Tools, Fasteners & Hardware

Forgotten sealant/hardware causes extra lift trips

How do I avoid the twisted right-angle drill shock (the wrist-snapper)?

How do I correctly use a duct stretcher without bending the drive?

How do I keep my tape measure from snapping and kinking on 20-foot spans?

How do I know what size masonry bit to use for a 3/8" rod anchor?

How do I prevent metal shavings from getting in my eyes when drilling overhead?

Leaving tools on top of ladders or elevated surfaces where they can fall

Level/plumb after tightening hardware not checked

Locking pliers/wide vise grips for alignment not used

Long screws through a louver casing jam the adjustable blades

Losing hardware on lift due to no pouch/bin

Material gauge before cutting/bending not checked

Missing duct stretcher/clamps for rectangular alignment

Missing impact bits/drill batteries on lift

Missing knee pads/gloves and slowing work

No spare batteries before lift work

Not attending a required safety toolbox talk because it seems repetitive

Not checking that tools are in good working condition before use

Not knowing red/green/yellow snip direction

Not knowing which snips to use for cut direction

Not organizing parts before lift goes up

Not returning borrowed tools to the tool crib or journeyman

Over-tightening sheet metal screws and stripping them in 26-gauge material

Scribe line stress-fracturing (the deep gouge)

Self-Drilling Screws: Match Point, Length, and Driver

Self-Drilling Screws: Match Point, Length, and Driver

The short-stroke snap-lock button punch miss

The single-blade crimp slip-out

The sliding notch lock-seamer slip

The spark-spotter liner drop (cold weld failure)

Tool choice creates rough, unprofessional finished install

Torque/impact setting on delicate fasteners not protected

Using a dull blade or bit and applying excessive force to compensate

Using dull snips and mangling metal

Using hammer where duct stretcher or clamp is needed

Using tape measure hook wrong on inside dimension

Using the wrong drill bit material for the substrate (e.g., wood bit on metal)

What is the proper way to set a wedge anchor (drop-in) in concrete without blowing out the hole?

What's the difference between red, green, and yellow aviation snips?

What's the safest way to cut spiral duct with a grinder or sawzall?

When is it required to wear cut-resistant gloves when handling raw metal edges?

When should I use a folding tool (bar folder) versus hand seamers?

Wrong anchor length for substrate

Wrong bit for anchor/fastener

Wrong caulk/mastic brush size for joint

Wrong driver bit and stripping screws

Wrong screw length damages liner/equipment/damper