10 Things You Do With Power Tools That Make Pros Cringe

Power tools can be your best friend or your biggest liability. Pros can tell in seconds when someone’s pretending to know what they’re doing. If you’re guilty of any of these, it’s time to clean it up.

Leaving Tools Plugged In When You Walk Away

If you walk off with a corded saw or grinder still live, it’s not safe—it’s reckless. Always unplug your tool or lock the trigger before setting it down. One bump and things can go south fast.

Using Tools Without Eye or Ear Protection

Not wearing safety gear is a fast way to lose credibility—and hearing. Safety glasses and ear plugs aren’t optional. Skipping them shows you’re not thinking long-term.

Cutting Without Securing the Material

Trying to cut a board that’s sliding around on sawhorses is asking for a kickback. Clamp it down. Always. It keeps your cut clean and your fingers safe.

Tossing Cords Around Like Rope

Dragging cords, dropping tools by the cord, or leaving wires in a knot shortens their life—and your tool’s. Keep your cords coiled, off the ground, and out of high-traffic areas.

Using a Grinder Without a Guard

Some folks pull the guard off to see better. That’s a terrible idea. Guards are there for a reason—when that wheel explodes, you’ll be glad it’s in place.

Forcing the Tool Instead of Letting It Work

If your saw, drill, or router is smoking, screaming, or jumping—back off. Let the motor do the work. Forcing it ruins the bit, the blade, and eventually the tool.

Letting Dust Build Up

Tools clog with dust, and motors overheat fast if you never clean them out. Take two minutes and blow them out or wipe them down. It’ll keep them running way longer.

Storing Them in the Wrong Place

If your power tools live outside or in a humid garage, they’re going to rust out fast. Moisture kills motors and corrodes contacts. Keep them dry and off the ground.

Using the Wrong Blade or Bit

Putting a wood blade on a metal job—or vice versa—is asking for sparks and broken teeth. Double-check every time before you fire something up.

Ignoring Maintenance

You can’t run a power tool into the ground without ever checking the brushes, greasing parts, or cleaning the vents. It doesn’t take long, and it’ll save you from downtime.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.