Drills are pretty common tools, both in construction and in the home. Still, that doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous if you aren’t careful. Power drill safety is important for making sure you use these tools properly. After all, just a little bit of awareness goes a long way for preventing injuries…
Power Drill Safety: What To Know
Watch what you wear
Proper clothing is important for using a lot of tools safely. Of course, it’s especially important for power drill safety. Loose clothing, dangling accessories and long hair can all get caught on a drill. Not only can the spinning drill catch these items, it’ll also tangle them, making it very difficult to get unstuck.
That’s why it’s better to wear more form-fitting clothes when using a drill. It also helps to forgo any accessories and keep your hair back if needed. It’s also not a bad idea to wear safety equipment like goggles or breathing masks as well. Gloves are also handy, but again, only if they are not loose on you.
Secure your material
Another important aspect of power drill safety is making sure your materials are secured. Sometimes, the wood or metal you’re using can shift around while drilling. This can lead to you damaging you materials, and not being able to drill it properly. To avoid this, you’ll want to make sure you secure these materials in place.
For example, using clamps or vices can help keep your materials stable. You can also drill pilot holes as well. That way, you’ll lower the risk of having uneven screws. Pilot holes also make it easier to use the drill, as you’ll have to use less pressure to get the same result.
Apply proper pressure
Good power drill safety means know how your drill works. This is especially important in terms of how much pressure you need to apply. Applying too little pressure can result in your screws not being straight. Too much pressure can cause damage to the material, the screw, or even the drill itself.
That’s why it’s important to find the right balance. Each drill can be different with how much pressure it needs. It’s always a good idea to practice a bit first to test it out. That way, when you’re doing the job you need to do, you won’t run the risk of possibly causing additional damage.