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Your Hand Tool Safety Checklist
Jan 2, 2024
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Your Hand Tool Safety Checklist
Severe cuts that require stitches.
Broken bones when tools slip or fall.
Serious eye injuries from chipping or chiselling.
We don’t mean to worry you but we found it best to kickstart our blog with some hair-raising facts to highlight the importance of hand tools safety and awareness. Hand tools are necessary equipment on most job sites or DIY projects. That being said, they can cause very serious injuries when they’re not used or maintained correctly. Here are 5 suggested ways to prevent injuries to yourself and others when using hand tools.
Wear appropriate Personal Protectve Equipment (PPE)
Feeling fine at the end of your shift does not pass for the fact that you’ve properly protected your body. PPE is basically self-defence - they protect you from any physical harm or hazards that the workplace environment may present. Examples of PPE include reflective vests, goggles, helmets, gloves, harnesses and more. All in all, wear PPE to safeguard your health and well-being, both for now and down the road.
Shop Vicki Hardware safety equipment and attires here: https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=ourproducts&cid=230985&cat=V1-V4&subcat=SAFETY-EQUIPMENT-ATTIRE#openproducts
Inspect your hand tools
Inspect your hand tools before every use - check for faulty parts that may be rusted, splintered, loose or damaged. If they are defected, repair or replace them. Hand tool inspections are often overlooked by many but if tools become defective, they can cause serious injuries.
To illustrate, if the wooden handle of a hammer is cracked or loose, the head may potentially fly off and cause accidents. When using dull saws or knives, you’re likely to apply more pressure to your materials - leading to a higher chance of slippage thus increasing the risk of injury to yourself.
Look at Gerard here for instance (we thought the name suited him well), who’s carefully inspecting his tools before use - he is making safety a priority here.
Image by: Jeriden Villegas
Have a good grip of the tool
Always select a hand tool that fits your hand and the job that you’re doing. It is recommended that you opt for a tool with a handle that is wrapped with a soft non-slip material as they offer a better and more comfortable grip.
Besides, by adding a sleeve to a tool it increases the diameter of the handle which reduces the risk of any hand fatigue or injuries. If gloves are worn, ensure that the tools being used can still be gripped easily without risking a slippage.
Image by: Eric Wendt
Shop Vicki Hardware’s comfortable, non-slip screwdrivers here: https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=search&kw=screwdriver
Employ hand tools in a comfortable work position
Use the right tool for the right job in the right way. Awkward postures or harmful contact pressures while working with hand tools can cause discomfort to your body. They may affect your wrist, shoulder, elbow or back posture without you realizing until the work piece is done. Over time, bad work postures may even contribute to an injury.
When using hand tools, avoid raising your shoulders and elbows. Instead, keep them relaxed and your arms at your side. Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools. In actual fact, relaxed body postures make it a whole lot easier to drive downward force.
Image by: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu
Carry and store hand tools correctly
Practice cleaning tools after each use before returning them to their designated storages. On another note, it is recommended that you lubricate tools that have adjustable parts - remember to wipe away any excess with a rag to avoid corrosion and rust.
Store tools properly and do not leave them laying around. Consider using a bucket, tool bag or a bucket when you’re carrying tools up and down a ladder. Needless to say, do not toss or throw any hand tool to a person. Tools are recommended to be handed over handle-first from the hand of the giver, ensuring a safe grip for the person borrowing the item.
Image by: Pop & Zebra
Shop Vicki Hardware’s Bags & Storage here: https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=ourproducts&cid=230836&cat=V1-V4&subcat=HAND-TOOL-BAGS#openproducts
Conceptualize the idea that you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others. Some may perceive that safety measures are common sense but they can be forgotten or overlooked if you don’t make it a habit. Ultimately, knowing safety is not enough - you have to practice it.
About Us:
We offer a huge collection of affordable construction materials, hardware tools, home improvement goods, sanitary ware, abrasive tools, garden equipment and more.
If you have any questions, drop us a message at enquiry@vickihardware.com.my or contact us at +60129288663
References:
https://www.safetynotes.net/hand-tools-safety/
https://weeklysafety.com/blog/hand-tools
https://tengtoolsusa.com/blogs/news/10-basic-safety-rules-for-using-hand-tools
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/handtools5.html
Severe cuts that require stitches.
Broken bones when tools slip or fall.
Serious eye injuries from chipping or chiselling.
We don’t mean to worry you but we found it best to kickstart our blog with some hair-raising facts to highlight the importance of hand tools safety and awareness. Hand tools are necessary equipment on most job sites or DIY projects. That being said, they can cause very serious injuries when they’re not used or maintained correctly. Here are 5 suggested ways to prevent injuries to yourself and others when using hand tools.
Wear appropriate Personal Protectve Equipment (PPE)
Feeling fine at the end of your shift does not pass for the fact that you’ve properly protected your body. PPE is basically self-defence - they protect you from any physical harm or hazards that the workplace environment may present. Examples of PPE include reflective vests, goggles, helmets, gloves, harnesses and more. All in all, wear PPE to safeguard your health and well-being, both for now and down the road.
Shop Vicki Hardware safety equipment and attires here: https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=ourproducts&cid=230985&cat=V1-V4&subcat=SAFETY-EQUIPMENT-ATTIRE#openproducts
Inspect your hand tools
Inspect your hand tools before every use - check for faulty parts that may be rusted, splintered, loose or damaged. If they are defected, repair or replace them. Hand tool inspections are often overlooked by many but if tools become defective, they can cause serious injuries.
To illustrate, if the wooden handle of a hammer is cracked or loose, the head may potentially fly off and cause accidents. When using dull saws or knives, you’re likely to apply more pressure to your materials - leading to a higher chance of slippage thus increasing the risk of injury to yourself.
Look at Gerard here for instance (we thought the name suited him well), who’s carefully inspecting his tools before use - he is making safety a priority here.
Image by: Jeriden Villegas
Have a good grip of the tool
Always select a hand tool that fits your hand and the job that you’re doing. It is recommended that you opt for a tool with a handle that is wrapped with a soft non-slip material as they offer a better and more comfortable grip.
Besides, by adding a sleeve to a tool it increases the diameter of the handle which reduces the risk of any hand fatigue or injuries. If gloves are worn, ensure that the tools being used can still be gripped easily without risking a slippage.
Image by: Eric Wendt
Shop Vicki Hardware’s comfortable, non-slip screwdrivers here: https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=search&kw=screwdriver
Employ hand tools in a comfortable work position
Use the right tool for the right job in the right way. Awkward postures or harmful contact pressures while working with hand tools can cause discomfort to your body. They may affect your wrist, shoulder, elbow or back posture without you realizing until the work piece is done. Over time, bad work postures may even contribute to an injury.
When using hand tools, avoid raising your shoulders and elbows. Instead, keep them relaxed and your arms at your side. Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools. In actual fact, relaxed body postures make it a whole lot easier to drive downward force.
Image by: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu
Carry and store hand tools correctly
Practice cleaning tools after each use before returning them to their designated storages. On another note, it is recommended that you lubricate tools that have adjustable parts - remember to wipe away any excess with a rag to avoid corrosion and rust.
Store tools properly and do not leave them laying around. Consider using a bucket, tool bag or a bucket when you’re carrying tools up and down a ladder. Needless to say, do not toss or throw any hand tool to a person. Tools are recommended to be handed over handle-first from the hand of the giver, ensuring a safe grip for the person borrowing the item.
Image by: Pop & Zebra
Shop Vicki Hardware’s Bags & Storage here: https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=ourproducts&cid=230836&cat=V1-V4&subcat=HAND-TOOL-BAGS#openproducts
Conceptualize the idea that you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others. Some may perceive that safety measures are common sense but they can be forgotten or overlooked if you don’t make it a habit. Ultimately, knowing safety is not enough - you have to practice it.
About Us:
We offer a huge collection of affordable construction materials, hardware tools, home improvement goods, sanitary ware, abrasive tools, garden equipment and more.
If you have any questions, drop us a message at enquiry@vickihardware.com.my or contact us at +60129288663
References:
https://www.safetynotes.net/hand-tools-safety/
https://weeklysafety.com/blog/hand-tools
https://tengtoolsusa.com/blogs/news/10-basic-safety-rules-for-using-hand-tools
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/handtools5.html
Types of Paint Rollers
Jan 2, 2024
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Picture this: You’re walking into a store to purchase some supplies for your new painting project. You stop at the paint rollers section and there’s an array of them in different sizes, materials and textures. You may be asking yourselves…
“Which works best with emulsion paints? With oil-based paints?”
“Is this type of roller suitable for rough surfaces?”
“Which roller produces the smoothest finish?”
We understand the struggle. Thus, we’ve prepared a brief yet informative infographic (Please see below) to help you differentiate various types of popular paint rollers. Nevertheless, if you have some time to spare, scroll further down and give this article a read - we hope you’ll gain some extra insight!
Tiger Stripes Rollers
Like a tiger, the roller is coated in yellow with black stripes. It is the most commonly used paint roller today as it ticks most if not all boxes for conventional painting project needs. The roller is made of woven acrylic material which shed minimal fibres and is virtually lint-free
- producing a smooth or semi-smooth finish on surfaces. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and they’re often employed for emulsion and masonry paints.
Green Rollers
Green rollers are made of green thread fur and they are a great option for coating textured surfaces with stellar results and minimal effort. Traditional paints rollers tend to skip peaks and indentations of walls however, these confined spaces are no challenge to a green roller’s long thread fur. Furthermore, the smooth fur cloth material of the roller works best with water and oil-based applications, providing great colour and finish retention over time.
Velour Rollers
Velour rollers are often made of mohair fabric and they are one of the most prized natural fibres today. As luxurious as it may feel, mohair is extremely durable and it does not crease, shed and stretch easily. Thus, velour rollers produce ultra-smooth surfaces of paints and clear coatings like Epoxies, enamels, varnishes, lacquers and more. Velour rollers are also an ideal choice for painting hard-to-reach areas like corners and cabinets due to their small diameter.
Yellow Stripes
A yellow-striped roller consists of a long pile of microfibre material which causes the roller to pick up a lot of paint that consequently dries up quickly and evenly. They produce smooth finishes with a thick and even coverage helping you achieve professional-looking results in just one or two coats of paint. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor work and are ideally used with emulsion paints.
Blue & Yellow Stripes
Similar to tiger-striped rollers, these rollers are made of acrylic fibres. Synthetics in general can be used with water or oil-based coatings but they work best with water-based mediums. The shed-resistant material of the roller ensures smooth paint transfers which are favourable for edging and line striping. Additionally, they can produce smooth finishes on walls, textiles, machinery and more.
Well, that is all for our topic today on types of popular paint rollers and their uses! Have a browse at all our paint supplies here: https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=search&kw=paint&lang=en
We offer a huge collection of affordable construction materials, hardware tools, home improvement goods, sanitary ware, abrasive tools, garden equipment and more.
If you have any questions, drop us a message at enquiry@vickihardware.com.my or contact us at +60129288663
References:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-textured-walls/
https://www.palatinepaints.co.uk/which-paint-rollers-to-use/
https://www.thespruce.com/best-paint-rollers-4151069
https://indigopaints.com/blog/what-is-emulsion-paint/#:~:text=Emulsion%20paint%20is%20water%2Dbased,of%20paint%20on%20the%20wall.
“Which works best with emulsion paints? With oil-based paints?”
“Is this type of roller suitable for rough surfaces?”
“Which roller produces the smoothest finish?”
We understand the struggle. Thus, we’ve prepared a brief yet informative infographic (Please see below) to help you differentiate various types of popular paint rollers. Nevertheless, if you have some time to spare, scroll further down and give this article a read - we hope you’ll gain some extra insight!
Tiger Stripes Rollers
Like a tiger, the roller is coated in yellow with black stripes. It is the most commonly used paint roller today as it ticks most if not all boxes for conventional painting project needs. The roller is made of woven acrylic material which shed minimal fibres and is virtually lint-free
- producing a smooth or semi-smooth finish on surfaces. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and they’re often employed for emulsion and masonry paints.
Green Rollers
Green rollers are made of green thread fur and they are a great option for coating textured surfaces with stellar results and minimal effort. Traditional paints rollers tend to skip peaks and indentations of walls however, these confined spaces are no challenge to a green roller’s long thread fur. Furthermore, the smooth fur cloth material of the roller works best with water and oil-based applications, providing great colour and finish retention over time.
Velour Rollers
Velour rollers are often made of mohair fabric and they are one of the most prized natural fibres today. As luxurious as it may feel, mohair is extremely durable and it does not crease, shed and stretch easily. Thus, velour rollers produce ultra-smooth surfaces of paints and clear coatings like Epoxies, enamels, varnishes, lacquers and more. Velour rollers are also an ideal choice for painting hard-to-reach areas like corners and cabinets due to their small diameter.
Yellow Stripes
A yellow-striped roller consists of a long pile of microfibre material which causes the roller to pick up a lot of paint that consequently dries up quickly and evenly. They produce smooth finishes with a thick and even coverage helping you achieve professional-looking results in just one or two coats of paint. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor work and are ideally used with emulsion paints.
Blue & Yellow Stripes
Similar to tiger-striped rollers, these rollers are made of acrylic fibres. Synthetics in general can be used with water or oil-based coatings but they work best with water-based mediums. The shed-resistant material of the roller ensures smooth paint transfers which are favourable for edging and line striping. Additionally, they can produce smooth finishes on walls, textiles, machinery and more.
Well, that is all for our topic today on types of popular paint rollers and their uses! Have a browse at all our paint supplies here: https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=search&kw=paint&lang=en
We offer a huge collection of affordable construction materials, hardware tools, home improvement goods, sanitary ware, abrasive tools, garden equipment and more.
If you have any questions, drop us a message at enquiry@vickihardware.com.my or contact us at +60129288663
References:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-textured-walls/
https://www.palatinepaints.co.uk/which-paint-rollers-to-use/
https://www.thespruce.com/best-paint-rollers-4151069
https://indigopaints.com/blog/what-is-emulsion-paint/#:~:text=Emulsion%20paint%20is%20water%2Dbased,of%20paint%20on%20the%20wall.
Types of Hammers
Jan 2, 2024
View Full Size
Hammers are used for much more than just driving nails and pulling them out. They are employed for a variety of jobs - from shaping to forming to finishing processes. Thus, you will need different hammers to facilitate specific tasks to achieve more effective outcomes.
In this article, we will be sharing some main types of hammers and their functions to help you select the best hammer for the right job. Without further ado, let’s jump into it!
Claw hammers are one of the most popular hammers for general work. Their handles come in various materials - wood, steel, glass-fibre and more. With a rubber grip, it is easier for you to exert force without experiencing any hand fatigue.
The hammer’s claw is normally curved, incorporating a ‘V’ shaped structure which is suitable for any woodworking, prying or finishing jobs. The curved claw allows you to pull out any stubborn nails and perform other jobs where a lever is required.
https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=showproducts&products_id=2061823&cat=BERENT&subcat=HAMMERS&subsubcat=CLAW-HAMMER#openproducts
2. Cross Pein Hammer
Also known as Warrington Pattern hammers, cross peins are often considered a carpenter’s hammer. It is also a tool that is most useful domestically.
Other than shaping metals, they are used for starting panel pins and tacks. The chiselled side of the hammer’s head is first used to start the nail. Then, it is reversed and the nail is driven by the flat side of the hammer.
https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=showproducts&products_id=2062372&cat=MANN-039-S&subcat=HAMMERS#openproducts
3. Ball Pein Hammer
Normally used by a machinist or an engineer, the ball pein is used for peening, shaping metal and closing rivets (metalworking). With two heads, one being flat and the other round, it is suitable for specific tasks.
The ball/round end can be used to round off edges of metal pins and fasteners in addition to making gaskets for mating surfaces. On the other hand, the flat end of the hammer is often employed to strike punches and chisels.
4. Rubber Hammer
Rubber hammers are often called for when a softer blow is needed due to their bounce-resistant (dead blow) heads. It is a lightweight hammer-like tool with a head made of rubber or hard plastic.
Considering that rubber hammers do not leave any marks or scratches, they’re commonly utilized to bend and shape sheet metal. They’re also useful for forcing tight-fitting wooden parts together, shifting plasterboard into place, and for upholstery works.
https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=showproducts&products_id=2061834&cat=BERENT&subcat=HAMMERS&subsubcat=RUBBER-HAMMER#openproducts
5. Sheet Metal Hammer
Both ends of the hammer’s head namely the wide flat circular head and the chisel-shaped head are used for ‘pecking’ metals to shape them.
The specialized heads of the hammer allow you to bend, indent, mark, shift, stretch and form a sheet of metal - producing precise bends and formations based on your needs.
https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=showproducts&products_id=2165120&cat=SUMO-EXTREME&subcat=HAMMERS#openproducts
All things being said, we hope by this point you should be able to distinguish between different hammers based on their functions. Take a quick look through our collection of heavy-duty hammers and choose the models that you need to complete your jobs!
We offer a huge collection of affordable construction materials, hardware tools, home improvement goods, sanitary ware, abrasive tools, garden equipment and more.
If you have any questions, drop us a message at enquiry@vickihardware.com.my or contact us at +60129288663
References:
https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/R/AE_rubber_mallet.html
https://www.diydata.com/tool/hammer/hammers.php
http://wiki.dtonline.org/index.php/Cross_Pein_Hammer#:~:text=Cross%20Pein%20Hammers%20(aka%20Peen,known%20as%20Warrington%20Pattern%20hammers.
https://www.thespruce.com/rubber-mallet-uses-1822687
https://www.stortz.com/how-to-choose-a-sheet-metal-hammer/
In this article, we will be sharing some main types of hammers and their functions to help you select the best hammer for the right job. Without further ado, let’s jump into it!
Claw hammers are one of the most popular hammers for general work. Their handles come in various materials - wood, steel, glass-fibre and more. With a rubber grip, it is easier for you to exert force without experiencing any hand fatigue.
The hammer’s claw is normally curved, incorporating a ‘V’ shaped structure which is suitable for any woodworking, prying or finishing jobs. The curved claw allows you to pull out any stubborn nails and perform other jobs where a lever is required.
https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=showproducts&products_id=2061823&cat=BERENT&subcat=HAMMERS&subsubcat=CLAW-HAMMER#openproducts
2. Cross Pein Hammer
Also known as Warrington Pattern hammers, cross peins are often considered a carpenter’s hammer. It is also a tool that is most useful domestically.
Other than shaping metals, they are used for starting panel pins and tacks. The chiselled side of the hammer’s head is first used to start the nail. Then, it is reversed and the nail is driven by the flat side of the hammer.
https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=showproducts&products_id=2062372&cat=MANN-039-S&subcat=HAMMERS#openproducts
3. Ball Pein Hammer
Normally used by a machinist or an engineer, the ball pein is used for peening, shaping metal and closing rivets (metalworking). With two heads, one being flat and the other round, it is suitable for specific tasks.
The ball/round end can be used to round off edges of metal pins and fasteners in addition to making gaskets for mating surfaces. On the other hand, the flat end of the hammer is often employed to strike punches and chisels.
4. Rubber Hammer
Rubber hammers are often called for when a softer blow is needed due to their bounce-resistant (dead blow) heads. It is a lightweight hammer-like tool with a head made of rubber or hard plastic.
Considering that rubber hammers do not leave any marks or scratches, they’re commonly utilized to bend and shape sheet metal. They’re also useful for forcing tight-fitting wooden parts together, shifting plasterboard into place, and for upholstery works.
https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=showproducts&products_id=2061834&cat=BERENT&subcat=HAMMERS&subsubcat=RUBBER-HAMMER#openproducts
5. Sheet Metal Hammer
Both ends of the hammer’s head namely the wide flat circular head and the chisel-shaped head are used for ‘pecking’ metals to shape them.
The specialized heads of the hammer allow you to bend, indent, mark, shift, stretch and form a sheet of metal - producing precise bends and formations based on your needs.
https://www.vickihardware.com.my/index.php?ws=showproducts&products_id=2165120&cat=SUMO-EXTREME&subcat=HAMMERS#openproducts
All things being said, we hope by this point you should be able to distinguish between different hammers based on their functions. Take a quick look through our collection of heavy-duty hammers and choose the models that you need to complete your jobs!
We offer a huge collection of affordable construction materials, hardware tools, home improvement goods, sanitary ware, abrasive tools, garden equipment and more.
If you have any questions, drop us a message at enquiry@vickihardware.com.my or contact us at +60129288663
References:
https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/R/AE_rubber_mallet.html
https://www.diydata.com/tool/hammer/hammers.php
http://wiki.dtonline.org/index.php/Cross_Pein_Hammer#:~:text=Cross%20Pein%20Hammers%20(aka%20Peen,known%20as%20Warrington%20Pattern%20hammers.
https://www.thespruce.com/rubber-mallet-uses-1822687
https://www.stortz.com/how-to-choose-a-sheet-metal-hammer/