How do you keep your measurement tools accurate?

1 Calibrate your tools regularly

Calibration is the process of comparing your measurement tool with a known standard and adjusting it if necessary. Calibration ensures that your tool is consistent, accurate, and traceable to a reference. You should calibrate your tools according to the manufacturer's instructions or a specified schedule, depending on the frequency and type of use. You can calibrate your tools yourself using certified standards or send them to a professional service.

2 Maintain your tools properly

Maintenance is the process of cleaning, inspecting, and repairing your measurement tools to keep them in good condition. Maintenance prevents dirt, dust, corrosion, wear, and damage that could affect your tool's performance and accuracy. You should maintain your tools according to the manufacturer's recommendations or a routine checklist, depending on the complexity and sensitivity of the tool. You should also use the appropriate lubricants, cleaners, and protective covers for your tools.

3 Store your tools safely

Storage is the process of keeping your measurement tools in a suitable environment when they are not in use. Storage protects your tools from moisture, temperature, vibration, shock, and contamination that could cause your tool's accuracy to drift or deteriorate. You should store your tools according to the manufacturer's guidelines or a best practice, depending on the material and design of the tool. You should also use the original cases, boxes, or racks for your tools and label them clearly.

4 Verify your tools before and after use

Verification is the process of checking your measurement tool's accuracy and functionality before and after use. Verification ensures that your tool is working properly and has not been affected by any external factors or errors. You can verify your tools by using a reference standard, a known value, or a test sample. You should verify your tools according to the measurement procedure or a quality control plan, depending on the accuracy and precision required.

5 Document your tools' history

Documentation is the process of recording your measurement tool's calibration, maintenance, storage, and verification data. Documentation provides evidence of your tool's accuracy and reliability and helps you identify any issues or trends that could affect your tool's performance. You should document your tools using a logbook, a database, or a software system. You should also include the tool's identification, date, time, operator, and results.

6 Follow the measurement best practices

Following the measurement best practices is the process of using your measurement tools correctly and consistently. Following the measurement best practices ensures that you obtain accurate and repeatable results and avoid any errors or uncertainties. You should follow the measurement best practices by reading the tool's manual, following the measurement procedure, applying the correct units, factors, and corrections, and reporting the results with confidence intervals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?