Hand Tools, Power Tools and Workshop Equipment
Tool families
Hand tools include the body hammer, dolly, spoon, pick, body file, hand files, snips, chisel, hacksaw, trim tools and torque wrench. Power tools include the angle grinder, DA sander, die grinder, reciprocating saw, MIG welder, spot welder, plasma cutter, hydraulic ram and spray gun. Equipment includes the compressor, booth, frame machine, measuring system and lifts.
Selection rules
Match the tool to the task and material. A nylon or rubber hammer moves metal without stretching it; a steel body hammer with a matching dolly planishes; a body file reveals high and low spots; a DA sander with the right grit flattens without gouging. Never use a tool beyond its rating.
Safety rules
- Guards stay on grinders, and the disc speed rating must equal or exceed the tool free speed.
- Check leads, hoses and couplings; a whipping air hose causes eye injuries.
- Bench grinders need the tool rest close to the wheel and a tongue guard.
- Impact sockets only on impact wrenches; chrome sockets crack.
- Compressors need a receiver, safety valve, drain and regulator; air is not for cleaning skin.
Worked example
An 180 mm cutting disc marked 8500 rpm is offered for a grinder running 11 000 rpm. Refuse it. At overspeed the disc can burst, and the guard cannot contain fragments at that energy. Fit a disc rated at or above the grinder speed and check it for cracks first.
Traps
- Using a cutting disc for grinding, which side-loads and destroys it.
- Using a screwdriver as a chisel or pry bar.
- Removing the guard 'just for one cut'.
- Running a DA without extraction or eye protection.