This covers the security of your equipment both inside the toolstore and workshop and out in the field.
Keep a record of all key holders to the building. Keys kept on the premises should be signed in and out. Hang keys in a key cupboard where their absence will be noticed, and lock the key cupboard itself when the premises are unattended.
Tools should be marked in such a way that makes them easily visible in the field, and differentiates them from tools belonging to other groups you may work with. The usual method is to mark the handle with a band or bands of a bright colour gloss paint. Care must be taken to position the band in such a way that the paint does not cause injury to the hands of the user. This is especially important with long-handled tools, where the hand slides along the handle during use. Some people prefer not to paint the handle at all, but to paint a mark on the steel part of the tool.
Luminous blue and green paints are the most effective colours. Reds and oranges tend to merge with leaf litter in fading light. A neat band of colour shows up better than a rough splodge of paint, which tends to camouflage with the surroundings. Painted bands will need renewing at intervals as the paint wears off.
Tools can also be permanently stamped or branded with numbers, letters or other marks. Sets of number or letter punches can be used, so that you can mark a tool with its own individual code. This is useful for security, and when stock taking (see above). Punches can be used on pressed or forged steel (but not cast tools e.g. mell heads), wood or plastic. A full set of 10 numbers and 26 characters costs about £30.
Other methods are to use branding irons or marking stamps, made up to your requirements. These are useful for differentiating your group’s tools from other people’s, but does not give each tool its own individual code. Branding irons can be used on timber or plastic, and marking stamps on steel, timber or plastic.
Number and letter punches, branding irons or marking stamps should be available to order from good ironmongers, or through the classified advertisements of woodworking and other trade magazines.
