There are literally thousands of various hand tools to complete hundreds of different jobs,but we will only concentrate on the more basic tools to begin with,which will be adequate for the home DIY’er/handyman.

First off, you will need somewhere to store your tools.Information on how to build a toolbox or storage cupboard(including videos)can be found in the catagories section.

Ok,in no particular order you will find below a list & description of tools that will make life easier when tackling your jobs around the home or in your workshop.

 

 

WOODWORKING TOOLS



Claw Hammer Hand Tools

Although you will need different types of hammers in your toolkit,a claw hammer will be sufficient for most of your woodworking projects.This hammer has two sides,one side has a flat face used mostly for knocking in nails,whilst on the other side the curved/forked head makes it ideal for removing nails too.They come in various sizes,a recommended size is 16-20 ounce.

 

Wood Chisels

A set of woodchisels ranging in sizes from 1/4″ (6mm), 3/8″ (9mm), 1/2″ (12mm),  5/8″ (15mm),3/4″ (18mm), 1″ (25mm) should be adequate.These are bevel edged cutting tools,which can be used for cutting away or shaping pieces of wood.They will need to be ground & sharpened at regular intervals to acheive the maximum effect.

 

Mallet

This is basically a type of hammer made from hardwood,which can be used to hit your chisels to help with cutting.Can also be used to knock wooden joints together.

 

 

Bow Saw                                                                                         Hand Tools

 

As the name suggests,this is a saw in the shape of a bow ! most common sizes are 2ft – 3ft (600mm – 900mm)it has a metal frame with a very coarse blade which is ideal for cutting branches or larger pieces of rough sawn timber.

 

 

Handsaw

The handsaw or panel saw is more of an intermediate saw,the blade not being as coarse as a bow saw,but not suitable for fine cuts either.In the last few years a “throwaway” type handsaw has arrived on the market.These can be bought very cheaply,but the quality & design means the teeth won’t stay sharp long & may only last for one or two projects.

 

Tenon Saw

Has a solid plate on the top of the saw which gives greater control, & makes it ideal for finer woodwork projects like cutting joints for furniture,the smaller teeth give a much cleaner cut.The plate on top of the saw means the depth of the cut is limited to about 3″ (75mm)

 

Flat Wood Bits (spade)

A flat type of drill with a centre point & two bevelled cutting edges.Used only for drilling through wood & intended for use with electric or cordless drills.Care is needed when drilling as it tends to splinter the wood,so it is advisable to drill from both sides.

 

Twist Drill Bits

High speed drill bits,come in a range of sizes can be used to drill through metal plastic or wood.

 

Masonry Drill Bits

Similar to the twist drill bits,but with a hardened tungsten tip.It is recommended to use these bits with an electric or cordless  drill with the  “hammer” option.Used to drill through concrete,stone & brickwork.

 

Mortise Gauge                                                                                             Hand Tools

A tool used to score wood, which can be set to the required size for a mortise joint to be cut into it.Spindle with a moveable flat bed usually made from rosewood,with two adjustable spurs.

 

Spirit Level

A good spirit level can last you a lifetime if looked after.An essential instrument which can be used to check vertical & horizontal levels.Comes in various sizes,from a small 6″- 10″ (150-250mm)ideal for hanging pictures or straightening other small objects,up to 5′-0″ (1530mm) & over,which can be used for levelling kitchen cupboards,worktops etc.

 

Screwdrivers

There are many types of screwdrivers,but the most common & most used are a flat head & cross head(phillips).You should keep a selection of various sizes in both heads.It is important to use the correct size & type or the screw may become damaged & may prove problematic,especially when trying to remove it.

 

more info to follow soon……….

 

 

 


Hand Tools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLUMBING TOOLS