Repairs Need Tools, Jigs, and Fixtures

Critical pieces of equipment should have a locker or toolbox with special parts needed for a repair

April 7, 2020

David is a retired aircraft mechanic with a massive collection of tools, jigs, and fixtures. He says it represents 75 years of fixing things, a passion he's had since childhood. We can take a cue or two from this veteran fix-it guy.

Many times, it seems you need three hands to do a given task. Maybe you end up taping something down or using some other makeshift method. What if you took your “third hand” idea to a machinist to build a fixture for the next time?

A large component of repair time is the set-up. You figure out which tools, parts, and materials you need well before doing the repair. Of course, if you don't completely figure it out, you have the stop the repair to get those things. What if each critical piece of equipment had a locker or toolbox with every special tool, jig, and fixture needed to perform a repair on that equipment? How much downtime would be eliminated?

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.