Tool Safety

Cuts, abrasions, blisters, splinters (metal, plastic, or wood), and bruises are part of the normal experience for some people, while others simply do not get these injuries. While some tiny bit of luck may be involved, the main reason for the difference is some people have bad tool habits and some have good ones.

General

• Clean and inspect your tools before putting them away. If something is damaged, set it aside for replacement.
• Always set a tool down, rather than toss it on the floor or into a bucket or box. One benefit of taking care this way is you avoid chipping the tool
• Use the right tool for the task. It may save you a minute to hammer your hand on the butt of a screwdriver to knock something loose, but this is exactly how you bruise your hand. Go get a hammer and punch.
• If the tool is capable of throwing a particle, wear safety glasses. Generally, any tool that spins a bit, brush, or disk can throw a particle. Any tool that reciprocates a blade can, too.
• If the tool produces enough noise that you have to raise your voice to have a conversation, wear hearing protection.
• If any sharp edges are involved, wear gloves.
• If using the tool will produce airborne dust, wear a suitable mask. For example, if you need to use a side grinder to cut off a stripped bolt, wear an N95 or better fabric mask.

Power tools

• Charge power tool batteries after each use, so they are ready to go when you need them. This is much easier if you buy tools that allow sharing the same battery and you have at least one battery that can charge while you’re using another. This should be your normal routine, rather than charging only when your battery dies. This is especially important if you are going to be working at elevation.
• If using corded tools, lights, or test instruments, inspect the portable cord before and after use. Replace it if the jacket integrity is at all compromised. Run portable cords in such a manner that they are safe from mechanical damage and do not pose a tripping hazard.
• Sharpen or replace dull drill bits rather than running the drill faster to make up for dull edges. A dull bit can ruin the piece, but even worse it is likely to produce ragged edges that you can cut your fingers on.
• Higher-end power tools often come with their own case. Make sure to use it. These cases often have a cradle to hold the tool in place, and they will protect the tool while in storage or transit. A damaged tool is a dangerous tool.
• Power tools can get hot. Never cover the vent(s) with your hand while operating; make a habit of holding the tool on its handhold areas instead. And if the tool feels or smells hot, then let it cool for a few minutes before using it again.

Hand tools

• Does it seem wrong to throw out that screwdriver that your dad gave you for your fifth birthday just because the tip has a chip in it? If you can’t bear to toss it out, then at least remove it from your tool kit/bag/box. One slip with that screwdriver could cause you to short across two energized conductors or lacerate a finger on your other hand. Make a habit of using only “new condition” tools.
• Adjustable wrenches can be quite helpful in some situations. But use them as a last resort and then buy the size wrench you didn’t have if you expect to do this task or a similar one in the future. Buy only pro-grade adjustable wrenches; they slip much less than consumer-grade ones. If the worm gear starts to wobble with age, replace the wrench. Make a general habit of using the exact wrench and you have a general condition in which the problems inherent in using adjustable wrenches don’t exist. If your only option is an adjustable wrench, orient it such that the pressure is on the fixed jaw, then align the jaws flat on the turning surfaces and tighten the worm gear.
• Not all hammers are suitable for the same work. Look at the peen (striking surface) of the hammer. If it’s a ball (thus, a ball-peen hammer), don’t use it for driving nails or pins. Definitely don’t use a hammer with a socket extension instead of a punch; that can cause the extension to violently shatter. Make a habit of examining what needs to be hammered, and how, before grabbing just anything to do the hammering.