1926.301: Safe Hand Tools
Employers must not issue or allow unsafe hand tools. Wrenches must not be used when the jaws are sprung to the point of slipping, impact tools like chisels and wedges must be kept free of mushroomed heads, and wooden handles must be free of splinters or cracks and tight in the tool.
Key takeaways
- 1926.301 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $16,886 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (15), TX (2), NH (1).
- Most-cited part: 1926.301(d) (16 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.301, "Hand tools", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). It has 4 numbered paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
Show the full text of 1926.301 (4 paragraphs)
(a) Employers shall not issue or permit the use of unsafe hand tools. 3 citations
(b) Wrenches, including adjustable, pipe, end, and socket wrenches shall not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs.
(c) Impact tools, such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels, shall be kept free of mushroomed heads. 1 citations
(d) The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool. Open (d) 16 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: IL (15), TX (2), NH (1), HI (1), CO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RUIZ-BOYTER CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLIES | ABILENE, TX | $6,512 |
| RONALDO CORADO | CRANDALL, TX | $4,256 |
| JOKER OIL FIELD SERVICES LLC | WINDSOR, CO | $3,618 |
| GRANITE STATE CURBING SETTERS, INC. | LONDONDERRY, NH | $2,500 |
| CITY OF MOUNT OLIVE - WWTP | MOUNT OLIVE, IL | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.301, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.301(d) 16 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Can a wrench with sprung jaws be used?
No, not when the jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs.
What is wrong with a mushroomed chisel head?
Impact tools such as drift pins, wedges and chisels must be kept free of mushroomed heads.
What about wooden tool handles?
They must be free of splinters or cracks and kept tight in the tool.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.301 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.