Nut splitters are simple and basic tools that require very little maintenance. After use they should be wiped clean of any dirt or debris with a soft cloth and dried of any moisture they may have been exposed to. It can be a good idea to apply a water repellent oil to the chisel and screw to stop them from corroding and maintain a smooth motion of the screw and chisel.
Any excess oil should be wiped off the nut splitter to prevent dust and dirt sticking to it before it is stored away in a cool, dry location.
What to do if the chisel becomes damaged
If the chisel of your nut splitter is damaged, you may be able to get a replacement from the manufacturer.
If you can’t buy a replacement chisel from the manufacturer, you can try using a sharpening stone if it only has light damage, such as a burr at its tip.
This is only possible with light damage as heavy damage would require the removal of more material from the tip of the chisel. This could result in you removing the case-hardened material from the chisel, making it too soft to cut through nuts. If the chisel on your nut splitter is badly damaged and you are unable to buy a replacement, replacing the whole nut splitter may be the only option.
What maintenance do hydraulic nut splitters require?
Hydraulic nut splitters are expensive pieces of equipment and should be maintained in accordance with their manufacturer’s guidelines. You should be able to find these in the user manual.