An impact driver is a great tool. It provides more torque than available out of a standard hand driver or wrench and has a high rotating force. Versions of this tool can either be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic and each one has their own perks and cons. There are even models which are cordless, those these tend to be a bit more expensive. If you have an impact driver, you’ll want to use it safely. Below are some standard safety tips to keep in mind when you’re using an impact driver. If you follow them, you can expect to be operating your impact driver safely.
1. Preparation: This goes for any power tool. You should be prepared beforehand to avoid any mishaps while operating. Tied your hair up if you have longer locks, remove any sort of clutter in the area and make sure the floor is dry. Secondly, make sure to have your jacket and safety goggles ready to go. If something flies off and heads your direction, you want to make sure your eyes are protected. An impact driver uses a lot of force so if something does break off, it won’t go gently.
2. The Correct Accessories: Any kind of tool that uses a socket likely has the ability to attach a different one. For your drill bits and attachments, make sure they’re correctly fitting. If they’re not, disaster can result. Tools are designed to be compatible with certain accessories – using the wrong one can damage the tool, the attached accessory and even you. These things aren’t cheap either, so ruining your impact driver can lead to money you wouldn’t have to normally spend (which can get particularly expensive). Make sure everything is compatible before testing out a new part or accessory.
3. Use The Driver Correctly: You’d be amazed at how many people use something that isn’t designed to be operated a certain way. Think of trying to use a microwave to dry clothes (yeah, that kind of operation). Use your impact driver as directed to avoid any injuries. Not using your impact driver correctly opens a whole can of worms, including damaging your tools and possibly yourself as well. The expenses of such a disaster can break your bank easily, especially if it’s a severe injury or destruction of your wok area. Don’t be that person who didn’t pay attention to the directions.
4. Your Work Area: Hazards can present themselves anywhere, but you need to make sure you’re aware of the area you’re working in. This area can contain a lot of obstacles and things that get in the way, so having open eyes and a tally of where things are can make your job a lot safer. Things like gas lines and electrical machinery can play a big role in how safe you are in your work area, so don’t ignore them. If you can, get a list and note everything you (especially when it changes).
5. Safety Check: This is another one that often goes unnoticed, but you should check your machinery for any faulty pieces or equipment before starting use of an impact driver. This means directly checking it for loose cords, missing screws or odds sounds like something has broken off. You don’t want to turn on your impact driver or wrench find it ripping itself into pieces. Maintain your driver, too. All machines need standard maintenance and examination and this goes for power tools (especially power tools!). Make sure to properly clean if need be (sometimes, oil and other debris can gunk up on bits or the motor).
6. Safe Place Of Storage: Putting your driver in a safe place can avoid any serious injuries or costly catastrophes. You don’t want dangerous utilities out in the open, especially if you do have children or animals that can get seriously hurt. Make sure to have it in a safe place only you have access to. If need be, you can even lock it up.