Simple Shelves are Never Easy

Very often in the maintenance and repair world, the easiest jobs become the most annoying. It's understandable when the pain is caused by some mechanical error. A bolt head sheers off, wires in a box are too short, or someone mushroomed a shaft and now the bearing is stuck. These are normal levels of annoyance that at some point become achievements for fixing, and a point of pride when others ask you to teach them how you've done it. Then we get to building shelves.

Wire rack shelves are not that difficult to build. On a scale of 1-10 on the skill required, I give it a 2 tops. Where they become not so easy, is having to build them for someone else with zero other information provided. If you stay at any job site long enough, it's almost guaranteed you will make these shelves. You may even have some in your basement, garage, or apartment.

Why Proactive Maintenance Beats Reactive Every Time

Fail to plan is a plan to fail

What is the difference between proactive maintenance and reactive maintenance and why does it matter? Unexpected downtime is the great killer. It prevents you from meeting your goals. It prevents your factory from producing your products and impacts profit. A cooling tower or chiller breakdown means your hotel, conference center, or arena will likely have to compensate your guests for the poor experience of being trapped in a hot box.

The Hidden Benefits of Labeling Energy Sources You Might Miss

Why Label?

Often you'll find yourself in a situation where there is a leak, a fire, or a tripped circuit. In these situations where time is of the essence to ensure the safety of both personnel and equipment, knowing where the disconnecting means for these energy sources is critical. Having a clearly labeled tag will help minimize the time it takes to return to normal safe operation.

Parts Town: The Ultimate Resource for Kitchen Equipment

Partstown.com

What is Partstown?

Partstown is a company that provides OEM parts for commercial kitchen equipment. All of their parts are readily available and guaranteed to be what you need without having to do modifications since they match the original standards With their parts, you never need to 'make it work' since it will just work out of the box.

They also provide a great deal of information for free. Their resources saved me time and time again when I started my career and learned the ins and outs of kitchen equipment. They have videos readily available for a wide range of equipment that can be viewed on your phone while you're scratching your head trying to figure out the proper procedure to get through the job.

The Danger of Oily Rags

Don't Throw Them in the Garbage!

You could burn down your shop or your yacht! Though I doubt anyone with a yacht has a need to read about rags. The key take away, that oil and chemical-soaked rags are surprisingly dangerous. The yacht in that story was burned down from simple linseed oil. Yes, the same kind you use on your weekend woodworking projects.

Carrying and Storing Tools

Lugging around your tools

There are a seemingly endless number of ways to bring your tools to and from your jobsite or work area. Pros and cons of each type exist. There is no real right or wrong way so long as you get the job done. I've bought and tried more kinds of tool carriers than I care to admit. If you're just starting out it can seem daunting with all the options. Here's my overview on the what, when and where these various carriers have come in handy.

How to Break into the Industry

There are a number of different avenues to break into industrial mechanics. The skills needed to perform the job can be found in many of the other occupations that are classified as maintenance, installation and repair. Whether you want to branch into a more specialized role, break into a new industry, or are still in school trying to figure out what to do for your future, the information to follow should help guide you into seeing a path forward.

Dirt, Grease and Grime

For those considering the trades

It may sound like I'm stating the obvious, but this industry is dirty. You will be working with your hands. Crawling under machines, up ladders, through tight spaces you couldn't imagine being able to fit in at first glance. There will be grease, oil, chemicals, tar and dust. Somehow you will be both sticky and slippery.  

Why Industrial Mechanics Offer Great Job Opportunities

It's Fun

Not many jobs allow you to 'play' with such a large variety of tools and machinery. Grinding and cutting a variety of materials with an angle grinder is a special kind of joy. Using a torch to make metal glow so bright you need eye protection, watching it melt like butter if you go too long. Hitting a stubborn nut or bolt with a hammer till it obeys your commands. Going to the areas of the building that are otherwise restricted and being able to essentially control every part of the building or a machine. That's just called Tuesday.

Basic tools for those breaking into the industry

Tools to Get Started

Depending on the specific facility you end up at, you may need more or less than what is explained. Some places will give you a basic tools list themselves that are required. Others may not even allow you to bring anything in, instead opting to provide you with a personalized set that stays on property. I like to ask during an initial interview if there is a tool list for the property. If they provide tools, make sure you know how to request for additional or specialty tools. You'll inevitably end up in a situation where you're missing just that one thing that would cut job time in half. Knowing how to get them is vital. That being said, here's a brief list of some basics that should provide useful.