Information Sheet 1.1.
“Hands tool and Their Uses”
Learning Objectives
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to: 1. Prepare Hand Tools;
Proper tool selection
A tool is a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task. Tools range from a traditional metal cutting
part of a machine to an element of a computer program that activates and control a particular function.
Preparing for the task to be undertaken includes proper tool selection.
1. How do you select the best tool for the job? First, know and understand in detail the scope of work to
be accomplished, second, plan for the scope taking into account the sequence of tasks.
2. Selecting the best tool for each task requires training in the proper use of the tools, field experience in
their safe use, and following the manufacturer’s guidance and instructions for that specific tool.
3. When obtaining the tool all the associated tooling and consumable parts, as recommended by the
manufacturer, must be included. In addition, related consumable parts must also be selected and used
according to their manufacturer’s instructions.
Safe Use of tools
Once selected, use the tool for the purpose for which it was designed. Not all tools come with detailed
instructions, but there are those that do spell out the safety ―Do’s and Don’ts‖ for your safety. If there
are set-up/use options, operator judgment must always be based on what is the safest way to use the
tool.
Environmental Safety and Health Program requires the following:
• All tools be kept in good condition with regular maintenance • The right tool be used for the job
• Each tool be examined before use AND damaged or defective tools NOT to be used
• Tools be operated according to manufacturer’s instructions
• The right protective equipment for the tool and activity be used HARDWARE TOOLS
To complete hardware repairs, it is important to have a toolkit that should contain all of the necessary
tools. As you gain experience, you will learn which tools to have available for different types of jobs.
Hardware tools are grouped into these four categories:
● Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tools
● Hand tools
● Cleaning tools
● Diagnostic tools
Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Tools
Static electricity is easily generated by friction on carpets, tile flooring, clothing, hair, fabric, and etc. The
friction of moving air alone will charge suspended particles and cause the build-up of static electrical
charges on people and objects in the environment. Grounded antistatic work mats used with antistatic
wrist straps provide the most basic means for the controlled discharge of electrostatic electricity.
Examples of ESD Tools:
1. Anti-static wrist strap – used to prevent ESD damage to computer
equipment.
2.
Anti-static mat – used to stand on or
place hardware on to prevent
static electricity from building up.
Hand Tools
A hand tool is a device for performing work on a material or a physical system using only hands. The
hand tools can be manually used employing force, or electrically powered, using electrical current.
Examples of Hand Tools:
Flat head screwdriver – used to loosen or tighten slotted
screws.
Philips head screwdriver – used to loosen or tighten
crosshead screws.
Torx screwdriver - used to loosen or tighten screws that have
a star-like depression on the top, a feature that is mainly
found on laptop.
Hex driver – sometimes called a nut driver, is used to tighten
nuts in the same way that a screwdriver tightens screws.
Needle-nose plier – used to hold small parts.
Wire cutter – used to strip and cut wires.
Tweezers – used to manipulate small parts.
Part retriever – used to retrieve parts from location that are
too small for your hand to fit.
Flashlight – used to light up areas that you cannot see well.
Cleaning Tools
Having the appropriate cleaning tools is essential when maintaining or repairing computers. Using these
tools ensures that computer components are not damaged during cleaning.
Examples:
Lint-free cloth – used to clean different computer components
without scratching or leaving debris.
Compressed air – used to blow away dust and debris from
different computer parts without touching the components.
Cable ties – used to bundle cables neatly inside and outside of
a computer.
Parts organizer – used to hold screw, jumpers, fasteners and
other small parts and prevents them from getting mixed
together.
Diagnostic Tools
Computers are easier to use and more dependable with each new generation of hardware and operating
system update, but that doesn't mean they're problem-free. Here's the most popular tools for
diagnosing your computer problems:
Multimeter – used to test the integrity of circuits and the quality of electricity in computer
components.
Loopback Adapter – used to test the functionality of computer ports.