2. Measuring Tools

3. Tape Measure: metal tape measures are housed in either a plastic or metal case. Most have a self- return spring to retract the tape into the case. They should have a lock to hold the extended tape in position. Available in a variety of tape lengths from 6 feet to 25 feet, they are appropriate for general scenic measuring. The steel tape, which comes in lengths between 50 and 200 feet, is manually retracted into the case with a built-in crank. It is used for measuring long distances, as when laying out the dimensions of the set on the stage floor. Tape Measure: metal tape measures are housed in either a plastic or metal case. Most have a self- return spring to retract the tape into the case. They should have a lock to hold the extended tape in position. Available in a variety of tape lengths from 6 feet to 25 feet, they are appropriate for general scenic measuring. The steel tape, which comes in lengths between 50 and 200 feet, is manually retracted into the case with a built-in crank. It is used for measuring long distances, as when laying out the dimensions of the set on the stage floor.

4. Tri Square: A tri square is a small, rigid, hand square with a steel blade and a steel, composition, or wooden handle. It is used as a guide for marking 90-degree angles across narrow (under 6 inches wide) materials. Tri Square: A tri square is a small, rigid, hand square with a steel blade and a steel, composition, or wooden handle. It is used as a guide for marking 90-degree angles across narrow (under 6 inches wide) materials.

5. Combination Square: Also known as a Carpenter’s Square, the larger combination square is a 12-inch steel rule with a movable handle angled at 45 and 90 degrees. It is used for marking those two angles, and the steel rule can also be used for measuring. Combination Square: Also known as a Carpenter’s Square, the larger combination square is a 12-inch steel rule with a movable handle angled at 45 and 90 degrees. It is used for marking those two angles, and the steel rule can also be used for measuring.

6. Bevel Protractor: The bevel protractor is similar to a combination square, except the angle is adjustable, allowing it to be set anywhere between 0 and 90 degrees. Bevel Protractor: The bevel protractor is similar to a combination square, except the angle is adjustable, allowing it to be set anywhere between 0 and 90 degrees.

7. Bevel Gauge Bevel Gauge A near relation of the try square, the bevel gauge also consists of a handle or stock with an attached tongue (or blade). In the case of the bevel gauge, however, its purpose is to transfer angles from one piece of work to another. The tongue of the bevel gauge fits into a groove cut into the head of the stock. In most models, a slot cut into the tongue allows further adjustments of the position of tongue and stock.

8. Framing Square: The framing square is a large steel L is typically 16 inches long on the bottom leg and 24 inches on the vertical leg. It is normally used for checking the accuracy of 90-degree corner joints in flat construction. Framing Square: The framing square is a large steel L is typically 16 inches long on the bottom leg and 24 inches on the vertical leg. It is normally used for checking the accuracy of 90-degree corner joints in flat construction.

9. Carpenter’s Level: The carpenter’s level is used to determine true horizontal and vertical angles. A 2- to 4-foot- long carpenter’s level is appropriate for stage use. Carpenter’s Level: The carpenter’s level is used to determine true horizontal and vertical angles. A 2- to 4-foot- long carpenter’s level is appropriate for stage use.

10. Marking Tools

11. Pencils: Pencils – either carpenter’s pencils or number two yellow pencils – are the preferred marking medium. Pens shouldn’t be used because the ink can bleed or discolor subsequent paint jobs. Wax pencils, also called china markers, and soapstone are used to mark metal while wax pencils are used on lighting color media. Pencils: Pencils – either carpenter’s pencils or number two yellow pencils – are the preferred marking medium. Pens shouldn’t be used because the ink can bleed or discolor subsequent paint jobs. Wax pencils, also called china markers, and soapstone are used to mark metal while wax pencils are used on lighting color media.

12. Chalk Line: A tool used to mark straight lines is the chalk line. A metal or plastic housing holds a length of cotton twine on a reel. The housing is filled with dry scenic pigment, which coats the twine. The twine is stretched between two points and lightly snapped to leave the straight line. Chalk Line: A tool used to mark straight lines is the chalk line. A metal or plastic housing holds a length of cotton twine on a reel. The housing is filled with dry scenic pigment, which coats the twine. The twine is stretched between two points and lightly snapped to leave the straight line.

13. Hammers

14. Claw hammer: Designed for inserting and removing nails, the claw hammer has two sharply curved claws projecting from the back of its head. The curved claws facilitate nail removal. Claw hammers are available with a variety of head weights and shaft and grip compositions. Claw hammer: Designed for inserting and removing nails, the claw hammer has two sharply curved claws projecting from the back of its head. The curved claws facilitate nail removal. Claw hammers are available with a variety of head weights and shaft and grip compositions.

15. Rip Hammer: Sometimes referred to as a straight claw hammer, the rip hammer has straighter claws than the claw hammer. They can be used for prying or ripping apart previously nailed wood. This hammer is also available in a number of head weights and shaft and grip compositions. Rip Hammer: Sometimes referred to as a straight claw hammer, the rip hammer has straighter claws than the claw hammer. They can be used for prying or ripping apart previously nailed wood. This hammer is also available in a number of head weights and shaft and grip compositions.

16. Ball Peen Hammer: Primarily used for bending and shaping metal and seating rivets, instead of pounding nails, the ball peen hammer is made of harder steel than the claw or rip hammer and has a rounded striking face instead of claws on the back of the head. Ball Peen Hammer: Primarily used for bending and shaping metal and seating rivets, instead of pounding nails, the ball peen hammer is made of harder steel than the claw or rip hammer and has a rounded striking face instead of claws on the back of the head.

17. Mallet: A mallet can have a wooden, plastic, or hard rubber head. The wooden and hard plastic mallets are generally used for driving chisels. All three can be used for shaping thin sheet metal when you don’t want to leave hammer marks on the work. Mallet: A mallet can have a wooden, plastic, or hard rubber head. The wooden and hard plastic mallets are generally used for driving chisels. All three can be used for shaping thin sheet metal when you don’t want to leave hammer marks on the work.

18. Cutting Tools

19. Saws Saws are used to cut such materials as wood, metal, and plastic. The material that a saw is supposed to cut generally depends on the number of teeth per inch in the blade, with wood-cutting blades having the fewest teeth. Saws are used to cut such materials as wood, metal, and plastic. The material that a saw is supposed to cut generally depends on the number of teeth per inch in the blade, with wood-cutting blades having the fewest teeth.

20. Crosscut Saw: The crosscut saw is used to cut across the grain of wood. Alternate teeth on the blade are bent outward so that the kerf is wider than the width of the blade. This is done to prevent the blade from binding. A saw with 26-inch blade and ten to twelve teeth per inch is suitable for most scenic purposes. (A blade with a higher number of teeth per inch will give a smoother cut.) Crosscut Saw: The crosscut saw is used to cut across the grain of wood. Alternate teeth on the blade are bent outward so that the kerf is wider than the width of the blade. This is done to prevent the blade from binding. A saw with 26-inch blade and ten to twelve teeth per inch is suitable for most scenic purposes. (A blade with a higher number of teeth per inch will give a smoother cut.)

21. Rip Saw: Similar in appearance to the crosscut saw, the rip saw is designed to cut parallel with grain of the wood. It has fewer teeth per inch and the teeth are piled straight across the blade to give a chisel- like cut. Rip Saw: Similar in appearance to the crosscut saw, the rip saw is designed to cut parallel with grain of the wood. It has fewer teeth per inch and the teeth are piled straight across the blade to give a chisel- like cut.

22. Backsaw and Miter Box: The backsaw is a fine-toothed crosscut saw with a strong spine on its back. The spine stiffens the blade for more accurate cuts and also fits into a guide on the miter box. The miter box is a guide for making accurate cuts and 45 and 90 degree angles. Backsaw and Miter Box: The backsaw is a fine-toothed crosscut saw with a strong spine on its back. The spine stiffens the blade for more accurate cuts and also fits into a guide on the miter box. The miter box is a guide for making accurate cuts and 45 and 90 degree angles.

23. Keyhole Saw: With its narrow tapering blade of ten to twelve teeth per inch the keyhole saw is used for making curvilinear cuts in stock lumber or plywood. Keyhole Saw: With its narrow tapering blade of ten to twelve teeth per inch the keyhole saw is used for making curvilinear cuts in stock lumber or plywood.

24. Coping Saw: The lightweight coping saw is used for making fine curvilinear cuts in thick plywood. The replaceable blades have sixteen to eighteen teeth per inch and are easily broken. For making interior cuts, that can be snapped out of the frame, inserted through a hole in the work, and reinserted in the frame. Coping Saw: The lightweight coping saw is used for making fine curvilinear cuts in thick plywood. The replaceable blades have sixteen to eighteen teeth per inch and are easily broken. For making interior cuts, that can be snapped out of the frame, inserted through a hole in the work, and reinserted in the frame.

25. Hacksaw: The hacksaw is an adjustable frame saw for cutting metal. The extremely fine-toothed replaceable blades are available in a number of configurations for cutting mild steel and nonferrous metals such as copper and aluminum. Hacksaw: The hacksaw is an adjustable frame saw for cutting metal. The extremely fine-toothed replaceable blades are available in a number of configurations for cutting mild steel and nonferrous metals such as copper and aluminum.

26. A jigsaw is the grand master of cutting shapes in a variety of materials. It can start cutting in the middle of a board (just drill a starting hole and then drop the blade in). A jigsaw cuts much faster than a hacksaw or hand saw, saving you a lot of time and energy

27. Utility Knife: Also called a matte knife, the utility knife has a replaceable blade. It is general used to trim excess muslin from the edges of flats but can also be used for cutting out stencils and for other light-duty cutting or carving projects. Utility Knife: Also called a matte knife, the utility knife has a replaceable blade. It is general used to trim excess muslin from the edges of flats but can also be used for cutting out stencils and for other light-duty cutting or carving projects.

28. Scissors: Heavy-duty scissors are used cutting a wide variety of paper and fabrics that are commonly used in scenic constructions Scissors: Heavy-duty scissors are used cutting a wide variety of paper and fabrics that are commonly used in scenic constructions

29. Wood Chisel: The wood chisel’s steel blade, sharpened at a 30-degree angle is used for gouging, paring, or smoothing wood. It has either a wooden or plastic handle. Wood Chisel: The wood chisel’s steel blade, sharpened at a 30-degree angle is used for gouging, paring, or smoothing wood. It has either a wooden or plastic handle.

30. Cold Chisel: The cold chisel, made a very hard steel, is used for cutting through, or shearing, mild steel and nonferrous metals. It is struck with a ball peen or mechanic’s hammer. Cold Chisel: The cold chisel, made a very hard steel, is used for cutting through, or shearing, mild steel and nonferrous metals. It is struck with a ball peen or mechanic’s hammer.

31. Planes are knife-bladed tools used to smooth or round the edges or corners of wood. Planes are knife-bladed tools used to smooth or round the edges or corners of wood.

32. Block plane: The small block plane is used to smooth the ends of boards. The blade is set at an angle of approximately 15 degrees to the planes sole. The depth of the cut can be adjusted by raising or lowering the blade. Block plane: The small block plane is used to smooth the ends of boards. The blade is set at an angle of approximately 15 degrees to the planes sole. The depth of the cut can be adjusted by raising or lowering the blade.

33. Smoothing plane: Larger and heavier then the block plane, the smoothing plane is applied parallel to the grain of the wood. The blade is set at a steeper angle and the depth of cut can be adjusted. Smoothing plane: Larger and heavier then the block plane, the smoothing plane is applied parallel to the grain of the wood. The blade is set at a steeper angle and the depth of cut can be adjusted.

34. Surform tools: The trademark surform tools fall between the cracks of traditional definitions: They aren’t really planes. And they aren’t really files. They are based on the surform blade, a thin, disposable strip of spring steel honeycombed with sharpened protrusions projecting from the surface. Surform tools: The trademark surform tools fall between the cracks of traditional definitions: They aren’t really planes. And they aren’t really files. They are based on the surform blade, a thin, disposable strip of spring steel honeycombed with sharpened protrusions projecting from the surface.

35. Files are used to rasp or grind wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. The teeth of a file are formed in diagonal ridges or rows across its face, with the more coarsely grained files having distinctly individual teeth. Files are used to rasp or grind wood, metal, plastic, and other materials. The teeth of a file are formed in diagonal ridges or rows across its face, with the more coarsely grained files having distinctly individual teeth.

36. Wood file: The wood file has smaller teeth than the wood rasp. It is available in three cross-sectional configurations: flat on both faces, flat on one surface and curved on the other and round. It is used for smoothing wooden and plastic surfaces. Wood file: The wood file has smaller teeth than the wood rasp. It is available in three cross-sectional configurations: flat on both faces, flat on one surface and curved on the other and round. It is used for smoothing wooden and plastic surfaces.

37. Metal File: Metal files have very fine teeth for use on metal. They are available in a variety of configuration. Metal File: Metal files have very fine teeth for use on metal. They are available in a variety of configuration.

38. When drilling you usually need to make a starter hole, so the hole will be drilled exactly where you want it. When drilling you usually need to make a starter hole, so the hole will be drilled exactly where you want it.

39. Hand Drill: The Hand Drill is cranked device for making small diameter holes in wood. Hand Drill: The Hand Drill is cranked device for making small diameter holes in wood.

40. Brace: The brace, another hand-cranked drill for wood, is used for holes larger than ¼ inch in diameter. Brace: The brace, another hand-cranked drill for wood, is used for holes larger than ¼ inch in diameter.

41. Push Drill: The push drill has a spring-loaded shaft that spins the chuck as you push downward on the drill handle. Push Drill: The push drill has a spring-loaded shaft that spins the chuck as you push downward on the drill handle.

42. Push Drill Bits: Have very sharp points & straight, fluted indentions running up the side of the bit shaft to carry away the wood chips loosened during drilling. Because of the very narrow bit diameter and the downward pressure on the drill, push drill seems to punch rather than drill holes in the wood. Push Drill Bits: Have very sharp points & straight, fluted indentions running up the side of the bit shaft to carry away the wood chips loosened during drilling. Because of the very narrow bit diameter and the downward pressure on the drill, push drill seems to punch rather than drill holes in the wood.

44. Twist-Drill Bits: Are designed for use with either wood or metal and are available in a veriety of sizes form 1/64 to approximately 3/8 inch in diameter. When used with metal, cutting oil should be used, which will help against dulling the bit. Twist-Drill Bits: Are designed for use with either wood or metal and are available in a veriety of sizes form 1/64 to approximately 3/8 inch in diameter. When used with metal, cutting oil should be used, which will help against dulling the bit.

45. Wood Bits: Paddle-shaped wood bits, sometimes called spade bits are designed for use in wood, although they can be used in some soft plastics. They must be used with power hand drills or drill presses, because they require high-speed rotation to do their work. Wood Bits: Paddle-shaped wood bits, sometimes called spade bits are designed for use in wood, although they can be used in some soft plastics. They must be used with power hand drills or drill presses, because they require high-speed rotation to do their work.

46. Hole Saws: Although not really bits, hole saws are saw-toothed cylinders of hardened steel with a drill bit in the center that is used to center the hole saw in the work. They used to cut holes up to 2 inches thick. Hole Saws: Although not really bits, hole saws are saw-toothed cylinders of hardened steel with a drill bit in the center that is used to center the hole saw in the work. They used to cut holes up to 2 inches thick.

47. Clamping tools cover a wide variety of devices, ranging all the way from vises to pliers to C clamps. Regardless of the type of clamp, they are designed to firmly hold wood, metal, or plastic Clamping tools cover a wide variety of devices, ranging all the way from vises to pliers to C clamps. Regardless of the type of clamp, they are designed to firmly hold wood, metal, or plastic

48. Carpenter’s Vise Carpenter’s Vise The carpenter’s vise is attached to the edge of a workbench & is designed for holding wood. One or both faces are covered with hardwood to prevent the vise from scratching, denting, or marring the surface of the work The carpenter’s vise is attached to the edge of a workbench & is designed for holding wood. One or both faces are covered with hardwood to prevent the vise from scratching, denting, or marring the surface of the work

49. Adjustable Wood Clamp Adjustable Wood Clamp The adjustable wood clamp is a versatile tool used primarily in furniture construction. The 2 jaws can be adjusted to a variety of angles that are useful in holding various parts of furniture frames together while the joints are drying The adjustable wood clamp is a versatile tool used primarily in furniture construction. The 2 jaws can be adjusted to a variety of angles that are useful in holding various parts of furniture frames together while the joints are drying

50. C Clamp C Clamp C Clamp are available in an almost bewildering array of configurations. The most useful sizes for scenic & property construction have an opening from 4 to 8 inches and a minimum throat depth of 21/2 inches. They are used for a wide variety of jobs, such as holding, work together while the parts are being assembled or while glue joints are drying C Clamp are available in an almost bewildering array of configurations. The most useful sizes for scenic & property construction have an opening from 4 to 8 inches and a minimum throat depth of 21/2 inches. They are used for a wide variety of jobs, such as holding, work together while the parts are being assembled or while glue joints are drying

52. Pliers are used for a variety of gripping, clamping, bending, and cutting jobs in scenic and property construction. Pliers are used for a variety of gripping, clamping, bending, and cutting jobs in scenic and property construction.

53. Slip-Joint Slip-Joint Slip-Joint pliers are very common. They have an adjustable pivot point that provides two ranges of jaw openings. They can be used for clamping, gripping, bending, and cutting light wire Slip-Joint pliers are very common. They have an adjustable pivot point that provides two ranges of jaw openings. They can be used for clamping, gripping, bending, and cutting light wire

54. Long-Nose Pliers Long-Nose Pliers Extremely useful for holding small objects in hard- to-reach locations, long-nose, or needle-nose, pliers should not be used for bending anything other than the lightest wire, because the jaws can be forced out of alignment very easily Extremely useful for holding small objects in hard- to-reach locations, long-nose, or needle-nose, pliers should not be used for bending anything other than the lightest wire, because the jaws can be forced out of alignment very easily

55. Adjustable Arc-Joint Pliers; Adjustable Arc-Joint Pliers; Also known as Slip-Joint pliers, & Alligator pliers, arc-joint pliers are truly versatile. The jaw design and long handles enable the worker to rip both square and round objects with a great deal of leverage. These pliers are used for holding metal pipe and tubing and for similar gripping jobs Also known as Slip-Joint pliers, & Alligator pliers, arc-joint pliers are truly versatile. The jaw design and long handles enable the worker to rip both square and round objects with a great deal of leverage. These pliers are used for holding metal pipe and tubing and for similar gripping jobs

56. Locking Pliers; Locking Pliers; Generally known by its trade name of Vise Grips, locking pliers are available in a number of configurations to fit a variety of shapes. Their primary function is to grasp, lock, and hold almost any object. The size of the jaw opening and the amount of pressure applied by the jaws are adjustable by the screw at the base of the handle. Generally known by its trade name of Vise Grips, locking pliers are available in a number of configurations to fit a variety of shapes. Their primary function is to grasp, lock, and hold almost any object. The size of the jaw opening and the amount of pressure applied by the jaws are adjustable by the screw at the base of the handle.

57. Diagonal Cutters; Diagonal Cutters; Available in a variety of sizes, diagonal cutters are primarily used by electricians for cutting soft wire. Available in a variety of sizes, diagonal cutters are primarily used by electricians for cutting soft wire.

58. Wire Strippers; Wire Strippers; Wire strippers are used for stripping insulation from electrical wires without cutting the wire Wire strippers are used for stripping insulation from electrical wires without cutting the wire

59. Wire-Crimping Tool; Wire-Crimping Tool; The wire crimper is used to pressure-clamp solderless connectors to electrical wire The wire crimper is used to pressure-clamp solderless connectors to electrical wire

60. Many wrenches are useful in the scene shop. They are used to tighten nuts bolts Many wrenches are useful in the scene shop. They are used to tighten nuts bolts

61. Open-End Wrench: Open-End Wrench: Nonadjustable open-end wrenches have smooth jaws. These wrenches are designed to fit nuts of a specific standard or metric diameter Nonadjustable open-end wrenches have smooth jaws. These wrenches are designed to fit nuts of a specific standard or metric diameter

62. Box-End Wrench: Box-End Wrench: Have a closed, toothed head that must be fit over the nut. The head of the box-end wrench is frequently offset. Have a closed, toothed head that must be fit over the nut. The head of the box-end wrench is frequently offset.

63. Adjustable-End Wrench: Adjustable-End Wrench: Also known by the trade name Crescent Wrench, the adjustable-end wrench has smooth jaws that adapt to fit almost any small-to-medium-sized nut. 6, 8, and 10 inch sizes are the most suitable for stage work. Also known by the trade name Crescent Wrench, the adjustable-end wrench has smooth jaws that adapt to fit almost any small-to-medium-sized nut. 6, 8, and 10 inch sizes are the most suitable for stage work.

64. Monkey Wrench: Monkey Wrench: The monkey wrench is a heavyweight, smooth-jawed, adjustable wrench for use on large nuts and work that is to large for adjustable-end wrenches The monkey wrench is a heavyweight, smooth-jawed, adjustable wrench for use on large nuts and work that is to large for adjustable-end wrenches

65. Pipe Wrench: Pipe Wrench: Similar in shape to the monkey wrench, the pipe wrench has jaws that are serrated to bite into the soft metal of pipes. It is used to hold or twist pipes and their associated couplings. Similar in shape to the monkey wrench, the pipe wrench has jaws that are serrated to bite into the soft metal of pipes. It is used to hold or twist pipes and their associated couplings.

66. Socket Set & Ratchet Handle: Socket Set & Ratchet Handle: Sockets are cylindrical wrenches used with a ratchet handle. The design of the reversible ratchet handle allows you to tighten or loosen nuts without removing the socket from the nut. The tool is useful for working in confined spaces. A deep-throated 9/16-inch socket is useful in attaching or removing platform legs that have been bolted with 3/8-inch carriage bolts. Sockets are cylindrical wrenches used with a ratchet handle. The design of the reversible ratchet handle allows you to tighten or loosen nuts without removing the socket from the nut. The tool is useful for working in confined spaces. A deep-throated 9/16-inch socket is useful in attaching or removing platform legs that have been bolted with 3/8-inch carriage bolts.

67. Screwdrivers are used for inserting and removing screws (as if you didn’t already know that) Screwdrivers are used for inserting and removing screws (as if you didn’t already know that)

68. Standard Screwdriver Standard Screwdriver The standard, or slotted screwdriver available in small sizes from 3 inches to large sizes about 16 inches. The handle are usually made of wood or plastic and sometimes a thin jacket of rubber to provide electronic insulation. Smaller screwdrivers are useful for working on electronic devices, while larger screwdrivers are used for scenic construction The standard, or slotted screwdriver available in small sizes from 3 inches to large sizes about 16 inches. The handle are usually made of wood or plastic and sometimes a thin jacket of rubber to provide electronic insulation. Smaller screwdrivers are useful for working on electronic devices, while larger screwdrivers are used for scenic construction

69. Phillips Screwdriver Phillips Screwdriver This screwdriver has a four-flanged tip that matches the crossed slots on the Phillips head screw. The design of the Phillips screw allows more rotational force to be exerted on it when seating it in wood or metal. This screwdriver has a four-flanged tip that matches the crossed slots on the Phillips head screw. The design of the Phillips screw allows more rotational force to be exerted on it when seating it in wood or metal. In the early 1930s, the Phillips head screw was invented by Henry Phillips. Automobile manufacturers now used car assembly lines. They needed screws that could take greater torque and could provide tighter fastenings. The Phillips head screw was compatible with the automated screwdrivers used in assembly line. Ironically, there is a Philips Screw Company that never made Phillips screws or drivers. Henry Phillips died in 1958 at the age of sixty-eight. In the early 1930s, the Phillips head screw was invented by Henry Phillips. Automobile manufacturers now used car assembly lines. They needed screws that could take greater torque and could provide tighter fastenings. The Phillips head screw was compatible with the automated screwdrivers used in assembly line. Ironically, there is a Philips Screw Company that never made Phillips screws or drivers. Henry Phillips died in 1958 at the age of sixty-eight.

70. Nut Driver Nut Driver Similar in appearance to a screwdriver, with a cylindrical socket instead of a slot or Phillips head, the nut driver is used for tightening small hex nuts (6-sided nuts) on bolts. Comes in a variety of sizes Similar in appearance to a screwdriver, with a cylindrical socket instead of a slot or Phillips head, the nut driver is used for tightening small hex nuts (6-sided nuts) on bolts. Comes in a variety of sizes

71. Several useful hand tools don’t fit conveniently into any particular category. Several useful hand tools don’t fit conveniently into any particular category.

72. Sandpaper Sandpaper Various weights of sandpaper are useful for smoothing wood, metal, and plastic before painting or varnishing. Garnet- or silicon-grit sandpapers with fine (220), medium(120), and coarse (80) ratings are the ones most often used in the scene shop. Garnet- and silicon-grit papers work equally well, but garnet-grit paper lasts a little longer because its pores better resist clogging with wood dust. Various weights of sandpaper are useful for smoothing wood, metal, and plastic before painting or varnishing. Garnet- or silicon-grit sandpapers with fine (220), medium(120), and coarse (80) ratings are the ones most often used in the scene shop. Garnet- and silicon-grit papers work equally well, but garnet-grit paper lasts a little longer because its pores better resist clogging with wood dust.

73. Wrecking Bars Wrecking Bars Various tools are used to pry wood apart and remove nails. The crowbar and pinch bar have flattened metal claws that can be used to pry wood apart. The claws have V’s cut into them so that they can be used as nail pullers. The rip bar has slightly rounded tips that provide a little more leverage when it is inserted between pieces of nailed wood. All three wrecking bars are extremely useful for prying nailed boards apart and dismantling platforms. Various tools are used to pry wood apart and remove nails. The crowbar and pinch bar have flattened metal claws that can be used to pry wood apart. The claws have V’s cut into them so that they can be used as nail pullers. The rip bar has slightly rounded tips that provide a little more leverage when it is inserted between pieces of nailed wood. All three wrecking bars are extremely useful for prying nailed boards apart and dismantling platforms.

74. Nail Puller Nail Puller The nail puller is a tool for extracting nails that have been driven flush with the surface of the wood. The sliding handle is used as a hammer to drive the jaws into the wood to grasp the nail. The handle is then used as a lever to pull the nail out. The nail puller is a tool for extracting nails that have been driven flush with the surface of the wood. The sliding handle is used as a hammer to drive the jaws into the wood to grasp the nail. The handle is then used as a lever to pull the nail out.

75. Staple Gun Staple Gun The staple gun, also known as a hand stapler, used a spring-driven piston to drive staples. The staple legs vary in length from 3/16 to 5/8 of an inch. The stapler is used for attaching muslin to flat frames and fabric to furniture, and for similar jobs. The staple gun, also known as a hand stapler, used a spring-driven piston to drive staples. The staple legs vary in length from 3/16 to 5/8 of an inch. The stapler is used for attaching muslin to flat frames and fabric to furniture, and for similar jobs.

76. Power tools by and large perform the same function as hand tools. But they usually do it quicker and with less effort. The use of power tools does increase the safety hazards that are present in the shop. Before you work with any power tool, you must be certain that you have received thorough instructions in its safe operation. As a safety rule, you should remember that any power tool, if improperly used, has the potential to cause severe injury. Power tools by and large perform the same function as hand tools. But they usually do it quicker and with less effort. The use of power tools does increase the safety hazards that are present in the shop. Before you work with any power tool, you must be certain that you have received thorough instructions in its safe operation. As a safety rule, you should remember that any power tool, if improperly used, has the potential to cause severe injury.

77. Stationary power saws are mounted on a stand and are normally located in a fixed position in the shop. Stationary power saws are mounted on a stand and are normally located in a fixed position in the shop.

78. Table Saw Table Saw The circular blade of the table saw projects through a slot in the table of the saw. The height and angle of the saw blade can be adjusted. Primarily used for ripping lumber, the table saw also can be equipped with a dado head to cut wide slots or a molding cutter head for making a variety of decorative moldings. Blade diameters vary between 7 and 12 inches. Commercial-quality table saws with 10- or 12-inch blades are appropriate for almost all scenic work. The circular blade of the table saw projects through a slot in the table of the saw. The height and angle of the saw blade can be adjusted. Primarily used for ripping lumber, the table saw also can be equipped with a dado head to cut wide slots or a molding cutter head for making a variety of decorative moldings. Blade diameters vary between 7 and 12 inches. Commercial-quality table saws with 10- or 12-inch blades are appropriate for almost all scenic work.

79. Radial-Arm Saw Radial-Arm Saw The radial-arm, or pullover, saw is probably the most versatile power tool in the scene shop. The housing containing the circular blade and motor is suspended from an arm above the surface of the work table. The height of the blade is adjusted by raising or lowering this supporting arm. The angle of the cut can be adjusted by swinging the arm or rotating the angle of the housing. Although primarily used for cross cutting and angle cutting, the radial-arm saw can also be used for ripping. Commercial- quality saws with blade diameters of 10 or 12 inches are appropriate for theatrical work. Accessories are available for converting this saw for use as a router, planer, or grinder. The radial-arm, or pullover, saw is probably the most versatile power tool in the scene shop. The housing containing the circular blade and motor is suspended from an arm above the surface of the work table. The height of the blade is adjusted by raising or lowering this supporting arm. The angle of the cut can be adjusted by swinging the arm or rotating the angle of the housing. Although primarily used for cross cutting and angle cutting, the radial-arm saw can also be used for ripping. Commercial- quality saws with blade diameters of 10 or 12 inches are appropriate for theatrical work. Accessories are available for converting this saw for use as a router, planer, or grinder.

80. Bandsaw Bandsaw Whereas the table saw and radial-arm saw are used to make straight cutes in lumber, the bandsaw is used to make curvilinear cuts. The narrow, continuous loop (or band) blade passes through a table that supports the work to be cut. If the bandsaw has either mechanical or electronic speed-reduction capability, an appropriate blade can be substituted for the wood-cutting blade, and the bandsaw can be used to cut mild steel, nonferrous metals, and plastic. Whereas the table saw and radial-arm saw are used to make straight cutes in lumber, the bandsaw is used to make curvilinear cuts. The narrow, continuous loop (or band) blade passes through a table that supports the work to be cut. If the bandsaw has either mechanical or electronic speed-reduction capability, an appropriate blade can be substituted for the wood-cutting blade, and the bandsaw can be used to cut mild steel, nonferrous metals, and plastic.

81. Some power saws are handheld rather than being mounted on a bench or stand. Some power saws are handheld rather than being mounted on a bench or stand.

82. Circular Saw Circular Saw The portable circular saw normally has a blade diameter between 7 and 8 inches. The angle and depth of cut can be4 adjusted, and the saw has a guard that completely covers the blade when it is removed from the work. The portable circular saw is used for straight-line cross cutting and angle cutting curved lines in plywood, composition board, and cloth. The portable circular saw normally has a blade diameter between 7 and 8 inches. The angle and depth of cut can be4 adjusted, and the saw has a guard that completely covers the blade when it is removed from the work. The portable circular saw is used for straight-line cross cutting and angle cutting curved lines in plywood, composition board, and cloth.

83. Saber Saw Saber Saw The saber saw uses a reciprocating action with stiff, narrow blades to make curvilinear cuts. With a speed control and appropriate blades, the saber saw can cut metal and plastic as well as wood. It is excellent for cutting curved lines in plywood, composition board, and stock. The saber saw uses a reciprocating action with stiff, narrow blades to make curvilinear cuts. With a speed control and appropriate blades, the saber saw can cut metal and plastic as well as wood. It is excellent for cutting curved lines in plywood, composition board, and stock.

84. Power drills speed the process of drilling holes. Power drills speed the process of drilling holes.

85. Drill Press Drill Press Mounted on a stand or bench, the drill press has variable speeds and is very accurate. The chuck usually accepts bit shanks up to ½ inch in diameter as well as a variety of accessories that enable the operator to polish and sand as well as cut mortise and tendon joints for furniture construction. Mounted on a stand or bench, the drill press has variable speeds and is very accurate. The chuck usually accepts bit shanks up to ½ inch in diameter as well as a variety of accessories that enable the operator to polish and sand as well as cut mortise and tendon joints for furniture construction.

86. Electric Hand Drill Electric Hand Drill The electric hand drill is a lightweight, handheld drill that accepts bits up to ¼ or 3/8 inch in diameter. Many electric hand drills have variable speed and reverse controls. The electric drill is generally used for light-duty drilling on lumber 1 ½ inches thick or less and on light metals. The electric hand drill is a lightweight, handheld drill that accepts bits up to ¼ or 3/8 inch in diameter. Many electric hand drills have variable speed and reverse controls. The electric drill is generally used for light-duty drilling on lumber 1 ½ inches thick or less and on light metals.

87. Some additional power tools cannot be neatly placed into any particular category Some additional power tools cannot be neatly placed into any particular category

88. Router Router A router is a handheld, motor-driven tool used for shaping wood. The chisel-like rotating bit is driven at extremely high speed to shape or carve designs for the surface or edge of the piece of wood. A router is a handheld, motor-driven tool used for shaping wood. The chisel-like rotating bit is driven at extremely high speed to shape or carve designs for the surface or edge of the piece of wood.

89. Bench Sander Bench Sander A variety of sanders is available, but the bench sander is normally mounted and is usually a combination of belt sander and disk sander. It is used to bevel or smooth the surface or edges of wood and some plastics A variety of sanders is available, but the bench sander is normally mounted and is usually a combination of belt sander and disk sander. It is used to bevel or smooth the surface or edges of wood and some plastics

90. Orbital Sander

91. Mouse Sander

92. Electric Screwdriver Electric Screwdriver One very handy tool bears a strong resemblance to an electric hand drill, but instead of holding drill bits it special chuck holds the magnetized tip of a Phillips screwdriver. It has various speeds, also can be used in wood and metal without starter hole. The electric screwdriver is used for assembling flats and platforms. One very handy tool bears a strong resemblance to an electric hand drill, but instead of holding drill bits it special chuck holds the magnetized tip of a Phillips screwdriver. It has various speeds, also can be used in wood and metal without starter hole. The electric screwdriver is used for assembling flats and platforms.

93. Hot-Melt Glue Gun Hot-Melt Glue Gun One of the most versatile tools in the shop, the hot- melt glue gun uses sticks of heat-activated adhesive for making rapid hold glue bonds on and between just about every type of material-wood, plastic, paper, cloth, metal, dirt, sand, and so on. One of the most versatile tools in the shop, the hot- melt glue gun uses sticks of heat-activated adhesive for making rapid hold glue bonds on and between just about every type of material-wood, plastic, paper, cloth, metal, dirt, sand, and so on.

94. Pneumatic tools perform the same functions as electrically powered tools, but they are driven by air pressure. To effectively use pneumatic tools, a shop meets to have a large-capacity compressor and air tank as well as an efficiently designed system for distributing the compressed air to convenient locations around the shop and stage. Again, almost every type of electrically powered hand tool is available in pneumatic form. Pneumatic tools perform the same functions as electrically powered tools, but they are driven by air pressure. To effectively use pneumatic tools, a shop meets to have a large-capacity compressor and air tank as well as an efficiently designed system for distributing the compressed air to convenient locations around the shop and stage. Again, almost every type of electrically powered hand tool is available in pneumatic form.

95. Pneumatic Stapler Pneumatic Stapler The pneumatic stapler uses air pressure to drive the staples. The length of the staple legs that can be used with pneumatic staplers varies from about ¼ to 2 inches depending on the manufacturer. Staples are available in a variety of styles: straight-leg staples go straight into the work; coated-leg staples have a head-activated adhesive; and the legs of divergent-leg staples spread in opposite directions when they enter the wood. The pneumatic stapler is used for the same types of jobs as a hammer and nails. It can be used for assembling flat framing, putting tops on platforms, and performing similar functions. The pneumatic stapler uses air pressure to drive the staples. The length of the staple legs that can be used with pneumatic staplers varies from about ¼ to 2 inches depending on the manufacturer. Staples are available in a variety of styles: straight-leg staples go straight into the work; coated-leg staples have a head-activated adhesive; and the legs of divergent-leg staples spread in opposite directions when they enter the wood. The pneumatic stapler is used for the same types of jobs as a hammer and nails. It can be used for assembling flat framing, putting tops on platforms, and performing similar functions.

96. Pneumatic Nailer Pneumatic Nailer The pneumatic nailer uses clips of coated nails in much the same manner that the pneumatic stapler uses staples. It can be used for rapid assembly of platforms and similar structures The pneumatic nailer uses clips of coated nails in much the same manner that the pneumatic stapler uses staples. It can be used for rapid assembly of platforms and similar structures