Start with the right attitude
Power tools save time and effort, and they are also a common cause of workshop injuries. Most of those injuries come from a small number of situations: a hand near a moving blade or bit, loose clothing or hair, work that slips, a kickback, or distraction. The habits below are general, so the manual for each tool and the instructions for each material always take priority. If you have never used a particular tool, consider learning from an experienced person or a class first, and have a qualified professional do electrical, gas or structural work instead of attempting it with power tools.
Being cautious early is a strength. Slower and more deliberate use of a tool usually produces better results too.
Before you switch on
- Read the manual. It lists the tool’s limits, the right accessories, and warnings specific to that model.
- Check the tool. Look at the cord, plug, switch, guards and blade or bit. Do not use a tool with damaged insulation, a cracked housing or missing guards.
- Pick the right tool and accessory for the job, rated for the material. A dull or wrong bit or blade is more likely to bind, burn or grab.
- Fit accessories properly. Unplug the tool, or remove the battery, before changing bits, blades or settings. A tool that starts unexpectedly is a leading cause of injury.
- Plan the cut or hole. Know where the tool will go, where the waste will fall and where your hands will be.
- Check the material. Nails, screws, staples and old hardware in reclaimed wood can damage blades and throw fragments.
Personal preparation
- Wear eye protection every time. Add hearing and breathing protection when the task calls for it.
- Tie back long hair, and remove jewelry, scarves and dangling cords. Avoid loose sleeves or gloves around rotating tools such as drills and lathes, where they can be caught and pulled in. (Some tasks do call for gloves, such as handling sharp or hot material, so follow tool-specific advice.)
- Wear closed, sturdy shoes, not sandals, and avoid working barefoot.
- Do not use power tools when you are tired, rushed, upset, or affected by alcohol, drugs or some medicines that cause drowsiness.
- Keep your phone and distractions out of reach, and let others in the house know when you are about to use something loud or hazardous.
Set up the space
- Work somewhere with good light and a clear floor. Tripping while holding a running tool is a significant hazard.
- Keep bystanders, children and pets out of the area.
- Use a bench or support that is stable and at a comfortable height.
- Manage the cord: keep it behind you and away from the cutting line, and avoid pulling the tool by the cord. Use an appropriately rated extension cord when needed, and keep it short.
- Plug into a ground-fault protected outlet where possible, especially in damp areas. Never use mains tools in wet conditions.
- Keep dust under control, since a buildup of dust is a fire and breathing hazard. Cut where dust can be collected or can leave the room.
Secure the work
Many accidents happen when the material moves. Instead of holding a small piece with one hand, clamp it down or use a vise, a jig or a stop. Support long boards so that the offcut does not pinch the blade or break away unexpectedly. Make sure your hands stay out of the line of the blade or bit, and when a task needs your hands very close, use a push stick, a clamp or a different approach.
A quick rule: if you need both hands to hold the work, you do not have a hand free to hold the tool correctly.
During use
- Hold the tool firmly and keep a balanced stance. Do not overreach.
- Let the tool reach full speed before it touches the work, and let it do the cutting. Forcing it overheats the motor and increases the chance of a kickback or binding.
- Feed at a steady pace. If the tool bogs down, back off and check the blade, the material and the setup.
- Never remove guards, and never wedge a trigger or switch on.
- Keep your attention on the work. If someone talks to you, switch off and wait for the tool to stop first.
- Know the kickback risk. Saws and routers can throw the tool or material back at the user if the blade binds or catches. Reading the grain and setting up the cut properly are part of avoiding it.
- Do not reach across a moving tool or blade. Wait for rotation to stop completely before clearing offcuts or chips, and use a brush or stick rather than your fingers.
After the cut
Switch off, wait for the tool to stop, then put it down safely. Unplug it, or remove the battery, before adjusting or cleaning. Hot blades, bits and workpieces can burn, so allow time to cool. Clear dust and offcuts, check your tools for damage, and put them away where they will not be tripped over or switched on by accident.
Cordless tools
Cordless tools remove the cord hazard but add a battery. Remove the battery before changing accessories, follow the charger instructions, and take care with charging and battery storage, since lithium packs can burn if damaged. A tool with a battery in it can start with a nudge of the trigger, so do not carry one with a finger on the switch.
Building skills gradually
Start with the simplest, most forgiving tools and tasks. A drill or a jigsaw is usually a gentler place to begin than a table saw or router, though every tool has its risks. Practice on scrap material, use the correct accessories, and progress only when you feel in control. Many people begin with hand tools, which build a feel for materials and grain, then add power tools where they genuinely help.
If a tool behaves oddly, such as unusual noise, vibration, smoke or a burning smell, stop, unplug it and have it checked or repaired by someone qualified. Taking a break to think costs little; an injury can cost a great deal. Accidents can still happen even with good habits, and keeping a first aid kit and knowing how to call for help are sensible parts of working with powered tools.