Hand Tool Safety: Saws, Wrenches, Pliers and Vises

Saws

• Keep control of saws by releasing downward pressure at the end of the stroke.
• Do not use an adjustable-blade saw (such as a hacksaw, coping saw, keyhole saw, or bow saw) if the blade is not taut.
• Do not use a saw that has dull saw blades.
• Oil saw blades after each use of the saw.
• Keep your hands and fingers away from the saw blade while you are using the saw.
• Do not carry a saw by the blade.
• When using the handsaw, hold the work piece firmly against the work table.
• Use the circular saw guard when using the circular saw.

Wrenches

• Do not use wrenches that are bent, cracked or badly chipped, or that have loose or broken handles.
• Do not slip a pipe over a single-head wrench handle for increased leverage.
• Do not use a shim to make a wrench fit.
• Use a split box wrench on flare nuts.
• Do not use a wrench that has broken or battered points.
• Use a hammer on striking-face wrenches.
• Discard any wrench that has spread, nicked or battered jaws, or if the handle is bent.
• Use box or socket wrenches on hexagon nuts and bolts as a first choice, and open-end wrenches as a second choice.

Pliers

• Do not use pliers as a wrench or a hammer.
• Do not attempt to force pliers by using a hammer on them.
• Do not slip a pipe over the handles of pliers to increase leverage.
• When you are performing electrical work, use insulated pliers. Generally insulated pliers have the blue rubber sleeves covering the handle.
• Do not use pliers that are cracked, broken or sprung.
• When using the diagonal cutting pliers, shield the loose pieces of cut material from flying into the air by using a cloth or your gloved hand.

Vises

• When clamping a long work piece in a vise, support the far end of the work piece by using an adjustable pipe stand, saw horse or box.
• Position the work piece in the vise so that the entire face of the jaw supports the work piece.
• Do not use a vise that has worn or broken jaw inserts, or has cracks or fractures in the body of the vise.
• Do not slip a pipe over the handle of a vise to gain extra leverage.