December 20, 2019

How Drill Press Guards Create a Safer, Smarter Workspace

Drill presses are powerful tools for a range of industrial and manufacturing processes. But without the correct safety precautions, these machines can present a number of safety risks for operators. That’s why leading industrial workplaces are investing in drill press guards

The use of a drill press guard is a great start for creating more secure operations and minimizing risk around these machines. But what is the true impact of using drill press machine guards—and how do they truly benefit your bottom line? Today, we’ll go over just how these solutions help create a smarter, safer workspace.

The Basics of a Drill Press 

To understand how to safely use a drill press, it’s important to review how the machine works in an industrial setting. A drill press (also known as a drilling machine) is commonly used across industrial facilities. It’s most commonly used to create holes in hard substances, such as wood or metal. The drill is held by a rotating spindle, fed into the workpiece. Because of the rotating parts on a drill press, it can become dangerous quickly if left unguarded—or through inappropriate use. 

The operator needs to be familiar with how to operate a drill press safely to ensure efficient production. But even the most well-trained workers can be injured by flying debris or materials created through drilling operations. Thankfully, your team can use the latest drill press guards to address and eliminate these safety risks.

Drill Press Guards

Safety guards are incredibly important in any facility that operates hazardous machines, including drill presses. These safety solutions help keep machines and their operators protected—while driving more efficient and consistent workflows. At Stronghold Safety Engineering, we understand the importance of providing a safer work environment for employees. That’s why we carry a variety of drill press guards and self-ejecting chuck keys to fit your facility's needs. 

To help you choose the best safety tools for your team, let’s review a few of our most powerful drill press solutions:

Silvaflame Drill Press Telescopic Shield

The Silvaflame Drill Press Telescopic Shield is an injection molded, high impact polycarbonate telescoping shield that protects a machine operator from potential flying debris and entanglement hazards. The guard securely locks in the closed position by a spring-loaded plunger pin assembly when in the operating position. When the pin is released, the guard hinges up, allowing instant access for drill and chuck changes. 

Drill Press Safety Shield

This Delta Drill Press Safety Shield is a simple but effective solution that provides added safety to your drill press—and overall working conditions. This easy-to-install guard is designed to fit any drill press with a column diameter ranging from 2 1/2 inches to 3 11/16 inches. This guard also allows for easy tool installation and repositioning through its ability to swing out of the way quickly and efficiently. 

Self Ejecting Chuck Key

Self Ejecting Chuck Keys are small devices that can have a big impact on safety in your workplace. A chuck key is a tool that is designed to tighten or loosen the jaws of a chuck. On a drill, it holds the rotating tool. If left in the machine when it is turned on, there’s a possibility of the key flying out and potentially causing injury to the operator or others within the facility. 

A drill press self-ejecting chuck key is spring-loaded—and self-ejects so it is not accidentally left in the machine’s chuck. These keys are designed to help prevent projectile injuries and come in a variety of sizes. 

Drill Press Safety Solutions from Stronghold Safety Engineering

Accidents in the workplace are almost impossible to predict. This is why taking the proper safety precautions will work to create a better workplace for your employees. At Stronghold, we can provide you with all the tools and resources you need to maximize safety and minimize risks.

Whether it’s drill press guards, machine guarding assessments, or risk reduction consulting services, we’ll help you implement high-quality safety solutions that give your operators the tools necessary to succeed. Contact us today to learn more about how to support your team through smarter, safer drill press operations.