Toolcraft – From Woods to Workshop: Teaching Boys to Handle Tools Safely
Like the baseball batter who stands up to the plate and keeps his eye on the ball, a skilled axeman stands squarely in front of his log and looks right at the spot where he wants his blow to fall. That is a big part of the secret of accurate chopping. Keep your eye on the ball-the spot where you are aiming each stroke of the axe. [1949 Edition, Handbook for Boys, Boy Scouts of America, pg 283].
Tools are an extension of a person and are valuable in service to complete tasks.
Hand tools can be used for fastening, shaping, measuring, cutting and much more in fields like home repair and maintenance, construction, woodworking, metalworking, electrical work and even jewelry making.
Safe handling and proper use of tools prevents injuries.
- ToolCraft safety details basic tool safety guidelines. (Quick Reference)
- ToolCraft IN [Instructor Notes] has supplemental information for teaching; including different types of hammers; shovels/spades; and pliers.
- ToolCraft SWS is a student worksheet.
- Tool Safety SPG is a pocket-size reference for students. [print (2-sided, flip on short side); cut in half & fold into a ‘W-shape’]
- Tool Safety Card is a pocket-size safety rules reminder.
Learning the basic parts of tools is important to use the tools safely.
Most hand tools have two parts: handle (the part that your hand grips) and blade (the part engaged with the workpiece). Keeping your hand(s) on the handle and the blade away from your body should keep you relatively safe while using the tool.
SAW CUTSS provides a general set of safety rules for using all types of tools.
Select the best tool available for the task. A tool specifically designed for the task may not be available, but other tools may be used to complete the task.
Always Clear a Work Area. This provides space to work and protection for others that may be in the area. For example, walking the area before mowing a lawn looking for rocks or other debris that may be 'thrown' from the mower. If you are working while on a ladder; be aware of people below. Having a clear work area will help you to work efficiently by having room for your tools and materials to be organized; and to keep others safe.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment [PPE].
Protect your body from the environment.
PPE includes safety helmets (hard hats), eyeglasses, earplugs (ear muffs), Respiratory protective equipment (RPE), full-body suits, vests, gloves, knee pads; safety footwear, etc..
This can be expanded to protection from the sun (sun screen on exposed skin); insect (repellent & long sleeves, etc.). Or protection from the weather: coats; boots, etc.
Wear gear that protects your body from the environment that you are working in.
Carry Tool by Handle near blade.
Use Tool correctly; NOT play toy.
Transfer [Pass] Tool; Handle first.
Say ‘Thank You’ receiving Tool.
Store Tools clean & secure.
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Activities using tools can include:
- cut food: bread, sausage, cheese; vegetables can be peeled and cut;
- carve 'paint stick figures': eagle; crocodile; bear, etc. on a paint stick
- whittle a figure in a bar of soap
- cut items for a patrol flag
- cut a piece from a log for a bolo tie or have a log sawing competition.
- cut a pipe; hose, wire (form into a stick figure),etc.
- Pound nail(s) into wood (competition); screws; bolts (limit wrench angle].
A sharpening stone can be made by applying sandpaper (100 grit/200 grit) to a paint stick using double sided tape.
