Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $26K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $33K
Median Salary: $41K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $52K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $63K
Demand
Core Tasks
Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.
Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
Turn valves to direct flow of coolant against cutting wheels and workpieces during grinding.
Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.
File or finish surfaces of workpieces, using prescribed hand tools.
Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.
Attach workpieces to grinding machines and form specified sections and repair cracks, using welding or brazing equipment.
Duplicate workpiece contours, using tracer attachments.
Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.
Place workpieces in electroplating solutions or apply pigments to surfaces of workpieces to highlight ridges and grooves.
Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
Straighten workpieces and remove dents, using straightening presses and hammers.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
73%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
70%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
63%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and Processing
58%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Education and Training
55%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Customer and Personal Service
54%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and Management
50%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Engineering and Technology
50%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
49%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics
44%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
78%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
75%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis
70%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Maintenance
68%
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing
68%
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking
65%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Equipment Selection
60%
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Monitoring
60%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Troubleshooting
60%
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Complex Problem Solving
58%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
80%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision
78%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity
78%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity
78%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision
75%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
68%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Selective Attention
68%
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Visualization
68%
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Flexibility of Closure
65%
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Perceptual Speed
65%
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
92%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information
85%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
81%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Handling and Moving Objects
79%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
75%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
74%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing General Physical Activities
74%
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
73%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
73%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
70%
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Detailed Work Activities
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Operate grinding equipment.
Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
Apply solutions to production equipment.
Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
Clean production equipment.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Lubricate production equipment.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Package products for storage or shipment.
Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
Replace worn equipment components.
Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Operate welding equipment.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
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.
Conventional
43%
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.
Enterprising
29%
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.
Investigative
29%
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.
Artistic
19%
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.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
94%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
83%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
82%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Adaptability/Flexibility
78%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Cooperation
78%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Analytical Thinking
77%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Initiative
76%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
76%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
76%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Innovation
71%
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Work Values
Support
72%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Relationships
29%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
