4 Chapter Hand Tools

Objectives Identify the most common hand tools. Select the proper hand tool for a given job. Identify the main parts and purpose of each major hand tool. Explain proper methods of tool maintenance and storage.

Tapes and Rules 25′ to 35′ tapes used for most measuring jobs Blade 3/4″ or 1″ wide Hook on end Locking mechanism Spring-loaded 50′ or 100′ tapes used for building layouts

Pro Tip Dirt and moisture can enter tape case when retracting tape To prevent damage to tape measure Wipe tape with cloth as it is retracted Take special care if tape is wet

Framing Squares Also called rafter square Tables printed on them Blade Tongue Heel Face Tables printed on them Useful in making scale drawings

Speed Squares Also called quick square or super square Can be used to mark any angle for rafter cuts Used by carpenters more than any other square

Try Squares Available with blades 6″ to 12″ Wood or metal handles Used to check squareness of surfaces and edges

Combination Squares Used to lay out miter joints Used as marking gauge to make parallel lines Difficult to carry in tool belt Not as durable as speed squares

Marking Gauge Used to lay out parallel lines along edges of material Butt gauge Scratch awl Chalk lines can be used to mark long, straight lines

Level and Plumb Bob Levels Plumb bob Vial filled with liquid to create bubble Centered bubble indicates level surface Plumb bob Hangs from line Establishes true vertical line Empire Level, Inc.

Saws Crosscut saws cut across wood grain Ripsaws cut best along grain Coping saws can make very fine cuts Hacksaws can be used to cut nails, bolts, and metal

Planing, Smoothing, and Shaping Tools Smooth plane Jack plane Fore and jointer plane Block plane Wood chisel Tin snips Utility knife

Fastening Tools Claw hammers Sledge hammers Nail sets Most often used fastening tool Sledge hammers Used to drive stakes and do other heavy work Nail sets Used to drive heads of finishing nails below wood surface McRae True Value Hardware

Pro Tip Hammers should be given good care Keep hammer face clean Keep hammer handle tight by Driving wedges deeper Installing new handle

Pulling Nails Use putty knife or wood block to increase leverage and protect surface Use ripping claw hammer to separate two nailed surfaces

Hatchets Used for rough work on jobs Making stakes Building concrete forms Some are designed for wood shingle work Estwing Mfg. Co.

Screwdrivers Many sizes and styles Sizes specified by length of blade Straight Phillips Torx Square Sizes specified by length of blade Tips must be carefully picked for job

Prying Tools Take apart nailed structural members, forms, or temporary braces Pry bars Wrecking bars Flat bars Cat’s paw Nail puller

Safety Note When using pry bars Establish good balance before applying force to bar Grip bar so fingers are not bruised as fastener or piece comes free Always wear safety glasses

Gripping and Clamping Tools Wood clamps and C-clamps are used while Attaching metal fasteners Adhesives are setting Working on wood parts Hand screws are ideal for woodworking McRae True Value Hardware

Clamps Bar clamps or pipe clamps Useful for holding larger pieces May be adjustable at both jaws Clamping pliers can be substituted for vise or wrench American Tool

Wrenches Useful in maintaining tools and other equipment Come in variety of sizes

Tool Belts and Storage Tool belts, tool holders May be designed to hang from waist Keep tools close and ready for use Portable containers are used to store tools on jobsites Truecraft Tools

Thinking Green Use green practices when selecting and using hand and power tools Select tools with low impact on environment Maintain and handle all tools properly Avoid careless use of tools that can create waste or damage materials and tools

Care and Maintenance of Tools Tools will not perform well if dull or out of adjustment Keep tools clean Keep tool handles tight Hone edge tools using oilstone

Grinding Edges Blunt bevel can be reshaped by grinding Grinding angle will vary depending on tool Grinding and honing angles for jack plane iron are shown here

Saw Care Saws Require filing and setting Before filing, often require jointing May be sent to shop to be machine sharpened