Safety tip: always use two hands with drivers! (PPE question too)

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to share a quick safety tip that saved my fingers yesterday. I was driving some 3" screws into a 2x4 with my impact driver, and the bit slipped. Normally I hold the driver with one hand and the screw with the other, but this time I had my left hand on the workpiece. The driver kicked back and the bit spun right where my hand was. Luckily I had gloves on (mechanix), but it still stung.

Moral of the story: always use two hands on the driver, or clamp your work. Don't get lazy like I did.

Also, what kind of PPE do you guys wear when driving screws? Just safety glasses? Ear protection? I'm curious if I'm overdoing it.

Good tip Larry. I learned that lesson the hard way too. Was installing a gate hinge and the bit cammed out, drove the driver right into my knuckle. Bled like a stuck pig. Now I always use a impact driver with a clutch, or at least a pilot hole.

As for PPE, I just wear safety glasses. Ear pro? For a driver? Nah, unless you're doing it all day. But hey, if you're comfortable with ear plugs, go for it. Better safe than sorry.

I'm with Dan on the glasses, but I'll add: if you're using an impact driver for extended periods, the noise can add up. I keep a pair of those cheap foam earplugs in my shop apron. Doesn't hurt to pop 'em in when I'm doing a big deck project.

Also, for the two-hand thing: sometimes you can't. Like when you're on a ladder. In that case, use a magnetic bit holder or a screw starter. Saves your fingers and your sanity. And yeah, gloves are a must. I like the ones with rubberized palms for grip.

Thanks guys. I do have a magnetic bit holder but I guess I got complacent. I'll dig out my earplugs next time I'm doing a lot of driving.

One more question: do you guys wear a dust mask when driving into treated lumber? I've heard the dust can be nasty. I usually just hold my breath but that's probably dumb.

Yeah, treated lumber dust is no joke. I wear a simple N95 when I'm cutting or drilling treated wood. For just driving screws, you're not making much dust, but if you're doing a lot, it's worth it. Especially if you're in a confined space. Better safe than sorry, right?