The Place of Hand Tools

Hand tools, as a form of industrial tool, are very important when it comes to getting the job done, in ways in which machinery cannot quite do or complete. Hand tools can be found just as easily in industry as they can be found around the house, and perform very important functions. The type and variety of industrial tools are almost endless, but there are a few common types of hand tools that are essential to have in any toolkit.

The Most Common Types of Hand Tools

The variety of hand tools that can be found is fast, often with different specifications within each type. Screwdrivers can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit a wide variety of purposes. There are typically three main types, the Phillips head, the slotted or flathead screwdriver, and the star-shaped screwdriver.

The Phillips-head screwdriver

The Phillips-head screwdriver has a plus shape at its head, being two metal blades positioned at 90 degrees to each other. This helps the screwdriver grab the screw properly and prevents it from slipping. The Phillips head screwdriver is a versatile tool designed for secure fastening of cross-shaped Phillips head screws, found in various industries. The Phillips head screwdriver’s design ensures efficient tightening and loosening of screws, reducing slippage and enhancing productivity in assembly and repair tasks.

The slotted or flathead screwdriver

The slotted or flathead screwdriver is a single blade of metal situated at the head of the screwdriver. The flathead of the screwdriver will slot into the screw making it easier to turn. Flathead screwdrivers are durable and reliable, crafted from strong materials like hardened steel or chrome vanadium to withstand heavy use and demanding work environments. The slotted or flathead screwdriver only fits in screws that have the same star-shaped indentation and will fit in firmly to allow the screw to be rotated.

Hammers

Another tool that comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes is the hammer. A hammer is typically used to break or knocked objects, but this functionality, and more, will depend on the type of hammer. The typical types of hammers include the claw hammer, the ball peen hammer, the sledgehammer, and specialty hammers.

The Claw Hammer

The claw hammer is designed with a nail-hitting side as well as a nail-removing section on the other side. The nail-removing side is vital for any nails that have been hit incorrectly or simply need to be removed. Claw hammers feature an ergonomic design with handles made of wood, fiberglass, or steel for a comfortable grip, reduced strain, and efficient hammering. The claw hammer’s versatility extends beyond driving and removing nails, as its claw end serves as a pry bar and its striking surface enables light chiseling and tapping, making it indispensable for projects and repairs.

The Ball Peen Hammer

The ball peen hammer is a hammer with one round side and one flat side and is typically seen in the metal industry. The flathead is normally used to chisel metal while the round head can be used to round out and shape the metal.

The Sledgehammers

Sledgehammers are heavy-duty hand tools and are used in industry to break materials, such as concrete, plaster, and rock.

The Several specialty hammers 

Several specialty hammers can also be found and are often designed for a particular industry and particular application.

The Pliers

Pliers are also very useful hand tools. These are made with two metal parts that are attached to one another creating a lever and a fulcrum point, allowing you to exert more pressure when using them than you would ordinarily have with bare hands. Pliers can also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on your needs, and can be used to cut, crimp, bend, remove nails, or even to get into small spaces where your hands ordinarily cannot.

The Wrench

Wrenches are useful industrial tools to have in your hand tool kit as they provide the torque necessary to move tight nuts and bolts, which your hand could otherwise not do. Wrenches are available in different set sizes and come in three main types, open end, box end, or a combination of the two.

A Hand Saw

A hand saw is a serrated blade with a handle that is used to cut a variety of materials. The type of handsaw needed will be determined by the application for which it is being used, as well as its number of teeth and size.

Utility knives

Utility knives are helpful in a variety of ways as hand tools. It consists of a casing, metal or plastic, with a retractable blade within. One can change the size of the blade because it is retractable, from a full-size blade to a smaller corner of a blade. The retractable aspect of the blade also keeps it sharp. It is extremely important to retract the blade while carrying this knife in your pocket, to avoid any accidental cuts to your hands or body.

An axe

Another useful hand tool is an axe. An axe is a large sharp piece of metal that has been mounted onto a handle. Axes are also made for a variety of different purposes such as cutting wood, cutting bone or ice, etc. Even within each area of application, there are different axes for different aspects of the work.

Other Hand Tools

Other hand tools which are beneficial to have in your tool kit include pry bars, staple guns, measuring tapes, hand files, a vice, scissors, clamps, crowbars, chisels, and much more.

Contact Mican Industrial Supplies

For all your industrial tool needs, contact Mican Industrial today!