subject: Safety Tips For Hand Tools [print this page] Some people say that learning how to use hand tools is an old fashioned art that should be respected and appreciated. While this may be true to some, other people simply decide that power tools just won't offer the same experience of hard labor and a job well done. Regardless of your level of appreciation for hand tools, you need to understand how to use them safely.
Regardless of the hand tool types that you use, you need to inspect them before you clamp, pound, screw, twist, or otherwise use those tools. Cracks, damage and other problems could create a safety hazard for you and anyone in the general workshop area. Throw away any tool that is not in good shape, has parts loose, or is incomplete.
You and anyone else around you should wear the appropriate safety gear such as eye goggles and hard hats or gloves. This can minimize the injuries that can result from accidents.
Avoid using the wrong tools. You must make sure that you use the proper hand tool types every time, because you will increase the chance of accidents and injuries if you don't use the right tools. It is important to make sure that the tool you are going to use is at least similar to the one you need to use. If you don't have the right tool, postpone the task until you get something appropriate.
Put your tools away when you are done. Not only should you make sure that there are no tools left in positions that can injure you, but you should make sure that you do leave them in places where kids can get their hands on them.
Make safety your number one priority when using hand tools.
