There’s nothing more important to success than organization. And there’s nothing more important with nibblers than being safe. 

Through organization, being safe with nibblers is achievable. Other factors are also important, but organization is essential. To show this, let’s look at some popular terminology. A successful group of criminals are said to be in organized crime. Successful games are usually a part of organized sport. And successful companies are called organizations.

 

Practically everything is more successful with organization. This also goes for power tool operation. Another word for “successful” is effective. Everyone wants to be effective with their power tools, and that’s also true with nibblers. Effective nibbler use has three wonderful benefits:

• An uninjured nibbler operator,
• Safe coworkers and other bystanders in the area,
• A preserved power tool.

 

All three of these are positive for anyone using a nibbler. Below you’ll see how each benefit is achievable through nibbler organization.

 

Benefit #1: An Uninjured Nibbler Operator

This is viewed as the most important benefit of nibbler organization. Often, the only person near operation is the operator. This means the only person likely to become injured is the operator. Also, a damaged tool is much easier to fix than a damaged person. For these reasons, keeping the tool’s operator from harm is most important.

 

Safe Nibbler Environment

Workspaces should always be clear of clutter. When working with a potentially dangerous tool, this is even more important. If you trip over a box that wasn’t put away, it could hurt you. If you trip while holding a running nibbler, the potential for injury is much greater. The work area should be clear of as many obstructions as possible.

 

Work areas should also be well-lit to prevent unseen issues. While operating a nibbler, you should be able to see in all directions. An electrical cord hidden in the shadow of your workpiece could cause big trouble if not noticed. To prevent this possibility, light up your work area.

 

Explosive atmospheres should be avoided when using your nibbler. All power tools cause sparks, which can ignite in this type of environment. Areas with flammable liquids and gases present might be too dangerous. If you’re not sure if an area is safe for power tool operation, ask. Spending a few minutes to receive approval is better than taking unnecessary risk.

 

 ^{Image: Shutterstock}

Protecting Workers

When working with a nibbler, you need to ensure you’re protected. No knight would ride out in a jousting tournament wearing only trousers and a jerkin. He would want his full knightly armor in case it was needed. In the same way, you should wear the proper clothing for nibbler operation. You may not need the extra protection, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

A couple of articles shouldn’t be worn when working with rotating tools. Loose jewelry and loose clothing are the main problems. Long hair should also be tied back. Anything loose has the potential of becoming caught in the rotating tool. Since nibblers move so quickly, injury is likely to occur.

 

Some protective clothing and other equipment are required when using your nibbler. Some of these items must be worn during each use, while others depend on the situation. Here’s a list of the most common types of needed PPE:

• Protective eyewear—Wear every time a grinder is used.
  
  
• Dust mask—Wear if material being cut or sanded may contain toxic chemicals. Take caution to prevent skin contact and inhaling dust. Follow material’s Safety Data.
  
  
• Footwear—To prevent injury from falling material, wear safety toe shoes. If slick conditions may be present, wear slip-resistant shoes.
  
  
• Hard hat—Wear if there’s a possibility of material falling from overhead.
  
  
• Hearing protection—Is required if noise levels reach 85 dB or more.
  
  
• Faceshield, workshop apron, sleeves and gloves—Wear if flying debris is possible. This could cause injury to unprotected skin.

 

 ^{Image: Shutterstock}

 

Safe Nibbler Operation

Now let’s focus on the actual operation of the tool. If set up was correctly done, there’s still a chance of operator injury. This could happen if you don’t follow the correct procedures of operation. Some rules aren’t always followed. Here are a few that can lead to injury:

• Both hands on: Nibblers have a secondary handle for a reason. Keeping both hands on the tool helps with more intricate cuts, but it also plays a larger role. If both of your hands are properly on the tool, there’s no chance of injury to your hands.
  
  
• Rest on lower die: The workpiece should always be resting on the lower die during operation. This allows your nibbler to perform as designed. Otherwise, your tool could rebound and cause injury.
  
  
• Restart out of cut: Don’t start your nibbler with the punch and die touching the workpiece. Allow the tool to reach full speed before making contact with the workpiece. Making contact before full speed could cause your nibbler to operate incorrectly. Following this rule leaves less chance for injury.
  
  
• After cut: Accessories become hot after excessive use. Because of this, the punch and die will also become hot. Be careful to avoid skin contact after use. This is another reason why you should wear gloves.

 

Benefit #2: Safe Coworkers and Other Bystanders

Operators are the closest to a running nibbler, but others might be close enough to be affected. Bystanders should never be close enough to a nibbler to be affected by it. It’s the operators job to keep others safe during use. If non-workers are close enough to be negatively impacted, don’t start up until the danger is gone.

 

Protecting people who might not know any better is also important. Inexperienced operators need supervision. This should continue until they have become comfortable with the tool. Also, children must be kept away from nibblers. Your nibbler should be stored up on a peg or shelf, or in a cabinet where children have no access.

 

Protecting Coworkers

Keeping coworkers safe is easier when you’re well-organized. It takes many of the same steps as protecting the operator, but with added importance. Making sure your tool is ready for use is one huge step not earlier covered. You must inspect your nibbler before use. Here are some tips for nibbler inspection.

If you find something wrong, don’t use your tool until it’s fixed or replaced.

If you replace a part in your nibbler, be sure the part fits your tool. This is done by using manufacturer recommended replacement parts.

 

There’s another way to ensure your nibbler injures no one.

This warning should be obvious, but it’s the most common cause for power tool injuries. It is not paying attention. Distractions should be avoided at all costs. Becoming distracted will impair your work, no matter how well you prepare. Making precautions to minimize distractions is a must. All possible distractions should be dealt with before you turn on your nibbler. If an unexpected distraction occurs, turn off your tool and let it stop before dealing with the issue.

 

Benefit #3: A Preserved Nibbler

Keeping people safe is very important, but so is keeping your equipment running well. Luckily, the steps to keeping people safe overlap with keeping your tool protected. Nibblers need proper care to last as long as they’re designed to. Proper storage and proper operation can keep them working their best.

 

 ^{Image: Shutterstock}

Storage

Keeping your nibbler away from possible damage is not always easy. But during storage and transport it should be a simple task. Knowing how to organize tools is the key. Transporting your nibbler in a protective case will keep it from harm. Placing your nibbler away from work and high up will also keep it safe. Be sure to store away from high heat and wet conditions. Heat and moisture can damage internal parts of your tool. This is especially true for the internal wiring.

 

Protecting the power cord is significant for all power tools, including nibblers. Without a safe power supply, your tool wouldn’t work at all. Be sure to keep the cord away from sharp objects, heat and oil. Also, keep it from being accidentally stepped on or torn when not in use.

 

Operation

Using your power tool correctly is one of the best ways to keeping it running well. Here are a few directions on proper nibbler operation:

• Cutting process: Your nibbler should be at a 90° angle with the cutting path. Be sure to feed your tool into the work with little pressure. If it doesn’t cut properly, the punch or die may be dull. Harder materials dull the punch and die faster. If you force the cut, extra pressure is placed on the motor. This lessens the life of the motor.
  
  
• Right lubricant: Use manufacturer recommended lubricant for the workpiece. Without the right lubricant, the die and punch will not last as long.
  
  
• Stop out of cut: Lift your nibbler away from work before turning off. If this isn’t followed, the life of the switch will decrease.

 

Three Benefits, One Approach

Organization is a key to success, and that’s extremely important when it comes to nibbler safety. Keeping the tool operator safe is vital, as is keeping everyone else safe. The added benefit of helping your tool last longer makes it even more valuable. The value of good organization doesn’t stop there. If you become organized to keep people and tools protected, you can use it in other ways, too. And that’s a quick route to success. What other ways can organization help protect workers?