Must-Follow Safety Precautions When Using An Impact Wrench
Having an impact wrench can come in handy in a number of situations. For instance, an impact wrench can make swapping out a flat tire with a spare a lot easier. However, because of the high amount of torque an impact wrench is capable of producing, there are some important safety considerations that you should follow when using one so as to prevent serious accident or injury.
Use the Right Accessories
One of the most convenient features of an impact wrench is that they often come with a number of interchangeable sockets and other accessories that can make a lot of jobs much easier. However, you should be aware that most manufacturers have specific accessories that are designed to be used with certain models of impact wrench. As such, these accessories generally aren't interchangeable between makes/models--and there's really no such thing as a "universal" impact wrench socket.
Always make sure the accessories you're using are specifically designed for your impact wrench. Otherwise, they could break or malfunction during use, potentially damaging your property or even causing serious injury in the process.
Wear the Proper Protective Gear
When working with high-power and high-torque tools such as impact wrenches, it's imperative that you keep long hair tied back and ensure you're not wearing any dangling jewelry. Otherwise, you run the risk of loose jewelry or hair becoming tangled in the moving parts of your impact wrench, which can cause major injury. While working with an impact wrench, it's also recommended that you wear both safety goggles and gloves. If you'll be producing a large amount of saw dust while using your impact wrench, it's also a good idea to wear a respiratory mask and to work in a well ventilated space.
Turn Off When Not in Use
Finally, when changing out sockets/drill bits or when simply not using your impact wrench, always make sure it's completely turned off (and unplugged, if applicable). Never, ever attempt to change accessories on your impact wrench while it's still plugged in; you might accidentally turn it on and hurt yourself. When shut off, keep your impact wrench stored in a dry place, as operating in wet conditions could put you ask risk of electrical shock.
An impact wrench can make your life easier in a number of ways. However, as with any power tool, it's vital that you exercise the necessary safety precautions while operating one.