Hand Tools

Description

Hand tools are portable devices or implements that are operated either manually or by using an engine or motor. Hand tools are made of different types of wood and metals. Commonly used materials for hand tool blades are iron, carbon steel, brass, aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel. Hand tool handles are made of plastics or wood.

Types

Major types of hand tools are

• Manual Hand Tools - They are basic type of tools, which are not power driven. Examples are hammers, screwdrivers, chisels, wrenches, axes, pliers, shears etc
• Pneumatic Hand Tools – They are powered with compressed air. Examples are pneumatic drills, chippers, sanders, etc
• Power Hand Tools – They are operated by hand but are powered by electrical energy. Examples are electric drills, angle grinders, etc

Based upon the operations, hand tools are classified as

• Smoothing and Cutting tools
  • Planes
  • Chisels
  • Saws
  • Brush-cutting tools
  • Files and rasps
• Chopping and Driving tools
  • Mauls
  • Hammers
  • Sledges
  • Chopping tools
  • Screwdrivers
• Leveling, Layout and Measuring tools
  • Tapes
  • Plumb bobs and levels
  • Marking tools
  • Rules
  • Squares
• Raising, Grinding and Holding tools
  • Clamps
  • Oilstones
  • Jacks
  • Vises
  • Grinders
• Digging tools
  • Shovels
  • Picks
  • Posthole diggers
  • Mattocks
• Twisting, Prying and Gripping tools
  • Wrenches
  • Pliers
  • Bars
• Boring, Countersinking, and Drilling tools

Features

Some of the features of the hand tools are listed below

• Hand tools are less expensive to maintain, purchase, and replace
• Versatility, example Swiss army knife
• Simple and easy to handle and operate

Applications

Hand tools applications are endless and are widely used in all type of industries including agriculture, automotive, construction, manufacturing, plumbing etc. They are also used for several domestic applications. Sculptors and craftsmen use hand tools for manual operations such as chopping, forging, chiseling, filing, sawing.