The twisted right-angle drill shock (the wrist-snapper)

High-torque right-angle drills do not have internal clutches and will transfer 100% of their rotational force back into the operator if the cutting head locks up. Maintain a firm, two-handed grip on the tool handle and side pipe grip rail, plant your feet.

Stop if

• That right-angle drill will snap your wrist if you try to single-hand it through a knot. Keep a tight two-handed grip on the tool rails, and brace the motor housing square against the wood framing studs so the wood takes the kickback torque.

Watch out

• Do not force the tool through the problem or substitute the wrong tool just to keep moving.

Check

• Stop the task if the tool can fall, whip, bind, or kick back.
• Check the bit, chuck, tether, and hand position before starting.
• Use two hands or a tool lanyard when the task creates drop or kickback risk.
• Clear people from the drop zone below.
• Tell the foreman if the setup is not safe to continue.

Steps

• Stop the task if the tool can fall, whip, bind, or kick back.
• Check the bit, chuck, tether, and hand position before starting.
• Use two hands or a tool lanyard when the task creates drop or kickback risk.
• Clear people from the drop zone below.
• Tell the foreman if the setup is not safe to continue.

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