Hand Tool Inspections: Stay Safe, Stay Sharp

Today’s safety talk focuses on manual hand tools — not electric or pneumatic — such as hammers, screwdrivers, chisels, and wrenches. These are common tools, but they can cause serious injuries if they’re not in good shape.

What to Look For: Tool-Specific Inspection Tips

🔨 Hammers

• Check the handle — it should be free of cracks, chips, or splits.
• Taped handles are a red flag — they usually hide damage and are not an approved fix.
• Make sure the hammerhead is securely attached.
• If the claw is broken, toss the hammer — it’s unsafe.

🪛 Screwdrivers

• Inspect the handle for cracks or chips.
• Never use a screwdriver as a chisel — striking it with a hammer can damage both tools.
• If the tip is worn, bent, or chipped, replace it. A damaged tip can slip and cause hand injuries.

🪓 Chisels

• Look at the striking end — if it’s starting to “mushroom” (flare out), it needs repair or replacement.
• Mushroomed edges can shatter and send metal flying when struck.

🔧 Wrenches

• Make sure the wrench is straight and not bent.
• Check for worn or chipped jaws — if the tool can’t grip properly, it can slip and cause injury.
• A worn wrench is dangerous — replace it before it fails.

Best Practices for Hand Tool Safety

✅ Keep tools clean – Dirty tools can slip out of your hands or fail to function properly.
✅ Don’t modify tools – Use them as designed. No bending, welding, or taping them together.
✅ Store tools properly – Leaving them out increases the risk of loss, theft, or damage.
✅ Use tools correctly – Misusing tools causes wear and tear and increases your chances of injury.

Final Reminders

A quick inspection before using a hand tool can prevent serious injuries. If a tool is damaged, tag it, report it, and replace it. And remember — tools are there to make your job safer and easier, but only if they’re in good condition.