How Old Do You Have To Be To Start Using Power Tools?
You probably remember the first time your parent gave you a tool to use.
It might have only been a screwdriver. But those memories of spending time with your parent, learning to make something, are priceless.
Now it is time to pass your tool skills onto your children. What age is the right age to begin learning tool safety and how to use power tools?
In our safety-conscious age, we tend to keep procrastinating on teaching the “dangerous” skills.
By contrast, rural communities prize the ability to use power tools and heavy equipment safely. By the age of 9, most young children can operate a good portion of the machinery on a farm.
Is there a way to bridge the gap between the safety-consciousness of city parents and the overly permissive rural parents?
I think there is.
Power tools are often dangerous. The accidents that can occur can be permanently life-altering. The over-arching rule is to never leave your child alone with a tool and make sure they understand tool safety.
The hundreds of accidents that occur on job sites each year are a testament to the danger that power tools pose.
Keep this in mind, and expect your children to struggle with safety.
Before learning power tools, make sure your children are able to respect boundaries. It can be worthwhile to create some delayed gratification tests. For example, if candy is left down in your children’s reach, do they have the self-control to stay out of it?
Make sure to establish good boundaries like these with other, safer aspects, and only move to power equipment once your child has demonstrated their learning ability in these other areas.
Additionally, make sure that they have enough strength and control to use a tool. Stay near them and make sure they are staying aware of their limbs and fingers and remaining safe at all times.
You might want to start with a simpler tool. A portable air compressor and tire gauge can let you teach them how to air up bike tires. A laser level and screwdriver can let you hang bike hooks together.
Keep the activity age-appropriate, and you will both have a good time.
WHO SHOULD OPERATE POWER TOOLS AND WHEN
Operating power tools, just like any other activity, is not based on a person's age.
It is based on how matured a person is and how well-trained he or she is.
Normally, any child above seven, if well trained, should be able to operate power tools safely under supervision.
Power tools require the use of intellect, strength, and self-awareness.
So while you can have a seven-year-old that easily operates a power drill, you might have a fourteen-year-old that is too "air-brained" to safely focus on the same tool.
It helps to recognize what areas of safety your child may struggle with and to call specific attention to those areas.
Begin with small projects. Using a screwdriver to screw a sequence of drywall screws into a 2x4 is an excellent place to start.
Miter saws are another tool that, while more dangerous, can teach the principles of keeping your hands clear of the blade.
Allowing your child to use power tools has a lot of benefits. It would build in him or her a level of independence and self-confidence. Your child's drawer might lose a screw one day, and once he already knows how to use a power screwdriver, he would do it himself without having to wait for you or anyone else.
These skills are essential for creating a well-rounded human. Many youths work their way through college using the power tool skills they learned at home.
For the creative child, understanding power tools give them the ability to experiment and create throughout high school.
Some of the most enterprising youth have started small woodworking business, making tools to sell online. These early forays into entrepreneurship can teach a wealth of knowledge.
Safety is key. In addition to buying your children their own set of personal protective equipment such as eye and ear protection, you need to lay some ground rules.
For example, you may require them to have your help before using a tool.
Additionally, you may want to add extra steps of unplugging tools or flipping breakers off to keep your children from having easy access to the tools.
SAFETY TIPS FOR THE USE OF POWER TOOLS BY CHILDREN
Use Dedicated Power Tool Set
Instead of letting the child use your tools, sometimes it makes sense to get them their own to begin practicing with.
Your child's toolset can be lower-powered and easier to control.
Additionally, this gives them pride of ownership. They can have their own dedicated place to store their tools and be responsible for cleaning and maintaining them.
There are more child-appropriate tools that you can buy, such as a small backpack leaf blower that your children can handle or a small air compressor that they can use. ToolTally.com has guides for buying different tools, if you are unsure.
Always Maintain Strict Supervision
By insisting that you are present when your children use the tools, you can prevent accidents.
Additionally, it gives you a chance to enforce best practices and gives you something to do together.
There are no better memories made than when working on a project together.
Mind Your Example
I remember dad instructing us not to stand behind the table saw when feeding material on the chance a kickback event might occur.
Of course, with all of his experience, he was less cautious of this rule.
Children become extremely observant of their parents and want to see how they practice the safety rules.
Holding yourself to a high standard helps to ensure that they will follow your example when using power tools.
Be mindful of how you handle your tools; your children will do what you do.
Once you put safety measures in place, those rules should apply to all members of the household.
The consistency helps to provide a framework of safety.