Power tools make any project go faster. Whether you own and use an extensive collection of power tools, are in the market for your first one or rent the tools you need, have you considered wearing protective gear? It keeps you safe and helps you finish projects injury-free.
Protective Accessories
1. Gloves
You use your hands to turn the tool on and off and maneuver it. You also hold onto or steady the materials you’re cutting, drilling or screwing. Don’t wear thin gardening gloves. Their thin fabric will keep your hands clean but won’t protect your hands from running blades or sharp debris.
Instead, choose heavy-duty work gloves. They’re made from thick fabric and include sturdy grips. They protect your hands and make sure your fingers stay attached during any project.
2. Glasses
Sparks, sawdust or wood chips often fly from the materials you weld, cut and drill. If the debris enters your eye, your eye could be damaged or you could lose your eyesight. You might wear eyeglasses or sunglasses and think that’s protection enough. But, it’s not.
Wear protective eyewear. The thick plastic protects your eyes, fits over your eyeglasses and extends around your temples. When you wear protective glasses, you preserve your eyesight.
3. Hearing
Power tools are noisy. Even if you only use a power tool for a few minutes, that noise can permanently damage your ears’ nerves. Don’t rely on thin ear buds to protect your hearing.
Choose ear protection that’s designed to reduce harmful noise levels. It could be earplugs or earmuffs. Make sure they fit you and stay in or on your ear. You never want to wear dirty earplugs, so always carry a spare pair and wear them every time you use a power tool!
Protective Clothes
4. Shoes
You’ll stand up to use your power tools, and you’ll need to walk around the work site. Flip-flops, sandals or sneakers won’t protect you from slipping on sawdust or protect your feet from a power tool that slips out of your hand.
Always wear heavy work boots. They should include non-slip soles and steel toes. Make sure they lace up and protect your ankles. Whether you work in your garage or on a construction site, wear sturdy work shoes whenever you use power tools.
5. Pants
No one wants to wear long pants during hot summer months, especially if you’re cutting firewood with your chainsaw or repairing your home’s shutters with your drill. Shorts won’t protect your legs from flying debris or power tool accidents, though.
Wear long work pants or overalls as you use power tools. The protective pants are made from heavy fabric that’s also flame resistant. They often include plenty of pockets that hold your multi tool, tape measure and pencil. When you wear pants, you protect your legs during every project.
Using power tools makes your repair, renovation and hobby projects go quickly. And, they’re fun to use. No matter how experienced you are with these tools, always wear protective gear. It could save your life.