Needle guns have small chisels that rotate to quickly remove rust from metal, even if the surface is not completely smooth. You can also use them to take off paint, or resurface concrete areas. Read below to learn how to use these tools safely.
Maintain a 90-Degree Angle
Needle guns should be held at 90-degree angles. This creates an adequate amount of contact between the rotating chisels and the material you’re resurfacing. It also promotes stability, which reduces the chance you could drop the gun and injure yourself or someone else.
Protect Your Eyes, Ears and Hands
These tools can release microscopic particles into the air and irritate your eyes. Prevent that problem by wearing goggles that include parts to shield the sides of your eyes, as well as the fronts.
Because these tools can be quite loud, it’s also a good idea to wear earplugs. Read the packaging for the gun and find out its maximum decibel level. Then, choose hearing protection that meets or exceeds it.
Finally, make sure to wear gloves that are thick, but still make it possible to maintain a firm grip. Without gloves, stray pieces from the surface could cut your hands.
Don’t Wear Loose Clothing
Needle guns operate at very high rates of speed, and even a lower end model will have chisels that spin thousands of times per second. Be thoughtful and don’t wear items of clothing that are baggy and could become caught as you work. Similarly, if you have long hair, keep it tied back and contained under a hat.
Prepare the Metal for Resurfacing
Although these tools can tackle rust very quickly, foreign agents like grease and dirt can cause the chisels to slip after coming in contact with a surface. Not only might that create more work for you, but it could also cause you to become injured after losing control of the gun. Take a few minutes to use a cleaner before starting to resurface an area. Then, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and reduce your risk of getting hurt, too.
Needle guns are great for removing paint and rust, but like most specialty items, it’s necessary to do a few things to remain as safe as possible throughout a task. Whether you’re at a construction site or working in your garage, don’t overlook basic safety measures including those discussed above.
