Drills & Impact Drivers

Drills seem harmless, but when a bit binds, a powerful drill can twist out of your hands and break a wrist, or spin the work piece into your body.

• Construction
• General Industry

Using drills safely

• Use the side handle on larger drills, and brace for torque.
• Use the clutch setting on drills that have one.
• Clamp the work. Never hold small pieces in your hand while drilling, especially metal.
• Use sharp bits of the right type, tightened in the chuck. Remove the chuck key before starting.
• Ease off the pressure as the bit breaks through. That’s when it’s most likely to catch.
• Check for hidden wires and pipes before drilling into walls, floors and ceilings.
• Wear safety glasses. Metal chips are sharp and hot.

• Don’t wear gloves with loose cuffs, or loose sleeves, near a spinning bit.
• Don’t grab the chuck or bit right after drilling. It’s hot.
• Don’t stand on a ladder and drill with a high-torque drill without being braced.

Impact drivers

• Use impact-rated bits and sockets. Regular sockets can shatter.
• Keep the driver straight in line with the fastener.
• Use hearing protection. Impact drivers are loud.

Last updated: October 1, 2026