Go to a local hardware store. See how many different tools there are for each job. Pick the area of the store that interests you most and ask an employee more about the tools there.

Visit a hardware store and look around.

Try these quick projects from Khan Academy that you can do at home. Build a simple motor, a ping pong ball launcher, or something else from the list!

Develop mechanics knowledge with hands-on projects!

Interested in learning more about machine technology? Check out Machine Technology Instructor, Adam Balogh's, engaging videos on YouTube. 

Check out the YouTube channel, Machine Tech Video Blog!

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Second Interest High-Point

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Third Interest High-Point

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

First Interest High-Point

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Industrial Machinery Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Workers

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

Other Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations

Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.

Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.

Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.

Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.

Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.

Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.

Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.

Inventory and requisition machine parts, equipment, and other supplies so that stock can be maintained and replenished.

Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.

Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.

Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.

Collect and discard worn machine parts and other refuse to maintain machinery and work areas.

Clean machines and machine parts, using cleaning solvents, cloths, air guns, hoses, vacuums, or other equipment.

Transport machine parts, tools, equipment, and other material between work areas and storage, using cranes, hoists, or dollies.

Replace, empty, or replenish machine and equipment containers such as gas tanks or boxes.

Replace or repair metal, wood, leather, glass, or other lining in machines, or in equipment compartments or containers.

Remove hardened material from machines or machine parts, using abrasives, power and hand tools, jackhammers, sledgehammers, or other equipment.

Measure, mix, prepare, and test chemical solutions used to clean or repair machinery and equipment.

Abrasive rubbing stones

Abrasive wheels

Adjustable widemouth pliers

Adjustable wrenches

Bandsaws

Bench saws

Brakes

Buffing machines

Chain falls

Compressed air guns

Cutoff saws

Deburring tools

Dial calipers

Dial indicators

Dollies

Drill bit sets

Drill presses

Ear plugs

Forklifts

Grease guns

Grinding machines

Hacksaws

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Overview

Career

What Maintenance Workers, Machinery Do

Other Job Titles Maintenance Workers, Machinery May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Overview

Career

What Maintenance Workers, Machinery Do

Other Job Titles Maintenance Workers, Machinery May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Maintenance Workers, Machinery

Majors Related to Career

Related Careers

Related Leaders