It is impossible to do a job right if you don’t have the right tools. It is also much harder to get a job done in a timely manner if you aren’t using your tools in a safe and proper manner. Let’s look at a few ways of knowing if you are using your hammer, saw, nail gun, or other such tools correctly.
Read the Directions Before Using
This probably sounds like the most obvious thing, but it’s really important to read the directions. Just because you have used a similar tool in the past, it doesn’t mean that you know how to use that specific tool. Before you attempt to operate it, you should make sure to read the box, owner’s manual and directions so that you can be prepared to use it in the way that it was intended to be used. It can also be beneficial to handle the tool as you are going through the manual so that you can get familiar with all of its buttons and functions—especially those that you plan on using on a regular basis.
A couple of things that your owner’s manual might discuss, besides the basic functions, are safety procedures that you should abide by while operating the tool and warranty information. If your manual mentions wearing the proper safety gear while using it, then you should probably invest in gloves, goggles, and/or other safety equipment that would be wise to have. When it comes to gloves, however, don’t just buy the most affordable ones that you can. Make sure that whatever gloves or other safety equipment are made of high quality material that will actually protect you in the even that something goes wrong while using the tool. Honestly, anything could happen. Someone could bump into you or your hand could slip, and that could create an accident. Do your best to keep in mind all such precautions that your manual might have.
Common Sense Can Be Helpful
In the above section, using the proper safety equipment was mentioned. However, most people would think that that is just using common sense. With that, you should know that when using tools with blades on them, make sure to keep your fingers and other body parts away from the sharp edges. While using a tool that creates sparks, keep your face covered or your body away from the heat and light. If you find that you are hitting your finger with a hammer instead of the nail that is a definite sign that the tool is being used incorrectly. In such cases, you should take a moment to realize your mistakes and figure out how you could better correct the way that you’re using the tool. This is especially important if you find yourself making repeated mistakes. It may be easy to blame things on the tool, but you have to consider the greatest common denominator: you. Be thoughtful about how you’re operating tools and don’t do things irrationally. That way, everything will go smoothly.
Tools May Not Work Properly
Although you may not realize it in the moment, improper tool use could result in that tool having a shorter useful life. If you find that you are always having to service your air compressor, you may be running it too long or too hard. If you have no choice but to run it too hard, then you might need to contact a professional, such as one from Kruman Equipment Company, to help you replace it or know how to better operate it. Likewise, if your saws need to be sharpened frequently, you may be using them on surfaces that they aren’t designed to be cut. Drills and other tools that seem to glitch or stop while they’re running might be having trouble with their chords. This can happen when you stretch your chord out too much or when it gets too coiled up from being rolled up in a different way every time—so try to roll up your chords in the same way every time you put them away. If you just got your tool, though, and you are convinced that you are using it in absolutely the most proper way possible, then you should take it back to the store. If you’ve had it for longer, then you should take a look at the warranty and have it replaced so that you can use one that is operable.
Others May Comment on Your Tool Use
If a friend, family member or colleague has commented on your tool use, it may be a sign that you are using it wrong. As this can create a safety hazard for yourself and those around you, it may be best to put it down. You might see their commentary as being too picky, and that might upset you. However, you such commentary as a learning experience. Instead of getting defensive and continuing to use the tool in the exact same way that you have always used it, take a moment to talk to them. Ask them how they would use it and to point out exactly how you are using it in the wrong way. You might even benefit from having them demonstrate to you how they use it so that you can observe and try to mimic the way that they do it. Be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to become a professional at whatever you’re trying to do with the tool immediately. Take any advice you get and then come up with projects where you can practice and perfect your skills through practice.
When used correctly, tools can make any job easier. However, they are not used correctly, they can create safety hazards and increase the amount of time it takes to complete a task. Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you aren’t sure about how to use a tool or if you have had problems with one in the past and are a little nervous to use it.