Hand Tools January 27, 2009

Hand Tools: definition A hand tool is a device for performing work on a material or a physical system using only hands. The hand tools can be manually used employing mechanical force, or electrically powered, using electrical current.

Hand Tools: Categories Part 1 Measuring and Layout Tools Cutting Tools: saws Planing, Smoothing, and Shaping Tools Part 2 Drilling and Boring Tools Fastening and Impelling Tools Prying Tools Gripping and Clamping Tools

Measuring and Layout Tools MEASURING TAPE A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible form of ruler. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fiber glass, or metal strip with linear- measurement markings with metric units and sometimes additionally imperial units.

Measuring and Layout Tools MEASURING TAPE Today it is omnipresent, even appearing in miniature form as a keychain fob, or novelty item. Surveyors use tape measures in lengths of over 100 m (300+ ft).

Measuring and Layout Tools SQUARES Framing Square Try Squares Combination Squares T- bevel GAUGES Marking Gauge Scratch Awl Chalk Line Level and Plumb Bob

Measuring and Layout Tools FRAMING SQUARE (RAFTER SQUARE) It consists of a large arm and a smaller one, which meet at an angle of 90 degrees (a right angle). It is available in steel and aluminum. The wider arm, two inches wide, is called the blade; the narrower arm, one and a half inches wide, the tongue. The square has many uses, including laying out common rafters, hip rafters and stairs. On the newer framing squares there are degree conversions for different pitches and fractional equivalents.

Measuring and Layout Tools TRY SQUARE These are used to check the squareness of surfaces and edges and to lay out lines perpendicular to an edge. A traditional try square has a broad blade made of steel or brass that is riveted to a wooden handle. The inside of the wooden handle typically has a steel or brass strip fixed to it that is precisely 90 degrees to the blade. Blades have either metric or imperial measurements.

Measuring and Layout Tools TRY SQUARE

Measuring and Layout Tools COMBINATION SQUARE A combination square is a tool used for multiple purposes in woodworking. The Square refers to the primary use of the tool: measuring the accuracy of a right angle (90°). At its minimum, the tool is composed of primarily two parts: a rule and a head.

Measuring and Layout Tools COMBINATION SQUARE Measuring angles — A combination square can reliably measure 90° and 45° angles. The 45° angle is used commonly in creating miter joints. Determining flatness — When working with wood the first step is to designate a reference surface on a board which is known as the face side. The rest of the workpiece is measured from the face side with the next surface being the face edge.

Measuring and Layout Tools T- BEVEL The T-bevel has an adjustable blade making it possible to transfer an angle from one place to another.

Measuring and Layout Tools T- BEVEL The handle is usually made of wood or plastic and is connected to a metal blade with a thumbscrew or wing nut. The blade pivots and can be locked at any angle by loosening or tightening the thumbscrew. The procedure for usage is to set the T bevel from an existing angle and then transferring the tool for duplication of the angle.

Measuring and Layout Tools MARKING GAUGE A marking gauge is used in woodworking to mark out lines for cutting or other operations. The purpose of the gauge is to scribe a line parallel to a reference edge or surface. It may also be used transfer dimensions and to check sizes of materials.

Measuring and Layout Tools MARKING GAUGE The gauge consists of a beam, a headstock, and a scribing or marking implement, typically a pin, knife, pen or wheel. The headstock slides along the beam, and is locked in place by various means: a locking screw, cam lever, or a wedge. The marking implement is fixed to one end of the beam.

Measuring and Layout Tools SCRATCH AWL The scratch awl is used to scribe lines on the surfaces of materials. It is also used to mark points and to form starter holes for small screws or mails.

Measuring and Layout Tools Chalk Line The line, which is covered with chalk, is held tight and close to the surface. Then it is snapped. This action drives the chalk onto the surface forming a distinct mark. A special reel rechalks the line each time it is wound back into the case.

Measuring and Layout Tools LEVEL AND PLUMB BOB These are important devices for laying out vertical (plumb) and horizontal (level) lines. A traditional carpenter's spirit level looks like a short plank of wood and often has a wide body to ensure both stability, and that the surface is being measured correctly.

Cutting Tools: saws TENON SAW (BACKSAW) A midsized backsaw used to cut tenons or in a mitre box. Tenon saws are commonly available with rip-filed teeth for rip cutting and cross-cut for cutting across the grain. Teeth are relatively fine, with 10-15 teeth per inch being a common size.

Parts of a Tenon Saw

Cutting Tools: saws CROSSCUT SAW Crosscut saws have teeth that are designed to cut wood at a right angle to the direction of the wood grain. The cutting edge of each tooth is angled back and has a beveled edge. This design allows each tooth to act like a knife edge and slice through the wood, in contrast to a rip saw, which tears along the grain, acting like a miniature chisel. A crosscut saw for general purposes has 6 - 11 (points) teeth per inch. A cross cut saw for general use has 8 teeth per inch while a finishing saw has 10 or 11 teeth per inch.

Parts of a Typical Hand Saw

Cutting Tools: saws RIP SAW A cut made parallel to the direction of the grain of the workpiece is known as a rip cut. A rip saw is a saw that is specially designed for making rip cuts. The cutting edge of each tooth has a flat front edge and it is not angled forward or backward. Rip saws typically have 4-10 teeth per inch, making them relatively coarse.

Cutting Tools: saws COPING SAW KEYHOLE SAW Used for cutting curves with 15 teeth per inch. KEYHOLE SAW Used for cutting small holes, e.g. key holes, with 7 – 9 teeth per inch.

Planing, Smoothing, and Shaping Tools The most important tools in this group are the planes and chisels.

Parts of a Chisel

Types and Parts of Chisels