The saying ‘you can never have enough tools’ is often justified, particularly when you are faced with a difficult job, where a tool you hardly use but happen to have, can complete the task. Working on the premise that most applications on the job site involve cutting, gripping, striking, turning, measuring, and marking; we have compiled this article ’16 Different Types of Hand Tools and Their Uses’ to list 16 different types of hand tools that should feature on anyone’s list when building their tool kit.
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Tools have been selected from quality manufacturers and have useable features, are safe to use and offer proven reliability. Whilst the list may not be exhaustive, it is certainly not a bad place to start.
For decades, the trusted handsaw featured in every carpenter’s tool bag and was called upon for cutting all kinds of wood. Traditional handsaws need to be maintained and re-sharpened on a regular basis which is time consuming and costly.
As many modern building materials such as plywood, plasterboard, MDF and insulation contain resins, fibres and other abrasive particles, the soft teeth on a hand saw can become dull very quickly, making cutting difficult and ownership expensive. Hardpoint saws feature induction hardened teeth which remain sharp even under heavy prolonged use, they also cut much faster.
The Irwin Jack 880 is a medium tooth pitch, universal saw, capable of cutting natural timbers and most building materials. A feature of the Jack 880 hardpoint saw is the triple ground teeth which improve cutting speed and help to prevent snagging. Other clever features are the 90° and 45° marking angles on the handle and a water-based lacquer to prevent rust occurring on the blade.
Often a go to tool for engineers, plumbers and electricians, a hacksaw can cut steel, non-ferrous metals, plastics, and composites. The thin, narrow blade is held within the frame and placed under tension using a thumbscrew or lever. Hacksaw blades are replaceable and come with different Teeth Per Inch – TPI. Lower TPI blades are used for thicker materials such as steel bar, higher TPI blades produce a cleaner cut and are used for thinner materials such as thin-walled pipe.
Milwaukee and Lenox hacksaws feature sophisticated tensioning levers to produce extremely high blade tension for faster and straighter cuts. These high-performance saws allow the blade to be mounted at 45° for flush cutting and each can store a selection of spare blades within the frame.
The use of plasterboard in modern construction is widespread due to its speed of installation, thermal properties and ease of cutting and shaping – when using the right tools! A plasterboard jab saw, also referred to as a keyhole saw or pad saw, is the perfect hand tool if you need to cut out holes for electrical sockets, pipes, extractor fans and any other services. Products like the fixed blade Milwaukee jab saw incorporate all the features you need when working on plasterboard such as:
A quality clamp can be an invaluable tool in the workshop or on site. They can be used for holding materials together during gluing applications, or, as a temporary vice when you need to ensure an item being cut does not move.
The Irwin XP Clamp can be used with one hand and does not rely on a screw thread to bring the jaws together. A quarter tonne of clamping force helps to eliminate any unwanted slippage and is also strong enough to bring warped timbers together. The spreading feature is particularly useful in applications such as gluing support battens in-between wooden joists for nailing cut floorboards back down.
Claw hammers have been around for nearly two centuries and are possibly the most recognised hand tool in the world. The head of the hammer is multi-functional with a striking face for hammering nails and a claw end for pulling them. This simple but wonderful tool can also be used to knock joists into place, strike chisels and even perform light demolition work, making it an essential tool for any trade.
There have been design modifications over the years resulting in two versions – the curved claw hammer and rip claw hammer. Curved hammers are better for pulling nails as the shape of the head gives more leverage and reduces surface damage as the claw is rolled away from the gripped nail. A rip claw has less of a curve and is preferred for ripping wood apart, lifting floorboards and demolition duties.
Hand tool experts such as Milwaukee, have also added other functional features such as side mounted nail pullers for tight spaces, magnetic nail holders, steel I-beam shafts and anti-shock handles.
Quite often, destruction precedes construction, as floorboards, window frames, joists and studs need ripping out to make way for replacements. Despite appearing like a crude lever, wrecking bars and pry bars are carefully designed to get into tight spaces and offer high leverage.
Premium hand tool manufacturers such as Milwaukee also add soft grips for comfort, claws and tapered holes for pulling nails and strike zones for hammers.
Gripping, cutting, and turning are three functions a quality plier set will allow you to perform. Arguably, you only really need VDE insulated pliers if you are an electrician or maintenance engineer that may be working on live circuits.
At Protrade, we just like the comfort of being protected from serious injury or even death, should you unwittingly cut through a cable with electricity running through it, which is why we always recommend VDE pliers where possible.
As the name would suggest, offer a combination of features. At the tips of the jaws, finer parallel serrations can be used to grip cable sheaths and wire. Moving towards the handle the jaws no longer meet and feature oval shaped serrated edges which can clamp onto larger diameter cables, fasteners, and bolt heads. As the greatest leverage is generated near the handle this is where the cutting zone is situated.
Offer nearly all the features of a combination plier but with a rounded and long narrow tip for getting into tight spaces.
Feature a cutting zone along the full length of the jaws which is diagonally ground to allow cables, wires and small fixings to be cut flush with the surface.
In a perfect world you would own every size of wrench for every application you are likely to come across, and don’t forget, you would also need to consider imperial and metric sizes too! In reality, we do not live in such a place and there is always a time when we are defeated by not having the right size for the fastening in front of us.
The beauty of an adjustable spanner is, with just a few turns of a knurled thread you can open or close the jaws to fit almost any size or type of nut or bolt head, which is why we regard them as an essential hand tool.
Wera are known for hand tool ingenuity and the Joker self-setting spanner is their take on an adjustable wrench. A pivoting head replaces the traditional screw thread for instant size adjustment, and the spring-loaded jaws provide a ratchet like system for tightening and loosening without having to remove the jaws from the nut head.
With so many different types of screw heads available, a screwdriver set comprising of pozi, phillips and slotted blades is a minimum requirement for anyone looking to start a tool kit.
Regarded as one of the best hand tool manufacturers in the world, Wera screwdrivers feature a unique shaped handle that allows the best possible grip to turn stubborn screws, whilst also being capable of giving feedback to the user when performing tasks that require precision and feel.
There are a huge range of screwdriver sets available to suit every type of fastener and trade. Insulated VDE screwdrivers provide safety when working on live circuits, chisel-driver screwdrivers can be struck with a hammer for use on fasteners with damaged heads and interchangeable sets use the handle as a chuck which screwdriver bits can be inserted into.
Having to patch up cracks in plaster, fill screw holes where wall plugs have been, or repair rotten timber is a common occurrence in any refurbishment project. Although it may look like a wall scraper, a quality filling knife is designed to incorporate blade flex to help force filler into cracks and holes.
Blades are machined to release these sticky and viscous materials during application and leave a smooth and consistent finish.
A utility knife can be used to open boxes, sharpen pencils, cut cables and even score plasterboard. These are just a few of the applications that a working knife gets used for every day. The corresponding replaceable blades go through a hardening process that makes them durable in harsh environments and cutting edges are ground to be extremely sharp. Utility knives are normally categorised as having a fixed or retractable blade, but more recently folding utility knives have become extremely popular.
Toughbuilt have managed to take versatility another step further by launching a unique scraper utility knife. This incredibly clever tool has an inbuilt mechanism which allows the blade to turn through 90 degrees, converting the knife into a scraper, which can be used to remove paint, adhesive and labels. A discreet paint can opener has also been engineered into this practical and ingenious tool.
Being able to measure the size and distance of an object, opening or space is essential in so many everyday tasks. From garments to garage doors, establishing if something fits or cutting it to make sure it does, relies on accurate measurements being taken and a tape measure is the tool most people reach for.
Usually manufactured from thin metal, fibreglass or cloth, tape measures can measure long objects or spaces due to the length of blade material being rolled up tightly within the case. The blade features graduated markings which can be of imperial or metric scale, but it is common to show both.
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The key factors in choosing a tape measure are:
A spirit level is a measuring device which determines if something is horizontal or vertical – this can be for structural or aesthetic reasons. The importance of establishing accurate horizontal and vertical planes is repeatability, continuity and safety, especially if the components are structural and they need to be joined together.
Using a spirit level relies on the operator adjusting the tool so a small air bubble is centralised within a sealed glass or Perspex vial; once achieved, a horizontal or vertical plane is established and can be used as a reference point for marking and adjustment.
Spirit levels come in different sizes depending on the application and distance to be measured. Other variations include magnetic bases when working with steel, lightweight hollow box section for internal and light duty tasks, solid I beam construction for heavy use and levels with digital displays and audible alarms for easy reference and use in poorly lit areas.
Referring to a pencil as a hand tool may seem overkill but it is an essential item to have in the tool bag. We have already discussed tools that measure and it’s those reference points that need to be marked on timber, masonry and other building materials – hence the need for a pencil.
Although considered ‘just a pencil’ there has been some serious thought behind the design of a carpenter’s pencil.
Due to its versatility, a combination square is without doubt the most popular type of square used by trades people and machinists. Comprising of a rule and sliding head which features machined 45/90° sides and a spirit level; a combination square can be used to check angles, measure depth, establish if an object is level and even find the centre of a circle.
A protractor and centre head can also be present on some versions, further extending their area of use.
Completing any type of work is normally easier when you can see what you are doing. It’s for this reason that a torch has made its way onto our essential hand tools list. If you need to check wiring inside a cabinet, tighten a fitting under a bath or simply investigate a ceiling void, a torch will be able to light up the area you are working in.
Torches come in different shapes, sizes, and illumination power – referred to as lumens. Torches are predominantly handheld, but head mounted torches – often referred to as head lamps, are becoming very popular as they allow both hands to remain free.
A final consideration is whether to opt for a torch that takes replaceable or rechargeable batteries. With so many to choose from it is too much of a challenge to single just one out so why not browse our entire range, you may even find you need more than one.
I hope this essential ’16 Different Types of Hand Tools and Their Uses’ hand tool guide can offer you some ideas of what hand tools to consider, when starting to build or simply add to your tool kit.
• Always wear the right PPE for the job especially gloves and eye protection. Avoid loose clothing or jewellery.
• Make sure you know HOW to use the tool you are going to be using and follow the CORRECT procedure.
• Use tools that are the correct size & correct type of tool for the job.
• Keep your cutting tools SHARP.
• Inspect your tools to make sure they are in good condition.
• Use proper lighting so you can see what you are doing.
• Make sure your work area is clutter-free and is level.
• Never leave tools unattended.
• Carry sharp hand tools in a toolbox, not in your pocket.
• DON’T work with OILY or GREASY hands.
• Cleaning: Wipe down tools after each use to remove dust, grease, and debris.
• Sharpening: Regularly sharpen the blades.
• Lubrication: Apply proper lubrication.
• Tightening: Tighten any loose parts.
• Inspection: Check for damage and wear and fix any obvious faults.
• Storage: Store tools vertically, not only for easy access but for safety purposes.
• Replacing: Replace worn-out handles and grips
• Maintenance: Keep up regular maintenance on your hand tools. Improper maintenance can cause hand tools to deteriorate and become unsafe.
Whether you’re planning to replace an installed appliance such as a wall oven, or you're looking to upgrade an entire room, a tape measure is right at the top of the list of tools. Pick up an easy-locking 3/4-inch-wide model to start. Skinnier tape measures may fall out of place, and fatter ones can be overkill. As time goes on, you may want to add a smaller, pocket-sized model to take with you on shopping trips.
Find a hammer that has a comfortable grip. Vibration-dampening coatings on the grip can also come in handy. Since you’ll probably utilize your hammer for the occasional demolition in addition to pounding nails, choose a model with a straight or “rip” claw in lieu of a curved claw. Make sure the head of the hammer is smooth (as opposed to dimpled or checkered) to avoid surface damage and nail slippage.
While a standard hammer or claw hammer is synonymous with a home toolbox, a sledge hammer may not be thought of as essential. However, it is a good tool to keep in your tool shed. Strong enough to break concrete and rocks, sledge hammers can help with any interior or exterior wall projects or blacksmith projects.
One of the best tools to own, a good-quality screwdriver set should include a variety of flat head and Phillips-head sizes, the two basic styles that will be used most often. Magnetic heads come in handy. Still, be sure to have a pouch or zippered bag on hand to keep up with them if your set doesn’t include storage. Some people prefer to use screwdriver bits with their cordless electric drills to make things push-button simple, but it’s important to keep a couple of simple metal screwdrivers in your collection. The most common sizes you will use are 1/8-inch tip flat-head, 3/16-inch tip flat-head 0 Phillips-head and 2 Phillips-head. You may also opt for an electric screwdriver to finish home projects quicker.
At the very least, you’ll need a few adjustable wrenches in different sizes. They can manipulate hex nuts and bolts, which is invaluable when it comes to home repair and assembly. Combination wrenches will cover the gaps they can’t reach. As you grow more comfortable with your wrenches, expand to a ratchet and socket set to make bolt manipulation quicker.
Also worth having on hand is an allen wrench or hex key set. Handheld and ideal for driving screws and bolts with hexagon-shaped sockets, you will often use these to put together furniture and other everyday home decor items.
While smartphone camera flashlights work in a pinch, you need a dedicated LED flashlight on hand that doesn’t depend on whether you remembered to plug in your . If your lights go out unexpectedly, or you need powerful light that helps you probe around when you hear noises in the middle of the night, a trusty LED flashlight cannot be beat.
Most flashlights will run on alkaline or rechargeable batteries. While rechargeable flashlights cost a bit more, their run time and fast charging will pay off in the long run. It's also important to consider having a few different sized flashlights on hand in various rooms, in case of emergencies.
When it comes to power tools, sanders are a key part of many painting projects. Investing in a good handheld sander will help you save time and create smoother surfaces for sealing and painting. While you shouldn't use handheld sanders for larger jobs, like flooring projects, a handheld model will help you smooth fences, furniture and complete smaller household tasks. There are also a variety of power tools accessories for items like sanders, drills and saws that you may consider investing in for future projects.
One of the more common power tools every homeowner should have, the cordless drill will likely be one of the most used tools in your collection. The convenience of wireless electric power makes quick work of lots of small projects. Invest in both a good-quality drill and good-quality drill bit sets.
Your drill can come in handy in a huge range of applications beyond making holes and driving nails, making it one of the best tools to own. Your drill is limited only by the drill bits you have on hand, so it’s essential to invest in a few good sets. You’ll want to make sure you have a good assortment of metal drill bits, wood drill bits and universal drill bits to cover indoor and outdoor projects.
Don't overlook the necessity of having a toolbox to organize your tools. Without this central repository, even the best tools end up scattered inside random drawers, garage shelves, basements or other parts unknown. Start with a relatively modest and inexpensive tool box, then buy larger, sturdier ones as your tool collection grows. You can also use tool bags with lots of pockets and compartments to keep things in order. Consider storing other essentials such as glues, solvents, painter's tape, putty knife and a painter's key in your toolbox.
While the most common use of a plunger is to fix a clogged toilet, they are also essential to have on hand in case of any home flooding, like a basement or bathroom issue. Often an overlooked item when it comes time to stock up on tools, plungers are a must-have for any homeowner.
A convenient and safe way to power electric devices, extension cords are ideal for jobs that require distance. With a plug on one end and a socket on the other end, extension cords are available in a variety of lengths and sizes. Always take care when using extension cords. Be sure to select the right option based on job size, wire gauge and length.
There is a difference between indoor and outdoor extension cords, and one size does not fit all.
Indoor cords are typically used for computer equipment, lamps and more, and they don't require extra insulation.
Tip: Never combine a three-prong cord with a two-prong cord, as it can be dangerous.
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