subject: Hand Tools 101 [print this page] How well do you know your hand tools? Some are, of course, more popular than others, but it is good to have a basic understanding of the most commonly used ones just for your own personal knowledge. Here are the basic hand tool types and some information about each.
The hammer. You can use this tool to hammer nails into just about anything, and you can use the back end to pull nails out of a structure. They come in different sizes, lengths, and weights. Sledgehammers (large, long, heavy hammers) are used more for demolition or breaking apart large things.
Screwdrivers. A flat head screwdriver has a rectangular head that is thin and flat. A Philip's head screwdriver has four grooves and appoint on top (used for screws with tiny cross-like grooves). These hand tools come in a variety of sizes, and there are various head shapes.
Hand saws. These are like large, long, jagged edge knifes. These are great for cutting thinner materials.
Pliers. These can help you bend metals and pull out stubborn screws, bolts, or nails. You can use pliers to reach in a grip things you can't with your fingers alone.
Wrench. Great for a leak faucet as this tool is an adjustable clamp that you can rotate to tighten or loosen knobs that are difficult to grip.
Tape measure. When most people think of hand tools, this is the last item that tends to come to mind. Tape measures are, however, essential in all types of home improvement, whether you need to cut a piece of wood to a certain length, or is you need to determine what size of furniture will fit into a room.
