Many steam fittings are lost through carelessness, particularly in
taking down old work, but the great bulk are simply “lost” for lack
of method in caring for them. This task properly falls upon the
engineer, as he usually is intrusted with the selection and ordering
of the necessary work. A great saving in the bill of “findings” can be
effected by proper attention.
The same systematic care exercised over the other fittings, tools,
appliances, oil, fuel, etc., used or consumed in the engine and boiler
room may be urged with equal emphasis.
+------+-------+--------+-------+---------+-------+-------+----------+
| | | | | | | | 1/4 and |
| | | | | | | | 3/8 in. |
+------+-------+--------+-------+---------+-------+-------+----------+
| | | | | | | | 1/2 in. |
+------+-------+--------+-------+---------+-------+-------+----------+
| | | | | | | | 1 in. |
+------+-------+--------+-------+---------+-------+-------+----------+
| | | | | | | |1-1/4 in. |
+------+-------+--------+-------+---------+-------+-------+----------+
| | | | | | | |1-1/2 in. |
+------+-------+--------+-------+---------+-------+-------+----------+
| | | | | | R’s | | 2 in. |
|Elbows| Tees. |Nipples.| Plugs.|Reducers.| and |Unions |couplings.|
| | | | | | L’s. | | |
+------+-------+--------+-------+---------+-------+-------+----------+
Fig. 145.
Fig. 145 shows a case for keeping fittings, which will enable one to
find any particular piece without a moment’s delay. In this admirable
arrangement it will be seen that the heavy fittings are all at
the bottom, the light ones at the top. In the top row of all, the
one-quarter and three-eighth inch fittings are placed, being so small
that a partition may be put into that row of boxes, and then have
plenty of room, and giving twice the capacity to that row of pigeon
holes.
Above this case, which is built of one inch boards, may be put a set of
four cupboards, double doors being fitted to each, and thus making a
door over each compartment in the fitting rack. The shelves run through
these cupboards from end to end, and are not divided by vertical
partitions. The necessary brass fittings are kept on these shelves, and
the doors are secured by good locks. The lightest fittings are placed
on the lower shelves in this cupboard, being in greatest demand.