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.