PSA: Don't forget ear protection with impact drivers!

Just a friendly reminder after a long day in the shop. I was using my impact driver to sink some deck screws and forgot my ear muffs. Man, that rattling sound is no joke. My ears are still ringing an hour later. Seriously, wear your PPE, especially with impact drivers and hammer drills. They're loud enough to cause permanent damage over time. Anyone else have a close call?

You're spot on, Steve. I've been saying this for years. I always have a pair of these cheap foam earplugs in my tool bag. They're like $0.10 a pair and worth every penny. Impact drivers are deceptively loud - you don't think it's that bad but it adds up. Better safe than sorry.

Yeah, I used to skip ear pro when I was just doing quick screws, but after a summer of building a deck with a buddy, I noticed my hearing was a bit dull. Now I've got a set of Bluetooth ear muffs so I can listen to podcasts while I work - double win. Definitely invest in good ones, not the cheapo ones that hurt after an hour.

Thanks for the reminder, I'm guilty of this too. I often just use my drill/driver for small stuff around the house and think 'it's just a minute'. But you're right, those impacts can be nasty. I'll grab some of those foam plugs next time I'm at the store. Do you guys have a preference between foam earplugs and earmuffs for comfort? I find earmuffs get sweaty in summer.

Honestly, it depends. For me, foam plugs are more comfortable if I'm going to have them in for a long time. They conform to your ear. But if I'm going in and out, earmuffs are easier to flip up. I own both. Just use what works for you, as long as you use something! And yeah, summer sweat is a thing, but a little sweat beats tinnitus.