scope:

INTRODUCTION

Inspection tools of various kinds are needed to make a proper inspection. The correct tool or tools for a particular job will depend on the method of inspection required.

Emphasis must be placed on the care to be taken in looking over the situation to determine what should be done and what tools should be used.

Previous inspection history and visual examination can determine whether the object or parts of the equipment should be:

1. Cleaned only and further inspected visually.

2. Measured for loss of thickness, dimensional change, or distortion.

3. Tested physically or metallurgically.

Some tools are principally for field use, whereas others are for use inside the shop or laboratory. Some of the shop or laboratory tools may now be used in the field, e.g., the X-ray machine and the hardness tester.

A tool may be made to several designs which vary slightly from one another. Anyone of these tools should do the work for which it is intended equally as well as another of slightly different design. If possible. they should all he tried to determine which is preferred. In addition the degree of accuracy desired or needed should affect the selection of tools. A description of types of inspection tools according to methods of use is given in this chapter. The field of application and instruction on how to use a particular tool are also presented.

It should be remembered, however, that the first tools which may be used are the human senses of sight, touch, and hearing.