While hand tools offer a host of benefits, their improper usage poses a high risk of injury. If mishandled, they can hurt not only the user but also those working around him. In addition, misuse can damage hand tools beyond repair, leaving them with no utility for the future. The resultant accidents would result in downtime, adversely affecting the task at hand.

To ensure security of life and equipment, it is very important to use hand tools correctly. Here are some safety tips:

Quality

The user's toolbox must be equipped with quality hand tools, designed to minimize effort and maximize safety.

Screws, nails and other hard objects would require high-quality cutting pliers. Also, cutting pliers offering higher leverage would not only make the job easier but also offer a stronger, safer grip. Good locking pliers offering a contoured area make for better grip, too. Well insulated tools also reduce chances of injury greatly.

Correct Usage

Every hand tool is designed to perform specific tasks. For instance, cutting pliers are designed to cut wires without much effort. Using one to drive a nail into a wall may not only bend the cutting plier out of shape but also keep the nail loose and unsecured. Grass Shears

Or, in another case, locking pliers are popular toolbox contents as they offer an exceptionally firm grip over an object. In fact, until the user applies pressure to release an object, locking pliers will maintain a vise-like grip on it. However, they would simply not work as screwdrivers.

Then again, certain jobs require hand tools to be insulated to be safe for use. Indifference towards this need may boomerang on the user badly.

Thus, using a hand tool to serve its intended purpose will ensure optimum performance with no damage.

Good Maintenance

Tools must be inspected frequently to be able to serve the user well.

If insulated hand tools are kept dry and clean, their safety is a given. This applies in the case of well lubricated cutting pliers, too. While cutting, if these pliers are used at the right angle, their knives will remain sharp and damage-free. Also, in the case of locking pliers, properly adjusting their center screw will make them highly effective in loosening hard bolts.

Safety Norms

An alarming fact is that most accidents while on the job occur because safety procedures have been ignored. For instance, if appropriate gear is not worn to protect the eyes while working on metal or glass, shards can fly into them and cause serious, even lifelong, injury. Keeping oneself updated about the latest in workplace safety norms is a must for any hand tool user.

While purchasing hand tools, the user must always remember that superior quality and adherence to safety norms translates into an investment made towards better, injury-free performance.

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