Damage on a holder taper—small dings, scratches, gouges, even debris—can magnify quickly. One bad holder can spread problems to other machine spindles and holders, and before you know it, there are hard-to-diagnose issues on parts. Plus, during storage and between uses, tool holders run a high risk of picking up oils, dust and other particles that can contaminate their surfaces—besides of course the coolant and chips from inside the machine.

So, monitor and clean your holders regularly. If you see an imperfection, get them out of the rotation right away and address any issues quickly to prevent costly wear and tear.

The same goes for machine spindles and tool bores. Particles or contamination that gather between the mating surfaces will begin to grind and wear away the surfaces, weakening the fit and severely impacting machine accuracy.

Spindle, taper and bore cleaners help maintain precision and prolong the life of the machine tools, cutting tools and tool holders. Multiple types exist, so you can easily find the right one for your needs.

Look out for more tips in another post soon.