We have seen in previous notes what a drill is, what its accessories are and how to choose them. We still had to offer our readers a safety guide for drills, quick and easy to consult.
We can say that, being a manual tool, the greatest risk falls on our hands and arms, although it is also necessary to protect the eyes, face and body. Being a power tool, protection against electric shock is also important.
Safety measures for drills: it is very simple to prevent accidents
As we saw on another occasion, a drill It has basically five parts: the power cable, the motor, the reduction mechanism, the housing and the moving head (chuck). The chuck is the element that holds the bits (drills) or other cutting elements such as crowns, burs and taps.
Of these six elements, only the housing, the motor, the electrical cable, the bits and the head can cause us problems. The reducer assembly, being housed inside, can hardly cause us an accident, unless the casing is completely damaged, which in itself is an obvious risk.
Risks to avoid
Risks of power supply
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Some drills they can have a Europlug-type connector – outdated and replaced by other standards, such as IRAM 2073 – which forces the insertion of adapters that are often not properly certified, which introduces risks of fire and electrocution if they break.
If he drill It has a non-standard connector, its replacement is recommended, always verifying that the motor is prepared for the voltage and frequency of the region where we are.
Cable
Nothing is more dangerous than having a power cord with poor insulation. Although it is difficult to believe, many hand power tools they have peeling in the power cables, exposing the wire (and often both conductors), thus creating risks of fire and electrocution.
If the cable is scratched, peeled, or cracked, it needs to be replaced completely. If there is a small cut, it can be repaired by using electrical tape or a heat shrink tubing, although this should be a temporary solution as the tape loses its elasticity over time and runs the risk of cracking.
Risks caused by the carcass
The carcass, except for drills Very old electrical appliances, it is usually made of plastic, so there is no direct risk of electrocution unless the housing is wet or has cracks.
Broken casing
If he drill has a cracked, cracked or broken casing, do not use! There is a risk of electrocution, that of pinching the skin caused by the plastic suddenly pulled by the gear mechanism, or of other accidents caused by those exposed gears.
Dirty carcass
Another problem that can arise is that of a dirty housing, especially with oils or greases.
When working with this tool it must be held firmly in place, which is difficult to achieve if there are lubricants on the handle.
Clean the entire surface of the tool with degreasers that do not attack plastics. Remember to do it with the tool unplugged. If the tool is clean, there will be less risk that an occasional spark could start a fire start.
Motor
In security for drills, the engine occupies a central part, as it is the heart of that tool. There are different failures that can cause different risks.
Dirt failures
Usually the drills New ones have protection against dirt entering the engine, but on some models this may occur. To remedy it, it is necessary to go to the technical service, since home repair is not advisable.
Worn brush failures
Worn brushes – Safety when using the drill
The brushes or carbons are small pieces of graphite that fulfill the function of transmitting the electrical current to the motor. If these parts are worn, it is likely that sparks are generated, the motor overheating or not turning at all.
This repair is simple and can be done at home, although the assistance of a technician or an electrician is recommended if in doubt.
Head and bits
The head is the only exposed moving part, and it is the main responsible for accidents when the machine is used improperly. tool. In turn, drills too, being moving parts, can cause problems. Let’s see what they are and how to avoid them.
Head Problems
Head- Safety in the use of the drill
Among the most frequent problems is that of clothes caught on the edges of the head. Most of the time it is nothing more than a scare and a torn garment, but sometimes, if the tool, a serious accident may occur.
When using the drill Appropriate, tight-fitting clothing should be worn that does not have cords, fringes, or other loose surfaces that could come into contact with the moving parts of the drill (and other tools).
Another good measure to avoid this problem is to purchase a drill It has a manually adjustable head, which avoids the jagged edge and reduces the surfaces that could catch clothes, hair or other objects.
Drill Bit Problems
Drill Bits – Safety in the use of the drill
A badly sharpened bit can cause accidents if the operator also uses the tool improperly. drill. It can happen that the tip is eccentric, unbalanced or that simply the cutting angles – or even the drill itself – are inappropriate for the material you are trying to drill.
Another frequent problem, which causes accidents, is a bit that is not properly attached to the chuck. If this happens, the drill may come loose or split, projecting splinters if the operator is also exerting excessive pressure.
The bits must be perfectly fastened to the chuck, the chuck key must be outside the head area, and the bit must be in perfect condition: well sharpened, and must match the type of material to be worked.
Good Safety Practices for Drills
Safety guide for using the drill
- If you have a handlebar, it is important to use it, as it provides greater maneuverability and reduces the risk of the tool slide.
- Never exert excessive pressure with the tool; If the bit is sharpened, it will cut by itself, without the need for force.
- Always choose the right bit or bit for the job and material; Know the proper cutting angles for each material, and ensure that your bits are always sharpened correctly.
- For metal work, use soluble oil coolant, and find the best angular velocity for the diameter of the bit and the type of material. The correct choice of both parameters will result in a smoother hole and less wear on the tool cutting.
- Never use the drill as a screwdriver if it is not designed for it.
- Always keep the drill and the highlights.
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