Tips on how to safely use a rotary power tool

Working on your projects often requires knowing how to safely use a rotary power tool. While drills work perfectly for working on screws and bolts, rotary tools are beneficial for lateral work like polishing, sanding, and cutting. 

It works with extremely high speeds using small diameter bits. This mechanism allows for precision work and versatile use. In short, this is a tool that is a must-have for every DIYer. Given its utility, and as a tool spinning up to 35,000 rpm for some tools, safety considerations are a priority. 

What Rotary Tools are optimized for

Rotary tools can be used for engraving, polishing, sanding, and cutting. It can also be used for 

• Grinding – Sharpen knives, shears, or rusty tools using a grinding bit.
• Fixing Bolt Threads – With Rotary thread, you can fix any threaded bolt and repair them. Works well for farm equipment, automobiles, or any equipment with damaged bolt threads.
• Cutting – Works with wood, drywall, and plasterboards. Also works with thin metal. For hardened metals, use a more powerful tool instead.
• Carving – Perfect for design and decorative DIY projects.
• Glass Works – Use a diamond cutting bit to shape your glass opus to perfection.
• Drilling – You can also drill with a rotary, but only for soft materials like drywall. 
• Sanding – Sanding is one of the best applications because of its design, speed, and ergonomics.
• Polishing – If you have old silverware which needs cleaning, just plug a polishing bit and clean the workpiece together with some wax.

Power Tips for Safety

The basic safety tips when working with power tools also apply with Rotary. 

• Follow proper instructions when disconnecting your Rotary tool. Do not yank the cord to disconnect the tool from an outlet. 
  • Note: If you have too many cords in your shop already, consider working with a cordless Rotary tool instead. 
• Work safely–keep a good distance and far from heat, oil, sharp edges, or any flammable gas. 
• Carry a tool properly. Do not carry it by the cord.
• When cleaning, maintaining, or servicing a Rotary tool, it should be disconnected. Disconnect the tool when not being used.
• Make sure to segregate your workspace from areas not involved with the task.
• Avoid using the switch button when you are not using the tool. This will prevent starting the tool accidentally.
• Balance is key. Even with the most ergonomic tools like the Rotary tool, not having the right footing might cause an accident. 
• Use vise or clamps, so that you can focus on the workpiece and how to precisely move the Rotary tool around it. 
• Always refer to the manual for preventive care, such as sharpening, lubricating, and changing bits or accessories. 
• Wearing proper PPE is one of the most important safety tips. Do not wear any loose clothing or jewelry which might get caught in the Rotary tool. For safety, use the following:
  • Face mask
  • Earplugs
  • Safety glasses or shield
  • Work gloves
  • Hairpin to protect hair

• If the tool or a bit is damaged, separate them and label them properly so you won’t accidentally use them. 
• Use good ventilation for breathability. Dust can affect your health, and your work efficiency, too.

Because Rotary tools are used with numerous kinds of accessories, we highlight one of the most innovative accessories to come out of the market for Rotary tool owners.

How to Use Rotary Thread Safely

Though there are hundreds of accessories that can be used with a Rotary Tool, some tools are more innovative than others. 

Rotary thread is one of the most innovative bits and accessories that can be used with a Rotary tool. It has won numerous awards for innovation since 2016. With Rotary thread, you can use your Rotary tool for fixing any inner or outer thread, correcting any thread that is corroded, dented, galled, or hardened. With this, your bolts and screws which need fixing can be repaired in seconds. 

With Rotary thread, there are many appliances that you could repair if their threads need fixing. You should add these to your DIY projects, too.

In order to utilize the design and RPM of a Rotary tool, Rotary thread is designed to complement the high speed of a power tool or high torque of a drill.

In fact, Rotary thread has been tested under high-speed, and high torque conditions. It works well with both drills and Rotary tools. 

Check out our safety testing video below. 

More than five decades of machining expertise went into the research and development of the Rotary thread, demonstrating the amount of innovation that translates into its durable design and material. 

To use Rotary thread properly, just follow the steps below. 

1. Using light tool pressure, start in the good thread
2. Move into damaged thread
3. Repeat as needed

Make sure to use mineral spirits, cutting, or tapping fluid to lubricate the bolt as well. 

Conclusion

Rotary tools are versatile to be used on various DIY projects. Furthermore, you can also use it for fix and repair jobs like polishing, grinding, sanding, and even fixing bolt threads.

With the many tasks you can perform with a power tool, follow the above steps to use Rotary tools safely. Furthermore, you should continuously expand your knowledge on how to safely use a rotary power tool as your progress in your DIY journey.