Can Scouts Use Power Tools?

Assistant Scoutmaster Michael from Troop 2000 in Brockton Mass. asks: Can Scouts use power tools? I’m confused because I’ve been told they can’t yet the BSA guidelines say they can. My other problem is that these guidelines are completely void of any specific information as to which tools are allowed and which ones are not. We can find the answer to this perennial question in the Guide to Safe Scouting ; specifically in this chart. As you note anyone registered as a Boy Scout (10 1/2 years old and older) or Venture is permitted to use power tools and Webelos and Cub Scouts are not. This isn’t my opinion – it is BSA policy in black and white. UPDATE 5/2011- The 2011 version of the Guide to Safe Scouting no longer mentions power tools. This change does not alter my advice (the guide doesn’t mention ladders either).

There is no prohibition in the guide against power tools. The guide is silent on which power tools because each of us is expected to use our experience and common sense in deciding which boys use which tools.

I am a carpenter by trade, so I have some familiarity with the subject. I’d have no problem allowing most 11-year-old Scouts operate a drill, but I wouldn’t want most of them to use a circular saw. Then again there are some seventeen-year-old Scouts who worry me when they use a butter knife much less a power tool.

Almost every merit badge merit badge requirement I can think of can be completed with hand tools – a bit slower, yes, but they can be completed. You’ll also note that they have a safety element built in. Here’s the first requirement for woodworking MB: 1. Do the following: a. Show that you know first aid for injuries that could occur while woodworking, including splinters, scratches, cuts, severe bleeding, and shock. Tell what precautions must be taken to help prevent loss of eyesight or hearing, and explain why and when it is necessary to use a dust mask. b. Earn the Totin’ Chip recognition. c. Tell your counselor what precautions you take to safely use your tools. Any responsible counselor will make safety an important part of their instruction.

There is one exception to this rule – using chain saws on Council property; operators must be 18 years and older and complete a training session. But you don’t need a chainsaw to complete any Merit Badge I know of. As for those who tell you that Scouts are prohibited from using power tools ask them to show you the prohibition in writing in an official BSA document. They won’t find it. You can further demonstrate that Scouts are, indeed, permitted to use power tools in the Guide to Safe Scouting. You can then go on to point out that Woodworking merit badge requires you to teach how to use hearing protection and dust masks; why would one need that if Scouts were not permitted to use power tools?

Thanks for volunteering to counsel merit badges – it is great fun. If I can help you with any other questions about this do let me know.