| Home improvement for the weekend do-it-yourselfer | | | | are dangerous, especially when you have ignored the |
| is hard enough due to time constraints, resources;and | | | | first rule of keeping your tools in proper working |
| well let's face it, skill. One of the biggest mistakes a | | | | order. |
| weekend DIY makes is ignoring the importance of | | | | Reading instructions are not most men's strong suit, |
| safety procedures and tools. In their haste to get | | | | myself included. When it comes to power tools, |
| the job done, they ignore simple safety steps that | | | | however, ten minutes of reading can save you a |
| take a little more time, but create an environment | | | | whole lot of misery down the road; plus when you |
| that allows for a better result. They also leave some | | | | learn the right way to use your tools, it makes |
| of the most important tools in the tool shed. These | | | | whatever project you're working on more enjoyable. |
| tools are not the most glamorous, they are not | | | | Protective equipment and procedures are the biggest |
| plugged in or started with a pull cord, they simply | | | | tool in your safety arsenal: |
| hang on peg boards in garages all across the country; | | | | · Goggles |
| waiting to be called upon to do their task. | | | | · Ear Protection |
| What are these procedures and tools? Here is a list | | | | · Proper Footwear |
| of simple precautions and equipment that will make | | | | · Gloves |
| home remodeling a safer experience for the | | | | All of these provide a level of safety that is taken |
| do-it-yourselfer: | | | | for granted. |
| · Keep all tools in good condition with regular | | | | Goggles are replaced with squinting eyes, ear |
| maintenance. | | | | protection is forsaken because we are not in our |
| · Use the right tool for the job. | | | | later years when the damage truly shows up, or it's |
| · Examine each tool for damage before use. | | | | summer time and flip flops are more comfortable |
| · Operate tools according to the manufacturers' | | | | while you are chopping wood or climbing ladders, the |
| instructions. | | | | list goes on. |
| · Provide and properly use the right personal | | | | Truth be told, one of the main differences between |
| protective equipment. | | | | the professional craftsman and the weekend |
| Perform regular maintenance to ensure your tools are | | | | do-it-yourselfer is the attention to detail, and this is |
| working properly. Be sure to clean all your tools after | | | | especially true when it comes to safety precautions. |
| each job and inspect them for wear and/or damage | | | | Through years of experience, a true craftsman has |
| that might have occurred during usage. For example: | | | | learned the value of properly working tools and takes |
| · When using a table saw or circular saw, clean the | | | | the necessary steps for completing a project safely. |
| blade after usage and inspect to see if there is | | | | If the contractor you hire is standing on a railing, |
| excessive wear. A dull saw blade can result in binding | | | | cutting a rafter with a sawzall while not wearing |
| and kick back that can be very harmful and | | | | goggles, you have done a really poor job in choosing |
| sometimes fatal. | | | | your home remodeler. |
| · Nail Guns should be oiled and cleaned with each | | | | A great place to go to find out more on safety |
| usage. Never attempt to clear a jammed nail gun | | | | procedures and tools is the Occupational Safety & |
| while still connected to an air hose. | | | | Hazard Administration's website. |
| These may seem like obvious procedures, but in our | | | | Just because you are a weekend Do-It-Yourselfer, |
| haste the little things get overlooked. | | | | doesn't mean you have to be a danger to yourself |
| Using the right tool for the right job; sounds simple | | | | and your family. Take the added time to work |
| right? How many times have you stood on a chair, | | | | smartly and safely, it will show in the end results. |
| especially one that swivels, and attempted to screw | | | | Whatever your next project is, good luck and be |
| in a light bulb or hammer in a nail? Or cut a board | | | | safe. When in doubt, hire a professional home |
| with a circular saw by laying it across your thigh, | | | | remodeler or landscaper and save yourself time, |
| instead of using a solid cutting base? These actions | | | | stress and money. |