Embarking on a DIY project or delving into the world of craftsmanship requires the right arsenal of hand tools, each designed with precision and purpose. From the sturdy grip of a hammer to the intricate workings of a screwdriver, hand tools are the backbone of every artisan's toolkit. In this blog post, we'll explore the most common types of hand tools, unraveling their specific functionalities and shedding light on the versatile roles they play in the hands of skilled craftsmen. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, we'll guide you through the process of selecting the right tools for your needs, ensuring that your toolbox is not only comprehensive but also tailored to bring your creative visions to life.
Hammers
One of the most common types of hand tools is the hammer. This is a tool that is specifically designed to deliver a high level of force onto a small area, like a nailhead.
Looking at the tool, you’ll notice it’s made from a long and narrow handle, where you grip the tool, which is attached to a block of metal that forms the head of the hammer. The head of the hammer typically has one flat, circular end, and another with two protruding prongs.
Hammers aren’t only used for driving nails into wood, they can also be used to demolish or break objects given the strong force they deliver.
There are many different sizes and weights of hammers available, so when selecting one for yourself, you’ll want to ensure you’re choosing one that has the appropriate weight for your strength. In other words, you shouldn’t struggle to pick it up, though it should be heavy enough to function effectively.
Screwdriver
Screwdrivers are another common hand tool you’ll find both around the home and on the job site. Their primary function is to tighten screws, bolts, and other fasteners into different materials. This means screwdrivers are helpful in many different types of situations, like when assembling furniture, installing a new light fixture, tightening a loose screw, and more.
There is a little more variety to screwdrivers than hammers, as there are different sizes and shapes of screwdriver heads available to fit the vast array of different fasteners that are out there. However, most screwdrivers feature a plastic handle and a long thin blade made from a durable metal.
Clamps
Clamps are fastening devices that are used to hold two objects closely together. They are often used temporarily, like when making a repair or before a permanent fastener is applied to fasten the two components together.
They have a simple design, are typically made from durable plastic, and can be made in a few different sizes. To use, you will press together the two longer grips to open up the head of the clamp, place the two sides of the head on either side of the two objects you’re fastening together, then release the grips to tighten the clamps for a solid hold.
Spanner/Wrench
Wrenches are helpful tools for gripping and loosening or tightening fasteners. As a result, they are most useful for assembling furniture, working on bikes, plumbing, or other projects where you need to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
Like many other hand tools, you should be aware that there are different sizes and types of wrenches available, which are used to fit different sizes and types of fasteners. Some of the main variations of wrenches include close and open-ended styles, in addition to adjustable wrenches.
Pliers
Pliers are another type of common hand tool that you’ll find in most toolboxes. They are used to clamp over an object to hold it firmly in place. Or, they can be used to remove or bend materials once you get a good grip on them.
Some of the most common applications of pliers include bending wire or removing nails, aside from simply holding an object in place. There are several different types of pliers available, including needle-nose pliers which have a longer nose for easy access into more narrow spaces.
Tape Measure
A tape measure is a necessity for any craftsman or individual who does DIY projects. This hand tool helps you take easy and accurate measurements to support the project you’re working on. They are highly versatile and durable and can help you measure the length of a wall, the height of the ceiling, the distance between two objects, and any other measurement you would need.
The measuring tape itself is printed on a thin and flexible metal that can be easily wound up into a plastic or metal case for storage and handling. In general, a 16 or 20-foot tape measure is sufficient for household or job site needs.
Files and Rasps
Hand files and rasps are hand tools you can use when you need to create a smooth edge or reshape an object. If you are working on a project that has a rough or protruding edge that you need to get rid of, you can select the proper file or rasp to get rid of the excess plastic, wood, or metal.
Like with most other hand tools we’ve highlighted, files and rasps have a plastic handle to grip, and then feature a long and durable metal component that is either flat or cylindrical, depending on the exact tool. The metal often has grooves or a rough surface, similar to sandpaper, that works to remove any excess material.
Allen Key
An Allen key, also referred to as an Allen wrench or hex key, is a simple hand tool that you’ll typically have lying around the house. They are recognizable by their “L” shape that ends in a hexagonal-shaped head on either end.
They are used to install bolts and screws that have hexagonal head sockets and are mostly used for assembling furniture or completing other small projects. There are many different sizes of Allen keys available, so you’ll need to select the one that has the right width for the fasteners you’re working with.
Knives
Something that you may not necessarily consider to be a hand tool is a utility knife or a box cutter. However, these can be highly valuable and powerful tools when you’re working on a project at work or at home.
You’ll want a high-quality industrial-grade knife for projects that differs from the standard knives you use in the kitchen. In contrast, a utility knife is made from a harder metal that is more durable and can be used for cutting open boxes and other materials without getting dull quickly. Make sure you are using a knife with a blade that can be easily stored away in the handle for safe storage when not in use.
Scissors
Scissors are found in nearly all households and job sites, as they are a highly practical hand tool for cutting through various materials. They can be used for a number of different purposes, like cutting through paper, opening packages, or for DIY projects. Scissors may not have the same strength as knives, though they are highly useful for less heavy-duty cutting needs.
Bradawl
A bradawl looks similar to a screwdriver, though it has one pointed edge as opposed to different shapes and sizes. The purpose of the bradawl is to make indentations in wood and other materials so it’s easy to drive in a screw or a nail.
Saw
Hand saws, or panel saws, are mostly used for woodworking and carpentry projects. As you may be able to gather, they are used to cut wood. Each saw will have a handle for you to grip, and feature a metal serrated edge that cuts through the wood to your desired shape. Hand saws can come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it’s important to select the one that is practical for your needs.
Investing in quality hand tools not only enhances efficiency but also becomes an enduring companion in every craftsmanship journey, bridging the gap between imagination and creation, one tool at a time.