Is It Safe for Beginner Craftsmen To Use a Drill?
People often assume a power drill is a tool that only experienced handicraft men can handle. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. A drill is one of the essential pieces of equipment that should be part of every craftsman’s toolbox. Using a power drill, you can do even the most basic of handiwork with greater precision and efficiency.
Today, we’ll take you through some tips and tricks that will ensure handling a drill doesn’t become a daunting task for beginners.
BUY THE RIGHT KIND OF DRILL
Our advice for anyone in the market for power drills, especially beginners, is to buy a cordless drill. There is no good reason left to buy a corded one. The little extra power doesn’t make a difference, and the cordless one performs just as well with a lot more added convenience. You can take it anywhere, anytime, without having to lug its cord around. If you’re planning on using it for a long time, keep a spare battery with you, and rest assured this type of power drill won’t let you down.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING A DRILL
Always remember the greatest safety precaution when using a power drill is to be well acquainted with its user manual. Other than that, here are some additional tips that will help keep you safe and extend the lifespan of your gadget:
Wear protective gear
To protect yourself from the hazards of operating a drill machine, you should be equipped with the appropriate protective gear, such as safety goggles to protect your eyes and a respiratory mask to ensure you don’t inhale any dust particles. Well-fitted gloves are an optional item that can protect your hands from any possible damage and make it much easier for you to operate the equipment.
Tighten the drill chuck
For the drill to work smoothly, the chuck must be secure in its place. In case the chuck isn’t secured, the drill won’t turn on. To tighten the chuck, simply insert the drill bit into it and then screw it until you hear a few clicking sounds. Keep rotating the chuck’s back until you hear a single slick that ensures it is safely locked into place.
Don’t apply extra pressure
You must understand the motor will do the drilling without your physical exertion. It is a common misconception that you must apply pressure to drill a hole. The reality is quite the opposite. With too much pressure, the drill may slip from your hands and possibly injure you or damage your workspace or the machine itself. The force you apply will depend on the material you’re working with. Make sure to adjust the speed accordingly to avoid any unfortunate accidents.
Avoid wearing loose clothing and jewelry
While operating a drill wearing any piece of clothing that can get stuck in the drilling motion is a significant safety hazard. So, if you have long hair, make sure you tie it back before starting the drill up. Also, remove all loose or flowy clothing and jewelry articles that might get in the way.
Avoid spilling water on the drill
If you’re using a corded drill and any liquid spills on it, you are at risk of electric shocks or the drill’s motor burning out. Dry the drill with a dryer, and don’t turn it on unless it is fully dry. On the other hand, if you’re using a cordless drill, remove the battery and leave the drill out to dry. You can also invest in a waterproof cordless drill to avoid such accidents for optimum durability and safety.
THE BOTTOM LINE
We hope this guide has helped remove all common misconceptions regarding power drills and given you ample information to operate the machine safely. Happy woodworking!