Safety tip: always use both hands with impact drivers! almost lost a finger today

Hey everyone, just wanted to share a safety reminder after a close call in my garage today. I was driving some 3-inch screws into a 2x4 with my impact driver, and the bit slipped. The drill spun and the bit caught my glove, yanking my hand around. Luckily I only got a nasty bruise, but it could've been way worse. I know we all get complacent, but please: use two hands, secure your workpiece, and for the love of god don't wear loose gloves. Anyone else have close calls? What PPE do you swear by?

Glad you're okay! I'm still an apprentice so I'm paranoid about this stuff. My journeyman always yells at me to clamp my work down. I usually just use safety glasses and earplugs, but after reading this I might get some anti-vibration gloves. Do those actually help or are they a gimmick? Also, did you have a clutch setting on your driver? I've heard that can prevent over-torquing and kickback.

Been in renovation for 15 years and I've seen too many guys get hurt because they're rushing. Wendy, anti-vibe gloves are legit for prolonged use, but they won't stop a wrap-around. Best PPE is a good clamp and keeping your off-hand behind the tool, not near the bit. Hank, something similar happened to me with a paddle bit in a drill press – learned my lesson. Now I always use a bench clamp and never wear gloves with spinning tools. Bare hands are safer than gloves that can catch. Also, make sure your bit is sharp; dull bits cause more slips. Stay safe out there!

Dang Hank, that's scary. I'm pretty new to all this, so thanks for the heads up. I've been using my impact driver one-handed a lot because it's easier, but I'll stop that now. What about those bit holders with a quick-release collar? Do they help with grip or just convenience? Also, any recommendations for a good starter clamp? I don't have a workbench yet, just a few sawhorses.

Thanks for the replies, guys. Wendy, my driver has a clutch but I had it on the highest setting for speed. Lesson learned – I'll dial it down for smaller screws. Dan, you're right about the gloves; I was wearing some loose mechanics gloves and that's probably what made it worse. Tim, for clamping on sawhorses, I use these Irwin Quick-Grip clamps – they're cheap and hold pretty well. Just make sure the sawhorse is stable. And yeah, two hands on the tool at all times. Stay safe, everyone!