SECTION 5.10

Careful handling and storage of broach tools is important, especially from a safety point of view. The cutting teeth are very sharp, and some broach bars reach weights of over 500 pounds. When handling broaches, the operator should wear heavy gloves. All hooks and chains should also be checked to avoid accidents.

Precautions against tool damage should be followed. When surface broaches are placed on a table or work bench, the cutting side should be facing upward. Broach tools should be transported on rubber or wooden carts. No metal should ever contact the broach tools. Shipping the broach tools in permanent crates (metal or wooden) specifically made for each particular tool is recommended. Multiple broaches should be separated by wooden dividers. Broach bars should be set on "U" or "V" shaped blocks inside the box to prevent them from rolling. Before shipping a broach (or letting it sit for an extended period of time), it should be coated with a light oil to prevent rust or corrosion.

When handling broach bars with lifts or cranes (such as loading them into a machine), they should be lifted by a rubber coated two-hook set-up. The hooks should be large enough so that the broach bar rests within the hook. The hooks should be placed far enough apart to ensure stability when raising or lowering the broach tool. The chain fall of the crane should be at a height where the chain and broach can never come into contact.

As in the handling of broach tools, there are proper and correct storage methods. Broach rings and dies should be stored in boxes separated by wooden dividers. Slab inserts and keyways should be stored horizontally on wooden shelves. Small broach bars may be stored vertically in wooden racks. Larger broaches may be stored horizontally on racks with the broach contacting wood only. To store long, thin broach tools in a horizontal position is not recommended because this practice promotes bending and warping which can cause problems in use.