Hand Tools Safety

Hammers:

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Safety tips to know when using a hammer:

Hammers and other striking tools are widely used and often abused. Hammers are made for specific purposes in various types and sizes, and with striking surfaces of varying hardness. For example, hammers are used for general carpentry, framing, nail pulling, cabinet making, assembling furniture, upholstering, finishing, riveting, bending or shaping metal, striking masonry drill and steel chisels, and so on. Hammers are designed according to the intended purpose.

• Select a hammer that is comfortable for you and that is the proper size and weight for the job. Misuse can cause the striking face to chip, possibly causing a serious injury.

• Choose a hammer with a striking face diameter approximately 12 mm (0.5 inch) larger than the face of the tool being struck (e.g., chisels, punches, wedges, etc.).

• Ensure that the head of the hammer is firmly attached to the handle.

• Replace loose, cracked or splintered handles.

• Discard any hammer with mushroomed or chipped face or with cracks in the claw or eye sections.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).

• Strike a hammer blow squarely with the striking face parallel to the surface being struck. Always avoid glancing blows and over and under strikes. (Hammers with bevelled faces are less likely to chip or spall.)

• Look behind and above you before swinging the hammer.

• Watch the object you are hitting.

• Hold the hammer with your wrist straight and your hand firmly wrapped around the handle

Hand Saw:

Saws are made in various shapes and sizes and for many uses. Use the correct saw for the job.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).

• Select a saw of proper shape and size for stock being used.

• Select a saw with the number of teeth per inch (TPI) in order to get the desired finish. For example: a coarse tooth blade (e.g., 2 or 3 TPI) should be used for thicker stock. 18 to 32 TPI should be used on thinner metals or plastic (0.5 cm or 1/4 inch). General wood cutting typically requires about 4 TPI.

• Choose a saw handle that keeps wrist in a natural position in the horizontal plane.

• Choose saw with a handle opening of at least 12 cm (5 in.) long and 6 cm (2.5 in.) wide and slanted at a 15° angle.

• Check the stock being cut for nails, knots, and other objects that may damage or buckle saw.

• Start the cut by placing your hand beside the cut mark with your thumb upright and pressing against blade. Start cut carefully and slowly to prevent blade from jumping. Pull upward until blade bites. Start with partial cut, then set saw at proper angle.

• Apply pressure on downstroke only.

• Hold stock being cut firmly in place.

• Use a helper, a supporting bench or vise to support long stock if required.

• Keep teeth and blades properly set.

• Protect teeth of saw when not in use.

• Keep saw blades clean.

Using a hacksaw:

For more Non-Sparking Chisel Toolsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

• Select correct blade for material being cut.

• Secure blade with the teeth pointing forward. Tighten the nut until the blade is under tension.

• Keep blade rigid, and frame properly aligned.

• Cut using steady strokes, directed away from you.

• Use entire length of blade in each cutting stroke.

• Use light machine oil on the blade to keep it from overheating and breaking.

• Cut harder materials more slowly than soft materials.

• Clamp thin, flat pieces requiring edge cutting.

• Keep saw blades clean and lightly oiled.

• Do not apply too much pressure on the blade as the blade may break.

• Do not twist when applying pressure.

• Do not use when the blade becomes loose in the frame.

&#;Non-sparking&#;, &#;spark reduced&#;, &#;spark-resistant&#; or &#;spark-proof&#; tools are names given to tools made of metals such as brass, bronze, Monel metal (copper-nickel alloy), copper-aluminum alloys (aluminum bronze), or copper-beryllium alloys (beryllium bronze).

Commonly used hand tools are often manufactured of steel alloys. Preferred &#;non-sparking&#; metals have less tensile strength than steels usually used to make tools. A lower tensile strength means the metal has less strength or resistance to tearing apart when stretched under test conditions. It also means that these tools are softer, wear down more quickly than ordinary steel tools, and have to be dressed more frequently.

Non-sparking tools also generate sparks sometimes referred to as &#;cold sparks&#;. These cold sparks have a low heat level and do not ignite carbon disulfide, which has the lowest ignition point of any substance known to man. Therefore while &#;non-sparking&#; tools may lower the risk of a spark, they do not eliminate the possibility of sparks. The name &#;non-sparking&#; is misleading because these tools are capable of producing a spark: the term &#;reduced-sparking tools&#; better describes these tools.

Non-metals like wood, leather, and plastic are suitable for some tools like shovels, scrapers or scoops and do not pose a friction spark hazard.

Non-sparking tools provide protection against fires and explosions in environments where there is a concern about sparks igniting flammable solvents, vapors, liquids, dusts or residues. There are many standards and recommendations that have been published by OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) that advise the use of non-sparking tools in hazardous environments.

NOTE: It is important to assess each situation carefully & use the appropriate tools for the hazards that are present. In some cases, &#;non-sparking&#; tools may still be able to produce a spark. Contact the tool manufacturer, and the producer of the flammable material (for example) for recommendations and more information.

Both &#;sparking&#; and &#;non-sparking&#; materials can cause ignition. Two types of hazards are associated with tools manufactured of either material:

1. Ignition by friction, with impact on each other or on other materials such as steel or concrete, in which an &#;ordinary&#; (mechanical or frictional) spark is generated. All tools can ignite flammable mixtures by sparks generated by friction or impact. However, this is true only when the generated spark is incendive: that means a spark that has to have enough heat content (i.e., enough mass and sufficiently high temperature) and has to last long enough to heat a flammable air-vapour mixture above its ignition temperature. This is more likely in the case of sparks formed when using a metal grinder that a spark generated when a hammer strikes some metal.
2. Ignition by a chemically-generated spark, caused by impact between certain metals and some oxygen-containing substances (such as rust, which is iron oxide).

Follow the guidelines below to reduce the risk of explosion and fire.

• Make sure all &#;non-sparking&#; tools are kept clean and free from ferrous or other contaminants, which may hamper the non-sparking properties.

• Do not use non-sparking hand tools in direct contact with acetylene, which may form explosive acetylides, especially in the presence of moisture.

• Use local or mechanical ventilation systems as appropriate to remove hazardous materials, dusts and vapors from the workplace.

• Follow normal safety procedures when sharpening non-sparking tools such as the provision of eye and face protection, adequate extraction and dust collection facilities.

Oh well, it's too late now cause I just bought this set.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=

While I have your attention, I am trying to put togather a nice mechanics tool set "just in case".

I've picked up a good bit of like new snap-on sockets and ratchets on EBAY over the last 6 months, most for about 1/2 or less of what they would cost new. Here's the snap-on stuff I've got so far. Basically every snap-on 6-pt socket shallow and deep socket available in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive, standard and metric. I don't have all the extensions and swivels listed here but I have a good assortment of those too.

(1) Set of Snap-on fold out allen wrenches, inches
(1) Set of Snap-on fold out allen wrenches, mm
(1) Snap-on Spark Plug Gapping Tool
(1) Snap-on 8 pc Screwdriver Set (older style orange hard handles)
(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive T936 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive T72 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive TL72 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive QD1R200 Torque Wrench, 40-200 in. lb
(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive 13pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, inches
(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive 12pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, inches
(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive 12pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, mm
(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive 11pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, mm
(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive F936 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive F80 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive FL80 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive FLF80 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 3/8&#; Drive QD2FR75 Torque Wrench, 5-75 ft. lb
(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive 14pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, inches
(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive 14pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, inches
(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive 21pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, mm
(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive 16pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, mm
(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive S936 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive S80 Ratchet
(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 24&#; Breaker Bar
(1) Snap on 1/2" Drive QD3R250 Torque Wrench, 50-250 ft. lb
(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 19pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, inches
(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 19pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, inches
(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 25pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, mm
(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 22pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, mm
(1) Snap-on 24pc Combo Wrench Set, standard length, 12-pt, inches
(1) Snap-on 23pc Combo Wrench Set, standard length, 12-pt, mm
(1) Snap-on 10pc Flare Wrench Set, inches
(1) Snap-on 12pc Flare Wrench Set, mm
(1) Snap-on 12pc Socket Set, External Torx, shallow
(1) Snap-on Socket Driver Set, Torx
(1) Snap-on Socket Driver Set, Hex, inches

For pliers I bought a nice set of new Knipex pliers.

(1) Knipex 4 pc Cobra Plier set 7", 10", 12" & 16&#;
(1) Knipex 3 pc Plier Wrench Set 7&#;, 10&#; & 12&#;
(1) Knipex 9&#; Lineman&#;s Pliers
(1) Knipex 8&#; Long Nose Pliers
(1) Knipex 6&#; Diagonal Cutters
(1) Knipex 6-1/4&#; Electricians Pliers
(1) Knipex Mini Bolt Cutter
(1) Knipex 4 pc Circlip Retaining Ring Pliers Set

Other stuff I've picked up...

(1) Nicholson 8 pc Machinist File Set
(1) Mayhew 150 Line&#; 14 Pc Punch & Chisel Set p/n
(1) Plumb 16 oz Ball Peen Hammer w/synthetic handle
(1) Plumb 32 oz Ball Peen Hammer w/synthetic handle

Only interested in hand powered tools (no air wrenches, etc).

Not really happy with the Plumb ball peen hammers. Thinking about getting an Estwing 16, 24, and 32oz. Good choice?

I plan on picking up an Snap-on TF72, SL80 and SLF80 ratchet to complete my ratchet sets.

Also trying to decide on what kind of tool box to get. Leaning towards an Extreme.

For some reason, I about had a breakdown trying to decide what punches & chisels to buy. I liked the Starrett center punches and punch sets but Starrett dosen't make chisels. I considered getting the Starrett center punch & punch sets on Amazon and just getting the Mayhew 5pc chisel set on Amazon but the Mayhew 150 series is made of S-2 steel which I'm thinking would be better than the 5 piece set on Amazon???Oh well, it's too late now cause I just bought this set.While I have your attention, I am trying to put togather a nice mechanics tool set "just in case".I've picked up a good bit of like new snap-on sockets and ratchets on EBAY over the last 6 months, most for about 1/2 or less of what they would cost new. Here's the snap-on stuff I've got so far. Basically every snap-on 6-pt socket shallow and deep socket available in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive, standard and metric. I don't have all the extensions and swivels listed here but I have a good assortment of those too.(1) Set of Snap-on fold out allen wrenches, inches(1) Set of Snap-on fold out allen wrenches, mm(1) Snap-on Spark Plug Gapping Tool(1) Snap-on 8 pc Screwdriver Set (older style orange hard handles)(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive T936 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive T72 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive TL72 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive QD1R200 Torque Wrench, 40-200 in. lb(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive 13pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, inches(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive 12pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, inches(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive 12pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, mm(1) Snap-on 1/4" Drive 11pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, mm(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive F936 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive F80 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive FL80 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive FLF80 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 3/8&#; Drive QD2FR75 Torque Wrench, 5-75 ft. lb(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive 14pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, inches(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive 14pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, inches(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive 21pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, mm(1) Snap-on 3/8" Drive 16pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, mm(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive S936 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive S80 Ratchet(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 24&#; Breaker Bar(1) Snap on 1/2" Drive QD3R250 Torque Wrench, 50-250 ft. lb(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 19pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, inches(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 19pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, inches(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 25pc Socket Set, 6-pt, shallow, mm(1) Snap-on 1/2" Drive 22pc Socket Set, 6-pt, deep, mm(1) Snap-on 24pc Combo Wrench Set, standard length, 12-pt, inches(1) Snap-on 23pc Combo Wrench Set, standard length, 12-pt, mm(1) Snap-on 10pc Flare Wrench Set, inches(1) Snap-on 12pc Flare Wrench Set, mm(1) Snap-on 12pc Socket Set, External Torx, shallow(1) Snap-on Socket Driver Set, Torx(1) Snap-on Socket Driver Set, Hex, inchesFor pliers I bought a nice set of new Knipex pliers.(1) Knipex 4 pc Cobra Plier set 7", 10", 12" & 16&#;(1) Knipex 3 pc Plier Wrench Set 7&#;, 10&#; & 12&#;(1) Knipex 9&#; Lineman&#;s Pliers(1) Knipex 8&#; Long Nose Pliers(1) Knipex 6&#; Diagonal Cutters(1) Knipex 6-1/4&#; Electricians Pliers(1) Knipex Mini Bolt Cutter(1) Knipex 4 pc Circlip Retaining Ring Pliers SetOther stuff I've picked up...(1) Nicholson 8 pc Machinist File Set(1) Mayhew 150 Line&#; 14 Pc Punch & Chisel Set p/n (1) Plumb 16 oz Ball Peen Hammer w/synthetic handle(1) Plumb 32 oz Ball Peen Hammer w/synthetic handleOnly interested in hand powered tools (no air wrenches, etc).Not really happy with the Plumb ball peen hammers. Thinking about getting an Estwing 16, 24, and 32oz. Good choice?I plan on picking up an Snap-on TF72, SL80 and SLF80 ratchet to complete my ratchet sets.Also trying to decide on what kind of tool box to get. Leaning towards an Extreme.

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