3 step maintenance for your VM brake
3 step maintenance for your VM brake
1- Clean your brake when project is completed
This is the lesson we were all taught as
kids. Clean up your toys when you are done with them. When it comes to a
cam-lock style Van Mark brake, this is very easy. The brake itself can be hosed
off, power-washed, wiped off with a rag, washed with a mild soap, whatever. We
just recommend you make sure to properly dry the brake if you choose to rinse
it off with water. We suggest at least wiping the top and bottom of the
clamping bar (F-bar, colored bar) to ensure there is no debris in there that
can damage your material.
Once clean, it will be much easier to do a
visual inspection of the entire brake. Take a good look at the vinyl strip to
ensure that it is still soft and pliable, that it hasn’t developed a bunch of
cuts or gouges in it, and that its clean and free of any dirt or shavings. This
will protect your material from damage. Then take a moment to lock and unlock
the brake, paying attention to any excessive friction or binding when opening
and closing the brake due to dirt or other contaminants. This would be a sign
that your brake might need a bit of TLC.
Van Mark cam-lock brakes don’t have multiple
metal on metal contact points, so heavy and frequent lubrication is not
required. And in fact, many owners have found that grease or oil ends up
attracting more dirt and debris than when the brake isn’t greased. Our aluminum
cams and cam tubes ride on polyethylene wedges and bushings respectively. These
materials don’t actually require a lubricant, but some users find that the
action is more to their liking when using grease or oil on the friction points.
If you choose to lubricate your brake we recommend a light dab of white lithium
grease or a thin coat of motor oil, nothing more. But again, this step is optional and is NOT
required.
And there you have it, 3 quick steps to maintain your Van Mark brake to ensure decades of trouble-free jobsite sheet metal work.
