Published: May 28, 2025 Updated: May 27, 2025
Top Industrial Maintenance Tools Every Technician Needs
A manufacturing or production facility relies on industrial maintenance. It ensures the smooth operation of machinery, prevents breakdowns, and maximizes productivity. To do the job, technicians must properly equip themselves with industrial maintenance tools.
This article delves into the essentials, protective gear, and organizational strategies for industrial maintenance, as well as the diverse roles within the maintenance team and the benefits of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Essential Industrial Maintenance Tools for Every Job
Of course, each industry will have specialized tools for individual needs. Even specific companies within the same industry will differ in requirements. However, a comprehensive kit should include many of the following.
Common Hand Tools for Industrial Maintenance
- Hand Wrenches - Adjustable, combination, socket, torque wrenches
- Screwdrivers - Flat, Phillips, Torx, hex
- Pliers - Needle-nose, slip-joint, locking pliers
- Hammers - Ball-peen, rubber mallet
- Measuring tools - Tape measure, calipers, micrometers
- Cutting tools: Hacksaws, wire cutters, bolt cutters
- Miscellaneous - Chisels, punches, levels, screwdrivers, hex keys
Must-Have Power Tools for Industrial Technicians
- Power Drills - Cordless and corded drills, impact drivers
- Grinders - Angle grinders, bench grinders
- Sanders - Belt sanders, orbital sanders
- Saws - Circular saws, reciprocating saws
- Miscellaneous - Power wrenches, pneumatic tools
Specialized Industrial Tools for Specific Jobs
The specific tools required will vary based on the industry and equipment. Some common examples include:
- Welding equipment
- Hydraulic tools
- Plumbing tools
- Electrical tools
- HVAC tools
Organizing and Storing Industrial Tools Efficiently
Once again, the storage containers and carry-alls for transporting tools vary as much as the maintenance jobs. Technicians should keep everything organized. This promotes efficiency, safety, and tool longevity.
- Toolboxes - Various sizes for different tool sets
- Bags - For portability and quick access
- Carts - For larger tool sets and workshop use
- Tool chests - For storing and organizing tools in a centralized location
Protective Gear for Safe Industrial Maintenance Work
Industrial maintenance comes with a certain amount of risk. Even a simple job can involve protective measures. Technicians must include proper protective gear and equipment.
You cannot take risks. Make sure to include all PPE for the specific job.
- Safety glasses - Protect eyes from debris and chemicals
- Ear protection - Earplugs or earmuffs to reduce noise exposure
- Gloves - Leather or rubber gloves for protection against cuts, chemicals, and heat
- Safety boots - Steel-toed boots to protect feet from falling objects
- Hard hats - Protect head from falling objects
- Respiratory protection - Masks or respirators for hazardous environments
- Flame-resistant and other protective clothing - For environments with fire hazards. Materials could snag or otherwise hinder the job.
Beyond these, make sure that you take protective measures before, during and after the job. These include:
- Having a clean area
- Powered off and possibly even unplugged machines
- Minimal distractions from noise or other employees
- Barricades or posted signs
- In certain jobs, you'd have shields between you and hazardous inner workings
- Proper lighting
- Adequate space in which to work
- Drop cloths or nets to catch falling objects and liquids
- Proper support for ladders and scaffolding
Of course, you can't carry many of these objects in a toolbox or bag. However, do some prep work before you begin.
How to Maintain and Protect Your Industrial Tools
The company invests in the tools you use. Proper care ensures their longevity and performance. Care for your work tools, and they'll remain reliable.
- Regular cleaning - Remove dirt and debris
- Lubrication - Keep moving parts lubricated
- Storage - Store tools in a dry, protected environment
- Organized – Don't just throw stuff in a box. Organize them on shelves, racks, hooks, in drawers, in fitted slots in the storage container. Use cloth covers and proper container seals.
- Sharpening - Keep cutting implements sharp
- Protective sleeves – For protection of people and other objects
Discover how streamlined maintenance processes can elevate production. Learn more.
Types of Industrial Maintenance Jobs Technicians Perform
Again, one could write an exhaustive list. Similar to above, the type of jobs will depend on the industry. However, let's look at some general types that flow through numerous companies.
- Preventive maintenance - Scheduled inspections and repairs to prevent breakdowns
- Corrective maintenance - Addressing equipment failures and breakdowns
- Predictive maintenance - Using data analysis to predict equipment failures
- Overhaul - Complete disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of equipment
- Installation - Installing new equipment or machinery
- Troubleshooting - Diagnosing and resolving equipment issues
- Calibration - Ensuring equipment accuracy and precision
Key Roles on an Industrial Maintenance Team
A variety of jobs means a variety of skills. While many technicians strive to work many fields, you may have specialized crafts. Industrial maintenance teams typically include:
- Maintenance technicians - Perform a wide range of maintenance tasks
- Machinists - Repair and maintain machinery
- Electricians - Maintain electrical systems
- Welders - Repair and fabricate metal components
- Plumbers - Maintain plumbing systems
- HVAC technicians - Maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
- Millwrights – Install, repair, and maintain industrial machinery
- Maintenance planners: Schedule and coordinate maintenance activities
Using CMMS Software to Manage Industrial Maintenance Tools
Maintenance technicians and supervisors don't just use tangible tools in their jobs. Many times the best "tool" used comes in the form of a CMMS. This software acts as a central database for all your assets, inventory, preventive maintenance, and work order lists.
While you stay organized in your tools, CMMS software organizes the existing maintenance program.
- Work order management - Efficiently create, assign, and track work orders
- Inventory control - Manage tool and parts inventory
- Preventive maintenance scheduling - Optimize equipment lifespan
- Asset management - Track equipment information and history
- Reporting and analytics - Generate reports for performance analysis
- Mobile access - Allow technicians to access information and update work orders on the go
By implementing a CMMS, maintenance teams can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life.
Why Caring for Industrial Tools is Key to Maintenance Success
Successful maintenance management, industrial or otherwise, depends on many factors. Skilled workers. Proper protective measures. Proper organization.
And a comprehensive set of tools to help you get the job done. The right tools for the right job make all the difference between success and delays.
A CMMS helps maintenance teams improve their efficiency and productivity. For the best system, call 800-922-4336 and ask for a demonstration MAPCON.