Nearly every home in the country has an electric drill but today the power tool experts, Tool-Net, suggested that very few users are aware of basic safety precautions that should always be taken when using their drill. Those who do not follow these precautions run the risk of having an accident that could hurt them or damage their drill.

Tool-Net highlighted the risk that loose clothing, jewellery or long untied back hair can pose. Any of these can easily be snagged in the drill as it rotates. Whilst these should be avoided safety goggles should be worn as these help prevent damage to your eyes caused by filings or shavings that are created by drilling. Whilst the heat of a drill bit can burn hands those who choose to wear gloves should make sure they are tight fitting.

The main area of risk when drilling is that caused by the drill slipping. Tool-Net outlined five simple steps that will greatly reduce this risk. First is to use a centre punch to start your drilling and to apply even pressure throughout. Second is to secure the material you are drilling in a vice. Third is to use a drill frame if you are drilling harder materials such as metal. Fourth is to make a pilot hole if you are drilling a screw into wood. The fifth rule is to always double check that the drill bit you have selected is sitting correctly and is held tightly by the chuck.

Both corded and cordless drills have specific rules that Tool-Net urged users to follows. A common way that corded drills are damaged is through careless treatment of the electrical cord which can be damaged if strained through being tripped over, used to pull a plug out of a socket or used to carry the drill itself. Cordless drills can easily be damaged if the incorrect charger is used to charge the drill or if it is charged in temperatures beyond those recommended by the manufacturer.

A Tool-Net spokesperson commented that “drills are an essential power tool and following these simple rules will help users avoid the risk of accident, injury or damage to their drill”.

Via EPR Network
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