Safety First! What's your must-have PPE when drilling?

Hey folks, just wanted to share a quick tip that saved my hearing over the years. Always wear ear protection when using hammer drills or any high-RPM tools for extended periods. I've seen too many young carpenters ignore this and end up with tinnitus by 40. What's everyone else's non-negotiable safety gear?

Great point DrillMaster! For drywall work, I'd add safety glasses as #1 priority. Nothing worse than getting drywall dust or a tiny screw fragment in your eye mid-job. I keep a cheap pair in every toolbox. Also, respirator masks when sanding joint compound - that stuff is nasty to breathe in.

Totally agree on the glasses! I learned that the hard way when a drill bit snapped. For garage tinkerers like me, I'd add: don't wear loose clothing or gloves that can get caught in rotating parts. Saw a buddy's sleeve get wrapped around a drill press once - scary stuff. What about corded vs cordless safety concerns? Any differences?

Good question Chris. Corded tools - always check for frayed wires before plugging in. Cordless - watch those battery temps when charging. As for gloves, I only wear tight-fitting ones for material handling, never while actually drilling. And Steve, you're right about respirators - I still use mine for concrete dust.

Another tip: keep a first aid kit nearby, not in another room. When you need it, you need it NOW. And for newbies reading this - always unplug tools before changing bits or blades! Sounds obvious but you'd be surprised how many skip this step.