To keep brakes in good condition, you shouldkeep the working parts well oiled and be sure the jawsare free of rust and dirt. When you operate brakes, becareful to avoid doing anything that would spring theparts, force them out of alignment, or otherwisedamage them. Never use brakes for bending metalthat is beyond the machine’s capacity with respect tothickness, shape, or type. Never try to bend rod, wire,strap iron, or spring steel sheets in a brake. If it isnecessary to hammer the work, take it out of the brakefirst.