Drill Horror Story - LEARN from it!

[BirdMobile]

Hey, all...

I found this on a consumer reports site. Read this and THINK about it.. we are all WAY too complacent about the power tools we use.

Don't be thinking "he's a *******, this could never happen to me", from what I gather reading this, the guy's only mistake was buying a defective product.

I felt physically sick after reading the following:

On Friday 5/22/2009, I was installing my toolbox in the bed of my truck using a Milwaukee 1/2 inch Magnum drill, 0-850 RPM 0300-20 electric pistol drill, when I was drilling a hole to mount my toolbox for my truck. The drill was bound on me in which normally isn't a problem, but the problem was that the drill wouldn't stop, I shut off the switch on the drill but it got stuck and the drill continued to run in the on position, in which the drill was going around and around, tangling the cord of the drill into a knot in which then the cord tried to get my whole hand, but I pulled back and the cord still got the tip of my finger to my knuckle on my right ring finger, breaking my bone by twisting it, then proceeding to twist off my finger with literally just about a hair holding on to my finger.

I was rushed to the hospital by my wife, almost bleeding to death for it. It cut the two arteries in my finger. The hospital stitched my finger back on, then sending me later to a specialist with me not knowing if I was going to lose my finger or not. The doctors said it would depend if my finger would mend or not. I had a 50/50 chance of my finger living or not. My finger lived and is healing. I did some research on the net to see if this happened to anyone else and this is how I found you consumer affairs and on your site. I found that Milwaukee and Dewalt drills on 5/10/2001 are having to recall about 58,000 drills due to the (same reasons), the switches sticking on the on position and posing injury to consumers like me, and Milwaukee back then had four reports of switches sticking in the on position and one report of a hand injury on their drills. I do have detailed pictures of my finger on when I was in the hospital that I can e-mail you if you would like me to. I would greatly appreciate any help that you could help me with.

Economically, I have no insurance to cover my hospital bills or to the specialist that I have to see and I'm out of work for 6 or 8 weeks or more, pending on how I heal and by doctors’ orders, relieving me from work due to my injury. I got no way of paying my bills for I can't work. Physical damage, my finger for being twisted off for what was left of it is deformed for its crooked and doesn't look normal even though I still have it, which is good. I don't know the long term effect that this will have on me for I'm right handed. I do a lot of work with my hands and I also write a lot. Mentally, I now have a mental fear of even using a drill again in which will affect my working ability as well. For now, I have issues with drills.

 

[Ign]

Interesting, I believe I use the predecessor, the 0299, I wonder if it was affected under the recall.

I'd also be interested in the specifics of how he was holding the drill, but most specifically if he was using the second handle which mounts just aft of the chuck. Using both of those handles a grown man can stall this 8A drill, but I guess you're left letting it smoke itself out or eventually trying to let go quickly and get away from it.

The guy who got hurt obviously needs to go strictly cordless as be states he's now afraid of drills, but it was the cord that got him.

 

[Ign]

Nope, I've got two 0300-20's. Hmm.

Milwaukee has had some switch issues for sure. The old 6176 14" abrasive chop saws had a switch recall. My original switch died and when you ordered a new one they gave you a whole new style with instructions on how to retrofit it. IIRC it locked on when it died.

I've also got a 6153 4.5" angle grinder which is 12A, the switch on that one also died in the on position. Been meaning to order a new switch for it for 3+ years now, but have so many other angle grinders it's not been a priority. I wasn't excited about such a powerful 4.5" angle grinder being locked on in my hands.

 

[BirdMobile]

Ign,
Be careful, man. Sounds like bad news!

 

[404]

Well that is a bummer.. Justified lawsuit here. Hope this guy gets his medical bills and life back.. hopefully with the publicity he will.

This trick can be done without a defective trigger as well.. if you screw up like I did. Twice managed to get the cord tangled into the chuck, said cord then pressed on my hand and I could not release the trigger. Still have my fingers. Hand got really tight under the cord though. I don't hold that drill that way any more. Very very very dumb on my part. 100% self inflicted. Fortunately my wife was there both times helping and unplugged the drill

Regards,
404

 

[PBCampbell]

I've reread the story a few times and can't quite imagine what's being described. Nevertheless it sounds like a freak accident other than the malfunctioning switch.

 

[Ign]

Well that is a bummer.. Justified lawsuit here. Hope this guy gets his medical bills and life back.. hopefully with the publicity he will.

This trick can be done without a defective trigger as well.. if you screw up like I did. Twice managed to get the cord tangled into the chuck, said cord then pressed on my hand and I could not release the trigger. Still have my fingers. Hand got really tight under the cord though. I don't hold that drill that way any more. Very very very dumb on my part. 100% self inflicted. Fortunately my wife was there both times helping and unplugged the drill

Regards,
404

According to the date it was 5 years ago.....

on the other stuff I was also thinking the poor guy could rig a foot switch that would interrupt power if he just stepped off it (again, only because of his stated fear of drills). It wouldn't work in many out-of-position scenarios but would work in most situations, including even the bed of a truck (mentioned by the injured person although unk if he was in the bed or standing next to the truck).

And as to your cord tangling around the switch, that's why I've never like air ratchets w a paddle switch, it seems very often they twist themselves back into a position (up against a steering knuckle or behind some engine accy) where there's not enough room for the paddle to open up and get my hand out of there. Fortunately of course most air ratchets are far less powerful than an 8A electric motor!!

 

[mmack66]

The recall that guy cited in the story in the OP doesn't affect the drill he was using-
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/dewalt_drill.html

He probably inadvertently pushed the button that locked the trigger on, and then lost control of it.

I doubt a lawsuit was justified, but people sue for anything these days.

 

[toplessHO]

sometimes poop happens that none of us would be prepared for.
I had a freak accident happen recently so can appreciate how quickly things can go wrong.
we are required to wear gloves that are tear resistant. I was drilling a hole in a small object with a 1/4 inch HSS bit and it walked slightly,edge of bit caught fabric of my glove. Before I could let off the trigger the bit had wrapped the glove so tightly that my finger began ozzing blood from under the nail(it was wrapped up in the middle of index finger almost 2 inches from the nail)
I carefully unwound the glove manually with fear that if I reversed the drill the same would happen in reverse. My finger was numb and useless for about a week and had about 3 spots that blood had come out of,with no contact other that a tightly wrapped glove. Our safety engineer was shown the glove and damage done but was adamant that they will not relax the tear resistant requirement. Oh and BTW this was a 18v cordless.Respect the power that power tools have,could be your turn next.

 

[neophyte]

I've reread the story a few times and can't quite imagine what's being described. Nevertheless it sounds like a freak accident other than the malfunctioning switch.

It sounds like the guy was using the drill, and the drill it jammed causing the drill to spin instead of the bit. The description sounds like the drill continued to spin after pressure from his hand was removed from the switch, causing the cord on the drill to swing around like a lasso. The guys finger got caught between the cord and the drill housing, which continued spinning, causing his finger to be twisted to the point were it was almost completely severed or torn off.


The complaint is saying that the switch had a design or manufacturing defect with the switch that prevented the switch from turning off once pressure was removed, like what should happen with a deadman switch. I presume the problem is separate from the lock on button for the switch on the Magnum drills, or that the guy felt he pressed the switch to disengage the lock on but the drill switch still didn't shut off.

Ign sounds like he had the same problem with his Milwaukee angle grinder, but I believe that may also have a lock on button as well.

Most corded power tools have the cord coming out the back of the tools, so that if a tool gets locked on, the tools can keep swinging around, creating a lasso effect with the cord. This may be a fundamental safety problem with a large percentage of power tools.

 

[Kracin]

According to the date it was 5 years ago.....

on the other stuff I was also thinking the poor guy could rig a foot switch that would interrupt power if he just stepped off it (again, only because of his stated fear of drills). It wouldn't work in many out-of-position scenarios but would work in most situations, including even the bed of a truck (mentioned by the injured person although unk if he was in the bed or standing next to the truck).

And as to your cord tangling around the switch, that's why I've never like air ratchets w a paddle switch, it seems very often they twist themselves back into a position (up against a steering knuckle or behind some engine accy) where there's not enough room for the paddle to open up and get my hand out of there. Fortunately of course most air ratchets are far less powerful than an 8A electric motor!!

rofl about the air ratchets.... that happens a lot to me... damn air ratchet twist up against something and you have to pop the hose off to get the damn thing loose...

 

[Packard V8]

It's unfortunate the guy injured himself drilling a hole.

However, just try to think of a power tool or machine someone somewhere hasn't managed to injure himself operating.

Thirty thousand people a year manage to kill themselves and/or others driving around near home. The family car is the most dangerous power tool.

KitchenAid gets sued several times a year because some think they should be able to stick fingers into an operating mixer/blender/food processor without getting it cut off.

Life is ultimately a fatal accident.

Your opinions and results may vary.

jack vines

 

[PBCampbell]

Well said Jack Vines

 

[Kracin]

It's unfortunate the guy injured himself drilling a hole.

However, just try to think of a power tool or machine someone somewhere hasn't managed to injure himself operating.

Thirty thousand people a year manage to kill themselves and/or others driving around near home. The family car is the most dangerous power tool.

KitchenAid gets sued several times a year because some think they should be able to stick fingers into an operating mixer/blender/food processor without getting it cut off.

Life is ultimately a fatal accident.

Your opinions and results may vary.

jack vines

a lot of me wishes they would remove certain warning labels from things.... like the ones that tell people not to operate a hair curler while in the bathtub... and thinks like that

 

[404]

According to the date it was 5 years ago.....

on the other stuff I was also thinking the poor guy could rig a foot switch that would interrupt power if he just stepped off it (again, only because of his stated fear of drills). It wouldn't work in many out-of-position scenarios but would work in most situations, including even the bed of a truck (mentioned by the injured person although unk if he was in the bed or standing next to the truck).

And as to your cord tangling around the switch, that's why I've never like air ratchets w a paddle switch, it seems very often they twist themselves back into a position (up against a steering knuckle or behind some engine accy) where there's not enough room for the paddle to open up and get my hand out of there. Fortunately of course most air ratchets are far less powerful than an 8A electric motor!!

OUCH.
Now that you mention it, I did that several times with my 3/8 air ratchet that has a button, not paddle, very long ago. The ratchet is so loud and irritating I rarely use it.

I won't even mention the time I nearly lost my left hand doing dados on a short piece of material in the radial arm saw...Arbor on that saw has not been quite right since.

Regards,
404

 

[Jason280]

Economically, I have no insurance to cover my hospital bills or to the specialist that I have to see and I'm out of work for 6 or 8 weeks or more, pending on how I heal and by doctors’ orders, relieving me from work due to my injury. I got no way of paying my bills for I can't work.

....and this, kids, is why you should have health insurance.

 

[PT Doc]

I see 2 mistakes prior to using the drill.

1 no insurance
2 no short term disability

You need insurance if your are cannot take on risk of injury.
You need disability if you cannot afford to be out of work for 2-3 months.

My statements might seem counterintuitive but those that can't afford either, cannot afford medical bill and to be out of work.

Good lessons to learn from this mans situation.

 

[Ign]

The recall that guy cited in the story in the OP doesn't affect the drill he was using-
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/dewalt_drill.html

He probably inadvertently pushed the button that locked the trigger on, and then lost control of it.

I doubt a lawsuit was justified, but people sue for anything these days.

True enough! No mention of the 0300-20 anywhere in there. What they're showing there such as the 1610-1 are the scary drills that CAN seriously injure you and a user will NOT be stalling those with just man power. However this is not what the guy claims to have been using, nor should you be to mount a tool box in a truck bed.

Ign sounds like he had the same problem with his Milwaukee angle grinder, but I believe that may also have a lock on button as well.

I'm able to identify a switch with a lock and know if it's engaged. When the paddle trigger on an angle grinder fully "pops" back open and the grinder continues to operate, that is not normal.

In fact all trigger locks that I've experienced keep the switch physically depressed as if the user were still holding the trigger or switch.

 

[monomach]

The recall that guy cited in the story in the OP doesn't affect the drill he was using-
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/dewalt_drill.html

He probably inadvertently pushed the button that locked the trigger on, and then lost control of it.

I doubt a lawsuit was justified, but people sue for anything these days.

Exactly what I thought the whole time I was reading.

a lot of me wishes they would remove certain warning labels from things.... like the ones that tell people not to operate a hair curler while in the bathtub... and thinks like that

I saw "do not use match or open flame to check fuel level" on a big gas tank.

Yes, really.

 

[scw1991]

I have the older Milwaukee 0234-1 model 5.5 amp 1/2" drill 0-850 RPM and can say that one peculiar feature has always been the very small trigger lock mechanism located directly above the trigger. A few times over the years of use, this trigger lock has become depressed maintaining full speed operation. You don't even notice you're depressing it especially when wearing bulky gloves.

It's amazing how much torque these drills can develop with only a 5.5 amp motor and I've suffered a violent snap of the wrist on many occasions when the drill bit hangs up in the material. There is definitely a reason why the extra side handle is included for added safety and stability.

 

[truckdriver]

That's why I love drilling with an impact. Have impact hex shank bits up to 1/2 and hex shank reamers for bigger holes. Even have hex shank hole saw's. Rarely ever use my drill anymore.

 

[Kracin]

I see 2 mistakes prior to using the drill.

1 no insurance
2 no short term disability

You need insurance if your are cannot take on risk of injury.
You need disability if you cannot afford to be out of work for 2-3 months.

My statements might seem counterintuitive but those that can't afford either, cannot afford medical bill and to be out of work.

Good lessons to learn from this mans situation.

another good lesson to learn is how he is trying to get the money to pay for things... claim some kind of mental illness afterwards if you happen to be able to keep your finger and most of the mobility....

"yeah, ever since that faithful day, things haven't been the same.... i haven't been able to use a toilet.... anywhere.... it's affected my life. if i knew that the toilet was backed up and the water level was so high that it was going to soak my nuts, i would have never stepped foot in that god forsaken bathroom.... but you can't change the past, and now i'm suing lowes for mental anguish, can't go to the bathroom like a normal person anymore...... what, you think i'm nuts? you go sit your *** on a backed up toilet and let your ************* take a dip in the brown water and see how you fair for the next 10 years of your ruined life!!!!!!!"

 

[Fretters]

I saw "do not use match or open flame to check fuel level" on a big gas tank.

Yes, really.

How's about this one:

 

[BFHtime]

a lot of me wishes they would remove certain warning labels from things.... like the ones that tell people not to operate a hair curler while in the bathtub... and thinks like that

Those are not for people with common sense. They are for dirt bag scum of the earth lawyers. Part of the reason we have so many limitations on freedom; (laws), and frivolous lawsuits.

I have had power tools runaway on me several times. Drills and several circular saws. Many brands no just Milwaukee. Replace the switch and you are good to go. Kind of like the grinder thing about a month ago, power tools can be dangerous. I remember my dad always telling me to be careful, all the time in fact he still does, thank GOD. I think people get lackadaisical and stop thinking about safety. Like zoning out when driving. I have done it myself, and have been lucky. I have had table saws do some crazy things too. I find that you have to be focused in case something goes wrong, because at some point Murphy's law kicks in.

And definitely that guy that is scared of his drill is looking to sue. Most people would use more caution next time. Power tools are not toys.

 

[lilscorpion]

Great, now the federal government is going to require background checks prior to corded and pneumatic drill sales.

Then there will be a freak accident with a 12v cordless hammer drill where the battery whips around and breaks a clowns jaw and they'll expand the corded and pneumatic drill background check to include cordless drills.

I better go dust off my grandpa's hand drill.

 

[wgasa84]

I have the older Milwaukee 0234-1 model 5.5 amp 1/2" drill 0-850 RPM and can say that one peculiar feature has always been the very small trigger lock mechanism located directly above the trigger. A few times over the years of use, this trigger lock has become depressed maintaining full speed operation. You don't even notice you're depressing it especially when wearing bulky gloves.

It's amazing how much torque these drills can develop with only a 5.5 amp motor and I've suffered a violent snap of the wrist on many occasions when the drill bit hangs up in the material. There is definitely a reason why the extra side handle is included for added safety and stability.

Agreed! I had the same thing happen with a Craftsman 1/2" drill (without a side handle) I purchased as a dedicated tubing notcher. The hole saw got hung up in the material and the lock switch got accidentally stuck on without my knowledge (gloves). I was lucky to get my hand out of the way because the cord wrapped itself around the drill quite a few times before snapping the cord in 1/2. Scared the heck out of me. I now have a DeWalt (with a side handle) that's a bit more powerful but without the lock switch in a poor location.

 

[Mikefromcny]

I have one of those drills, its a beast! A buddy was using it with a 3" holesaw into a ply wood wall. First time it caught, it ripped out of his hand and fell where it never worked again. He bought me a new one and 2nd time around it did the same thing but a violin broke its fall.

 

[Ign]

Agreed! I had the same thing happen with a Craftsman 1/2" drill (without a side handle) I purchased as a dedicated tubing notcher. The hole saw got hung up in the material and the lock switch got accidentally stuck on without my knowledge (gloves). I was lucky to get my hand out of the way because the cord wrapped itself around the drill quite a few times before snapping the cord in 1/2. Scared the heck out of me. I now have a DeWalt (with a side handle) that's a bit more powerful but without the lock switch in a poor location.

Yep I use my 8A 0300 in my notcher as well, but always with the 2nd handle. I keep both hands TIGHT around the grips and brace my left arm into my body a bit. I try to act every second as if the hole saw is going to hang up. Doesn't make it 100% safe but as good as it gets.

 

[wgasa84]

Yep I use my 8A 0300 in my notcher as well, but always with the 2nd handle. I keep both hands TIGHT around the grips and brace my left arm into my body a bit. I try to act every second as if the hole saw is going to hang up. Doesn't make it 100% safe but as good as it gets.

Same here!

 

[Garage Junky]

Great reminder to be careful when using power tools, every time. Even under perfect conditions something can malfunction and cause injury. I have an old Makita belt sander that had the trigger get stuck. When I plugged it in it took a nice ride across my work bench. Luckily I was able to pull the chord before the table was damaged too much and no one was hurt, but bad stuff happens.

 

[SlappyWhite]

I was using a large grinder on the roof of my car, it caught an edge and kicked back towards me. Instinct made me grab the handle tighter, when I did I inadvertently pushed the trigger lock. The grinder continued up my arm and across my chest, made a good mess....

I would not be surprised if this wasn't the same thing. Drill binds, grab the handle tighter trying to retain control, push the lock on in the process.

 

[BFHtime]

Great reminder to be careful when using power tools, every time. Even under perfect conditions something can malfunction and cause injury. I have an old Makita belt sander that had the trigger get stuck. When I plugged it in it took a nice ride across my work bench. Luckily I was able to pull the chord before the table was damaged too much and no one was hurt, but bad stuff happens.

LOL, I had this happen and got lucky that it universe itself in about 2-3 feet. I learned a lesson.

( . )( . )

 

[ez-duzit]

...the guy's only mistake was buying a defective product...

Bullschit!

He just had to be smarter than a drill motor.

 

[CJM8515]

Honestly Ive injured myself a few times using power tools, never severely however. Thing is, you CANT be stupid using power (or any) tools for that matter. You wouldnt put your finger intentionally in the path of something you were using a very sharp chisel with or you wouldnt stick your face close to the material you were welding without some sorta helmet.

For lack of better words **** happens. Its a fact of life and everyday, every waking minute something bad can happen. Working smart is better than working stupid however. I have the same (or similar model) drill. I ALWAYS use the side handle if possible to prevent it from running away or smacking me. That sucker is heavy duty and WILL HURT YOU.

I was use the small milwaukee 3a corded angle drill, the kind that has a giant paddle for a trigger. I learned that you should unplug it if your using the chuck key and removing or putting a bit in. What happened was I accidentally hit the paddle when tightening the chuck. Chuck key went around and smacked the bejesus outta my fingers and jammed up the drill. It was my fault since the trigger is very easy to hit by accident. Now I always unplug it!

 

[Tronyadorable]

We all CHOSE dangerous professions. **** happens.
as to the drill in question ?

 

[justme-]

I'm not sure any hand held power tool really needs a trigger lock, drills specifically. As to the trigger being defective - I highly doubt it. The consensus that he accidentally put the lock on is most likely correct - the way the trigger switch is designed (in all drills) it's nearly impossible for the switch to fail on.

 

[woody 73]

Strange thing but I never gave it much thought till I was reading this post, but several years ago I bought a new Milwaukee chop saw and after a year the trigger would not stop the saw blade; I had to pull the plug just to stop the saw. I called Milwaukee and they just put me on hold as they say.

I paid for a new switch and replaced the defective part, but it sure was scary when it first happened, I feel bad for that guy that almost lost his finger.

 

[Carla]

The possibility of engaging a switch-lock unintentionally is only one of the hazards of electric drill motors.

In the larger sizes, especially, there is a lot of 'stored energy' in the rotor assembly and gearing, so that a drill can't be stopped quickly if the drill 'jams' or 'catches', and the resultant torque, spinning the drill motor, has injured quite a few workers, over the years.

Many years ago, when I was involved in a machine business, I 'took to heart' the lesson learned by seeing the scarred, crushed hand of an old-timer who had a large electric drill 'catch', and allowed only air drill motors to be used in the shop.

I made certain that workers were instructed in holding them in such a way that the air 'trigger' valve would be released, if the drill 'caught'.

Unlike the 'rotary momentum' of an electric drill motor, an air drill motor will stop quickly if its air valve is closed.

(yes, I know, there are times and places where no air is available, and the electric drill motor is the only practical tool......that said, workers really 'must' be adequately trained to respect the electric drill motor as an inherently dangerous tool, and to be especially careful when using them.)

cheers

Carla

 

[ChevyEFI]

My Milwaukee 1/2" drill deserves and gets respect from me after a couple incidents over the decade + I have owned it.

I am not saying the OP story is bunk. But I can certainly see a story getting twisted into the drill being at fault in today's world when really, it wasn't being used in a 100% safe manner.

 

[neophyte]

The recall, or recalls, on switches seems to have effected a large number of models and manufacturers.

Bosch had a large number of drill models affected by a switch recall.

Makita also had a large number of drill models affected by the same switch recall.

The same recall for the Bosch and Makita drills also affected a few Milwaukee bandsaw models.

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2001...urers-Announce-Recall-of-Various-Power-Tools/

There are separate recalls for a whole bunch of other tool models that use the same switches or switch kits. The recalls cover everything from angle grinders, to circular saws, and different types of drills.

http://documents.milwaukeetool.com/Tiy358.pdf

http://www.safetymanagementgroup.com/articles/Milwaukee-Tool-Corp.-Recalls-Grinders.aspx

Its possible that the guy was injured using a drill with a defective switch. It's also possible that he was injured because he accidentally pressed the lock on button on the drill. If you're holding the drill towards the top of the back, and applying pressure to the switch using your pinky and ring finger, it's not hard to accidentally press the lock on button.

Whether the drill stayed on because of a faulty switch, or whether it stayed on because the guy accidentally pressed the lock on button really shouldn't be the point. The guy almost had his finger twisted off by getting it caught in the cord when the drill wouldn't stop spinning. I don't recall ever being informed of this particular hazard in shop safety lectures, or tool manuals and safety brochures, or tool videos on Youtube, or articles in tool and shop magazines. This is a safety concern anyone using a rotary power tool such as a drill or angle grinder should be aware of. The only time I've seen a reference to anything like this is in cheesy horror and action movies.