Proceed with Caution: 10 Power Tools That Can Kill You

Because most hedge trimmers are corded, injuries often involve electric shock or electrocution, either of which may occur if the user inadvertently cuts through the extension cord. To prevent this mishap, always keep the cord safely out of the way of the blade and your feet. Don’t use a hedge trimmer during rainy weather, or when the ground is wet and slippery. Wear shoes with nonslip soles, keep your body balanced at all times when operating the machine, and don’t overreach.

Although pneumatic tools like air-powered nail guns come with safety mechanisms, improper use can cause a fastener to be fired at high speed in the wrong direction, potentially injuring the operator or a bystander. High-velocity fasteners may also hit knots in wood and come hurtling back toward the user. Always read the owner’s manual and practice proper safety techniques when using the machine.

Always hold a drill perpendicular to the work surface to prevent the bit from catching in the wood and twisting the drill violently. Working from a ladder increases the likelihood of this happening, because the precarious position often causes users to drill to one side. A twisted drill could lead to broken fingers or a fall from the ladder, so always practice proper technique when drilling from a ladder, and recruit a friend to keep watch.

Related: 9 Handy Uses for Your Cordless Drill/Driver

Powder-actuated tools employ 0.22-caliber charges, so they’re very effective at firing nails through wood plates into concrete or metal. If the tool’s trajectory is slightly off, however, the fastener can ricochet and strike the user or a bystander. Manufacturers of these tools, such as Ramset, offer free training.

Related: The 7 Essential Tools of Deconstruction

Users operate miter saws by placing wood on the saw base, then pulling the spinning blade downward to cut it. If the blade binds, the spinning saw kicks upward toward the user, putting fingers, hands, and forearms in the path of the blade. Minimize the risk of kickback by starting the blade before it makes contact with the wood, and keeping the wood firmly pressed against the fence to minimize movement.

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