How to Use a Drill and a Saw, With the Safety Steps Pros Follow

Your manual wins. These are general practices. When your tool's manual says something different, follow the manual.

Safety basics for every power tool

• Eye protection rated ANSI Z87.1, every time.
• Hearing protection for saws, grinders, rotary hammers and gas tools.
• Dust protection: cutting or drilling concrete, block, brick or tile releases silica dust. Use water, a dust shroud with a HEPA vacuum, or a respirator as the rules require.
• Secure the work with clamps. Never hold small pieces by hand near a blade.
• Remove the battery or unplug before changing blades or bits.
• Never remove or pin back guards.
• Check for hidden utilities: scan walls before drilling, and call 811 before digging.
• No loose sleeves, jewelry or long hair near rotating tools.
• Outdoors and in wet areas, use GFCI protection for corded tools.

How to use a drill

1. Pick the right bit for the material and chuck it tight (or seat a hex bit fully).
2. Set the clutch: low numbers for small screws, the drill symbol for drilling.
3. Choose the speed: low gear for driving and large bits, high gear for small holes.
4. Mark the spot; start with a center punch on metal or a pilot hole for big bits.
5. Hold the drill square to the surface with both hands on large bits, and use the side handle.
6. Let the drill do the work. Back the bit out every few seconds in deep holes to clear chips.
7. Brace for the drill to twist if the bit catches; that's what the side handle is for.

How to use a circular saw

1. Set the blade depth about 1/4 inch below the material.
2. Support the board so the offcut falls freely and the cut doesn't close and pinch the blade.
3. Line up the blade with the mark using the notch on the saw's base.
4. Let the blade reach full speed before it touches the wood.
5. Push steadily; don't force it or twist it in the cut.
6. Keep the cord behind you and out of the cut.
7. Release the trigger and wait for the blade to stop before lifting the saw.

Kickback

Kickback happens when the blade pinches or catches and the saw jumps back toward you. Prevent it with sharp blades, good support, a firm two-hand grip, and standing to the side of the cut line, not directly behind it.