How to use a box grater without bloodying my knuckles?

I use my left hand to push down on the top of the box grater (mine has a handle I hold) to keep it steady. With my right hand I hold the food I need (usually cheese) and slide it against the side with downward motions. Don't press too hard and don't go too fast! Try holding your ingredient differently; use the pads on your fingertips but not the part near your nails or else your knuckles will be exposed. If the food gets too small, forget using your fingers altogether and press hard on the object with the palm of your hand for a few swipes. Good luck!

As others have said, don't press too hard on the food and don't go too fast.

Now other problems you might be having.

Your box grater may be old and dull or a cheap one from the Dollar Store. Is it time to replace it?

Are you like my mom? She'd grate a carrot down to the very end rather than waste any.

It never occurred to her that she could just eat the last inch or so of the carrot rather than scrap her knuckles.

If you do have issues with shaky hands, it might be time to get a food processor or a Salad Shooter. (I love my Salad Shooter).

I bust knuckles too sometimes!! get a new or clean BBQ glove. Use this to hold the food you are grating!! When it hits the grater you don't put knuckles in the bowl with the food. and they don't tear that easily on the grater.

Don't push so hard against the grater. I've done it many time myself, particularly when grating Parmesan cheese for some reason. It helps if you use it in a bowl, propped against the edge of the bowl at an angle. That way one hand is holding it steady rather than supporting it.

I have giant monkey hands so i usually put a good few inches of food between them and the grater.

The last bits i eat.

I still lose skin though.

Someone asked me who I was fighting with - my hands looked that bad.