The Whats and Hows of Hand and Power Tools
From ancient times until today’s modern world, tools have been important items that help people work and make progress. There are many different types of tools available and they all serve different purposes. It’s important to understand each type of tool and how it can be used to make life simpler around the home, office or at work.
Hand tools and power tools, including cordless power tools, are some of the most common options for everyday use, for performing different types of jobs. When shopping for tools, homeowners and DIYers often have a hard time deciding which one is better and if you are one of them, here is what you need to know to better understand their characteristics and uses before making a purchase.
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Hand Tools, Power Tools or Both?
The three main classifications of tools are hand tools, power tools and a combination of the two. To equip your toolbox, make sure to find a well-stocked tool shop first and then browse through different categories and products to find what works best for your projects.
Hand Tools: Types and Uses
These are all simple tools that help complete various tasks in an easy and efficient way and can be found in different types, such as the following.
Hammers
The hammer is a common hand tool, most often used for hitting nails on different surfaces. Traditionally, it has a wooden handle with a solid metal head, though you can find hammers these days made from a range of different materials. There are different types of hammers, available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of them come with a different tool on the back of the head, which makes the hammer a multi-purpose tool that can be used to remove nails, dismantle furniture or else.
Pliers
Pliers can be used in a range of different jobs, to grip and hold objects as well as bend and manipulate materials. They are available in different shapes and sizes and the three main types you can find out there are adjustable, non-adjustable and lockable pliers.
Wrenches
A wrench is used for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts and most wrenches come in sets of different sizes, so they can fit various bolts. Made from solid metal, these tools are very strong and sturdy and even though wrenches are simple in design, they are very effective.
Chisels
Chisels are used in different tasks, including masonry and carpentry. Most of the time, a chisel is used in conjunction with a hammer to create decorative markings in wood, but the chisel can also be used to remove tiles from walls, pull apart furniture and do many other tasks.
Axes
Axes are some of the oldest tools used and throughout history, they have served a variety of purposes. Today, axes are mostly used for chopping logs or segmenting them down into smaller pieces for kindling. There are many different types of axes on the market, with various blade shapes. The shape of the blade makes a difference in the way the axe should be used, so make sure to choose one that suits your intended purpose.
Consider the length of the handle as well as it may determine the way the axe should be used. Most axes feature wooden handles with steel blades, however, some modern designs come with a fibreglass blade.
Clamps
Clamps are versatile hand tools that work in a simple way, by securely holding two pieces together and preventing them from moving under pressure. They can be used in many different projects, from home improvement to construction, including carpentry, woodworking, metalworking, etc.
Fasteners
The main use of fasteners is to mechanically join two parts of materials together. Screws are the most popular option, they come with a variety of head shapes, so you can easily remove the screws on or from an object.
Measuring Tools
Measuring tools are simple but essential elements that can help you make sure your project is accurate and completed successfully. The measuring tape is one of the most common measuring tools in every tool kit, however, you may need a square, a level, a compass or callipers.
Power Tools: Types and Uses
The major difference between hand tools and power tools, as their names suggest, is that power tools are powered by battery, electricity, fuel or compressed air. They can do things more efficiently and accurately than hand tools or can complete tasks where your hand power is not enough and here are some of the most commonly used options.
Drills
Every homeowner needs a drill to get things done fast. It has a rotating tip that can be used to create holes or to drive screws into masonry and is most often used for assembling furniture, fixing items to the wool, such as shelving, mirrors, artwork, and for many other DIY projects. There are different types of drills you can choose for specialist purposes and a variety of options, including different levels of power, speed, battery types, power sources and accessories.
Saws
There is a vast number of tools that fall under the category of saws, from specialist to more standard ones as well as multi-purpose saws that can be used for various purposes. The type of saw you need is defined by your project. Some of the most popular power saws used for most manual jobs are a table saw, circular saw and rotary saw.
Sanders
Sanding can be an easy task if using the right power sander for the job. Compared to sanding by hand, it will save you a lot of time and effort and give a better finish. There are two main types of power sanders you will find in almost any tool shop and very often they can be used interchangeably, however, if you have a specific need for your sander, make sure to choose the most appropriate one for the job.
You don’t have to be a DIY enthusiast or a professional to consider having a range of different tools at your disposal. Every homeowner may benefit from having both hand tools and power tools around for completing various tasks easily and efficiently.
