

Solution: Drill Bit Extension

E-mail this Solution to a Friend


	Description:	Overhead drilling puts strain on the shoulders, arms, neck, and back. Forces are increased at the shoulder since the weight of the power tool is held away from the body. Drill bit extensions can be attached to a drill or screw gun allowing a worker to hold the tool below the shoulder and closer to the waist. This innovation reduces force at the shoulder and minimizes strain of the arms. Figure 1. Traditional Drilling Figure 2. Drilling with Extended Drill Bit A drill bit extension is made by welding a standard socket to a steel rod or tube. A drill bit is welded to the other end of the steel rod or tube, so the extended drill bit can be inserted into a drill or screw gun chuck. PVC pipe is placed over the extension as a sleeve to protect the worker’s hand from the spinning shaft. The PVC sleeve also provides better control of the tool. Workers hold the power tool with one hand and the sleeve with the other (Figure 2). Drill bit extensions are available in many different lengths and diameters. Lengths generally run from 12 to 40 inches. It is also possible to make your own extension. Before using an extension for drilling or fastening, it should determine whether it is appropriate for the job. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Strain to the arms, neck, shoulders, and back due to overhead drilling.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Bit extensions reduce a worker’s chance of developing musculoskeletal injuries. Workers are less fatigued when they do not have to hold a heavy tool above their shoulders for long periods of time. You strain your arms, neck, shoulders, and back less because you don't have to hold the tool above your shoulders or work in an awkward position. You work with your upper arms held close to your sides, and your hanfs in front of your body.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Independent published studies have found a risk reduction. Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	Independent studies have shown that working overhead increases the incidence of injury to the shoulder, arms, neck, and back. Reducing the vertical and/or horizontal distance that the tool is away from the body lessens the stress on worker’s shoulders and arms. Using an extended drill bit also eliminates the need for ladders and step stools. Most drilling tasks can be accomplished while standing on the ground. The risk of falling is decreased or eliminated. Manufacturers report that the extension is easy to use after a little practice. The extension does not add significant weight of the drill, as it weighs less than 2 lbs. Anecdotal evidence from workers who have used drill bit extensions confirms that there is less strain on the shoulder.
	Effects on Productivity:	Extended drill bits increase productivity by decreasing the time to accomplish drilling tasks.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	When using an extended drill bit, workers do not have to move and adjust ladders and step stools when moving from one drilling area to another. They are able to easily walk between areas and decrease the time it takes to complete a job.
	Return on Investment:	To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.
	Availability:	Equipment like that described here may be available from local retailers or rental companies. Greenlee Textron Inc www.greenlee.com Irwin Industrial Tool Co., www.irwin.com Alternatively, you can make your own bit extension, which wil cost $1-2 for materials plus your time.
	Additional Considerations:	You can make your own bit extension, which will cost $1–2 for materials plus your time. Manufactured bit extensions cost from approximately $12 for a 12-inch model to $45 for a 24-inch model. For safety, make sure you push the extension onto the drill chuck tightly, before you turn on the power. In a screw gun, the screw must also be tight in the bit. A drill bit extension does not prevent the neck from being bent back while drilling overhead. Workers shoulder be instructed to change stressful neck positions frequently. Alternately, job rotation has been used at many worksites to minimize exposure to excessive backward bending of the neck. Workers should always wear safety goggles when using an extended drill bit due to falling debris from the drill hole.
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Cassie Malecha, DPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	Insulation & Lagging Attach insulation with tape, staples, glue, wire and bands Overhead work Blow and place insulation Overhead work Inspect and use scaffolds and ladders Overhead work Maintain and remove old insulation including asbestos Overhead work Place finished insulation around duct, pipes, tanks, vessels and mechanical equipment Overhead work