Screwdrivers, pliers, drills, and soldering irons are essential tools in robotics and maker projects. Used correctly, they make work easier; used incorrectly, they can cause cuts, flying pieces, electric shock, or eye injury. This article explains step by step the rules you should follow when working with hand tools and power tools in a school workshop.
Golden rule: Do not use a tool for the wrong purpose. Never touch a broken, loose, or cable-damaged tool - tell your teacher.
Why a separate tool guide?
In the first two articles, we covered general workshop rules and electricity-battery safety. In daily workshop work, the risk area students touch most often is tools:
- A drill while drilling a robot chassis
- Side cutters or a craft knife while cutting cable
- Soldering iron and soldering station while soldering a circuit
- Screwdrivers and pliers during assembly
- Grinding or sanding after 3D printing
Most of these tools look simple; the real risk is rushing, working without supervision, and skipping protective equipment.
Before starting work
- Teacher approval: Tell the teacher which tool and operation you will use; do not touch a power tool without permission.
- Area check: Keep the table organized; unnecessary cables, metal parts, and liquids should stay away.
- Tool check: Is the handle solid? Is the cable stripped? Is the tip loose or broken? Do not use a suspicious tool.
- Protective equipment: Goggles, cutting gloves, and a mask if needed should be ready.
- No distractions: Phone, headphones, and joking with friends are forbidden while using tools.
Hand tools: correct use
| Tool | For what? | Safety note |
|---|---|---|
| Screwdriver | Tightening and loosening screws | The tip should fit the screw slot fully; support your hand while it may slip |
| Pliers / side cutter | Holding, bending, cutting thin wire | Check the cutting direction; hold the piece so tips do not fly |
| Hammer | Driving pins, rarely | Fix the nail or pin target; keep thumb and fingers away from the line |
| Craft knife | Cutting cardboard, tape, thin plastic | Cut with a ruler; do not pull the blade toward your body; close the used tip |
| Adjustable wrench | Nuts and bolts | Use the correct size; when it slips, the hand slips too - gloves and attention |
Never do these with hand tools
- Do not use a screwdriver as a lever or hammer.
- Do not wave a craft knife like a toy or run around the table with it.
- Do not keep forcing pliers with a broken handle or bent tip.
- Do not carry the tool in the air; carry it with the tip down and closed.
- Do not cut toward your friend's hand or work area.
Power tools: general rules
Drills, grinders, soldering stations, and hot guns require extra care because they use an energy source.
Common rules for every power tool
- Plug and cable: If you see stripped cable, loose plug, or wet outlet, do not use it; tell the teacher.
- Work area: Do not let the cable catch on you; when putting the tool down, turn it off first, then unplug it.
- Goggles: Drilling, grinding, and soldering can produce chips or splashes - safety goggles are required.
- Sound and smoke: If there is abnormal sound, smell, or smoke, stop immediately and unplug.
- One person - one tool: Two students should not share the same power tool at the same time; wait your turn.
Drill safety
The drill is the tool used most often when drilling a robot chassis, wooden piece, or plastic body.
- Fix the piece with a vise; do not drill while holding it in your hand.
- The type and diameter of the drill bit should suit the material, with different bits for metal, plastic, and wood.
- Before drilling, make sure the bit meets the piece straight; if you start at an angle, the bit breaks or slips.
- Hold it steady with controlled pressure; do not rush.
- Check the hole depth; do not damage a cable or the table below.
- When the job is done, let the drill stop fully, then cover the bit with a guard or remove it.
Teacher note: For cordless drills, the battery charging station should be separate and supervised. Do not leave a drill on the work table during charging.
Soldering iron and hot tools
Soldering is one of the most common jobs; it also carries burn and smoke risks.
- Leave the soldering iron only on the soldering stand; the tip should not hang freely in an unsafe way.
- Do not touch the tip or metal part while working; a tip thought to be "cooled" may still be hot.
- Ventilation should be on; for long soldering, use a mask according to the teacher's advice.
- Solder wire and flux are chemicals - do not eat them or touch them to face or eyes.
- When the work is done, turn off the iron, unplug it, and do not put it in the box before it cools.
Hot glue gun
It is used in 3D print or cardboard projects. The tip is very hot; melted glue can also burn. While pressing the trigger, do not point the tip at people or cables.
Grinding, sanding, and cutting discs
These are used for cleaning 3D print supports or correcting metal parts. Rotating parts carry a serious injury risk.
- Use only with teacher permission and supervision.
- Wear goggles and a dust mask; hair and clothing should be tight, arm jewelry removed.
- Fix the piece; do not try to grind while holding it in your hand.
- Sparks may occur - do not use near flammable material or batteries.
Storing and returning tools
- Every tool goes back to its own place or labeled box.
- Cutting tips are stored with covers or guards.
- Power tools are placed on the shelf unplugged and cooled.
- Missing or damaged tools are written on the list; the next class is informed.
- Do not leave the workshop saying "I will put it away next lesson" - a missing tool increases accident risk.
Injury and emergency
In the following situations, stop immediately and call the teacher:
- Deep cut or bleeding does not stop
- Metal piece or chip entered the eye
- Electric shock or spark from plug
- Burn from soldering, hot glue, or grinding
- Tool broke and parts scattered around
- Cut the power - unplug the power tool or turn off the switch.
- Small cut: Press with a clean cloth; for a deep cut do not dress it yourself, let the teacher guide.
- Eye contact: Wash with plenty of water without rubbing; if there are lenses, do not remove them - teacher/112.
- Burn: Hold under cold running water for at least 10 minutes; do not apply ice or cream.
- Serious case: 112; do not panic, make the area safe.
Quick checklist
- Did I get teacher approval?
- Is the tool solid and suitable for the job?
- Are goggles and gloves ready?
- Is the piece fixed for drilling, cutting, or grinding?
- Are cable and plug safe?
- Is my work area clean?
- Did I turn off the tool and put it back when finished?
Related reading
In our workshop safety series, also read Basic Rules and Electricity and Battery Safety. Safe tool use protects both you and your classmates, and it also improves project quality.
Right tool, right job. When you work without rushing and follow the rules, you produce faster and more safely in the workshop. Ask your teacher at every step you are unsure of.
