Battery Operated Cordless Drills

G'day folks -

New member - 5 days into a dual stage rate adaptable device. Mighty sore shoulder, but no worries.

Question - it appears electric drills and other hand held electric devices are perceived to be okay to use, but what about my all-important Dewalt 18v cordless drill? Although a desk jockey (software officer), I can't imagine home life without my beloved drill.

All comments welcome. Thank you.

-KT

4 Comments

equiptment

by JohnS - 2007-11-20 09:11:29

I have used a welder, many types of hand tools, both battery and plug in, with no ill effects. I have not tried a chainsaw yet, just because the opportunity has not come up yet. ( I don't need firewood for my firepit yet).
I am 100 % paced with a Medtronics pacer.
Having said that I can tell when my local gas station/junk food store has the anti-shoplifting system on or off.
Hope this helps
John S

equipment

by boatman50 - 2007-11-20 12:11:03

The above list is a great start, however my pm maker says no arc, mig or tig welding and no plasma torches. Stay away from electro magnetic fields such as produced by a cars ignition system. The key is to not lean on the engine, alternator etc. As for drills and small power tools again, just don't put your shoulder into it, keep the tool at least a foot away from the device and you will be fine.

Cordless

by Scottie - 2007-11-20 12:11:07

KT,

I have a pacer, and I've never noticed any issues when operating my 18V Dewalt drill, circ saw, or recip saw. Like you, I'm not sure I could be very happy without them!

I think a lot depends on your medical situation and the device you have.

When I first got my device, they were dead set against operating small combustion engines, esp. hand-held ones. I operate a chain saw regularly, too, without any issues, and it seems like the device company backed off on small engines. I haven't had the guts to try any arc-welding, tho. They still don't recommend that!

If you have specific questions, I would check with the device company in addition to your doctor.

Take care,

Scottie

Useful Information.

by Stepford_Wife - 2007-11-20 12:11:26

Hi KT.

I hope this helps answer your question.

~ Dominique ~

Safe and unsafe electrical or magnetic sources

Electrical or magnetic sources that are SAFE to be used by people with pacemakers and ICDs

* Televisions, video cassette recorders (VCRs), and their remote controls
* AM/FM radios
* Kitchen appliances (toasters, blenders, electric can openers, refrigerators)
* Microwave ovens
* Conventional ovens
* Bathroom appliances (electric razors, curling irons, hair dryers)
* Washing machines and dryers
* Heating pads, electric blankets
* Household phones (including portable models)
* Personal computers, fax machines, copying machines, printers, electric typewriters
* Garage door openers
* Automobiles (unless your doctor has restricted your driving)
* Lawn and garden equipment (mowers, leaf blowers, etc.)
* Electric tools (drills, table saws, etc.)
* Most medical tests (X-ray, CT scan, mammogram)
* Dental procedures

Keep at least 12 inches away from the pacemaker, or ICD.

* Stereo speakers.
* Magnets.
* Magnetic wands used at airports.
* Industrial power generators.
* Arc welders.
* Battery-powered cordless power tools (drills, screwdrivers, etc.).
* Cellular phones.

Electrical or magnetic sources that should be AVOIDED by people with pacemakers or ICDs

Things to avoid completely:

* Large magnets
* MRI machines
* CB or ham radios
* Radio transmitters (including those used in toys)
* High-voltage power lines (keep at least 25 feet away)

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!