35
Exercise 7
Excavation Tool
Maintenance
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this exercise is to execute proper clean-
ing, storage, and sharpening of excavation tools.
TEXTBOOK REFERENCE
Information related to this activity can be found in the
Landscape Construction textbook in Chapter 7, Basic
Construction Techniques and Equipment Operation.
INTRODUCTION
Tools that are not maintained in good condition will
Steps for Cleaning and Storing
Excavation Tools
• Wash and rinse soiled tools in water, using a
wire brush to remove deposits.
• Spray with compressed air to remove any
compressed air or wire brush.
• Plunge tools in oil/sand mixture to further remove
deposits and coat surface.
• Store tools in oil/sand mixture until next use.
Steps for Sharpening Excavation Tools
• Hold tool at the base of the blade with the tip
facing away.
• Turn blade upside down.
• Sharpen the tool by running a rat tail file
along the edge of the blade in a series of short,
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• A benchgrinder may be substituted for a file,
but care must be taken not to oversharpen and
weaken the blade by making the edge too thin. A
PREREQUISITE EXERCISES
None.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
• Unsharpened round-nosed spade, square-nosed
shovel, trenching spade, and clamshell posthole
excavator
EXERCISE DESCRIPTION
To complete this exercise clean, sharpen, and store the
following excavation tools:
• Round-nosed spade
36 Exercise 7 Excavation Tool Maintenance
Front
of tool
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