Proper Use of Hand Tools

Wrenches Never use a pipe extension or “cheaters” Select the right opening for the nut Always pull the wrench handle when turning The safest wrench is a box or socket type To free a “frozen” nut or bolt, use a striking-face box wrench or a heavy-duty box or socket wrench.

Wrenches Never cock an open-end wrench Adjustable wrenches should be tightly adjusted and the force should be on the fixed jaw Avoid over torquing Never expose any wrench to excess heat Wrenches should not be ground to change its shape

Wrenches Periodically inspect wrench for wear Ordinary plastic dipped handles are not designed to insulate against electrical shock

Pliers Pliers should not be used for cutting hardened wire Never expose pliers to excessive heat Always cut at right angles Don’t bend stiff wire with light pliers Never use pliers as a hammer Never extend the length of its handles

Pliers Pliers should not be used on nuts or bolts Oil pliers occasionally Safety glasses or goggles should be worn when cutting wire The cushion grips on handles are not designed to prevent electrical shock

Striking Tools A hammer blow should always be struck squarely with the hammer striking face parallel with the surface being struck When striking another tool, the striking face of the hammer should be 3/8” larger than the struck face of the tool Always use a hammer of suitable size for the job

Striking Tools Never use one hammer to strike another hammer or a hatchet Never use a striking or struck tool with a loose or damaged handle Discard any striking or struck tool if the tool shows dents, cracks, chips, mushrooming or excessive wear Never regrind, weld or reheat-treat a hammer

Screwdrivers Make sure that the tip fits the slot of the screw, make sure: –It is not too loose –It is not too tight Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel or punch Do not use a screwdriver near live wires Do not expose a screwdriver to excessive heat

Screwdrivers Redress a worn tip with a file in order to regain a good straight edge Discard a screwdriver that has a worn or broken handle A screwdriver should not be used as a pry bar Don’t hold the work in one hand while using the screwdriver in the other hand

Screwdrivers Use a screw-holding screwdriver to get screws started in awkward or hard-to-reach areas Use a ratchet-type screwdriver for speed and comfort when working with many screws Do not use pliers on the handle of a screwdriver to get extra turning power

Screwdrivers Do not use a screwdriver to stir paint When possible store screwdrivers in a rack for ease of locating Keep screwdriver handles clean

Vises Use bolts in all holes in the base of the vise Use lock washers under the nuts Do not use the jaws of the vise as an anvil When work is held in the vise for sawing, saw as close to the vise as possible When clamping long items support opposite end Wear safety glasses or goggles when hammering on a vise

Vises Replace bent handles Replace worn jaw inserts Lightly oil all moving parts Use jaw liners when working with items that could be damaged by the jaws Discard any vise that exhibits the slightest hairline fractures Never pound on the handle to tighten

Snips Wear safety goggles when using snips Be careful of the sharp edges on cutting edges of these tools Wear gloves when working with snips Never cut sheet metal that is thicker than inches Use snips for cutting soft metals

Snips Use the right size and type for the job Avoid springing the blades Use only hand pressure for cutting Oil the pivot bolt on the snips occasionally Keep the nut and bolt properly adjusted at all times Do not sharpen without the proper equipment

Snips Do not use “cheater bars” on the handles of snips Do not use snips as a hammer Snips should be carefully put away after use. Wipe the cutting edge with a lightly oiled rag

The End