Power drill safety tips from the pros
The primary hazard associated with power drills is reaction torque, which suddenly jerks the tool when a bit binds up or when a fastener is fully tightened.
To be sure you’re using your drill safely, follow these power drill safety tips from the pros to minimize your risk on the jobsite.
Manufacturers of power drills continue to improve safety with new introductions so be sure to get those safety improvements when upgrading your drills. Always look through the user’s manual of a new model for the manufacturer’s recommended power drill safety tips when using your drill.
Power drill safety tips
Using your drill safely is important to anyone involved in building and remodeling work but having the discipline to always follow power drill safety tips is a trait of the true professional.
You may use drills so often that you don’t even think about safe operation. But, it never hurts to be reminded. Take a quick look at these power drill safety tips from the pros before you pick up a cordless power drill again.
The primary hazard associated with power drills is reaction torque, which suddenly jerks the tool when a bit binds up or when a fastener is fully tightened.
When the bit is no longer free to turn, the drill itself spins in the opposite direction which can twist and injure your wrist or slam your hand into a nearby surface. This is especially dangerous with large right-angle drills using large diameter bits.
Be sure to use the side handle provided with your drill so you can hold it with both hands for a stronger grip. This also lets you hold the tool more steadily above the workpiece to reduce the chance of the bit binding.
Whenever possible, brace the tool against an adjacent stud or joist to prevent it from being able to twist using the side handle or the main grip handle.
Large right-angle drills used for roughing in plumbing and electrical service often have standard iron pipe threads in their handle mounts so a section of pipe can be fitted that is long enough to brace the tool in any situation.
−By Michael Springer
