What should be avoided with impact tools?

Mushrooming is a condition that occurs at the struck end of an impact tool, such as a hammer or chisel, where the metal spreads and deforms due to repeated impacts. This deformation can lead to a number of safety hazards and tool malfunctions. When mushrooming occurs, the tool's effective striking surface is compromised, reducing its ability to transfer the impact energy efficiently. An improperly shaped striking surface can also lead to glancing blows, increasing the risk of missing the target and potentially causing injury to the user or damaging the workpiece.

Maintaining the integrity of impact tools is crucial for safe and effective operation. Tools should be regularly inspected for any signs of mushrooming, and if detected, the tools should be reshaped or replaced to ensure proper function. This proactive approach helps in maintaining workplace safety and ensuring that the tools perform as intended. Rust, pitting, and wobbling, while they may indicate issues with a tool's maintenance or quality, do not directly compromise the tool's function in the same way that mushrooming does in the context of impact tools.