AVOID SLIPUPS WITH SCREWDRIVERS
Compliments of the Hand Tools Institute
Next to the hammer, the screwdriver is probably the most abused item in the homeowner's tool kit. It takes the kind of abuse that frequently results in chewed up screw heads, damaged screwdrivers, and gashed hands. The Hand Tools Institute (HTI), the association for American manufacturers of quality hand tools, sizes and materials. However, they all are intended for one simple use: driving and withdrawing screws. Unfortunately, says HTI, the screwdriver is all too frequently used for prying, chiseling, scraping, punching and sometimes even to stir paint! But perhaps the most common abuse is using a screwdriver that does not match or fit the screw. The unsafe use of a screwdriver most often is due to the fact the homeowner simply does not have a proper assortment of these tools on hand. The two basic types of screwdrivers are the so-called standard or conventional, which is used for screws with slotted heads, and the Phillips, which is used for screws with recesses in the head. Standard screwdrivers usually are classified according to tip width and blade length. Generally, the longer the length, the wider the tip, although some rather long screwdrivers may have a narrow tip. Cabinet style screwdrivers for example, have long, straight sided shanks and narrow tips and are useful for driving screws into recessed and counterbored openings in cabinets and fine furniture. There also are short, stubby screwdrivers with wide tips for driving screws in confined quarters. Most screwdriver tips are tapered. The tip thickness determines the size of the screw that can be driven without damaging the screw slot. The taper permits the screwdriver to drive more than one size of screw. Heavy-duty screwdrivers are available with square shanks so that a wrench can be used on the shank for extra turning power. As a rule, the bigger the screwdriver, the larger the diameter of the handle; the larger the diameter of the handle, the greater the torque, or turning power. If absolutely necessary, a wrench--but never pliers--can be used on the shank to apply the extra torque required. In the right and safe way of using a screwdriver, the first move is to make a pilot hole before driving a screw. This is especially important when driving into hardwood or when the screw is near the edge of a board. Pilot holes can be made in softwoods, and in some hardwoods, with an awl--if the screws to be used are small. for larger screws, it is best to drill a pilot hole or use a threaded screw hole starter. If the screw is a flathead, the pilot hole also should be countersunk so the head of the screw will be flush wit the work when it is driven home. The job of driving the screw can be eased considerably if the threads are given an application of wax. This is preferable to soap, which has a tendency to rust the screw threads. Some basic safety rules that apply to the used of screwdrivers: 1. Make sure the tip fits the slot of the screw; not too loose and not too tight. 2. Do not use a screwdriver as a cold chisel or punch. 3. Do not use a screwdriver near live wires. 4. Do not expose a screwdriver to excessive heat as it may reduce the hardness of the blade. 5. Repair a worn tip with a file in order to regain a good straight edge. 6. Discard a screwdriver with a worn or broken handle. HTI also recommends the use of safety goggles or safety glasses in jobs involving hand tools. Chances are you will be picking up a variety of tools on any given job while some have more potential for possible injury than others, it pays to protect your eyes for the duration of a protect. Manufacturing plays a central role in the economic growth of our nation, primarily through a unique, interdependent system of innovation that affects all sectors of the economy. By nurturing innovations from concepts through to full-fledged improvements in products and processes, American manufacturing is responsible for providing the basis for more jobs, improved productivity, prosperity and a higher quality of life. Support American Manufacturing. |