SAMI MAKERSPACE MAKE: AN ELECTRONICS WORKSHOP

TOOL BASICS

THIS PRESENTATION: Safety Hand tools versus power tools Pliers Diagonal cutters (and other types of cutters) Wire strippers Wrenches Screwdrivers (standard and precision) Saws Misc. (hammers, pry bars, files, etc. )

SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE! Always use a tool in the manner for which is was designed. Never apply excessive force to a tool. Always wear appropriate protective gear.

PLIERS So many types…

PLIERS There is little agreement on the names, but they are mostly descriptive (“needle- nosed,” “duck-billed,” “curved-nosed”) Primary use: to hold on to small things (bolts, wires) Additional uses: some pliers are used for crimping or stripping wires. Do not use for: Large items (for example on a bolt where a socket wrench could be used) Prying

CUTTERS Diagonal and other types…

CUTTERS Description: “Diagonal cutters” are made for cutting close to a surface. Some pliers include cutters, but you can not get close to the surface. Primary use: Cutting wires. Use larger tools for thicker wire. Additional use: With a fine touch, you can strip insulation off wires. Do not use for: cutting through sheets of material. “Snips” or saws are the right tool for that.

WIRE STRIPPERS

Description: A plier-like tool that makes it easy to remove insulation from wire without cutting the inner metal. Primary use: For removing insulation from the last inch or two of wire. Additional use: There is usually also a cutter on these tools. Some have “gauge holes” to measure the thickness of wire. Do not use for: This can’t remove the insulation from coated wire (use sandpaper or knife). There is sometimes a plier-like nose, but it would be better to use real pliers if you have them on hand.

WRENCHES

Description: a wide variety of tools characterized by a lever that turns something with parallel sides (like a hex-bolt). Some are plier-like (pipe wrench), but most people think of the “crescent wrench.” Primary use: Holding or rotating objects with parallel sides (bolts, sockets) Additional use: Adjustable wrenches (pipe wrenches and vice-grips) are a great way to get a firm grip on something that you are drilling/sanding/etc. Do not use for: Apply force only in the intended direction; do not use as a pry bar.

SCREW DRIVERS

Description: A handle (metal or plastic) attached to a metal shaft with a distinctively shaped head. Each head fits a specific, corresponding type of screw. Primary use: For tightening and loosening screws. Additional use: Lots of thing are adjusted with screwdrivers (like trim-pots) Do not use for: Again, this is not a lever. Do not pry objects open using a screwdriver. Do not use this as a awl or punch.

SO MANY TYPES….

These small screwdrivers have a spinning top. Keep pressure on this with your finger. It is hard to get much torque from these type of screwdrivers. PRECISION SCREWDRIVERS

SAWS

Description: A flat metal blade with sharp teeth on at least one side that is connected to a handle. There are a wide variety, each with its own specific purpose. Use the right saw for the right type and size of material. Primary use: For cutting through various materials. Additional use: None. Just for cutting. Do not use for: cutting through the wrong type of material. Wood saws shouldn’t be used to cut metal.

BACK SAW A back saw has a reinforced strip of metal opposite the cutting edge. This adds rigidity and increases the precision of the saw. Often paired with a “miter box” to make straight cuts at specific angles:

A wood saw for cutting against the grain of the wood. CROSS CUT SAW

Fine-toothed, thin blade is held in tension. Made for cutting through metal. HACK SAW

HAMMER

HAMMERS Description: An often misused tool, hammers have a head (various shapes and materials) attached to a handle. Made to be swung and hit against objects. Primary use: For hammering in nails or similar type of objects. Additional use: Some types have a prying tool to remove nails. Some hammers are made for shaping metal. Do not use for: Breaking open objects.