Learn the most effective tips for tool selection, maintenance,
and wear progression to increase productivity and ensure the highest return on investment.

Safely Installing and Removing Kennametal Tools

Follow all approved safety procedures. Wear all approved personal protective
equipment, including safety goggles or a face shield. To avoid personal injury or
damage to the Kennametal tool, please follow these instructions:
• To avoid breaking the carbide tip, use a soft hammer (copper), rubber mallet, or air
hammer tool for installation.
• Make sure the tool is properly seated and securely retained before entering the cut.
DO NOT strike the tool after it is properly seated in toolholder. This could damage the
carbide tip or retaining system.
• Inspect the tools before each use. If the tools are dull, bent, cracked, burred, or
showing signs of excessive steel wear, DO NOT use them and replace immediately.
• When removing the tools, exercise care in handling them as they may be hot after use.
• When removing the tools, use appropriate bit puller, hand punch, air hammer punch,
or air hammer chisel to extract them from toolholders.

What to Look for While Maintaining:

Tools

A rotating pick’s best value is when the
steel body and carbide tip are worn out
at the same time. If the tool shows signs
of excessive steel wear, carbide wear, or
fracturing, this will have a negative effect
on your machine performance and the tool
should be replaced immediately.

Holders/Sleeves

A rotating pick performs best with a
combination of support and freedom of
rotation. Loose/worn sleeves and excess
material build-up on the tool will have a
negative effect on performance that could
result in carbide flat spotting or fracturing.

Blocks/Bases

Blocks are more stationary than holders
and are not easily replaced. Identify unusual
wear on the sides and the bore of the block
and replace if necessary.