Fencing Resources and Armory Info

Armorer’s Tool Box: Tool Use & Safety Briefing

PURPOSE: To ensure personal safety & to prevent damage to your equipment

APPLIES TO: Everyone that borrows tools & materials from Armorer’s Tool Box

GOAL: We want you to gain all the knowledge, skills and abilities you’ll need to correctly perform maintenance and repair of your Fencing Equipment. Armorers are available to help you fix your equipment and to support your learning process.

The Spare Parts Kit is 100% OFF LIMITS. Please ask Mr. Moose if you need parts

The following items are “OFF LIMITS” to everyone (except Armorers & Adults):

* Utility Knife & Hack Saw

* Chemical Solvents (Simple Green, Isopropyl Alcohol & Lacquer Thinner)

* Super Glue

* Expendables (Includes: Sandpaper, Tape and Polymer Wax)

The following GENERAL GUIDANCE is not intended to replace common sense:

1. SAFETY FIRST! Always hand-carry tools and NEVER throw them.

2. Always use the right tool for the job and only for its’ intended purpose.

3. Liquid Solvents & Adhesives (Simple Green, Isopropyl Alcohol, Lacquer Thinner and Super Glue) have the potential to damage your eyes, skin and/or equipment. For this reason, Solvents and Adhesives will be used sparingly and ONLY under the direct supervision of an Armorer or responsible adult (while at Fencing Practice)

4. The Utility Knife and Hack Saw may only be used by Armorers or responsible adults (while at Fencing Practice) as they can cause personal injury and/or significant damage to your equipment if misused.

5. WARNING: KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE FROM PERSONS USING A UTILITY KNIFE.

6. Voltmeters are sensitive test equipment. You must demonstrate your ability to properly use the Volt Meter before it is loaned to you. DO NOT USE this Volt Meter on energized circuits without an Armorer’s or knowledgeable adult’s assistance

7. Electronic Sword Testers: Please use only for intended application.

8. Punches, Point Setter & Shims: NEVER use these as levers or for prying.

9. Test Weights: handle with care. Do not drop these as they’re heavy! Always place on Swords gently when testing, especially on Epees. Always test in the “Vertical” position (never test at an angle)

10. Bench Vise: Use masking tape or cloth to protect your equipment from permanent damage when holding it in a Vise.

11. WARNING: A Vise can generate a lot of compressive force and can easily crush your equipment. Do not over-tighten! USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

12. Good Housekeeping: Filing, Sawing and other activities produce metal shavings and other forms of waste. We are guests at Gracepoint; ALWAYS REMEMBER TO LEAVE YOUR WORK AREA CLEANER THAN YOU FOUND IT.

13. ALWAYS put tools away IN THE ARMORER’S TOOL BOX when you’re done using them regardless of where you got them. NO EXCEPTIONS.

14. We want you to learn the right way to use and care for tools. If you are not sure about something, just ask.