Over the last 20 years advances have made hand- and power-tools better and safer than ever before - but even top-of-the-line tools require care and common sense, says longtime host of PBS Television’s Hometime, Dean Johnson.
Johnson and his team were among the early pioneers in DIY TV, teaching homeowners since the mid ‘80s about tools and home renovation projects.
“The right tool makes it easier to do the job and you end up with a better result," Johnson says. "But no matter what kind of operation you do, when you start to use a tool that isn't meant to do something - that's when you start to get into trouble."
The Basics
Whether you’re using non-powered hand tools, corded tools, or battery–powered ones, proceed carefully and methodically, says Johnson. It’s good advice. A 2003 Consumer Product Safety Commission report cites between 360,000 and 418,000 people annually required emergency room treatment due to tool and workshop injuries between 1997 and 2002.
Johnson recommends equipping yourself with the right safety equipment, including:
- Safety glasses: Invest in good eye protection to reduce the risk of wood or metal chips injuring your eyes.
- Ear protection: Earmuffs and ear plugs can prevent or reduce injuries that can affect your hearing.
- Respirator: When working with materials that can leave potentially harmful debris in the air, use a respirator to keep out potentially harmful particles.
- Other Personal Protection Equipment: Work gloves and appropriate clothing can reduce injuries when working with construction material.
Johnson stresses not to take short cuts when working with tools, such as cutting a piece of wood on an unstable surface like a trash can while holding the other end with your foot. His other important tip: Stay organized with your tools and material throughout the process.
“I see many contractors come in and some are incredibly organized but some aren’t,” Johnson said. “Before long you’re just stepping on their tools and you’re walking over everything. Keeping things neat and putting things back in their cases will keep your workplace much safer.”
How to handle the most common tools
Tools require knowledge and common sense, say Johnson and other safety experts such as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, offer the following recommendations:
- Hammers: Choose a hammer that’s the right weight and comfortable for you. Make sure the hammer head is larger than the surface you’re striking, is securely attached to the tool, and the handle is not chipped or broken. Hit the hammer head squarely on the surface, not at an angle.
- Hand Saw: Select a saw that’s comfortable and you can firmly grasp. Look at the number of Teeth Per Inch (TPI), which can give you a fine cut or a course cut. Before cutting, check the material for nails or knots that could damage or buckle the saw. Cut at a 15-degree down angle on a stable surface.
- Screwdrivers: Match the screwdriver to the screw head in terms of size and shape. Shut off electricity if working in an area that may have live wires you could screw into. Make sure you have a good grip on the screwdriver.
- Wrenches: Use the right wrench for the right job such as a pipe wrench for plumbing and a general-use wrench for nuts and bolts. Ensure the wrench is in good shape, clean, and that it grasps the screw or material snugly. Turn the wrench in a slow, steady pull but position yourself to minimize injury in case the tool slips off.
Johnson adds that power tools require extra care as they’re more likely to cause serious injury if careless mistakes are made. He says get to know the tools you’re working with and their limitations, read the directions, know the correct way to clean and maintain them, and how to change out parts such as drill bits and blades.
What are some of the more popular power tools that have resulted in the most injuries? Table saws, chainsaws, nail guns, circular saws, and ladders, according to Popular Mechanics.
Many of DIY shows offer videos and advice online. Johnson recommends carefully planning out your project and learning how to use the tools first.
"I think there are so many good How-to shows, This Old House, Hometime, and HGTV are non-stop home improvement and a good way to get acclimated," Johnson said. "There are so many resources online, including many things on our site, to allow you to really research the process. You want to visualize yourself doing it from stem to stern."