual inspection
1. Close the tool handles until the ratchet releases and then allow them to open freely. If they do not
open quickly and fully, the spring is defective and must be replaced. See section 7, REPLACEMENT
AND REPAIR.
2. Inspect the crimping area for worn, cracked, or broken dies. If damage is evident, return the tool for
evaluation and repair. See section 7, REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR.
Ratchet inspection
Check the ratchet feature on these hand tools to ensure that the ratchet does not release prematurely,
allowing the dies to open before they have fully bottomed.
Squeeze the tool handles together and count the number of ratchet stops. Five stops, including the
release position, should be indicated by the movement of the ratchet pawl and the clicking sound
associated with its movement. Refer to Figure 1.
If fewer than five positions are indicated, the ratchet pawl and ratchet handle must be replaced. Refer
to section 7, REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR.
If dies do not bottom after five ratchet stops, return the tool for repair. Refer to section 7,
REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR.
If the tool passes the ratchet inspection, lubricate it with a
thin
coat of any good SAE 20 motor oil.
