Each power tool has a specific set of cautions, warnings, and dangers that can cause injury if ignored. The Power Tool Institute has compiled helpful guides, below, as a starting place for understanding safety instructions for a variety of tools.
For safety information on a specific power tool, click the links below to find the relevant material for that tool. Please note general safety information can be in the Safety is Specific publication.
The Power Tool Institute is dedicated to educating the public about the safe use of power tools. PTI also works with various agencies to encourage high safety standards in the manufacture of power tools.
Although most power tools are not complicated to operate, basic safety practices must be followed, and the tools must be kept in proper operating condition, whether they are in the hands of a professional tradesman, a beginning do-it-yourselfer or a vocational student. The demands of safety apply to all.
Abrasive cut-off machines and dry-cut machines are used to cut metal. Some machines are capable of cutting masonry materials. Abrasive machines use abrasive wheels to grind through ferrous metals, while dry-cut machines use special toothed saw blades to cut through ferrous and nonferrous metals.
Band saws can be found in most professional tradesman and student vocational work shops. Band saws cut fast and accurately due to continuous tooth blade action and a slow moving blade, which allows for more finesse and control.
Among professional tradesmen, on the farm, around the house and in the vocational shop, the circular saw is probably the most commonly used power saw and perhaps the most commonly abused. Familiarity should not lead to carelessness.
Available in both English and Spanish.
Cordless tools get their electrical power from batteries. They demand the same respect that corded tools demand. Remember, cordless tools are very capable of causing injury if all safety precautions are not followed.
Portable coring rigs and motors, once considered a high-priced specialty tool, are becoming more economical and common on construction projects, as the demand for drilling larger-diameter holes through concrete, stone, asphalt, and other similar base materials has increased.
Drill presses can be found in most professional and vocational workshops. Most wood or metal drilling jobs can be done quickly and accurately with a drill press, but some basic safety rules still apply.
Portable, hand-held hammer-drills, rotary hammers and hammers are grouped into two general categories: hammer-drills/rotary hammers; and hammers. They are used to drill holes and drive fasteners and chip or demolish a wide variety of materials.
An electric chain saw can be used to cut down small trees, trim and prune unwanted limbs and brush, and resize firewood and lumber. Chain saws require strict adherence to important safety practices. Battery powered chain saws are considered electric chain saws.
All power tools can be dangerous if both general and tool specific safety instructions are not followed carefully. General safety instructions apply to all power tools, both corded and cordless.
Grinders are highly versatile tools capable of accepting a variety of attachments and accessories that allow the tool to be used for grinding, sanding, polishing, wire brushing or cutting-off operations.
Available in both English and Spanish.
Heat guns have a variety of uses, such as removing paint, creating bends and welding plastics, cutting Styrofoam, soldering, heat shrinking, and thawing water pipes. The extreme temperatures that make heat guns so useful also make them very dangerous.
Impact Wrenches and Impact Drivers are used for tightening and loosening fasteners, and sometimes for light drilling. The tool’s high torque output is preferred to many other tools (such as a standard drill) because it minimizes torque reaction. Impact tools do, however, pose some risks that require your attention.
Jointers/planers are used to resurface wood and like materials to provide a straight, smooth surface.
Hand-held metal cutting saws take chips or shavings out of metal workpieces. Metal cutting saws are not recommended for all types of metals and metal thicknesses. Refer to the saw’s operator’s manual for specific recommended applications.
Miter saws are used for crosscutting, mitering or beveling wood, nonferrous metals and plastics. These saws cut through the work piece at a set miter angle. Some also can cut at both miter and a beveled angle.
Available in both English and Spanish.
Multi-Tools and Oscillating tools perform a wide variety of jobs, including sawing, cutting scraping, and sanding.
Hand-held metal cutting saws take chips or shavings out of metal workpieces. Metal cutting saws are not recommended for all types of metals and metal thicknesses. Refer to the saw’s operator’s manual for specific recommended applications.
The reciprocating saw and jig saw (also known as saber saws) can be used to cut metal, pipe, wood, nail-embedded wood and other materials. By definition, these tools are generally easy to handle. For this reason, carelessness can easily enter into tool operation.
Rotary tools perform a wide variety of jobs, typically in a confined space. Die grinders are a special version of end grinders to be used with mounted wheels or accessories 2” or less in diameter. Due to the small accessory diameters, die grinders are designed to work without a guard, therefore requiring special attention while operating. You must have a thorough understanding of all procedures for each job you perform.
The widespread use of routers is based on their ability to perform an extensive range of smooth finishing and decorative cuts.
Sanders come in wide variety of designs, such as belt sanders, drum sanders, disc sanders, random orbit sanders or pad sanders. Sanding is often a long job. For this reason, it is very important that you do not lose concentration and that your working environment is set up correctly. If you use the sander unsafely or incorrectly, you could be injured.
Shapers and router tables are used to create decorative surfaces in wood and wood like materials.
Portable and stationary table saws are some of the most commonly used power tools on job sites and in woodworking shops. To use them safely, they must be properly set up, maintained with care, and specific operating procedures must be followed to prevent accidents.
Available in both English and Spanish.
Downloadable publications for educators, contractor training, and DIYers.
Students who learn safety basics can approach any power tool with confidence.
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