Safety precautions while using a rock drill.

A rock drill is an essential tool for any rock hound. However, it can be dangerous if you don’t follow the proper safety precautions. Some tips will help ensure your safety before you buy rock drills.

Do not attempt to modify your drill.

Be aware that not all modifications can be made safely or at all. If you attempt to modify the drill or its components, you risk causing serious damage. The same is true if you try to change any other factors related to operating the drill: power source, air pressure, drilling speed and so forth.

Always use eye protection.

To protect yourself, always wear eye protection. The most common type of safety eyewear is safety glasses with side shields. They offer full protection to the eyes, face, and ears. If you’re working in a dusty environment, consider wearing a respirator mask as well; these masks will keep you from inhaling large amounts of dust while also helping to prevent eye irritation. If you’re drilling in an enclosed space or on a job site where there’s a lot of noise from construction equipment (such as jackhammers), also consider wearing ear protection such as ear plugs or headphones with foam covers over them to keep out excess noise that could damage your hearing over time.

Never use a damaged or worn-out drill.

Before you use your rock drill, always check for damage. The drill must be in good condition and not have any broken parts or missing pieces. If it is damaged, do not use it until you have replaced the part or fixed the problem. Even if a small part of your rock drill breaks off, like the bit cap or handle cover, replace them with new ones immediately because they can cause you injury if they fall apart while you’re drilling.

If your rock drill is worn out and no longer works well enough to get through rocks without overheating or breaking down after just one use, it’s time to buy rock drills.

Always use a hammer lanyard.

To prevent accidents, always use a hammer lanyard. A heavy rock-drilling hammer can fall from your hand if you don’t have a secure hold on it. The hammer lanyard is a safety device that attaches to the rock drill and your wrist. If you accidentally drop the drill while using it, the lanyard will keep the tool from falling to the ground, away from you and others nearby.

Always use the appropriate DTH bit for your hole diameter.

When selecting a bit, it is essential to use the right size for your hole diameter. A bit too tiny will result in multiple holes drilled instead of one larger one. Using too large a bit will result in drilling deeper than needed and may make removing the rock from the ground more difficult once you’re done drilling. The ideal situation is to use a sharp, well-maintained bit that fits snugly into your hole without wobbling around as you drill down through the rock face.

Maintain the proper air pressure for your rock drill and DTH bit combination.

Maintaining the proper air pressure for your rock drill and DTH bit combination is important. This information can be found in the operator’s manual included with your purchase or on the manufacturer’s website under “Specifications.” If you have questions about what pressure to use, consult this information before beginning work.

Rock drilling: 3-10 PSI (20-70 kPa)
Hammer drilling: 10-15 PSI (70-100 kPa)