10 Power Tool Safety Tips

December 23, 2011
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DIY Tools

DIY Leveling Tool

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For a MAKE article I’m working on.

For a MAKE article I’m working on.

10 Power Tool Safety Tips

Article by Samora Gunter

Power tools are indispensable for professionals and those who tackle DIY home improvement jobs. They are favored as they help users to save time and they also make the job easier. However, they need to be handled carefully otherwise they can lead to injury. Mishaps usually occur due to negligence, boredom, and overconfidence. By keeping the following 10 safety issues in mind, it is possible to work satisfactorily and safely with power tools.

1. Safety glasses: These prevent dust, debris, wood shavings, shards from fiberglass, etc from getting into the eyes. Safety glasses are one of the most basic pieces of safety equipment that must be used when working with power tools.

2. Protection for the ears: Power tools can generate a lot of noise, which may sound louder in the cloistered environment of a workshop; in order to minimize damage to the ears, it is advisable to wear earplugs.

3. Knowing the right tools for the job: It is important to know the right tools for the job in order to avoid injury to oneself and damage to the materials. To this end, it is advisable to thoroughly read the instruction manuals provided with the equipment and get familiar with the recommended safety precautions.

4. Correct method of using tools: Tools should not be carried by their cords; tools that are not in use should be disconnected; and while handling a tool connected to a power source, fingers should be kept away from the on/off switch.

5. The right clothes: Long hair should be tied and loose clothing should be avoided. Ideally, clothing that covers the entire body should be worn and heavy gloves should be used in order to avoid sharp implements and splinters from hurting the hands. Masks prevent inhalation of harmful minute particles of the material that is being worked upon. Steel-toed work boots and hard hats can also be worn.

6. Tool inspection: Power tools should not be employed in wet environments and should never be dipped in water; they should be checked periodically for exposed wiring, damaged plugs, and loose plug pins. Nicked cords can be taped but if a cut appears to be deep, a cord should be replaced. Tools that are damaged or those that sound and feel different when used should be checked and repaired.

7. Cleanliness in the work area: This should be maintained because accumulated dust particles in the air can ignite with a spark. Of course, flammable liquids should be kept covered and away from the place where power tools are being used. An uncluttered work area also makes it easy to maneuver the power tool; often distractions caused by a tangled cord can result in an accident.

8. Care with particular tools: Miter saws and table saws should be used with a quick-release clamp and a wood push-through, respectively. Extra care should be taken while using nail guns and power belt sanders.

9. Keep tools in place: Power tools should be returned to their cabinets after use to prevent them from being used by an unauthorized and incapable person.

10. Lighting: It is important to use proper lighting while working with power tools, particularly when working in the basement and garage where lighting may not be satisfactory.

Make a DIY Spray Paint Can
DIY Tools
to use up an almost-empty can of paint you can make a DIY spray paint can from a soda bottle, a bicycle inner tube, and the spray mechanism from a used spray paint can. You'll also need a few basic tools like a drill, hacksaw, and a bicycle pump.

DIY Tools question by : Want to renovate an old cottage, where can I learn some pointers?
Hi, thinking of buying an old country cottage made of stone and wood that needs wall and floor renovation. I’m not bad with the tools, but was wondering are there any DIY books or videos to help me save a few bucks instead of calling in carpenters and masons?
Thanks for all references.

DIY Tools best answer:

Answer by dustcloud
Try watching the old Bob Villa series on PBS.

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4 Responses to 10 Power Tool Safety Tips

  1. Steve on December 23, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    I find the DIY books in Lowe’s or Home Depot to be very helpful. Also try a local book store.

  2. Gary M. Cornelisse Sr. on December 23, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    You have picked a really hard project to start learning about carpentry and building. There is so much that you need to learn to even think about doing that rebuild it is nearly impossible to tell you where to start learning. I have been in building, remodeling etc; etc;. for 43 years and was probably doing it 5 to 8 years before I would have attempted that and I spent a lot of time reading anything I could find about building. You need a lot more than pointers. There is no simple quick way to learn how to do this.

  3. Vonstrada on December 23, 2011 at 7:28 pm

    Believe it or not youtube have many self help vid’s that will give you good tips and you could sign up for some volunteer project around your town/city which involve what you need to know. A couple of days labor could be worth a life time of knowledge

  4. s on December 23, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    Contact with AB General Contractors NY provides numerous construction services to make it a one-stop shop for all your construction needs. Some of the construction services we provide include AB General Contractors NY, Restoration Contractors NY, Renovation NY and Concrete Contractors NY
    AB General Contractors, New York City
    Tel:718)-288-2248, (212)-380-1311
    Fax:(718)-502-8521
    E-mail:abdesignbuild@gmail.com
    info@abcontractorsny.com
    marketing@abcontractorsny.com
    Address: 10 Waterside Plaza Suite 36B Manhattan NY, 10010

 

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