Basic Drawing Instruments
1. T-Square – Used for drawing horizontal lines and guiding set squares (triangles) to
draw vertical and inclined lines.
2. Compass – Used for drawing circles, arcs, and transferring distances.
3. Protractor – Used for measuring and constructing angles (usually 0°–180° or 0°–
360°).
4. Ruler (Straightedge/Scale) – Used for drawing straight lines and measuring
distances.
5. Triangles (Set Squares) – Usually 45° and 30°–60° triangles; used with T-square for
vertical and inclined lines.
6. Scale (Engineer’s or Architect’s Scale) – Used for reducing or enlarging drawings
to a required proportion.
Supporting/Additional Instruments
7. Divider – For transferring measurements from one part of a drawing to another.
8. French Curve – For drawing irregular or curved lines.
9. Eraser Shield – Used to erase specific portions of lines without affecting the rest of
the drawing.
10. Drafting Machine – A modern tool combining the functions of T-square, triangles,
and protractor.
Care and Maintenance of Drawing Tool
Do not use compass or divider as pick.
Never use the edge of straight ledge in cutting with knife or cutter.
Use clean dump cloth in cleaning the T – Square & Triangle.
Never use the triangular scale in drawing lines.
Always use a sharp pencil.
Care and Maintenance of Drawing Tools
1. T-Square and Triangles
o Keep edges clean and free from nicks.
o Do not use them for cutting to avoid damage.
o Store them flat or hang properly after use.
2. Ruler and Scale
o Avoid dropping or bending to prevent inaccurate measurements.
o Wipe after use to keep markings visible.
3. Compass and Divider
o Keep needle points sharp but covered when not in use.
o Oil the joints lightly for smooth movement.
o Do not press too hard to avoid breaking the lead.
4. Protractor
o Handle carefully to prevent scratches on the surface.
o Store in a case or flat folder to avoid bending.
5. French Curve and Eraser Shield
o Clean regularly with a soft cloth.
o Do not use as a cutting guide.
o Keep in a pouch to avoid cracks or warping.
6. Drafting Machine
o Lubricate moving parts regularly.
o Keep free from dust and dirt.
o Ensure screws and knobs are tight and secure.
7. General Tips
o Always return tools to their proper storage after use.
o Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
o Use only for their intended purpose.
Proper Posture in Technical Drawing
1. Sit Comfortably – Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
2. Table Height – Work at a table that is slightly below elbow level for easy movement.
3. Feet Placement – Keep both feet flat on the floor, not dangling or crossed.
4. Paper Position – Place the drawing paper at the center of the board, slightly tilted if
needed.
5. Eye Level – Keep your eyes directly above the work to avoid distorted lines.
6. Lighting – Ensure good lighting, preferably from the left side (for right-handed
students) or right side (for left-handed).
Proper Handling of Drafting Tools & Equipment
Use T-Square in drawing horizontal lines.
Use triangles in drawing vertical & inclined lines.
Hold the compass by the handle while making circular features.
Hold the pencil 60º angle while drawing.
Proper Handling of Instruments
1. T-Square – Hold firmly with the head against the edge of the board; slide smoothly
without tilting.
2. Triangles (Set Squares) – Use with the T-square; hold lightly to avoid smudges.
3. Compass – Hold at the top, rotate smoothly without lifting the needle point.
4. Protractor – Align the baseline carefully; avoid sliding too much to prevent
scratches.
5. Ruler/Scale – Press gently when measuring; avoid using as a cutting tool.
6. Pencils – Hold at a slight angle; keep tips sharp for accuracy.
7. Eraser – Use gently to avoid tearing or wrinkling paper.
Safety Reminders to Remember while Drawing
Be sure to keep your hands and instruments clean.
Never sharpen pencil over your board while working.
Avoid eating sticky and wet food while drawing.
Always listen to the instruction of the teacher on how a drawing will be
done.
Concentrate. A person who concentrates well in his work will be able to do work
accurately, neatly and will be able to finish at the given time frame
1. Constructing Perpendicular Lines
Using T-Square and Triangle
1. Draw a horizontal line with the T-square.
2. Place the triangle on the T-square.
3. Slide the triangle to the desired point.
4. Draw a vertical line through the point – this is perpendicular.
Using Compass
1. Draw a line and mark a point on it.
2. Place compass at the point, mark equal arcs above and below the line.
3. Connect these arcs to the point – the line is perpendicular.
2. Constructing Parallel Lines
Using T-Square and Triangle
1. Draw the first line with the T-square.
2. Place the triangle against the T-square and draw a second line.
3. Slide the triangle up or down along the T-square edge to draw more parallel
lines.
Using Compass
1. Draw a line.
2. Place compass on one point of the line and set the desired distance.
3. Mark equal arcs above (or below) at different points.
4. Connect the arcs to form a parallel line.
Bisecting Lines and Angles
1. Bisecting a Line (Perpendicular Bisector)
A perpendicular bisector divides a line segment into two equal parts at a 90°
angle.
Steps using a Compass and Ruler:
1. Draw a line segment AB.
2. Place the compass on point A and draw arcs above and below the line (radius must be
more than half the length of AB).
3. Without changing the radius, repeat the same steps from point B.
4. Connect the points where arcs intersect – this line is the perpendicular bisector of
AB.
2. Bisecting an Angle
To bisect an angle means to divide it into two equal smaller angles.
Steps using a Compass:
1. Draw angle ∠XYZ.
2. Place compass on vertex Y and draw an arc cutting both rays (sides of the angle).
3. From each intersection point on the rays, draw arcs that cross each other inside the
angle.
4. Connect vertex Y to the intersection of arcs – this line divides the angle into two equal
parts.
Applications in Real Life
Bisecting lines is used in making accurate perpendiculars for construction and design.
Bisecting angles is important in creating equal divisions in carpentry, architecture,
and technical drawing.