The HomeServe guide to drilling safely.
Drills are very powerful and potentially dangerous tools. They can just as easily put holes in your walls or holes in you. So, follow HomeServe safety tips to keep yourself intact.
Electrics. Always, always check for any electricity cables running through the wall before you start drilling. Catching a live cable when drilling is potentially fatal so it is worth taking the extra time to check. You can buy an AC detector from most DIY Stores and depending on the make, it will buzz or flash when it locates a cable on the wall.
Clothing. Never wear loose clothing or dangly jewelry which could catch in the drill as you lean over it and always wear eye goggles to protect your self from flying dust and debris as the drill goes into the wall.
Drill. The drill bit will become hot with use so keep your hands off it. Unplug the drill before changing bits.
Wall. Make sure you use the correct drill bit for the type of wall you are drilling into, for example, use a masonry drill bit for solid brick walls, a wood bit for timber and a high speed steel bit for metal. If you are drilling into tiles use a specially styled drill bit and stick a little piece of masking tape over the area to stop the frill from wandering. If you are drilling into plaster board, tap the wall to find where it is not hollow as this will be where the wooden joint is. Aim to drill only into this. Or to be completely accurate just use a joist protector.
Cords. Finally, always use a proper purpose made extension cord if you need a longer wire for your drill and never pick up the drill up by its flex.
Remember, if you need to drill but you are worried about doing it call HomeServe to do the job for you.
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