Non-sparking Tools
Date posted: 25, June 2021“Non-sparking”, “spark reduced”, “spark-resistant” or “spark-proof” tools are names given to tools made of metals such as brass, bronze, Monel metal (copper-nickel alloy), copper-aluminum alloys (aluminum bronze), or copper-beryllium alloys (beryllium bronze). Non-sparking tools also generate sparks sometimes referred to as “cold sparks”. These cold sparks have a low heat level and do not ignite carbon disulfide, which has the lowest ignition point of any substance known to man.
Non-sparking tools provide protection against fires and explosions in environments where there is a concern about sparks igniting flammable solvents, vapors, liquids, specks of dust or residues. Because non-sparking tools are non-ferrous, they are softer than standard tools which are usually made of high-strength alloy steel. This may cause non-sparking tools to wear more quickly than their steel counterparts.
Maintenance of non-sparking tools
- Keep non-sparking tools clean and free from ferrous or other contaminants, which may impair the non-sparking properties.
- Do not use non-sparking hand tools in direct contact with acetylene, due to the possible formation of explosive acetylides, especially in the presence of moisture.
- During normal use, all hammers and chisels will progressively develop some damage to the striking faces of hammers or the cutting edge and striking end of chisels. As part of the normal operating and safety procedures, these tools should be returned to the workshop, as with steel tools, to have the faces and heads redressed. This is essential to prevent eye damage resulting from chips detaching from the item during use.
- Do not store hammers and other hand tools fitted with wooden handles in places where the handles may dry out and shrink. This will increase the risk of the handle breaking or the head becoming loose.
- Avoid overstrike, causing damage to the shaft. Replacement handles are often available from the manufacturer and should be fitted by a competent operator, using an approved method of fitting and paying particular attention to the fitting of the wedges.
- Fiberglass handles can offer advantages over wooden handles in terms of breaking stress and tolerance for adverse environmental conditions. Fiberglass shafts fail progressively, rather than catastrophically, reducing the risk of sudden failure, injury, or damage.
- When selecting a wrench, the jaw opening should have a close and tight fit on the head of the nut or bolt to which it is being applied. This is especially true with non-sparking tools, as they typically do not have the hardness of steel tools.
- The accepted standards of safety and maintenance for common steel hand tools must also be adopted with non-sparking hand tools, in addition to any specific recommendations resulting from the alloys used.
- When sharpening non-spark safety tools, follow normal safety procedures, such as the provision of eye and face protection, adequate extraction, and dust collecting facilities.
Key features of non-sparking tools
- Non-sparking
- Beryllium-free
- Non-magnetic
- Good strength
- High hardness
- Environment friendly
For effective corrosion control, and safety of facility and personnel, use Nipplestar 100% non-spark tools and pneumatic machines. Made of brass, copper, and aluminum alloy to guarantee zero sparks. Hence, saving you production downtime and heavy investment in corrosion control campaigns. As it can be used to attack developing corrosion during your production time and work against such corrosion expansion in your facility.