So you saw a really cool do-it-yourself (DIY) video on the internet and now you want to try it?
Everyone should know how to use power tools — but we understand that not everyone does. That’s ok, there’s always time to learn. Knowing how to use power tools opens an endless supply of DIY projects that you can do.
However, with power tools, there are also important safety measures you will need to take. In this case, if you do not know how to use a power drill properly, it can be easier than you think to injure yourself or someone else.
Today we’ll take a look at the safety measures you need to take while using a power drill, and what you need to know to drill holes for your first time safely.
What is a Power Drill?
A power drill is a device that is used widely in construction. A power drill’s primary purpose is to make holes in a variety of surfaces, including:
- Rock
- Metal
- Wood
- Plastic
- Concrete
Prepare for Drilling: 3 Safety Measures for Drilling
When looking at power drills, you’ll start to see that there are so many on the market. Different power drills are suitable for different things. For instance, if you are on a construction site, you will want a cordless power drill rather than a corded one.
If you are doing a basic project, a simple basic corded power drill will likely do the trick. There is no need to look at a rotary hammer drill, screw gun, or hammer drill.
Let’s take a look at some safety measures for drilling:
1. Wear Safety Goggles and Clothing
It doesn’t matter what project you are doing, you always need safety goggles and proper clothing, especially when you are using any type of power tool. Even the most experienced person can get injured by a small error.
When using a power drill, you should not be wearing dangling jewelry or baggy clothing. You do not want anything to get caught in the power drill’s motor or bit.
Do not opt for a pair of sunglasses, because sunglasses will not protect your eyes from all sides. Instead, you want safety goggles that’ll protect all sides of your eyes from any flying debris.
2. Wear Ear Protection
If you are planning on using the drill regularly, you should also grab yourself some ear protection. Protecting your hearing should be your top priority. Most corded power drills produce around 90 decibels of sound. This volume is enough to cause hearing damage after prolonged exposure.
3. Protect Your Lungs
If you are planning on working on concrete or brick, you’ll need to protect your lungs. Being exposed to high levels of crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which is a respiratory disease. Using a dust mask will help your mouth and nose from getting affected by the crystalline silica dust. Some popular choices that can be found for a reasonable cost are N-95 or KN-95 masks.
However, if you work on concrete and brick for longer than just an hour or two, it is advisable to purchase yourself a respirator. You’ll need to find the proper respirator for the project you are working on.
4 Safety Tips for the Power Drill
Once you have all the proper safety measures taken care of, you can start drilling. It is essential to have the correct clothing, drill, safety goggles, respirator (if needed), and ear protection before you start drilling your first hole.
1. Drill Pilot Holes
In most situations, you will do better if you start with a smaller drill bit than the one you need to complete the hole. This is what is called a pilot hole. You will want to start the hole with the smaller drill bit and then increase the size to your desired diameter. Using a smaller bit will prevent your drill bits from slipping and lessen your chance of splitting wood.
2. Keep Steady Pressure
When you are drilling, you will want to keep the same pressure the entire time. However, you should also keep in mind that if it takes more than just a light force to drill your hole, chances are you are not using the right drill bit.
3. Adjust the Clutch
You’ll notice on most drills that there is a twistable collar. You will use this twistable collar to adjust your torque. You should only increase the torque if you are having issues penetrating the material. You should lower the torque if you are drilling deep or over-driving screws.
4. Do Not Overheat the Drill
When you are using your power drill to drill through hard materials or are drilling at high speeds, your drill may start overheating. When your drill overheats, it runs a chance at burning the material you are drilling into. If you smell or see smoke, take a break and check your settings.
If your drill starts to overheat, stop using the drill immediately. Let the drill cool off before using it again. When you use the drill again, you’ll want to stick to slower speeds and take breaks between drilling to keep it cool.
Get Your Power Drill from Elephant Construction Solutions
Elephant Construction Solutions serves professionals and hobbyists alike with high-quality tools and equipment you need to get the job done. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, we offer construction equipment for rent, power tools for rent, power equipment rentals, saw rental, and concrete breaker rental, as well as other quality equipment and machinery, including air compressor rental, power generator rental, and even scaffolding.
Reach out to us at Elephant Construction Solutions to get your free quote for any machinery your site may need. Whether it’s as simple as a lawnmower, as important as scaffolding, or as small as a nail gun, we have the rental tools and equipment you need to successfully finish your next project and stay under budget while doing it.