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Ecmweb 20668 Toolbox With Hand Tools 0
Ecmweb 20668 Toolbox With Hand Tools 0
Ecmweb 20668 Toolbox With Hand Tools 0
Ecmweb 20668 Toolbox With Hand Tools 0
Ecmweb 20668 Toolbox With Hand Tools 0

Hand Tool Safety, Part 3

Aug. 20, 2018
Choosing the right tool for the task.

When using hand tools, do you always use the correct one for a given task? It takes only one mistake to botch up the work or injure the user. Here are some tips you should keep in mind whenever you’re using a tool.

  • Use an adjustable wrench as your last choice, not your first one. If you carry a tool pouch, ensure it has an assortment of common wrench sizes.
  • An adjustable wrench has a usage position relative to the direction of the turning. Watch the movable jaw and the correct direction will be obvious.
  • Do you carry have any uninsulated tools in your tool pouch? Take those tools out before carrying that pouch around energized equipment.
  • Use metric tools for metric fasteners, SAE tools for SAE fasteners. Shimming an SAE wrench to accommodate a metric fastener (or vice versa) produces a slipping hazard that may ruin the fastener and propel the shim into energized parts.
  • When you need to pry, use a prybar. Using any other tool for this purpose significantly increases the risk of injury.
About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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