Summer (assuming the rain ever goes away) is a prime time for do-it-yourself projects, handyman repairs and other tasks involving hand tools. These tools can help you do remarkable things, but they also can cause problems.
The Hand Tool Institute, a trade association of tool manufacturers, notes that the misuse of hand tools contributes to more than a quarter of a million hand-tool related injuries each year that are serious enough to require emergency hospital treatment.Many of the problems arise in using tools for tasks that they were not meant for. Make sure the tools you are using are the correct ones for the job. It seems like a simple rule, but it's one that can have devastating results if broken, ranging from damaging costly work materials to serious personal injury, says the institute.
Considering that there are at least 10 different types of wrenches, more than 100 types of pliers, 12 types of screwdrivers and more than 200 types of hammers, choosing the correct tool can be somewhat daunting.
So before you pick up any tools for your summer projects, here are some tool tips to consider:
SCREWDRIVER ABUSE: One of the most commonly misused tools is the lowly screwdriver. If you have ever used a screwdriver to pry, scrape, punch holes, stir or anything other than driving a screw, you are guilty of misuse.
To use a screwdriver correctly, select the proper size for the screw - choose the largest tip that will fully seat in the screw slot. Don't hold the work in one hand while using the screwdriver with the other. If the screwdriver slips, you can injure your hand. Don't use a screwdriver with damaged rounded edges or tips; it may slip and damage the work or yourself.
Don't use a screwdriver near a live wire, for electrical testing or to check a storage battery. Don't use it for prying, punching, chiseling, scoring or scraping.
Use an offset screwdriver in close quarters where a conventional screwdriver can't be used. Use a ratchet-type screwdriver for speed and comfort when many screws are to be driven. Don't use pliers on a screwdriver to get extra turning power. A wrench should only be used on the square shank or bolster of a screwdriver that is especially designed for that purpose. Don't expose a screwdriver blade to excessive heat; it may reduce the hardness of the blade.
HAMMERING IT OUT: Did you know that most people grip a hammer wrong? The advice from the experts: Don't hold the hammer too tightly. Instead grasp it firmly - as if you were to shake someone's hand.
Some other striking facts about hammers:
- Quality hammers provide two handle positions. Experts recommend you grip the bell end of the handle for heavy hitting and that slight flare at mid-handle for lighter blows. The curved handle provides a firm grip at either position.
- Quality hammers never die; they improve with age. A hammer with forged steel head and a precisely heat-tempered face can get better with proper use, since pounding keeps the temper in the striking face. If the wood handle wears out, you can replace it with a new one.
- A hammer with a top-quality hickory handle is kindest to your arm as far as tiring handle vibration is concerned. Fiberglass is next and solid steel last - something to consider for long, involved jobs.
- A hammer's claw makes a difference. The deeply curved radius of the claw on a common nail hammer is designed for maximum nail-pulling leverage and for picking up and cradling 2-by-4 lumber. The ripping hammer sports a shallower curved claw for getting under and between lumber pieces.
- Hammer weight should match the job. The 16-ounce common claw hammer is used for most around-the-home jobs. But hammers come as light as 10 ounces and as hefty as 32 ounces.
- The top 10 hammers, most popular for use for do-it-yourselfers and professionals, in order of their potential use around the house are: common nail hammer with curved claw (for general carpentry; to be used only with non-hardened common or finishing nails); rip hammer with straight claw (for heavier carpentry, framing and ripping); finishing hammer (ideal for cabinetmaking, finishing and other fine carpentry; also popular with women for light hammer chores); ball peen hammer (for riveting, center punching and working soft metal); hand drilling hammer (for striking masonry nails and other struck tools); magnetic tack hammer (for furniture upholstering and other projects); brick hammer (for masonry work); soft-face hammer (for assembling furniture and wood projects, setting dowels and other tasks needing non-marring blows); drywall hammer (for all drywall work); prybar (not technically a hammer, but good for prying molding, pulling nails, scraping paint, opening cartons, removing heavy staples and other tasks you might be tempted to use a hammer for).
- The No. 1 safety rule for hammers: On any hammering job, wear safety goggles.
TOOLBOX TRIVIA: A tool box can be a tremendous asset to the do-it-yourselfer. But, reminds the Hand Tools Institute, safety is important - even with tool boxes. As you get out your summer tools, take some time to check the state of your tool box.
First of all, says HTI, a tool box is meant to hold tools, not to be stood upon or used as an anvil or saw horse. Strong, heavy-duty tool boxes are made out of steel and can be classified into three types: hand boxes, chests and cabinets. Cabinets, mounted on casters, are usually owned by professionals and more serious do-it-yourselfers. Smaller tool boxes are designed to be hand- carried.
The portable type of tool box may have up to five drawers, a lift-out tray and possibly a cantilevered tray that automatically opens out when the cover is lifted. All seams should be welded and smooth, with no protruding edges to catch clothing or hands.
In addition to the handle on top of the tool box cover, look for handles at each end for those boxes designed to hold an extra heavy load of tools. A good tool box will have a catch or hasp at each end and should be able to be locked with either a padlock or its own built-in lock.
Tool chests are usually heavier and stronger and have a much greater capacity than tool boxes. The drawers - as many as 10 or more - on the better models can be secured with their own built-in locks. Some have a tote tray that can be removed for carrying only those tools needed for a particular job.
In caring for your tool box, keep these additional points in mind:
- Lightly oil all moving parts, such as drawers, trays and hinges at regular intervals.
- Use graphite, not oil, on locks and padlocks.
- Touch up all rusted spots, paying particular attention to the bottom of the tool box.
- Line the bottom of drawers or trays with felt or scrap carpeting to protect the tools. This applies especially to drawers holding tools with sharp or cutting edges.
- Check the handle; is it firmly attached to the tool box?
- Sand or file down any sharp edges that may damage clothes or fingers. Sharp edges or corners usually are caused by dropping the tool box to the floor, instead of placing it down.
- Wipe away all grease and moisture from tools before storing them in the tool box or chest.
- Finally, so it doesn't turn into a Pandora's Box, always replace your tools in the same tray or drawer they were removed from. This system will save time when looking for a particular tool.
SAFETY FIRST: Other tips on correct use of tools:
- Plastic-covered handles on tools are for comfort only; not protection from electrical current unless otherwise specified.
- When working with a wrench; always pull it. Never push the wrench.
- Never use an ax to strike a wood-splitting wedge. Use a woodchopper's maul or sledge.
- Never use any struck tool - chisel, punch, wedge - that is chipped or mushroomed. Discard it.
- Never use an extension bar such as a length of pipe to increase leverage on a wrench or other tool.
- Remember that one tool is not enough. There are many types of wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, etc., each suitable for a specific job. Your selection should include an assortment of each - plus a pair of safety goggles.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tool quiz
Answer true or false
1. Wire cutting pliers with plastic covered handles may be used to cut low voltage live electrical wires.
2. Nail hammers may be used to strike small chisels and punches.
3. When wood splitting, the flat striking face of an axe may be used to strike a wood splitting wedge.
4. Vises should always be secured to the workbench with screws.
5. All hand sockets with bright chrome finish can be used on impact and other power tools for occasional small jobs.
6. Safety goggles whould always be worn when using hand tools.
7. Using pipe extension "chater bars" on wrench handles is permissible to gain estra turning power.
8. Large size C-clamps may be used for hoisting or supporting a scaffold.
9. Aviation type cutting snips may be sharpened to increase cutting ability.
10. Carpenter nail hammers can be used to strike masonry nails.
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ANSWERS: (1) False (2) False (3) False (4) False (5) False (6) True (7) False (8) False (9) False (10) False