Tools are Cool
There is a tool for just about everything
When you do trail work with us, you may need to know what tools you will be using, what they look like and their function. However, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the most important thing about the tools.
Safety.
Safety First.
Safety Always.
Your number one concern when using trail work tools is to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Nothing worse than mistakenly lopping off your arm, or accidently ramming a Pick Mattock through your skull.
Actually, it would be worse if you did it to someone else, so be mindful of your tools and how/where you use them.
Saftey rules of thumb to keep your thumbs (and your neighbor’s thumbs):
- When walking with a tool, carry the tool at your side, and keep the most scary part down and away from you.
- Don’t carry the tool on your shoulders. Be aware of the people behind you and the people in front of you.
- Always make sure you have at least the radius of the length of the tool free and clear of people around you.
- Never swing a tool above your head.
- When setting the tool down, don’t leave it on the trail. Place it above the trail and make sure it is securely in place.
- Always communicate with others about what you are going to do. Tell them when you are about to use your tool.
- When in doubt, ask. It’s ok if you don’t remember. No need to force out the important stuff with info you will only need every once in a while. It’s better to remember your kid’s names than the name of that one tool you saw that guy over there using that one time with that one group.