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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                   www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

      Analysis of Tools Usage by Automobile Mechanics at SIWDO

                                               KOKOMPE
                                          FESTUS MOTEY
                                        MSc ENGINEERING
                            HEAD, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
                                     CAPE COAST POLYTECHNIC
                                           P.O.BOX AD 50
                                            CAPE COAST
                                        festusmot@yahoo.com

Abstract
The selection of appropriate tools for all types of automobile engineering servicing is very vital. Servicing of
automobiles as done by the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe involves the repairs and maintenance
activities such as changing filters, belts and hoses replacement, tune –ups, lubrication, re-fixing new parts among
other. This area was chosen for this research due to the cluster of mechanics. Data collection was base on
administering well structured questionnaires and interviews for 99% of these mechanics. Conclusively, the condition
of wrenches, screw drivers and pliers are all excellent, very good and good. A large number of hammers, mallets,
dies, files, punches and pry bar are in good and excellent conditions whiles less than a quarter of them are in poor
conditions. Also electrical and pneumatic tools are in poor and bad conditions whiles hydraulic and electrical
equipment are in relatively good conditions.
Keywords: Tools, Fastener, Automobile, Servicing, Power

1. INTRODUCTION
The practice of the profession of automobile engineering, involves the proper size determination of tool to their
corresponding fasteners which leads to measurements playing vital roles or measurement are very necessary.
Therefore, the selection of appropriate tools for all types of automobile engineering jobs is the major consideration
for this research. Furthermore, all automobile mechanics irrespective of their background must master hand tools as
the most basic tools. For these mechanics hand tools are operated manually by their hands and have no power
simply from an external source. The hand tools commonly use by the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe in
Cape Coast are wrenches, screwdrivers pliers, hammers and mallets, chisels and punches, piles, taps and pry bars.
Hand tools are designs to fit only one size of fasteners, that is why measurements are important to determine the
proper size of tools to be use to prevent damage of fasteners or automobile parts. Comparatively, power tools
receive power from external sources for their operation.

2. REVIEWED LITERATURE
2.1 History and location of Siwdo-Kokompe
Automobile artisans working on all aspects of automobiles were formally located at the present day Ewim Nurses
Flat at Kotokoraba in the Central Business Center of Cape Coast of the Central Regional Capital. At that time the
area has seen springing up of cluster of workshops for craftsmen who do various types of repairs and services on
automobiles. At this location there were shops selling everything on automobiles. These craftsman or artisans
consist of automobile electricians, sprayer, vulcanizes, welders (gas and arch) and mechanics.
These workers were relocated in the year 1968 to their present premises at Siwdo-Kokompe to pave way for the
construction of the Ewim Nurses Flats. The Siwdo-Kokompe cluster of artisans is located between the Adisadel
Estate and the Robert Mensah Sport Stadium, thus on the right side of the John Mensah Sarbah dual carriage road
when going to the stadium from the Pedu Junction.
Initially a little over 40 shops were found at Siwdo-Kokompe but now close to 20 shops can be seen at the place
including machine shops, wind screen repairs shop, upholstery shop, blacksmith shops and iron casting shops. Light
and heavy duty automobile mechanics as well as specialized mechanics including automobile gears box specialist
carburetor specialist among others. On the average, about three hundred vehicles visit Siwdo-Kokompe on daily


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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                      www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

basis for all types of repairs. The activities at Siwdo-Kokompe is said to be the main factor for the pollution of the
Fosu Lagoon. These activities are welding, spraying automobile electrical works, automobile mechanical works,
fabricating, vulcanizing, and blacksmithing among others.
2.2 Automobile mechanic practices at Siwdo-Kokompe
Mechanically, the automobile consist of many different parts that work together to provide motion. The basic
components of the automobile are the engine, classis, drive train and body. Servicing of automobiles as done at
Siwdo-Kokompe involves the repairs and maintenance activities. Automobiles function effectively if they are
regularly maintained. The mechanical aspect of automobile maintenance practice involves the care and up-keeping
of the mechanical parts according to schedules. These procedures or activities are oil and filter changes, belt and
hoses replacement, tune – ups, lubrication among others. The repairs involve re-fixing of new parts, bolts, nuts
among others.
2.3 Wrenches
These are one of the common type of hand tools use by the automobile mechanics at Siwdo- Kokompe in Cape
Coast. They use these set of tools to either loosen or tighten automobile parts. One or both ends of a wrench may be
an opening that is placed over a fastener and the angle of the opening is significant for normal working conditions.
Wrenches have handles that the automobile mechanics can grip or to move the tool. The types of wrenches these
mechanics normally are open end, adjustable open – end box end, combination, socket, alien and torx and special
purpose.
2.3.1 Open- end
A wrench with an opening or head at one or both ends is an open – end wrench. Operationally the open end slides
over a bolt or nut to tighten or loosen it. To allow the wrench to be use in two directions the handle of often place at
convenient angles. This type of wrenches is manufactured in many sizes and shapes as shown below.
2.3.2 Adjustable open – end
Whenever the appropriate wrench sizes are not available then adjustable open end wrench are been use by these
automobile mechanics to work on fasteners. The adjustable wrenches can fit many different sizes for these
automobile mechanics. To use adjustable open end wrench these mechanics must always make sure that both jaws
of the wrenches are adjusted tightly.
2.3.3 Socket
Normally, the socket wrenches these automobile mechanics use consist a handle and drive hold socket. The socket
fits over a fastener and surrounds it. The inside of these socket or points are made up of six to about twelve grooves
which grip or hold the corners of the fasteners when in use. Also inside the socket is a squared hole which is in line
with the grooves. This squared hole is known as the drive opening and this is where the socket is attached or
connected to the drive. The drive is the square peg connected to the socket and the handle may a ratchet mechanism
built in to operate the drive. Thus the ratchet is a mechanism inside the handle that allows drive action in either
turning direction. A lever located near the drive end can be positioned to switch the ratchet’s operations direction to
either clockwise or anticlockwise direction. The best indicator of the strength of a socket wrench is the difference in
drive size. The diameter of the drive in the handle is known as the drive size. Thus a half (½) inch drive is heavy –
duty, three-eight (3/8) inch drive is medium duty and one-quarter (¼) inch drive is light duty. But socket wrench
drives can be as large as one (1) inch. There are different types of handles use by the mechanics with socket wrench
and the common ones are named as speed handle, breaker bar, T – handle and extension. Pre occupationally,
adjustable wrenches must be use by these mechanics only when the box – end or open – end wrenches will not fit the
work piece.
2.3.4 Box end
This type of wrench use by the mechanics has head which are all closed and the heads have different sizes at each
end. The heads have six or twelve grooves that grip the fasteners. Due to the design of the head, these automobile
mechanics apply more force on the box end wrenches without the wrenches slipping.

2.3.5 Combination
These automobile mechanics use wrenches which have open – end and box end built in a single wrench and they are
known as combination wrenches. Usually, both ends of these wrenches have same size. Sometimes the box – end
have an angled head to make it more useful. These mechanics use specialized handle on the socket wrenches to
loosen or tighten the fasteners. Thus the speed handle is long crank with a handle that turns freely to remove or
loosen fasteners for the mechanics. A long and hinged bar which they call breaker bar gives them greater turning


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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                      www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

force as well as enough turning angle. When they are working in areas where there is little or no space, they use T –
handle which is more flexible and provides more turning force with the extension. They use the extension with the
socket wrenches because they provide greater length and versatility. Also they use extensions of different lengths to
connect the drives to sockets. Adopters are use to change drive angles and permits their use of half (½) inch drive
socket with one-quarter (¼) inch drive handles.


2.3.6 Special purpose and torque wrenches
These types of wrenches are not commonly use by the mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe in Cape Coast. Thus due to the
special head design of some fasteners, special wrenches such as alien and torque are needed to tighten or loose such
fasteners. A torque wrench which is not commonly used at Siwdo-Kokompe consists of a long flexible bar and a
socket drive. When a beam torque wrench is in use, the torque reading is shown on an indicator on the handle. A
micrometer type torque wrench may be adjusted to the required torque and clicks when that torque is reached. Also if
a bolt and nut holding a part must be torque to specification, a torque wrench indicates how much or turning
resistance a fastener receives.
2.4 Screwdrivers
The automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe normally use screw drivers which is a shaft or shank of metal with a
handle at one end and a blade at the other end. The shank is embedded in a plastic or metal or wood handle. The
blade fits and turns the head of the fastener. When a s screw driver blade is too large or too small than the work to
do, both the screw driver and the fastener will be damage. Thus, always use the common types of screw drivers.
These automobile mechanics also use special types of screw drivers such as tax, clutch-head and Philips which are
use for special fasteners.
2.4.1 Locking
At Siwdo-Kokompe, these automobile mechanics use locking pliers to hold in position parts and fasteners. At the
handle end of one of the jaws is an adjustable screw which they alter or turn to adjust the jaws. They lock the
adjusted jaws in position by pulling in the lower handle.
2.4.2 Needle nose
Whenever these automobile mechanics need to work with long pliers, they use needle nose type of pliers because
these pliers have relatively long narrow jaws to fit tight working spaces. Thus the length, shape and thickness of
needle nose jaws depend upon the requirements of the work to be done.
2.4.3 Diagonal out
Diagonal out is the type of pliers that these automobile mechanics use to cut electricity connections among others.
This is because these pliers have extra-hard cutting edges at the jaws suitable for cutting.
2.4.4 Special purpose
These are mostly pliers they use at Siwdo-Kokompe at Cape Coast to remove snap rings, brake-shoe springs among
others.
2.5 Pliers
Pliers are one of the power tools that these automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe use. They use these pliers to
effectively hold, bend, cut and fasten Meanwhile pliers must also be use for loosing or tightening of bolts or nuts.
The common types of these pliers they use are slip – joint adjustable, arc- joint, diagonal cut, needle nose (long nose)
locking and special – purpose. Almost all the pliers’ used by these automobile mechanics work on the mechanism of
joints. These joints are extended to hands.
2.5.1 Slip – joint – adjustable pliers
This type of pliers use by Siwdo-Kokompe automobile mechanics has a ship joint which holds two jaws of pliers
together and allows the jaws to move. A slot on one jaw allows the slip joint to cover resulting to changes in the
space between the two jaws. These types of pliers are sometimes called combination pliers and depending on the
chosen slot adjustment they can securely hold either small or large parts.
2.5.2 Arc – joint pliers
This type pliers uses by these automobile mechanics, the jaws is connected by way of groove or channels. The
channels in the jaws are shaped in an arc and can be adjusted to different settings to do verity of work.




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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                        www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

2.5.3 Locking pliers
At Siwdo-Kokompe, these automobile mechanics need to work with long pliers; they use needle nose type of pliers
because these pliers have relatively long arrow jaws to fit tight working spaces. Thus the length, shape and thickness
of needle nose jaws depend upon the requirements of the work to be done.
2.5.4 Diagonal out pliers
Diagonal cut is the type of pliers that these automobile mechanics use to cut electrical connections. This is because
these pliers have extra – hard cutting edges at the jaws suitable for cutting.
2.5.5 Special purpose pliers
These are mostly pliers they use of Siwdo-Kokompe at Cape Coast to remove snap rings, brake – shoe spring among
others.

2.6 Hammers, mallets, chisel and punches
The hammers and mallets these automobile mechanics use are mostly made of handle and head. Most of the handles
are wooden only few are plastic. The head are mostly made of metal and only few mallets have plastic heads. They
use the hammers and mallets when pounding on machined surfaces, trimming parts such as wheel covers and striking
cylindrical ends with chisels to cut off rivets or to loosen fasteners that can not be removed normally.
A flat chisel is tapered at one end and cylindrical at the opposite end. They use starting punches to drive out pins and
aligning punch is use to align holes in two parts that will be connected.
2.7 Files, taps, die and pry bars
During overhauling and over services, these automobile mechanics use files of different types to remove metals,
smoothing and polishing of surfaces of parts. Generally, the file is a hardened steel tool with rows of teeth and a
pointed end or tang that fits into a handle. The teeth of a file may be single cut or double cut and the distance
between the cutting teeth determines how the file works effectively. Thus a file with teeth close together is use for
polishing and smoothing.
The use of taps to repair damaged threads inside a part is a common practice by these automobile mechanics. The
taps are cutting tools. The proper size must be selected, mounted into tap wrench and inserted into the hole to be
threaded.
They use the dies to repair external threads which are also cutting tools. Also they select the proper size of die and
place at in a die stock so as to turn the die stock to start the die. They use long thick steel lever called pry bar to
position or break free some automotive or systems to pave way for servicing
2.8 Electrical impact wrench
This tool is not normally use by these automobile mechanics. It has an electric motor that drives a socket and gives
sharp bursts of power that helps to loosen parts. There may be a switch that will control the direction of operation.
2.9 Portable electric drill
This tool is portable that is why it can be move around easily. At the end of the drill is the chuck which holds the
drill bit. This drill is made of hardened steel shaft that has a sharp, spiral groove and cuts into metal when turned.
Power is provided by electric motor or an electrical source and operated by the trigger on the drill handle. The
common automobile drill sizes are ¼, 3/8 and ½ inch. Reamers are either power or hand tools that have sharp edges
designed to remove only small amounts of metal when turned with a wrench. When a broken fastener is below the
surface, a hard steel tool that grips a drill hole in the fastener called screw extractor is use. When a hole can be drill
into the fastener, and then the screw extractor is driven into the drilled hole and turned with wrench to loosen and
remove the broken fastener.
2.10 Pneumatic tools
These set of tools are also not commonly use by the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe in Cape Coast. These
are tools that are powered by compressed air. The air is compressed by an electric motor which is drawn into and
stored in a tank. The compressed air is dangerous so all precautions must be strictly adhered to. The most common
types of these tools are blowgun, air impact wrench, air ratchet, air chisel and air drill. Blowgun is used for blowing
off parts during cleaning. Air chisel is a hammering tool used to cut off parts. The air drill performs the same
functions as electric drill.
2.11 Hydraulic tools
Oil or liquid pressure is use to power hydraulics tools. Thus oil or liquid under pressure is pushed into a piston
system where it acts to do work. The common hydraulic tools are floor jack, horst, engine lift and hydraulics press.



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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                     www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013


2.11.1 Floor jack
This is a common type of tool that most of the mechanics use. Thus for this tool, a special platform is use to handle
powerful hydraulic forces when automotive parts are being assembled. A hydraulic press forces or presses two tight-
fitting parts together and the table must withstand the applied force. A handle at the side of the hydraulic press is
pumped to increase pressure.
2.12 Cleaning equipment
Cleaning equipment is not normally use by these automobile mechanics. Example of these is high pressure and steam
cleaners, solvent cleaners, cold tank, hot tank and glass bead blaster.
2.13 Hoist
The hoist is not common hydraulics tool at Siwdo Kokompe. Thus these automobile mechanics do not often use
hoist. The lift or hoist use to raise the entire automobile in order to create working space underneath for work.
Hydraulic pressure and compressed air mechanisms are used to move hoist up and down.
2.14 Engine lift
This hydraulics tool is commonly use by almost all the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe. They use this lift
or crank to remove or install automobile engines. This tool operates when a hydraulics cylinder fluid pumped and
pushed up on the long support arm. Some lifts are on wheel so they can be rolled.

3. METHODOLOGY
The data collection of the research was dome at Siwdo-Kokompe because of the large cluster of artisans (automobile
mechanic) at that place. As a result, collection of quantitative and qualitative data for analysis to substantiate the
conclusion or claims was possible for the research to see the light of the day. The methodology adopted for the
research was the quantitative approach since recommendations must be made to signify that there is the need for
intensive safety education for on the use of tools for these automobile mechanics. Therefore, this data collection and
analysis was the most efficient means of making this research a reality. Definitely, the target group for this research
was the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe. This method involves the use of structured questionnaires and
interviews. In all 23 questionnaires were administered representing 98% of these mechanics.

Table 1A
SHOP NAME                                                   SHOP MASTER’S NAME
GYE NYAME MOTORS                                            PHILIP WIREDU
AMEEN FITTING SHOP                                          AMEENALHASSAN
RANSFORD FITTING SHOP                                       MASTER RANSFORD
NII FITTING SHOP                                            MASTER NII
DABI WO BE KAE ME                                           MASTER KOFI
OKYESONYAME FITTING SHOP                                    DANIEL INKOOM
OBENG BOAT VENTURES                                         MASTER OBENG
SHALOM FITTING SHOP                                         HARISONATULINYAH
OBENG FITTING SHOP                                          MR. OBENG
YESU FITTING SHOP                                           MASTER OPPONG
OFIRNYAME FITTING SHOP                                      ANTHONY ACKON
EKOWACKON FITTING SHOP                                      GEORGE BONY
OPPONG FITTING SHOP                                         OPONGDANKWA
TONY MOTORS                                                 MASTER ABU
BONY FITTING SHOP                                           MASTER KWAME
OPONG FITTING SHOP                                          MASTER MAWULI
ABU FITTING SHOP                                            MASTER CHRISTIAN
MASTER KWAME FITTING SHOP                                   MASTER CHRISTIAN
MAWULI FITTING SHOP                                         MASTER CHRISTIAN
CHRISTIAN MOTORS                                            KWEKU BADU
OKYESONYAME FITTING SHOP                                    BOAKYE AND OSANI
IF GOD BE FOR US NO ONNE IS AGAINST US                      MASTER PEE
Source: Author’s Field Work, 2012


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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                        www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013


Table 1B: Information on open-end, adjustable and box-end wrenches
STATEMENT                          RESPONSE                   FREQUENCY              PERCENTAGE
Condition and use of open-           Excellent                      42                  63.64
end wrench, adjustable              Very good                       22                  33.33
open-end wrench and box-               Good                         2                    3.03
end wrench                             Poor                         0                     0
                                        Bad                         0                     0
                         Total                                      66                   100
Source: Authors Field Work, 2012
Figure 1B: Information on open-end, adjustable and box-end wrenches

 70
               63.64

 60


 50
          42
 40
                                  33.33                                            FREQUENCY
 30                                                                                PERCENTAGE
                             22
 20


 10
                                               2 3.03
                                                         0   0            0   0
  0
         Excellent       Very good             Good      Poor             Bad

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012

Table 2: Information on combination, socket, special purpose and torque wrenches

STATEMENT                                 RESPONSE               FREQUENCY           PERCENTAGE

Condition and use of                       Excellent                 33                  50.00

combination wrench and                    Very good                  14                  21.21

special purpose and torque                  Good                     13                  19.70

wrench                                       Poor                     6                  9.00

                                             Bad                      0                   0

                         Total                                       66                   100

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012



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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                           www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013



Figure 2: Information on combination, socket, special purpose and torque wrenches

 60

                50
 50


 40
           33

 30                                                                                   FREQUENCY
                                                                                      PERCENTAGE
                                    21.21
                                                      19.7
 20
                               14               13
                                                                  9
 10                                                           6

                                                                              0   0
   0
          Excellent           Very good          Good         Poor            Bad

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012



Table 3: Information on screw drivers and pliers

STATEMENT                                   RESPONSE                  FREQUENCY         PERCENTAGE

Availability, condition and                  Excellent                   21                 31.81

usage of screw drivers,                     Very good                     6                 9.09

slip – joint adjustable                       Good                       39                 59.09

pliers and arc-joint pliers                    Poor                       0                  0

                                               Bad                        0                  0

                              Total                                      66                  100

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012




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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                        www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

Figure 3: Information on screw drivers and pliers

 70

                                                  59.09
 60


 50

                                             39
 40
                31.81                                                              FREQUENCY
 30                                                                                PERCENTAGE
           21
 20

                                  9.09
 10                           6
                                                           0   0           0   0
   0
         Excellent        Very good           Good         Poor            Bad

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012



Table 4: Information on locking nose and diagonal out pliers

STATEMENT                                RESPONSE                  FREQUENCY         PERCENTAGE

Condition and use of                      Excellent                    0                  0

locking pliers, needle nose              Very good                     9                 13.64

pliers and diagonal out                    Good                       56                 84.85

pliers                                      Poor                       1                 1.52

                                            Bad                        0                  0

                          Total                                       66                  100

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012




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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                            www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

Figure 4: Information on locking nose and diagonal out pliers

 90                                                84.85

 80

 70

 60                                           56

 50
                                                                                       FREQUENCY
 40                                                                                    PERCENTAGE

 30

 20
                                  13.64
                              9
 10
            0    0                                           1 1.52            0   0
   0
          Excellent         Very good          Good          Poor                Bad

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012

Table 5: Information on pliers, hammers, chisel, files, taps, die and pry bars

STATEMENT                                 RESPONSE                  FREQUENCY            PERCENTAGE

Availability, condition and                Excellent                      22                 33.33

usage of special purpose,                 Very good                       2                  3.03

pliers, hammers, mallets,                   Good                          26                 39.39

chisels, punches, files,                     Poor                         19                 28.79

taps, dies and pry bars                      Bad                          0                   0

                            Total                                         66                  100

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012




                                                           30
Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                    www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

Figure 5: Information on pliers, hammers, chisel, files, taps, die and pry bars

 45
                                                   39.39
 40

 35              33.33

 30                                                              28.79
                                              26
 25         22
                                                                                            FREQUENCY
                                                            19
 20                                                                                         PERCENTAGE

 15

 10

   5                             2 3.03
                                                                               0   0
   0
           Excellent        Very good          Good          Poor              Bad

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012



Table 6: Information on portable electrical drill, electrical impact wrench and pneumatic tools

STATEMENT                                 RESPONSE                  FREQUENCY                     PERCENTAGE

Availability, condition and                Excellent                       0                          0

usage of portable                         Very good                        0                          0

electricity drill, electrical               Good                           1                         1.39

impact wrench and                            Poor                         56                         77.78

pneumatic tools                              Bad                          15                         20.83

                                Total                                     66                         100

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012




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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                  www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

Figure 6: Information on portable electrical drill, electrical impact wrench and pneumatic tools

 90

 80                                                             77.78

 70

 60                                                        56

 50
                                                                                             FREQUENCY
 40                                                                                          PERCENTAGE

 30
                                                                                  20.83
 20                                                                          15

 10
           0    0             0    0        1 1.39
  0
         Excellent         Very good        Good            Poor              Bad

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012



Table 7: Information on hydraulic tools and cleaning equipment

STATEMENT                              RESPONSE                    FREQUENCY                   PERCENTAGE

Availability, condition and             Excellent                        2                         4.17

usage of hydraulic tools               Very good                         15                        31.25

and cleaning equipment                   Good                            26                        54.17

                                          Poor                           5                         10.42

                                          Bad                            0                          0

                           Total                                         48                         100

Source: Authors Field Work, 2012




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Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                        www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

Figure 7: Information on hydraulic tools and cleaning equipment

 60
                                                 54.17

 50


 40

                                31.25
 30                                                                                            FREQUENCY
                                            26
                                                                                               PERCENTAGE

 20
                           15
                                                                 10.42
 10
               4.17                                          5
           2
                                                                             0    0
   0
          Excellent       Very good         Good             Poor             Bad


Source: Authors Field Work, 2012

4. DISCUSSIONS
63.64 And 33.33% of open – end adjustable and box – end wrenches usage and condition are excellent and very
good respectively. There is 0% bad and poor for such wrenches with only 3.03% good. Condition and usage for
combination, socket, special purpose and torque wrenches are 50% excellent, 21.21% very good, 19.70% good,
9.09% poor and 0% bad. Availability, condition and usage of screwdrivers, slip – joint adjustable pliers and arch –
joint pliers are 37.5% excellent, 9.09% very good, 59.09% good whiles 0% for both poor. Condition and usage of
locking pliers, needle nose pliers and diagonal out pliers are 0% excellent, 13% very good, 84.85% good, 1.52%
poor and 0% bad. Tools such as special purpose pliers, hammers, mallets, chisels, punches , files, tape, dies and pry
bars score 33.33% for excellent, 3.03% very good, 39.39% good, 28.79% poor and 0% bad for availability, condition
and usage collectively. Availability, condition and usage of portable electrical drills, electrical impact wrenches and
pneumatic tools score 0% for excellent, 0% for very good, 1.34% for good, 77.78% poor and 20.83% bad.
Availability, condition and usage of hydraulic tools and cleaning equipment score 4.17% for excellent, 31.25% for
very good, 54.17 for good, 10.42% for poor and 0% for bad.

5. CONCLUSION
Tools such as manually operated wrenches are properly used and are in the right condition with only a very small
fraction that is in poor condition. A lot of the pliers are in good category for availability, condition and usage, whiles
only very few are excellent, very good and poor with none being in bad state. Hammers, mallets, chisels, punches
files, taps dies and pry bars spread from excellent to very poor proportionally for availability, condition and usage.
Portable electric drills and pneumatic tools are in the poor and bad condition and not available. Averagely, hydraulic
tools and cleaning equipment are in the category of good for availability, condition and usage. Very few of them are
excellent and poor with a quarter of them very good.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS
On the basis of this research, the author deems it absolutely important to recommend that there must be professional
education on some of the tools and equipment as well as health:



                                                           33
Journal of Information Engineering and Applications                                                www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online)
Vol.3, No.2, 2013

    a. Pneumatic tools
    b. Portable electricity drill
    c. Hydraulic tools
    d. Cleaning equipment
    e. Pliers
    f. Proper cleaning of hands before and after eating
    g. Proper disposal of solid and liquid waste
Furthermore, the Ghana Association of Garages, Association of Ghana Industries, Ghana Employers Association,
Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Ghana Institution of Engineers and other benevolent organization
must assist these automobile mechanics in the proper usage of such tools.


REFERENCES
Michael Fitzpatrick. Machining and CNC Technology
Cape Coast Polytechnic Students hand book (Tertiary) 2009 and 2010
Paul Dempsey. Trouble Shoot and repair a small Gas Turbine.
Williams J. Dekryger, Robert T. Kovacik and Saverio G. Bono. Auto Mechanics: Theory and Service
Barry Wellington and Alan Asmus. Diesel Engines and Fuel System




                                                       34
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Analysis of tools usage by automobile mechanics at siwdo

  • 1. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Analysis of Tools Usage by Automobile Mechanics at SIWDO KOKOMPE FESTUS MOTEY MSc ENGINEERING HEAD, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CAPE COAST POLYTECHNIC P.O.BOX AD 50 CAPE COAST festusmot@yahoo.com Abstract The selection of appropriate tools for all types of automobile engineering servicing is very vital. Servicing of automobiles as done by the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe involves the repairs and maintenance activities such as changing filters, belts and hoses replacement, tune –ups, lubrication, re-fixing new parts among other. This area was chosen for this research due to the cluster of mechanics. Data collection was base on administering well structured questionnaires and interviews for 99% of these mechanics. Conclusively, the condition of wrenches, screw drivers and pliers are all excellent, very good and good. A large number of hammers, mallets, dies, files, punches and pry bar are in good and excellent conditions whiles less than a quarter of them are in poor conditions. Also electrical and pneumatic tools are in poor and bad conditions whiles hydraulic and electrical equipment are in relatively good conditions. Keywords: Tools, Fastener, Automobile, Servicing, Power 1. INTRODUCTION The practice of the profession of automobile engineering, involves the proper size determination of tool to their corresponding fasteners which leads to measurements playing vital roles or measurement are very necessary. Therefore, the selection of appropriate tools for all types of automobile engineering jobs is the major consideration for this research. Furthermore, all automobile mechanics irrespective of their background must master hand tools as the most basic tools. For these mechanics hand tools are operated manually by their hands and have no power simply from an external source. The hand tools commonly use by the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe in Cape Coast are wrenches, screwdrivers pliers, hammers and mallets, chisels and punches, piles, taps and pry bars. Hand tools are designs to fit only one size of fasteners, that is why measurements are important to determine the proper size of tools to be use to prevent damage of fasteners or automobile parts. Comparatively, power tools receive power from external sources for their operation. 2. REVIEWED LITERATURE 2.1 History and location of Siwdo-Kokompe Automobile artisans working on all aspects of automobiles were formally located at the present day Ewim Nurses Flat at Kotokoraba in the Central Business Center of Cape Coast of the Central Regional Capital. At that time the area has seen springing up of cluster of workshops for craftsmen who do various types of repairs and services on automobiles. At this location there were shops selling everything on automobiles. These craftsman or artisans consist of automobile electricians, sprayer, vulcanizes, welders (gas and arch) and mechanics. These workers were relocated in the year 1968 to their present premises at Siwdo-Kokompe to pave way for the construction of the Ewim Nurses Flats. The Siwdo-Kokompe cluster of artisans is located between the Adisadel Estate and the Robert Mensah Sport Stadium, thus on the right side of the John Mensah Sarbah dual carriage road when going to the stadium from the Pedu Junction. Initially a little over 40 shops were found at Siwdo-Kokompe but now close to 20 shops can be seen at the place including machine shops, wind screen repairs shop, upholstery shop, blacksmith shops and iron casting shops. Light and heavy duty automobile mechanics as well as specialized mechanics including automobile gears box specialist carburetor specialist among others. On the average, about three hundred vehicles visit Siwdo-Kokompe on daily 22
  • 2. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 basis for all types of repairs. The activities at Siwdo-Kokompe is said to be the main factor for the pollution of the Fosu Lagoon. These activities are welding, spraying automobile electrical works, automobile mechanical works, fabricating, vulcanizing, and blacksmithing among others. 2.2 Automobile mechanic practices at Siwdo-Kokompe Mechanically, the automobile consist of many different parts that work together to provide motion. The basic components of the automobile are the engine, classis, drive train and body. Servicing of automobiles as done at Siwdo-Kokompe involves the repairs and maintenance activities. Automobiles function effectively if they are regularly maintained. The mechanical aspect of automobile maintenance practice involves the care and up-keeping of the mechanical parts according to schedules. These procedures or activities are oil and filter changes, belt and hoses replacement, tune – ups, lubrication among others. The repairs involve re-fixing of new parts, bolts, nuts among others. 2.3 Wrenches These are one of the common type of hand tools use by the automobile mechanics at Siwdo- Kokompe in Cape Coast. They use these set of tools to either loosen or tighten automobile parts. One or both ends of a wrench may be an opening that is placed over a fastener and the angle of the opening is significant for normal working conditions. Wrenches have handles that the automobile mechanics can grip or to move the tool. The types of wrenches these mechanics normally are open end, adjustable open – end box end, combination, socket, alien and torx and special purpose. 2.3.1 Open- end A wrench with an opening or head at one or both ends is an open – end wrench. Operationally the open end slides over a bolt or nut to tighten or loosen it. To allow the wrench to be use in two directions the handle of often place at convenient angles. This type of wrenches is manufactured in many sizes and shapes as shown below. 2.3.2 Adjustable open – end Whenever the appropriate wrench sizes are not available then adjustable open end wrench are been use by these automobile mechanics to work on fasteners. The adjustable wrenches can fit many different sizes for these automobile mechanics. To use adjustable open end wrench these mechanics must always make sure that both jaws of the wrenches are adjusted tightly. 2.3.3 Socket Normally, the socket wrenches these automobile mechanics use consist a handle and drive hold socket. The socket fits over a fastener and surrounds it. The inside of these socket or points are made up of six to about twelve grooves which grip or hold the corners of the fasteners when in use. Also inside the socket is a squared hole which is in line with the grooves. This squared hole is known as the drive opening and this is where the socket is attached or connected to the drive. The drive is the square peg connected to the socket and the handle may a ratchet mechanism built in to operate the drive. Thus the ratchet is a mechanism inside the handle that allows drive action in either turning direction. A lever located near the drive end can be positioned to switch the ratchet’s operations direction to either clockwise or anticlockwise direction. The best indicator of the strength of a socket wrench is the difference in drive size. The diameter of the drive in the handle is known as the drive size. Thus a half (½) inch drive is heavy – duty, three-eight (3/8) inch drive is medium duty and one-quarter (¼) inch drive is light duty. But socket wrench drives can be as large as one (1) inch. There are different types of handles use by the mechanics with socket wrench and the common ones are named as speed handle, breaker bar, T – handle and extension. Pre occupationally, adjustable wrenches must be use by these mechanics only when the box – end or open – end wrenches will not fit the work piece. 2.3.4 Box end This type of wrench use by the mechanics has head which are all closed and the heads have different sizes at each end. The heads have six or twelve grooves that grip the fasteners. Due to the design of the head, these automobile mechanics apply more force on the box end wrenches without the wrenches slipping. 2.3.5 Combination These automobile mechanics use wrenches which have open – end and box end built in a single wrench and they are known as combination wrenches. Usually, both ends of these wrenches have same size. Sometimes the box – end have an angled head to make it more useful. These mechanics use specialized handle on the socket wrenches to loosen or tighten the fasteners. Thus the speed handle is long crank with a handle that turns freely to remove or loosen fasteners for the mechanics. A long and hinged bar which they call breaker bar gives them greater turning 23
  • 3. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 force as well as enough turning angle. When they are working in areas where there is little or no space, they use T – handle which is more flexible and provides more turning force with the extension. They use the extension with the socket wrenches because they provide greater length and versatility. Also they use extensions of different lengths to connect the drives to sockets. Adopters are use to change drive angles and permits their use of half (½) inch drive socket with one-quarter (¼) inch drive handles. 2.3.6 Special purpose and torque wrenches These types of wrenches are not commonly use by the mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe in Cape Coast. Thus due to the special head design of some fasteners, special wrenches such as alien and torque are needed to tighten or loose such fasteners. A torque wrench which is not commonly used at Siwdo-Kokompe consists of a long flexible bar and a socket drive. When a beam torque wrench is in use, the torque reading is shown on an indicator on the handle. A micrometer type torque wrench may be adjusted to the required torque and clicks when that torque is reached. Also if a bolt and nut holding a part must be torque to specification, a torque wrench indicates how much or turning resistance a fastener receives. 2.4 Screwdrivers The automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe normally use screw drivers which is a shaft or shank of metal with a handle at one end and a blade at the other end. The shank is embedded in a plastic or metal or wood handle. The blade fits and turns the head of the fastener. When a s screw driver blade is too large or too small than the work to do, both the screw driver and the fastener will be damage. Thus, always use the common types of screw drivers. These automobile mechanics also use special types of screw drivers such as tax, clutch-head and Philips which are use for special fasteners. 2.4.1 Locking At Siwdo-Kokompe, these automobile mechanics use locking pliers to hold in position parts and fasteners. At the handle end of one of the jaws is an adjustable screw which they alter or turn to adjust the jaws. They lock the adjusted jaws in position by pulling in the lower handle. 2.4.2 Needle nose Whenever these automobile mechanics need to work with long pliers, they use needle nose type of pliers because these pliers have relatively long narrow jaws to fit tight working spaces. Thus the length, shape and thickness of needle nose jaws depend upon the requirements of the work to be done. 2.4.3 Diagonal out Diagonal out is the type of pliers that these automobile mechanics use to cut electricity connections among others. This is because these pliers have extra-hard cutting edges at the jaws suitable for cutting. 2.4.4 Special purpose These are mostly pliers they use at Siwdo-Kokompe at Cape Coast to remove snap rings, brake-shoe springs among others. 2.5 Pliers Pliers are one of the power tools that these automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe use. They use these pliers to effectively hold, bend, cut and fasten Meanwhile pliers must also be use for loosing or tightening of bolts or nuts. The common types of these pliers they use are slip – joint adjustable, arc- joint, diagonal cut, needle nose (long nose) locking and special – purpose. Almost all the pliers’ used by these automobile mechanics work on the mechanism of joints. These joints are extended to hands. 2.5.1 Slip – joint – adjustable pliers This type of pliers use by Siwdo-Kokompe automobile mechanics has a ship joint which holds two jaws of pliers together and allows the jaws to move. A slot on one jaw allows the slip joint to cover resulting to changes in the space between the two jaws. These types of pliers are sometimes called combination pliers and depending on the chosen slot adjustment they can securely hold either small or large parts. 2.5.2 Arc – joint pliers This type pliers uses by these automobile mechanics, the jaws is connected by way of groove or channels. The channels in the jaws are shaped in an arc and can be adjusted to different settings to do verity of work. 24
  • 4. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 2.5.3 Locking pliers At Siwdo-Kokompe, these automobile mechanics need to work with long pliers; they use needle nose type of pliers because these pliers have relatively long arrow jaws to fit tight working spaces. Thus the length, shape and thickness of needle nose jaws depend upon the requirements of the work to be done. 2.5.4 Diagonal out pliers Diagonal cut is the type of pliers that these automobile mechanics use to cut electrical connections. This is because these pliers have extra – hard cutting edges at the jaws suitable for cutting. 2.5.5 Special purpose pliers These are mostly pliers they use of Siwdo-Kokompe at Cape Coast to remove snap rings, brake – shoe spring among others. 2.6 Hammers, mallets, chisel and punches The hammers and mallets these automobile mechanics use are mostly made of handle and head. Most of the handles are wooden only few are plastic. The head are mostly made of metal and only few mallets have plastic heads. They use the hammers and mallets when pounding on machined surfaces, trimming parts such as wheel covers and striking cylindrical ends with chisels to cut off rivets or to loosen fasteners that can not be removed normally. A flat chisel is tapered at one end and cylindrical at the opposite end. They use starting punches to drive out pins and aligning punch is use to align holes in two parts that will be connected. 2.7 Files, taps, die and pry bars During overhauling and over services, these automobile mechanics use files of different types to remove metals, smoothing and polishing of surfaces of parts. Generally, the file is a hardened steel tool with rows of teeth and a pointed end or tang that fits into a handle. The teeth of a file may be single cut or double cut and the distance between the cutting teeth determines how the file works effectively. Thus a file with teeth close together is use for polishing and smoothing. The use of taps to repair damaged threads inside a part is a common practice by these automobile mechanics. The taps are cutting tools. The proper size must be selected, mounted into tap wrench and inserted into the hole to be threaded. They use the dies to repair external threads which are also cutting tools. Also they select the proper size of die and place at in a die stock so as to turn the die stock to start the die. They use long thick steel lever called pry bar to position or break free some automotive or systems to pave way for servicing 2.8 Electrical impact wrench This tool is not normally use by these automobile mechanics. It has an electric motor that drives a socket and gives sharp bursts of power that helps to loosen parts. There may be a switch that will control the direction of operation. 2.9 Portable electric drill This tool is portable that is why it can be move around easily. At the end of the drill is the chuck which holds the drill bit. This drill is made of hardened steel shaft that has a sharp, spiral groove and cuts into metal when turned. Power is provided by electric motor or an electrical source and operated by the trigger on the drill handle. The common automobile drill sizes are ¼, 3/8 and ½ inch. Reamers are either power or hand tools that have sharp edges designed to remove only small amounts of metal when turned with a wrench. When a broken fastener is below the surface, a hard steel tool that grips a drill hole in the fastener called screw extractor is use. When a hole can be drill into the fastener, and then the screw extractor is driven into the drilled hole and turned with wrench to loosen and remove the broken fastener. 2.10 Pneumatic tools These set of tools are also not commonly use by the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe in Cape Coast. These are tools that are powered by compressed air. The air is compressed by an electric motor which is drawn into and stored in a tank. The compressed air is dangerous so all precautions must be strictly adhered to. The most common types of these tools are blowgun, air impact wrench, air ratchet, air chisel and air drill. Blowgun is used for blowing off parts during cleaning. Air chisel is a hammering tool used to cut off parts. The air drill performs the same functions as electric drill. 2.11 Hydraulic tools Oil or liquid pressure is use to power hydraulics tools. Thus oil or liquid under pressure is pushed into a piston system where it acts to do work. The common hydraulic tools are floor jack, horst, engine lift and hydraulics press. 25
  • 5. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 2.11.1 Floor jack This is a common type of tool that most of the mechanics use. Thus for this tool, a special platform is use to handle powerful hydraulic forces when automotive parts are being assembled. A hydraulic press forces or presses two tight- fitting parts together and the table must withstand the applied force. A handle at the side of the hydraulic press is pumped to increase pressure. 2.12 Cleaning equipment Cleaning equipment is not normally use by these automobile mechanics. Example of these is high pressure and steam cleaners, solvent cleaners, cold tank, hot tank and glass bead blaster. 2.13 Hoist The hoist is not common hydraulics tool at Siwdo Kokompe. Thus these automobile mechanics do not often use hoist. The lift or hoist use to raise the entire automobile in order to create working space underneath for work. Hydraulic pressure and compressed air mechanisms are used to move hoist up and down. 2.14 Engine lift This hydraulics tool is commonly use by almost all the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe. They use this lift or crank to remove or install automobile engines. This tool operates when a hydraulics cylinder fluid pumped and pushed up on the long support arm. Some lifts are on wheel so they can be rolled. 3. METHODOLOGY The data collection of the research was dome at Siwdo-Kokompe because of the large cluster of artisans (automobile mechanic) at that place. As a result, collection of quantitative and qualitative data for analysis to substantiate the conclusion or claims was possible for the research to see the light of the day. The methodology adopted for the research was the quantitative approach since recommendations must be made to signify that there is the need for intensive safety education for on the use of tools for these automobile mechanics. Therefore, this data collection and analysis was the most efficient means of making this research a reality. Definitely, the target group for this research was the automobile mechanics at Siwdo-Kokompe. This method involves the use of structured questionnaires and interviews. In all 23 questionnaires were administered representing 98% of these mechanics. Table 1A SHOP NAME SHOP MASTER’S NAME GYE NYAME MOTORS PHILIP WIREDU AMEEN FITTING SHOP AMEENALHASSAN RANSFORD FITTING SHOP MASTER RANSFORD NII FITTING SHOP MASTER NII DABI WO BE KAE ME MASTER KOFI OKYESONYAME FITTING SHOP DANIEL INKOOM OBENG BOAT VENTURES MASTER OBENG SHALOM FITTING SHOP HARISONATULINYAH OBENG FITTING SHOP MR. OBENG YESU FITTING SHOP MASTER OPPONG OFIRNYAME FITTING SHOP ANTHONY ACKON EKOWACKON FITTING SHOP GEORGE BONY OPPONG FITTING SHOP OPONGDANKWA TONY MOTORS MASTER ABU BONY FITTING SHOP MASTER KWAME OPONG FITTING SHOP MASTER MAWULI ABU FITTING SHOP MASTER CHRISTIAN MASTER KWAME FITTING SHOP MASTER CHRISTIAN MAWULI FITTING SHOP MASTER CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN MOTORS KWEKU BADU OKYESONYAME FITTING SHOP BOAKYE AND OSANI IF GOD BE FOR US NO ONNE IS AGAINST US MASTER PEE Source: Author’s Field Work, 2012 26
  • 6. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Table 1B: Information on open-end, adjustable and box-end wrenches STATEMENT RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE Condition and use of open- Excellent 42 63.64 end wrench, adjustable Very good 22 33.33 open-end wrench and box- Good 2 3.03 end wrench Poor 0 0 Bad 0 0 Total 66 100 Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 Figure 1B: Information on open-end, adjustable and box-end wrenches 70 63.64 60 50 42 40 33.33 FREQUENCY 30 PERCENTAGE 22 20 10 2 3.03 0 0 0 0 0 Excellent Very good Good Poor Bad Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 Table 2: Information on combination, socket, special purpose and torque wrenches STATEMENT RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE Condition and use of Excellent 33 50.00 combination wrench and Very good 14 21.21 special purpose and torque Good 13 19.70 wrench Poor 6 9.00 Bad 0 0 Total 66 100 Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 27
  • 7. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 2: Information on combination, socket, special purpose and torque wrenches 60 50 50 40 33 30 FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE 21.21 19.7 20 14 13 9 10 6 0 0 0 Excellent Very good Good Poor Bad Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 Table 3: Information on screw drivers and pliers STATEMENT RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE Availability, condition and Excellent 21 31.81 usage of screw drivers, Very good 6 9.09 slip – joint adjustable Good 39 59.09 pliers and arc-joint pliers Poor 0 0 Bad 0 0 Total 66 100 Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 28
  • 8. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 3: Information on screw drivers and pliers 70 59.09 60 50 39 40 31.81 FREQUENCY 30 PERCENTAGE 21 20 9.09 10 6 0 0 0 0 0 Excellent Very good Good Poor Bad Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 Table 4: Information on locking nose and diagonal out pliers STATEMENT RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE Condition and use of Excellent 0 0 locking pliers, needle nose Very good 9 13.64 pliers and diagonal out Good 56 84.85 pliers Poor 1 1.52 Bad 0 0 Total 66 100 Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 29
  • 9. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 4: Information on locking nose and diagonal out pliers 90 84.85 80 70 60 56 50 FREQUENCY 40 PERCENTAGE 30 20 13.64 9 10 0 0 1 1.52 0 0 0 Excellent Very good Good Poor Bad Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 Table 5: Information on pliers, hammers, chisel, files, taps, die and pry bars STATEMENT RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE Availability, condition and Excellent 22 33.33 usage of special purpose, Very good 2 3.03 pliers, hammers, mallets, Good 26 39.39 chisels, punches, files, Poor 19 28.79 taps, dies and pry bars Bad 0 0 Total 66 100 Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 30
  • 10. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 5: Information on pliers, hammers, chisel, files, taps, die and pry bars 45 39.39 40 35 33.33 30 28.79 26 25 22 FREQUENCY 19 20 PERCENTAGE 15 10 5 2 3.03 0 0 0 Excellent Very good Good Poor Bad Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 Table 6: Information on portable electrical drill, electrical impact wrench and pneumatic tools STATEMENT RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE Availability, condition and Excellent 0 0 usage of portable Very good 0 0 electricity drill, electrical Good 1 1.39 impact wrench and Poor 56 77.78 pneumatic tools Bad 15 20.83 Total 66 100 Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 31
  • 11. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 6: Information on portable electrical drill, electrical impact wrench and pneumatic tools 90 80 77.78 70 60 56 50 FREQUENCY 40 PERCENTAGE 30 20.83 20 15 10 0 0 0 0 1 1.39 0 Excellent Very good Good Poor Bad Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 Table 7: Information on hydraulic tools and cleaning equipment STATEMENT RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE Availability, condition and Excellent 2 4.17 usage of hydraulic tools Very good 15 31.25 and cleaning equipment Good 26 54.17 Poor 5 10.42 Bad 0 0 Total 48 100 Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 32
  • 12. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 Figure 7: Information on hydraulic tools and cleaning equipment 60 54.17 50 40 31.25 30 FREQUENCY 26 PERCENTAGE 20 15 10.42 10 4.17 5 2 0 0 0 Excellent Very good Good Poor Bad Source: Authors Field Work, 2012 4. DISCUSSIONS 63.64 And 33.33% of open – end adjustable and box – end wrenches usage and condition are excellent and very good respectively. There is 0% bad and poor for such wrenches with only 3.03% good. Condition and usage for combination, socket, special purpose and torque wrenches are 50% excellent, 21.21% very good, 19.70% good, 9.09% poor and 0% bad. Availability, condition and usage of screwdrivers, slip – joint adjustable pliers and arch – joint pliers are 37.5% excellent, 9.09% very good, 59.09% good whiles 0% for both poor. Condition and usage of locking pliers, needle nose pliers and diagonal out pliers are 0% excellent, 13% very good, 84.85% good, 1.52% poor and 0% bad. Tools such as special purpose pliers, hammers, mallets, chisels, punches , files, tape, dies and pry bars score 33.33% for excellent, 3.03% very good, 39.39% good, 28.79% poor and 0% bad for availability, condition and usage collectively. Availability, condition and usage of portable electrical drills, electrical impact wrenches and pneumatic tools score 0% for excellent, 0% for very good, 1.34% for good, 77.78% poor and 20.83% bad. Availability, condition and usage of hydraulic tools and cleaning equipment score 4.17% for excellent, 31.25% for very good, 54.17 for good, 10.42% for poor and 0% for bad. 5. CONCLUSION Tools such as manually operated wrenches are properly used and are in the right condition with only a very small fraction that is in poor condition. A lot of the pliers are in good category for availability, condition and usage, whiles only very few are excellent, very good and poor with none being in bad state. Hammers, mallets, chisels, punches files, taps dies and pry bars spread from excellent to very poor proportionally for availability, condition and usage. Portable electric drills and pneumatic tools are in the poor and bad condition and not available. Averagely, hydraulic tools and cleaning equipment are in the category of good for availability, condition and usage. Very few of them are excellent and poor with a quarter of them very good. 6. RECOMMENDATIONS On the basis of this research, the author deems it absolutely important to recommend that there must be professional education on some of the tools and equipment as well as health: 33
  • 13. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-5782 (print) ISSN 2225-0506 (online) Vol.3, No.2, 2013 a. Pneumatic tools b. Portable electricity drill c. Hydraulic tools d. Cleaning equipment e. Pliers f. Proper cleaning of hands before and after eating g. Proper disposal of solid and liquid waste Furthermore, the Ghana Association of Garages, Association of Ghana Industries, Ghana Employers Association, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Ghana Institution of Engineers and other benevolent organization must assist these automobile mechanics in the proper usage of such tools. REFERENCES Michael Fitzpatrick. Machining and CNC Technology Cape Coast Polytechnic Students hand book (Tertiary) 2009 and 2010 Paul Dempsey. Trouble Shoot and repair a small Gas Turbine. Williams J. Dekryger, Robert T. Kovacik and Saverio G. Bono. Auto Mechanics: Theory and Service Barry Wellington and Alan Asmus. Diesel Engines and Fuel System 34
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