Tools & Repair Gear

Start with the jobs you actually perform: note the materials, fastener types and sizes, access, required force, and work space, then buy the correct tool for each recurring task. NIOSH recommends comparing non-powered hand tools for lower force, fewer repeated movements, and less awkward posture. A compact, well-fitting set is preferable to a large kit that encourages improvised use.

Check the working end and the handle before purchase and before use. OSHA identifies sprung wrench jaws, loose, cracked or splintered wooden handles, mushroomed impact-tool heads, cracked saw blades, and damaged tools generally as hazards. Favor designs whose condition is easy to inspect, and take a tool out of service when damage can cause slipping, breakage, or flying fragments.

Match the tool to its environment and do not treat guards as optional. OSHA says moving parts and cutting areas require appropriate guarding; electric tools should use grounding, double insulation, or an appropriate isolation system, and damaged portable electric tools should be removed from use. Also inspect cords, switches, housings, and guards, and confirm the manual permits the intended wet, dusty, or other conditions.

Choose the meter and leads as one safety system, with both carrying the measurement category and voltage rating appropriate to the electrical environment. Fluke advises inspecting lead insulation, probe handles, plugs, and molded junctions for cracks or gaps, then checking electrical continuity before use. Replace worn or underrated leads rather than assuming a good meter compensates for them.

Buy only when the maker supplies clear operating, lubrication, accessory-change, and service guidance for the exact model. OSHA advises regular maintenance, pre-use damage checks, keeping tools sharp and clean, disconnecting power before servicing or changing accessories, and storing electric tools dry. Availability of ordinary wear parts is useful, but it does not override inspection or safe retirement of compromised parts.

Verify that the guard is present, correctly positioned, and compatible with the tool and wheel. OSHA says an abrasive wheel should be inspected for damage before mounting, fit freely on the spindle, and carry a maximum operating speed that the machine will not exceed; manufacturer recommendations still apply. Reject cracked or questionable wheels and never buy a used grinder whose safety guard is missing.