Tool Safety Tips

Have you ever used a pair of pliers to unscrew, or tighten a chrome-plated pipe, a screwdriver for prying or a wrench as a hammer?

Although hand and power tools come with plenty of warnings and safe use suggestions -- many of us are guilty of using the wrong tool or of using our tools improperly, and the result is usually damaged material, a broken tool or an injury. The Hand Tools Institute, an association of U.S. and Canadian hand-tool manufacturers founded in 1935, has drafted a list of "tool rules," that are valuable advice for everyone from the home handyman to the professional carpenter.

• Make certain, that the tools used are the correct ones to do the job. For example, there are at least 10 different types of wrenches, more than 125 types of pliers, 12 types of screwdrivers and 15 different hammers. Each one is designed for specific tasks.
• Wear safety goggles or other appropriate protective eyewear. There's no way to predict, when they will save sight, so get in a habit of using them, when undertaking any project.
• Most plastic-covered handles on pliers and screwdriver are for comfort only, not protection from electrical current.
• Claw hammers are for driving and removing finishing and common, unhardened nails. Don't strike other steel tools, such as chisels, punches, star drills or masonry nails with a claw hammer. Use a ball-peen hammer or hand-drilling hammer instead.
• When working with a wrench, always pull the wrench, never push it.
• Hand sockets, identified by their bright metallic finish, should never be used on power or impact wrenches. Instead use sockets with a black finish, that are made to withstand the torque and stress generated by a power or impact wrench.
• Never use an ax to strike a wood-splitting wedge; instead use a woodchopper's maul or sledge hammer. Never use the ax as a splitting wedge.
• Discard any chisel or punch, that is chipped or mushroomed.
• Don't use a screwdriver for prying, punching, chiseling, scoring or scraping. Screwdrivers should only be used to drive and remove screws.
• Never use an extension or "cheater" bar, such as a length of pipe, to increase leverage on a wrench. This could result in the wrench breaking and has resulted in serious injury.