Marking tools
Classification of workshop tools
A tool is a device that can be used to produce an item or accomplish a task, but that is not consumed in
the process. It can be considered as extension of the human hand thus increasing speed, power, and
accuracy and on the other hands equipment includes any machine powered by electricity.
Hand tools
Hand tools are tools manipulated by hands without using electrical energy such as: puller, hacksaw,
pull-push rule, pliers, hammer, and others.
Machine/Power tools
Machine/Power tools are tools manipulated by our hands and with the use of electrical energy such as:
electric drill, grinding wheels, vacuum cleaner and others.
Pneumatic tools
Pneumatic tools are tools or instruments activated by air pressure. Pneumatic tools are designed around
three basic devices: the air cylinder, the vane motor, and the sprayer.
Hand tools
They include screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrenches and pullers.
1. Screwdrivers are used to drive, or turn screws. The common type has a single
flat blade for driving screws with slotted heads. The other type has the cross slotted
head.
1. Hammers are mostly used tools in the shop. They should be gripped at the end of the handle.
2. Pliers are specified types of adjustable wrenches. The two legs move on a pivot so that
items of various sizes can be gripped.
3. Wrenches are used to turn screws, nuts and bolts with hexagonal heads. ―Hexagonalǁ
means six-sided. A variety of wrenches are used in the shop.
4. Pullers are used to remove gears and hubs from shafts, bushings from blind holes, and
cylinders’ liners from the engine blocks.
Machine/Power Tools
Electric drill has an electric motor that drives a chuck. The chuck has jaws that can be opened and then
closed to grip a drill kit.
Air chisel uses reciprocating motion to drive a cutting hammering tool. An air hammer drives a chisel
to cut off a nut that has frozen to a stud. It can be used with a variety of tools-cutters and punches to
do many jobs.
Air drill is lighter than a comparable electric drill. Repeatedly stalling or overloading does not
damage or overheat the air drill.
Air racket uses the sockets and attachments from a standard socket set.
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5. Pneumatic floor jack uses compressed air to flow into the jack cylinder and causes the
ram to extend and raise the vehicle.
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Marking tools
a) Marking out Tools are used to mark the given measurement on the surface of
the work piece. a) Scriber
b) Dot punch
c) Center punch
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g) Steel rule
h) Scribing block
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i) V-blocks
Cutting tools
● Files
● Hacksaw
● Chisel
● Scraper
a) File
b) Hacksaw
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Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Figure 14: Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Diagonal cutting pliers, sometimes called side snips or dikes, are used to cut wires. They are specially
designed with a cutting edge that goes down to the tip of the jaws, allowing you to get into tight areas to
trim wires. Some types can also have a built-in voltage detector to sense live wires. You can also find
combination tools that include wire-stripping slots built into the handles.
Drawing Wire/ Tape
Figure 15: Drawing Wire/ Tape
A Drawing Wire/ Tape is used to pull stranded or solid wire conductors through metal or PVC conduit.
Cable lube is available to assist you in pulling the wires through the conduit. A fish tape can also be
helpful when you are pulling cables through wall cavities.
This is a tool used when making wiring improvements, such as adding or extending circuits.
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Voltmeter or Multimeter
Figure 16: Voltmeter or Multimeter
A voltmeter is used to read voltage levels and verify that circuits are “live” or off. Unlike a circuit tester,
this tool gives you reading on how much voltage is being carried. More sophisticated forms of the tool are
known as multimeters, and they can not only read voltage levels but also amperage, resistance, and DC
voltage and amperage. They do, however, require practice to learn how to use them properly.
Wire Crimpers
Figure 17:Wire Crimpers
Wire crimpers are used to crimp lugs or connection terminals onto wires. This tool is not often used for
routine circuit repairs, but it has many uses when working with appliances or electronics. Many types
can also be used to strip wire insulation.
Screw Drivers
A screwdriver comes in various sizes and with several tip shapes. Screwdrivers used by electricians
should have insulated handles. Using a screwdriver for a particular job, the width of the screwdriver tip
should match the width of the screw slot.
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Figure 18: Screw drivers
Drilling Equipment
Drilling equipment is needed to make holes in building structure passages of conduits and wires.
Figure 19: Driller
Sawing and Cutting
Tools Saws commonly used by electricians include the crosscut, keyhole, and hacksaw.
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Figure 20: Hack saw
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Soldering Equipment
In doing electric wiring splices and taps (connections made to wire) should be soldered, unless you use
solderless connectors. Typical equipments available for soldering are shown below.
Figure 21: Soldering equipment
Hammers
Hammers are used with chisels and for nailing and fitting. Below are examples of carpenter’s claw
hammer, lineman’s hammer, and machinist’s ball-peen hammer
Figure 22: Hammers
Measuring Tools
To measure wire length and other items, the electrician finds considerable use for measuring tools such as
the extension or zigzag rule, push-pull rule and a steel tape as shown below.
Figure 23: Folding rule
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Tape measure
Figure 24:Tape measure
A standard is used for all kinds of field measurements, such as setting heights for switches and outlets,
centering lighting fixture boxes, and marking surfaces for cutouts.
Spirit level
A small level, such as a torpedo level, fits easily in a tool pouch and is used to make sure your work is
level and plumb. A great installation starts with level boxes and straight switch and outlet covers.
A torpedo level should be part of every homeowner's standard toolkit; it will have plenty of uses beyond
electrical work.
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Figure 25:Tape measure
Flashlight
Electrical repair and improvement work involves a lot of dark places, from attics and basements, to wall
and ceiling cavities, to the insides of electrical boxes. A tactical flashlight is needed as much for safety as
it is for convenience. A couple of hand flashlights and a headlamp are good additions to an electrician's
toolbox.
Figure 26: Utility Knife
Utility Knife
A utility knife, or box cutter, is handy for cutting sheathing from non-metallic (Romex) cable, to cut off
electrical tape, and to open cardboard boxes.
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Figure 27: Utility Knife
Voltage Testers
A voltage tester, as the name suggests, is used for testing the presence of voltage in a circuit. A voltage
tester has a neon bulb with two wires attached to its bottom. This is used to test the flow of current in a
wire. A good voltage tester is rated for up to 500 V. in the old days, Phase Tester also were used for this
purpose.
Wire Strippers
Figure 29: Wire Strippers
Another essential electrical specialty tool for homeowners is a good pair of wire strippers. Wire strippers
are used to cut and strip insulation from electrical wires. A wire stripper tool has a row of
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gauged holes for stripping wires of different sizes, and it usually includes cutting jaws for trimming
the wire ends.
Along with a voltage tester, this is perhaps the most important specialty electrical tool you can own. It
makes sense to invest in a good set of wire strippers, as it will serve many functions.
Other tools and equipment include:
● Bending machine
● Stock and die
Figure 30: Some special tools required by an electrician engaged in industrial installations
Maintenance of electrical tools and equipment
To ensure that your electric tools work when you need them, you must take proper care of them. A good
routine of maintenance for your tools is one thing that you can do to make sure that the tool you need is
working when you need it.
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5. Use double-insulated tools: Portable electrical tools are classified by the number of
insulation barriers between the electrical conductors in the tool and the worker.
6. Storing Your Tools: Keep your electric tools stored in their original cases and
containers. This will keep them free of dust and dirt while they are not being used.
Maintenance of power equipment
● Keep Power tools Clean.
● Dust and grime can bring your power tools to a grinding halt if left unchecked over time.
● Store Power tools correctly.
● Inspect for Wear or Damage.
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● Lubricate Moving Parts.
● Keep Batteries in Shape.
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Lubricate moving parts
Keep moving parts lubricated for premium performance. Not only does it
keep the mechanics of a tool running smoothly, it also decreases the chance
of rust developing. While common machine oil is a good choice, consult
your owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends or requires a
specific type of oil.
Keep batteries in shape
Cordless, battery-powered tools are convenient and portable and have
become very popular for contractors and homeowners alike. To keep them
running efficiently and effectively, it is essential for their batteries to be
maintained.
Batteries remain working at peak level by fully charging and then fully
discharging their power once every couple of weeks. Don’t let batteries sit
unused for extended periods of time. Try to use batteries once every two
weeks.
Care for batteries by cleaning contacts with cotton swabs and alcohol. Store
batteries you won’t be using for a while in a dry, clean place away from
excessive heat.
[Link] Learning activities
Learning Activity 1
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