Hand Tool Safety

Hand tools are something that you grab and use but don�t really think about. Hand tools, such as hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, chisels, and files are used daily.

Taking a second to inspect these tools and to maintain them can save you aggravation and injury. Always use non-sparking tools in an elevator or other hazardous locations.

Hammers

Everyone is familiar with the cartoon character who hits his thumb instead of the nail. Some of us may even have firsthand experience with this! Hammers are responsible for the majority of hand tool injuries, according to Hardware Age magazine.

Wear safety glasses or goggles when using a hammer, and be sure to check the condition of the handle. Replace split handles and be sure to securely wedge the head to the handle.

Using the wrong type of hammer for the job is another common mistake. Nail hammers with a claw live up to their name: they are for striking unhardened nails and nail sets. Using a nail hammer to strike a chisel may result in the hammer face chipping.

Ballpeen hammers are designed for striking chisels and punches. The hammer face should be 3/8-inch larger that the struck face of the chisel or punch. Never use the side or �cheek� of the hammer to drive or strike anything.

Sledge hammers (also called engineers� hammers) are used to sledge wood or metal. These are used for driving timbers, striking spikes, cold chisels, and hardened nails. Never use them to hit another hammer, sledge, or maul...or an engineer.

Hammers need to be replaced when the face shows dents, chips, or mushrooming. The handle can be replaced if it is the only worn part of the hammer.

Screwdrivers The screwdriver is another tool that is often misused. Never use a screwdriver as a pry bar, chisel, or punch. Make sure the handle is in good condition and that the blade is sharp, not worn or rounded. Never use a screwdriver to test if a wire is hot!

Occasionally, you may need extra help turning a screwdriver. If so, you can use a wrench on screwdrivers with a square shank. This shank is designed to accept a wrench, but never a pliers.

Wrenches Wrenches also come in several different types. Pulling on a wrench is preferred to pushing on it, since you can more easily adjust your stance to prevent a fall if the nut lets go unexpectedly. Never use a cheater on a wrench.

Order the right wrench with a longer handle for leverage or use penetrating oil to loosen the nut.

There are striking face wrenches made to be struck, but unless you are using one, resist the temptation to hammer on a wrench.

Be sure that the wrench you use fits the nut tightly. Making do with an almost-fitting wrench will deform the nut, making it harder to remove.

If at all possible, use a box or socket wrench, which provides the most secure fit. Open-ended wrenches are used for a wide variety of jobs. However, the final tightening of a nut should be done with a box wrench because of its superior strength.

Adjustable wrenches are also used on a variety of machines and have saved many return trips to the shop to get the correct size wrench.

All wrenches should be replaced when the jaws spread or become nicked or battered. Don�t try to repair them.

Chisels

Chisels need to be kept sharp. It will take fewer blows on a sharp chisel to get any job done. However, a sharp chisel requires careful handling so you don�t cut yourself.

Chisels also will eventually mushroom on the struck face. The pieces of the mushroom can fly off and injure anyone in the area.

Replace a chisel when it is bent, shows mushrooming, dents, cracks, chips, or other excessive wear. Chisels are to be used to cut or sheer away material that is softer than the material of the chisel.

Files

Files should be fitted with handles. When using a file with a lathe, work left-handed to avoid the chuck and make sure your clothing will not become entangled in the lathe.

Files are made of extremely hard and brittle steel and are likely to chip if struck with another metal object. Files should not be used as prybars, awls, or punches.

Storage and Handling

No matter how much the tools cost, they will soon be junk if they aren�t stored correctly. Putting tools into a box or hanging them from a rack can extend the life of a tool and keep it sharp.

Tools need to be carried to a work site in a belt, pouch, or bag so you have both hands free. You may have to place tools in a bucket and lift them to the work site.

Always inventory your tools before leaving. Don�t leave a hammer or file lying on a ledge or conveyor cover to drop off at some future time.

Pick up the old bolts, nuts, nails, packing material, and other debris and take it to the garbage. Don�t leave trip hazards behind you.

Inspect your tools periodically for wear and damage. You are more likely to replace a handle or dress a screwdriver when you are not under the gun to get something finished.

Written by Lynn Larsen is president of Safety Solutions Inc., a safety and equipment consulting firm in Christine, ND; 701-469-2315.