Air tools
Always use approved eye protection equipment when performing any task using air-operated tools.
On all power tools, use only recommended accessories with proper capacity ratings.
Do not exceed air pressure ratings of any power tools.
Bits should be placed against work surface before air hammers are operated.
Disconnect the air supply line to an air hammer before attaching a bit.
Never point an air tool at yourself or another person.
Protect bystanders with approved eye protection.
Wrenches
Never use an extension on a wrench handle.
If possible, always pull on a wrench handle and adjust your stance to prevent a fall if something lets go.
Never cock a wrench.
Never use a hammer on any wrench other than a STRIKING FACE wrench.
Discard any wrench with broken or battered points.
Never use a pipe wrench to bend, raise or lift a pipe.
Pliers/cutters/prybars
Plastic- or vinyl-covered pliers handles are not intended to act as insulation; don’t use on live electrical circuits.
Don’t use pliers or cutters for cutting hardened wire unless they were designed for that purpose.
Always cut at right angles.
Don’t use any prybar as a chisel, punch or hammer.
Hammers
Never strike one hammer against a hardened object, such as another hammer.
Always grasp a hammer handle firmly, close to the end.
Strike the object with the full face of the hammer.
Never work with a hammer which has a loose head.
Discard hammer if face is chipped or mushroomed.
Wear approved eye protection when using striking tools.
Protect bystanders with approved eye protection.
Punches/chisels
Never use a punch or chisel with a chipped or mushroomed end; dress mushroomed chisels and punches with a file.
Hold a chisel or a punch with a tool holder if possible.
When using a chisel on a small piece, clamp the piece firmly in a vise and chip toward the stationary jaw.
Wear approved eye protection when using these tools.
Protect bystanders with approved eye protection.
Screwdrivers
Don’t use a screwdriver for prying, punching, chiseling, scoring or scraping.
Use the right type of screwdriver for the job; match the tip to the fastener.
Don’t interchange POZIDRIV®, PHILLIPS® or REED AND PRINCE screwdrivers.
Screwdriver handles are not intended to act as insulation; don’t use on live electrical circuits.
Don’t use a screwdriver with rounded edges because it will slip - redress with a file.
Ratchets and handles
Periodically clean and lubricate ratchet mechanisms with a light grade oil. Do not replace parts individually; ratchets should be rebuilt with the entire contents of service kit.
Never hammer or put a pipe extension on a ratchet or handle for added leverage.
Always support the ratchet head when using socket extensions, but do not put your hand on the head or you may interfere with the action of its reversing mechanism.
When breaking loose a fastener, apply a small amount of pressure as a test to be sure the ratchet’s gear wheel is engaged with the pawl.
Sockets
Never use hand sockets on power or impact wrenches.
Select the right size socket for the job.
Never cock any wrench or socket.
Select only impact sockets for use with air or electric impact wrenches.
Replace sockets showing cracks or wear.
Keep sockets clean.
Always use approved eye protection when using power or impact sockets.
Storage units
Don’t open more than one loaded drawer at a time. Close each drawer before opening up another.
Close lids and lock drawers and doors before moving storage units.
Don’t pull on a tool cabinet; push it in front of you.
Set the brakes on the locking casters after the cabinet has been rolled to your work.