What are some safety tips to know when using a struck tool?
Struck tools or hammered tools are made in various shapes and sizes and for many uses and include cold chisels, punches, drift pins, nail sets, rock and star drills, and wedges. Use the correct tool for the job. DO
- ppe Wear safety glasses or goggles or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
- requirement Use a screen or shield to protect fellow workers from flying chips.
- ppe Use the tools only if they are in good condition (i.e., cutting edges are sharp, struck head is not mushroomed or chipped).
- requirement Hold the chisel for shearing and chipping, at an angle which permits the bevel of the cutting edge to lie flat against the shearing plane.
- requirement Provide hand protection.
- requirement Hand protection can be provided by a sponge rubber shield forced onto the shaft of a chisel or select struck tools that come with hand protectors designed for the tool.
- requirement Use holders for punches and chisels.
- requirement Redress the point or cutting edge to its original shape. Grind to a slightly convex cutting edge. The point angle of the chisel should be 70° for hard metals and 60° for soft.
- ppe Discard tools that are bent, cracked, or chipped.
- requirement Redress striking tools with burred or mushroomed heads.
- requirement Use punches and pins strong enough for the work.
- requirement Hold the punches and pins firmly in position before hitting them on the rounded surfaces.