Basic Hand Tools
Topic 3

Types, Uses and Care
of Hand Tools
Unit 2.3

Unit Objective
Identify hand-tools and describe their use

Consider
Narrator/Facilitator:
“As a professional electrician your clients will want a
number of services from you. Besides electrical skills and
knowledge, such as wiring, what they require will involve
other skills too. For example, when the client asks for an
out-building to be wired this will involve additional skills
such as measuring, trenching, fastening etc. Both
electrical and additional skills are best performed with the
right tools. Also each tool should be used correctly so it is
important to master technique.”
So consider this,
Are you ready to wire an out-building? Can you select
the correct tools and have you the right technique to
use each tool effectively?

Tools for Projects
One can read through the list of hand tools covered
in this unit, (see links right), but to get to grips with
basic hand tools its important that you use them
and become familiar with them. We therefore
encourage you to view the demonstrations and
then take on three projects and actually build
something using the tools!
Basic Hand Tools
Hand Saws and Cutters
Hammers
Screw Drivers
Chassie Punch
Pliers
Wire strippers
Fastening Tools
Files
Vice
Chisel
Tinsnips
Project 1
Fit a new plug to
an appliance
Project 2
Replace a wall
socket
Project 3
Wire an out
building

1. Activation of Prior Knowledge
First let’s see what you already know.
Identify the following tools.
Describe the best technique to best use
them.
The facilitator will ask members of the class
to volunteer the information.
For online students you will need to provide
your insights using the online forum.
a
b
c d
e

2. Demonstration - Tools Index
Saws & Cutters
Hacksaw
Retractable
Knife
Wire Strippers
Hammers
Claw
Ball Peen
Rubber Mallet
Pliers
Long Nose
Crimping
Side Cutters
Fasteners
Ring spanner
Flat spanner
Socket wrench
Adjustable
Torque wrench
Files
Rasp
Rough
Coarse
Bastard
Smooth
Wire brush
Screwdrivers
Flat
Phillips / Star
Vices
Vice Grips
Pipe vice
Engineer vice
Measuring
Steel rule
Tape measure
Other
Tin snips
Stocks and Dies
Chisel
Chassie Punch
Fish Tape
Earth Moving
Spade
Pick Axe
The facilitator will
take you through the
process of using each
of the following tools.
For online students
click each tool name
and review the
resources on
different tools and
the techniques of
best practice

3. Application: Fit a new plug to an appliance
1. Using the correct screwdriver for the screw type used on the plug unscrew the cover
and remove.
2. Use the screw driver to loosen terminal screws (L) and (N) to provide sufficient space
to receive the wires.
3. Inspect the wires on the appliance’s power cable and strip back the cable sheath
using the retractable knife, or the wire strippers, to expose the three wires (Blue –
Neutral, Brown – Live and Green/yellow – Earth)
4. Use the wire strippers to strip off a small section of the plastic insulation to expose
the copper wire on each wire.
5. Insert the correct colour wire to the correct terminal in the plug. (look for the letters
‘N’, [bottom left ] and ‘L’ [bottom right] on the terminals. While Earth is the top
terminal.) and using the screw driver tighten the terminal clamp to hold the wire
firmly in place.
6. Push the core cable firmly into the core bracket
7. Once all three wires and the cable is secure screw the plastic cover back onto the
plug.
Materials
Plug
An appliance (e.g.
toaster, washing
machine.)
Tools
Screwdriver
Retractable knife
Side cutters
Wire strippers
Video tutorial
https://youtu.be/zgLo9
WsDR4I
See if you are able to use the tools correctly to complete this project. If
you are in a physical class you will be supervised by the facilitator, online
students need to study the video resources

New Plug Project: Video
https://youtu.be/zgLo9WsDR4I

4a. Activation: Replace a wall socket
1. Before you start ensure the power has been turned off at the distribution board
(DB)! (Plug in a lamp to test if there is still power being distributed to the socket.)
2. Use the correct screw driver and remove any screws that hold the face plate and the
receptacle/bracket to the wall socket box.
3. When loose pull the receptacle/bracket forward to expose the wires and note how it
is wired. The new socket will need to be wired in exactly the same way.
4. Use the correct screwdriver to loosen the wires connected to the receptacle. If you
cannot release the wires use the side cutters and cut it free. Then use the wire
strippers to expose some of the copper wires, ready for connection to the new
receptacle .
5. Insert the wires into the correct terminals on the new socket. Blue (N - bottom left
terminal) and Brown (B - bottom right terminal ). Earth is often demarcated as
6. Fold the wires so that you can insert the receptacle back into the wall and then
screw the face plate back on.
7. Turn on the power at the DB box.
Materials
Replacement Socket
Outlet
Tools
Insulated screwdriver
Retractable knife
Side cutters
Wire strippers
Pliers
Video tutorial
https://youtu.be/tWb-
NP44gvo
Let see if you can take these skills further and adapt them to
new contexts! Try this project

Wall Socket: Video Demonstration
https://youtu.be/nJyUpdX2q6I

4b. Activation: Wire an out building
Materials
2.5mm2 two core & earth
cable
20mm Conduit pipe
Straight and elbow
connectors
Solvent-weld adhesive
Insulation tape
Enclosure
Metal clad socket and
mounting box
Power drill
20mm masonry drill bit
Tools
Tape Measure
Side cutters
Hammer
Spade
Hacksaw
Retractable knife
Screw drivers
Fish Tape
1. Plan and prepare a cable route from the house to outside. Excavate earth
where necessary with spade and conceal where possible.
2. Where the cable will exit the house use a 20mm masonry dill bit to create a
hole 150mm above the damp course angled slightly upwards to discourage
moisture entering the house. Mortar in a short length of conduit.
3. Mount the new RCD unit on a board close to the meter. Remove knockouts
from the base of the unit to admit the incoming meter tails and circuit
cable. Clip the RCD and the MCB9s) onto the metal busbar, ready for
connection later
Inside
Outside
1. Check the trench is at least 500mm deep. And remove any sharp stones
and insert dry sand to protect the cable.
2. In 3m sections built a conduit run. Make sure the outside conduit links up
to the interior conduit run. Then pull the cable through the conduit.

4b. Activation: Wire an out building
Materials
2.5mm2 two core & earth
cable
20mm Conduit pipe
Straight and elbow
connectors
Solvent-weld adhesive
Insulation tape
Enclosure
Metal clad socket and
mounting box
Power drill
20mm masonry drill bit
Tools
Tape Measure
Side cutters
Hammer
Spade
Hacksaw
Retractable knife
Screw drivers
Fish Tape
Outside (continued)
1. Use a short length of conduit with an elbow solvent welded on one end to
connect to the conduit in the house wall and a large radius elbow to
connect to the underground conduit.
2. Secure with clips to the clips.
3. Use a hacksaw to cut the last section to the correct length .
4. When you have joined all the lengths of conduit together, lower the
conduit into the trench and use a large radius bend to take the run up to
the point where it enters the out building
5. Pass a short length of conduit through the outbuilding wall and connect it
to the underground run with a standard elbow.
6. Feed enough cable into the out building to allow it to be connected to the
wiring accessories that will complete the sub-circuit.
7. In the trench place a line of bricks on the sand bed at each side of the
conduit and lay narrow paving slabs over conduit resting on the bricks to
protect it from gardening .
8. Back fill the trench to cover and tramp down firmly.

Conclusion
You will need to get as much
practice as possible using the
hand tools before you go to a
centre. Look for additional
projects and see if you can start
assembling your own tool box.
Such a toolbox is an investment
in your future and these tools
will be with your for your entire
career.

Basic Hand Tools
Hack Saw
Evan Amos / Public Domain (via Wikipedia)
Description:
A hacksaw is a fine-toothed saw, originally
and mainly made for cutting metal. Most
hacksaws are hand saws with a C-shaped
frame that holds a blade under tension.
Video demonstration:
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Utility Knife (Retractable)
unknown/ Public Domain (via Wikimedia)
Description:
A utility knife is a knife used for general or utility
purposes. The utility knife was originally a fixed
blade knife with a cutting edge suitable for
general work such as cutting hides and cordage,
scraping hides, butchering animals, cleaning fish,
and other tasks. Craft knives are tools mostly
used for crafts. Today, the term "utility knife"
also includes small folding or retractable-blade
knives suited for use in the general workplace or
in the construction industry. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/2m0ZxP62TSc
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Wire Strippers
Windell Oskay / CC BY (via Flickr)
Description:
A wire stripper is a small, hand-held
device used to strip the electrical
insulation from electric wires. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
Tools Index

Measurement Tools
Tape Measure
Schwede66 / CC BY SA (via Wikimedia)
Description:
A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler
and used to measure distance. It consists of a ribbon
of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear-
measurement markings. It is a common measuring
tool. Its design allows for a measure of great length to
be easily carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one
to measure around curves or corners.
(Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/pPJBGN7PqeM
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools - Side Cutters
(Wire Cutting Tool)
Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Description:
A hand tool resembling pliers, intended
for cutting wires using a ‘pinching’
action to cut wires.
Video demonstration:
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Crimping Tool
Hundehalter/ CC BY SA (via Wikimedia)
Description:
An electrical crimp is a type of solderless electrical
connection. Crimp connectors are typically used to
terminate stranded wire. The benefits of crimping over
soldering and wire-wrapping include:
•A well-engineered and well-executed crimp is designed to
be gas-tight, which prevents oxygen and moisture from
reaching the metals (which are often different metals) and
causing corrosion.
•Because no alloy is used (as in solder) the joint is
mechanically stronger.
•Crimped connections can be used for cables of both small
and large cross-sections, whereas only small cross-section
wires can be used with wire-wrap. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/Svja8zEcKNQ
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Spade
CIA/ Public Domain (via Wikimedia)
Description:
A spade is a tool primarily for digging, comprising a
blade – typically narrower and less curved than that
of a shovel – and a long handle. Early spades were
made of riven wood or of animal bones (often
shoulder blades). After the art of metalworking was
developed, spades were made with sharper tips of
metal. Before the introduction of metal spades
manual labour was less efficient at moving earth,
with picks being required to break up the soil in
addition to a spade for moving the dirt. With a metal
tip, a spade can both break and move the earth in
most situations, increasing efficiency. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/0AiQPWL3epE
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Fish Tape
Lucius Kwok / CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Description:
A fish tape (also known as a draw wire
or draw tape) is a tool used by
electricians to route new wiring through
walls and electrical conduit. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
Tools Index

TIN SNIPS
Tin snips are either straight or curved blades
• The straight type being used for cutting a straight lines
• The curved type for cutting curved edges
AVIATION SNIPS: for intricate,
circular and radii cutting
STRAIGHT CUTTING SNIPS: for
all straight, inside and outside
corner cutting.
NOTE:
Always protect the blades from corrosion by applying a thin layer of oil especially to the cutting
edge. Do not use tin snips for cutting wires or other material beyond their capacity
Fig. 1.8
NOTE: Always protect the blades from corrosion by applying a thin layer of oil especially to
the cutting edge. Do not use tin snips for cutting wires or other material beyond their capacity
Tools Index

STOCKS AND DIES
• Dies are used for external threads
• Dies are very slightly adjustable
• There is a nut, which is used to clean threads
• Or fix damaged threads and must not be used to cut new threads
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Screw Driver (Flat Blade)
unknown/ Public Domain (via Wikimedia)
Description:
A screwdriver is a tool, manual or powered, for
screwing and unscrewing (inserting and
removing) screws. A typical simple screwdriver
has a handle and a shaft, ending in a tip the user
puts into the screw head before turning the
handle. The shaft is usually made of tough steel
to resist bending or twisting. The tip may be
hardened to resist wear, treated with a dark tip
coating for improved visual contrast between tip
and screw—or ridged or treated for additional
'grip'. Handles are typically wood, metal, or
plastic and usually hexagonal, square, or oval in
cross-section to improve grip and prevent the
tool from rolling when set down. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/tE-pojHecvE
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Screw Driver (Phillips)
unknown/ Public Domain (via Wikimedia)
Description:
Phillips screwdrivers come in several standard sizes,
ranging from tiny ‘jeweler's’ to those used for
automobile frame assembly—or #000 to #4
respectively. This size number is usually stamped onto
the shank (shaft) or handle for identification. Each bit
size fits a range of screw sizes, more or less well. Each
Phillips screwdriver size also has a related shank
diameter. The driver has a 57° point and tapered,
unsharp (rounded) flutes. The #1 and smaller bits
come to a blunt point, but the #2 and above have no
point, but rather a nearly squared-off tip, making
each size incompatible with the other. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/PoN_2UVxHkU
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Hammer
Evan Amos / Public Domain (via Wikipedia)
Description:
A hammer is a tool that delivers a blow to
an object. Most hammers are hand tools
used to drive nails, fit parts, forge metal,
and break apart objects. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
Tools Index

Chassis Punch
A chassis punch is a tool used for punching holes in sheet metal up to 1.6mm in thickness.
Thereafter generally a cone drill of hole saw is normally used.
An example of using a chassis punch
Tools Index

DRESSING & SHARPENING OF CHISELS
The cutting edge and the striking head of a chisel need to be repaired
Damaged cutting edge and
mushroomed head
Cold Chisel in good
condition
Chisels blunt through usage. It is important to keep them sharp and at
the correct angles. This is done by grinding them when they are worn.
Check the chisel’s tip to see if it is sharp, even
and at the correct angle.
Correct
Incorrect
Incorrect
Correct
Fig. 3.6 CUTTING EDGE OF A COLD CHISEL
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Mechanical Connectors
Uwe Schwöbel / CC BY SA (via Wikimedia)
Description:
A blade connector is a type of single wire connection using
a flat conductive blade which is inserted into a blade
receptacle. Usually both blade connector and blade
receptacle have wires attached to them either through of
the wire to the blade or crimping of the blade to the wire.
A common type of blade connector is the "Faston
terminal". While Faston is a trademark of TE Connectivity it
has come into common usage. Faston connectors come in
male and female types. They have been commonly used
since the 1970s.
Ring style wire end blade connectors are normally sold in
lots. Electrical contact is made by the flat surface of the
ring or spade, while mechanically they are attached by
passing a screw or bolt through them. The spade terminal
form factor facilitates connections since the screw or bolt
can be left partially screwed in as the spade terminal is
removed or attached. (Wikipedia)
Tools Index

WRENCHES
Wrenches vary considerably in shape to provide ease of
operation under differing conditions
1) The Adjustable Wrench:
Used extensively for general workshop maintenance
PIPE WRENCH (Adjustable)
For tightening or loosening pipe
and pipe fittings.
ADJUSTABLE WRENCH (Shifting)
For general workshop
maintenance.
PIPE WRENCH (Adjustable)
Also Known as a Stillson wrench.
For tightening or loosening pipes
and pipe fittings
When using adjustable wrenches the following steps
should be adhered to:
• Never use a piece of pipe for added leverage. It is safer to use a
heavier wrench.
• Never strike a wrench with a hard hammer.
• Always pull on a wrench, never push on it. You cannot control a wrench
when you are pushing on it.
Tools Index

2) Open-Ended Wrenches /Flat Spanner
Some open-ended wrenches have two jaws while others only have one
• The jaws are usually set at 15º or 30º to the handle’s axis.
• The open-ended wrench must fit the head of the bolt or nut snugly
Single Open Ended
Double Open Ended
Fig. 1.11
Correct Incorrect
Fig. 1.12
Tools Index

3) Ring Wrenches / Ring Spanner
• The ring wrench encircles the nut or bolt head completely
• Straight or offset shafts
4) Combination Wrench / Combination Spanner
• One jaw is open and the other is a ring
Tools Index

• The torque wrench is used together with the sockets.
• Torque is measured in Nm (Newton Metres)
When using wrenches the following hints should be followed:
a) Use the correct sized wrench.
b) Adjustable wrenches should be used only as a last resort because
they can slip.
c) Always pull a wrench towards you instead of pushing it away from you.
d) When using a torque wrench, ensure that the torque wrench with the
correct range is used.
Tools Index

6) Socket Wrench and Sockets
• Used in restricted areas on bolts that are in recess or an awkward place
Tools Index

ENGINEER’S VICE
• The size of the vice is according to the width of the jaw.
• Must be fixed firmly to the bench top
• Should be removed periodically and thoroughly cleaned and oiled
• Should be left loose when not in use.
When using engineer’s vice, the following steps should be
adhered to:
1) Never put a handle extension on a vice
2) Never hammer the handle.
3) When using jaw caps, make sure there are not sharp points or edges
4) Remove all chips and dust with a wire brush every day.
5) Vices should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled and should be left loose
when not in use
Tools Index

Pipe Vice:
Pipe vises are a plumber's tool, often used to hold pipes
in place for threading and cutting. There are two main
styles: chain and yoke. The yoke type vise uses a screw to
clamp down the pipe, and the chain style uses a chain for
securing the pipe. (Wikipedia)
Tools Index

VICE GRIPS
C-Clamp Pliers
Flat Welding Grip
Welding Grip
Vice Grip
As with pliers, vice grips are used for gripping, holding
Tools Index

• Files are cleaned with file brushes
• Stored away from moisture
• Must be cleaned when they are clogged
• Use a file brush and rub or brush across the file
• Not across its length
Files NOTE:
1) Oil and grease cause files to slip
2) Files must always have proper handles
3) Files are ruined by use on hard materials
4) Hard metals should be ground not filed.
Filing Techniques
There are three different types of filing techniques
• Heavy Filing
• Light Filing
• Draw Filing
Tools Index

Heavy Filing
Proper filing position
• This method is used to remove a lot of material
• More pressure being used on the ‘push’ stroke
• Coarse file is used.
Tools Index

Light Filing
• This method is used for shallow cuts
• Less pressure used in light filing than heavy filing
• A smoother file is used
Tools Index

Draw Filing
Draw filing position• Good technique for removing scratches
• Can also be used to polish the surface
• Can be used to fix square edges that have been rounded by
inadvertent rocking of the file
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Pick Axe
Hyena/ Public Domain (via Wikimedia)
Description:
pickaxe, pick-axe, or pick is a hand tool with a
hard head attached perpendicular to the handle.
The head is usually made of metal, and the
handle is most commonly wood, metal or
fiberglass. The head is a spike ending in a sharp
point, may curve slightly, and often has a
counter-weight to improve ease of use. The
stronger the spike, the more effectively the tool
can pierce the surface. Rocking the embedded
spike about and removing it can then break up
the surface.
The counterweight nowadays is nearly always a
second spike, often with a flat end for prying.
(Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/O3YaitjDrI0
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Rubber Mallet
Description:
A mallet is a kind of hammer, often made of rubber or
sometimes wood, that is smaller than a maul or beetle, and
usually has a relatively large head. The term is descriptive of
the overall size and proportions of the tool, and not the
materials it may be made of, though most mallets have
striking faces that are softer than steel. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/EobT_J2NB5E
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Ball Peen Hammer
Description:
Though the process of peening (surface hardening by
impact) has become rarer in metal fabrication, the ball-peen
hammer remains useful for many tasks, such as striking
punches and chisels (usually performed with the flat face of
the hammer). The peening face is useful for rounding off
edges of metal pins and fasteners, such as rivets. The ball
face of the hammer can also be used to make gaskets for
mating surfaces. A suitable gasket material is held over the
surface where a corresponding gasket is desired, and the
operator will lightly tap around the edges of the mating
surface to perforate the gasket material. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/uSf_TKmSyas
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Wire Brush Description:
A wire brush is a tool consisting of a brush whose bristles
are made of wire, most often steel wire. The steel used is
generally a medium- to high-carbon variety and very hard
and springy.
The wire brush is primarily an abrasive implement, used for
cleaning rust and removing paint. It is also used to clean
surfaces and to create a better conductive area for
attaching electrical connections, such as those between car
battery posts and their connectors, should they accumulate
a build-up of grime and dirt.
(Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/k6KEKpfyKIo

Basic Hand Tools
Rasp
Description:
A rasp is coarse form of file used for coarsely
shaping wood or other material. Typically a hand
tool, it consists of a generally tapered rectangular,
round, or half-round sectioned bar of case
hardened steel with distinct, individually cut
teeth. A narrow, pointed tang is common at one
end, to which a handle may be fitted. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/RJTpCqJyMl8

Basic Hand Tools
Files
Description:
A file is a tool used to remove fine amounts of material
from a workpiece. It is common in woodworking,
metalworking, and other similar trade and hobby tasks.
Most are hand tools, made of a case hardened steel bar of
rectangular, square, triangular, or round cross-section, with
one or more surfaces cut with sharp, generally parallel
teeth. A narrow, pointed tang is common at one end, to
which a handle may be fitted. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/WoOrSna7QBg
Glenn Mackechnie – CC BY SA on Wikipedia
Tools Index

Basic Hand Tools
Needle Nose Pliers
Description:
Needle-nose pliers (also known as pointy-nose pliers, long-
nose pliers, pinch-nose pliers or snipe-nose pliers) are both
cutting and holding pliers used by artisans, jewellery
designers, electricians, network engineers and other
tradesmen to bend, re-position and snip wire. (Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/gEu6SDltCqI
User 2000 – CC BY SA on Wikipedia

Basic Hand Tools
Steel Rule
Description:
A ruler, sometimes called a rule or line gauge, is a
straightedge with equally spaced markings along its length.
It is used in geometry, technical drawing, engineering and
building to measure distances or to rule straight lines..
(Wikipedia)
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/kfhDB-opwnA
https://youtu.be/G1P-J1O_a-A
Ejay – CC BY SA on Wikipedia