Tools and equipment in the ship fitter's hands
From hand tools and welding equipment to measuring instruments and manuals
A ship fitter's work stands or falls on using the right tool correctly. The machinery on board is built with tight tolerances and an assembly that is not tightened correctly or a part that is measured wrong can be costly. Therefore knowledge of the tool and respect for it is a cornerstone of the trade.
§Hand tools
Much of the work is still done with hands. You use wrenches and torque wrenches to tighten bolts with the prescribed torque, pliers, screwdrivers, hammers and mandrels, as well as drilling and grinding machines. Being able to drill, grind and assemble is part of the core of the profession, and it is about feel as much as equipment.
- 01Fixed and moment wrenches to tighten bolts correctly.
- 02Drilling and grinding machines for metal processing
- 03Pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, and punches
- 04Extractors and press tools for bearings and bushings
§Welding and cutting torch
As a ship fitter you learn to weld and to use a cutting torch. Welding is used to join and repair steel and the cutting torch is used to cut metal or separate stuck parts. Both require practice the right protective equipment and understanding of how heat affects the material. An incorrect weld can weaken a structure so quality must be in order.
§Measuring instruments
Precision requires that you can measure. You use measuring instruments to check dimensions, wear, and tolerances — for example, calipers and micrometers to measure diameters, and instruments to read pressure and temperature in the systems. Being able to measure correctly and understand what the numbers mean is what distinguishes a professional inspection from a guess.
§Manuals and drawings
Finally documentation is a work tool in itself. Motors and equipment come with manuals that specify service intervals, torques, tolerances and procedures. Pipe and system drawings show how everything fits together. Being able to read and follow these is crucial — this is where you find the numbers and procedures that make the repair correct.
Tools also need to be maintained. A worn or incorrectly calibrated instrument gives wrong results, and poorly maintained tools are dangerous. Therefore, cleaning, checking and storing tools are part of the trade. A good fitter knows his tools as well as the machinery he works on.