1. When using any tool, safety goggles, safety shoes, dust mask, gloves and ear protection should always be worn. On overhead work, a safety helmet should also be worn. By wearing this equipment the operator is protected against most injuries. Operator safety is of prime importance.
  2. In order to obtain the maximum life of of an air tool accessory, it is extremely important to select the tool which has been designed to do a particular job. Wide bladed tools (4″ and over) should not be used on hard dense materials, and conversely a narrow bladed tool should not be used on soft materials.
  3. Always keep a good edge on the accessory steel. Fatigue is caused by using a tool with a dull cutting edge. The tool is forced to absorb the blow when the cutting edge is not penetrating the material to be broken.
  4. Prying with the tool while it is under full air pressure causes compressive stresses which brings on fatigue and failure. If the proper tool is being used and used correctly, prying should not be necessary. If necessary, shut off air supply to the tool before prying.
  5. Pneumatic paving breakers are designed to operate between 90 and100 lbs. of air pressure (psi) and strike at a rate of approximately 1200 to 1500 psi blows per minute. Rock drills strike at a rate of approximately 1800 to 2500 blows per minute. Increasing the air pressure above 100 psi will cause premature breakage to the air tool and accessory steel.
  6. Always hold sufficient, even downward pressure on a chipper, breaker or rock drill. Do not permit it to bounce freely as this unspent force will cause fatigue and breakage to the tool and steel.
  7. When using paving breakers or rock drills, always have a sure footing. Do not “ride” the tool with one leg over the handle. This is not only for the safety of the operator but to give the tool proper support and alignment. Never place your feet directly under the breaker or rock drill. If the tool should break for any reason, the breaker or drill will fall causing possible injury.
  8. Never use any of these accessories as a hand struck tool or hit them with any hard object as they are heat treated for use in air or any other percussion hammer.
  9. Keep all hammer parts in good repair. Chuck bushings and anvils should be replaced in a breaker when they show excessive wear. Worn chucks do not give the shank of the tool proper support and the worn anvil will ruin the end of the shank.
  10. Before inserting a tool in the breaker, check to make sure the shank end is square and flat with a good chamfer. If they are not, they can ruin the anvil in the breaker.
  11. Before using a tool, make sure it is straight. Crooked tools will fail prematurely as the blow of the breaker will not be transferred in a straight line to the work causing a whipping action in the tool.
  12. It is imperative that tools are reconditioned properly. If done improperly they may break and injure the operator.
  13. In extreme cool weather, tool steel should be warmed slightly before using. Hardened steel at 0ºF (-31ºC) loses 80% of its normal shock resistance.
  14. Never alter or mark the steel in any way. This may cause failure in service.
  15. Always use the proper tool for the work for which it was designed. Each tool has its own specific purpose.

Summary: Tools are more than just a piece of steel. Each tool is designed, engineered and manufactured by the latest production methods and deserves the best care and handling in order to give the best return on your investment. Tool abuse and misuse are the greatest cause of failure. Always keep in mind that tools, like the human body, get tired and snap if pushed too hard and too long.