From a skilled craftsman to a novice DIYer and everyone else in between, hand tools are essential items that are found in any toolbox. For an in-depth look into the various types of hand tools, how they differ from power tools, and their vast number of possible applications, continue reading below to check out our ultimate guide on hand tools.
What Are Hand Tools?
As the name might suggest, hand tools are used manually, with some common examples being screwdrivers, hammers, and wrenches. Hand tools are quite versatile and have a wide range of uses. Plus, they tend to be pretty affordable and low-maintenance.
Hand tools allow people to be more productive and efficient with how they work, and using hand tools often leads to better outcomes and end products. In many cases, hand tools are used for tasks that would be extremely difficult to complete without them, like driving a nail into a board without a hammer.
Difference Between Hand Tools and Power Tools
Let’s now lay out the key differences between hand tools and power tools. Both are widely used across several industries, though they are each better suited for certain scenarios.
A Detailed Look at Hand Tools
Again, hand tools do not require any power source to function, and are operated manually. These tools are often lighter and easier to handle than power tools, so it may be more comfortable to utilize these tools for a longer period of time.
In most cases, hand tools are cheaper than power tools and easier to get the hang of, though there are still some important safety measures you’ll need to follow. Additionally, power tools don’t offer the same force and precision as power tools, so it can get tiring to utilize them for certain tasks. It may even take a job longer to accomplish with hand tools than it would take with power tools.
Diving Deeper into Power Tools
Compared to hand tools that are operated manually, power tools are equipment that are powered by gas, battery, or electricity, including:
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Circular saws
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Power drills
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Nail guns
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Angle grinders
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Electric sanders
Power tools are typically the better choice for more heavy-duty projects that could not be done efficiently with just hand tools. They are a great fit for tasks that are repetitive or require great precision. These tools can provide more power and force than hand tools, which means they are often more expensive and take a little more training and practice to become experienced using them.
Hand Tools Groups
Before we dive into the different types of hand tools available, let’s take a brief look at the main groups or categories that these tools can be classified into.
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Layout tools: Includes measuring tools like a tape measure
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Striking tools: Tools that are used to strike other objects, like a hammer
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Metal cutting tools: This includes tools like files and rasps that can file away excess metal
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Holding tools: These are tools that can firmly hold objects in place, like clamps or pliers
The Most Commonly Used Hand Tools
We will now dive into the most common types of hand tools, what they’re best used for, and how you can select the right tools for your needs.
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.
Hand Tools and Their Various Industry Uses
As we have mentioned throughout, hand tools are highly versatile and can be used in many different industries to complete a vast variety of tasks. Below are some of the main industries where hand tools are commonly used.
Construction
Hand tools are used in a construction setting every day, where they can be used to erect structures, assemble components, and build a variety of items. You will typically find power tools also in use on construction sites for more heavy-duty tasks; however, there are still plenty of applications for hand tools in this industry. Some of the most common hand tools used in construction include:
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Hammers
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Screwdrivers
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Hand saws
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Wrenches
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Tape measures
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Pliers
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Files and rasps
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Utility knives
Woodworking
Hand tools are very useful for carpentry and woodworking projects. Whether you’re making cabinets, tables, or other pieces of furniture, there are several hand tools that make these projects more efficient and result in high-quality end products. These are the hand tools that are most useful in woodworking projects to manipulate the shape of the wood and fasten different components together:
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Screwdrivers
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Hammers
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Hand saws
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Tape measures
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Bradawls
Automotive
In the automotive industry, a wide variety of hand tools can be used in the production and maintenance of vehicles. The following hand tools help manufacturers and mechanics tighten or loosen fasteners to assemble or replace vehicle parts. Because of the many different types of vehicles and models out there, workers in this industry typically need sets of these hand tools in a variety of sizes and types to complete their work.
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Wrenches
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Hammers
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Pliers
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Hex keys
Gardening
Gardening and landscaping work often require the use of various hand tools that we’ve discussed throughout, like knives, scissors, or saws. However, they may require some additional hand tools that we haven’t yet covered to dig holes, remove weeds, plant seeds, and prune branches. Such hand tools include:
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Hand rakes
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Pruners
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Sheers
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Garden trowel
Plumbing
In the plumbing field, there are many uses for hand tools so workers can make repairs to pipes and other plumbing fixtures. Some of the most common hand tools used in plumbing work include:
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Wrenches
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Pliers
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Hand saws
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Hex keys
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Tape measures
Metalworking
Metalworking often calls for more heavy-duty machinery than hand tools to solder, mold, manipulate, or cut through metal components. However, there are still a number of practical uses for hand tools in this industry, including the following:
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Hammers
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Files and rasps
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Pliers
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Tape measures
DIY
Completing DIY projects around the house often calls for the use of hand tools. Whether you’re creating new furniture or making a repair, you’ll typically need many hand tools to get the job done, including:
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Tape measures
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Hammers
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Utility knives
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Screwdrivers
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Wrenches
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Hex keys
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Clamps
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Bradawls
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Hand saws
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Scissors
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Pliers
Hand Tool Safety
Though they’re not as powerful as power tools, you still need to use hand tools appropriately and for their intended use to avoid any injuries or possible property damage.
One of the best ways to stay safe is to do a quick inspection of each tool before you use it. Make sure nothing about it looks broken or compromised, and that it’s in good condition. If you notice the tool is broken or worn out, toss it out and get a new one.
Again, only use the hand tool for its intended purpose. For instance, don’t bang the blade of the screwdriver into a nail if you don’t have a hammer available, which can easily damage your screwdriver and potentially harm you or others around.
Don’t get distracted while using each of these hand tools, and always pay attention to what you’re doing with the given tool to help avoid any accidental injuries. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when using these tools, such as gloves and eye protection.
In the world of hand tools, we hope this guide serves as a compass, empowering both beginners and seasoned craftsmen alike to navigate with confidence, make informed choices, and wield these essential instruments with skill and precision.