Do you have a failed tool/wrench/socket story I can learn from?

[Mith]

At work there is a ratchet that sometimes misses locking in. Using that ratchet to undo some head bolts it missed and I took a huge chunk out the side of my hand against the cylinder head. Got a nice big scar from that.

Using the grinder with a wire wheel in the shed a while back, somehow it caught the front of the T-shirt. It made it tp about the level of my chest before it wound enough T around it to slip the clutch.
I guess thats a lesson to get an expensive grinder with a clutch, not just a cheap direct drive one. Anyone who says they can turn off a grinder before it eats them is wrong, I had no idea anything had happened until it was all over. I am only glad it didnt make it to my face, although some say it might have made an improvement

 

[Egon]

Mith; it would seem that a slipping ratchet is always worth a bandade and blue air. Had a couple do that. They are no longer around.

 

[Bedlam]

Ive never heard of a grinder with a clutch. Seems like someone could produce on that would go on the cheaper ones too. Much like the PTO slip clutch.Whats the clutch look like?
I know a guy who would say he can shut it off before it eats him. But then, he says that he can hold his head up and away from obstacles when he is sliding hundreds of feet on the ground ,after crashing his Gold Wing. (WITHOUT HELMET)
I have used a wire wheel on my grinder, and had on shorts. A couple of small wires sticking from my leg Really drives home the idea of the safety shield or glasses. Imagine the wire in the eyes.
Glad your OK>

 

[dholly]

If you're working on a tall extension ladder leaning against a house, etc., take the time to stake or tie off the bottom so it doesn't kick out on you. The ride down is no fun at all, but the landing can mess you up bad. I waited with the neighbor while the ambulance came... broken arm, legs, ribs... lucky he didn't break his back too. Obviously, keep your aluminum ladder away from overhead power lines.

 

[Mith]

Egon, if it were mine it wouldnt be around either I just use the other one now

Allan, no idea what the clutch looks like, but it does work exactly like a slip clutch. I got told about it by someone who had the exact same grinder but didnt believe my grinder had one, I think I can say now that it probably does

 

[Bedlam]

I had a funny one. I was "dipping" wood shingles in preservative. I then would toss them into a 4x4 box I have ,so I could move them with the forks.After doing about 3 bundles, and throwing them into the box, I went to next project. grinding some metal. It was a dreary day, until I noticed that the entire box was ablaze, (it was outside)
Hosed them off , and only lost a couple.
(custom finish)

 

[bloody_peasant]

I had a funny one. I was "dipping" wood shingles in preservative. I then would toss them into a 4x4 box I have ,so I could move them with the forks.After doing about 3 bundles, and throwing them into the box, I went to next project. grinding some metal. It was a dreary day, until I noticed that the entire box was ablaze, (it was outside)
Hosed them off , and only lost a couple.
(custom finish)

Well similar to this (but obviously not related to slipped wrenches )
I disposed of some rags with linseed oil on them one night in our big trash can that sits right next to our house and deck. The next day I was out working in the shed and I hear the crackling of fire and see smoke blowing by. There were 3-4' flames jumping out the can and licking the house and deck . I was able to pull it away from the house, but lost a $75 trash can

Now I rinse all my rags out and set them out to dry before throwing them away.

 

[Bedlam]

Wow. You were lucky. I know of the almost spontaneous ignition of rags.

What sparked your to burn? Spontaneous?

The trash can, small price to pay.

Glad it didn't go further.I know my post was a bit off topic. Just gives me a laugh when I think of it.
Sometime we need these "wake" up calls. to remind us of the dangers.

 

[bloody_peasant]

Wow. You were lucky. I know of the almost spontaneous ignition of rags.

What sparked your to burn? Spontaneous?

The trash can, small price to pay.

Glad it didn't go further.I know my post was a bit off topic. Just gives me a laugh when I think of it.
Sometime we need these "wake" up calls. to remind us of the dangers.

Yep spontaneous, it was about mid afternoon as the day got hotter. Oh yeah a very small price to pay. The house didn't show any damage (I think the fiber cement siding helped there) but a few of my deck railings were lightly charred.

Yep, its way off subject, but this thread seems to have changed into a general small tool safety thread and its all good info.

 

[keeney]

Never put your hand near the poorly designed section of a Sawzall just between the blade lock and the end of the case of the tool while the blade is rapidly retracting.

Watch out for those really sharp razor-window-scraper things while digging in any tool bag that appears to have faulty organizational structure.

Finally, keep your thumb and all parts of your body away from the path of any 3-lb hammer that you suspect has a defective guidance system.

- Rick