DIY safety basics before you start

Almost every DIY injury comes from a handful of things: flying debris, ladders, sharp blades and hidden wires or pipes. A few habits take care of most of the risk.

Habits that prevent most injuries

• Wear safety glasses whenever you drill, cut, hammer or scrape overhead
• Cut away from your body and keep the other hand behind the blade
• Unplug corded tools and remove batteries before changing bits or blades
• Keep the work area clear and well lit
• Use a stud finder with wire detection, and never drill near outlets or switches in a straight line above or below them

Ladders

• Use a step ladder rated for your weight plus tools
• Open it fully and lock the spreaders
• Don't stand on the top step or top cap
• Keep your body between the side rails; move the ladder instead of reaching

Lead paint in older homes

Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. Sanding, scraping or heat-stripping it creates dangerous dust. Test first with an EPA-recognized test kit or hire a certified professional, and read the EPA's lead guidance before disturbing old paint.

Leave these to a licensed pro

• Anything inside an electrical panel, and new circuits or wiring
• Gas lines and gas appliances
• Water supply lines inside walls
• Removing walls or anything structural
• Roof work and anything at height beyond a step ladder

General DIY information. Follow the instructions for your tools and products, wear eye protection, and stop if anything feels unsafe. Easy Home Tasks isn't paid by any brand or store.