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

0.062 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

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