Basic Hand Tools: Chapter 3

Basic Hand Tools

• Chapter 3 focuses on basic hand tools and their proper use.
• Quality tools are lighter, stronger, easier to use, and may come with a warranty.
• Purchasing quality tools is key.
• Tools should be neatly arranged for quick access.
• There should be a specific place for each tool, and tools should be returned to these places after each use.
• Wipe tools clean and dry after each use to prevent corrosion, and remove dangerous grease and oil.
• Using the right tool for the job helps ensure efficiency and prevents damage.

Tool Storage

• Toolboxes store and protect tools when not in use.
• Never open more than two drawers at a time
• A toolbox may have a lower roll-around cabinet for bulky, heavy tools.
• An upper tool chest can hold commonly used tools for easy access.
• A small carrying tray may be placed in the upper chest, which allows tools to be easily transported to a the repair vehicle.
• Related tools are usually kept in the same drawer of the toolbox.
• Various hammers might be stored in one drawer, and all screwdrivers in another.
• Small delicate tools should be separated from large, heavy tools to prevent damage.
• Tool holders can help organize small tools within the toolbox.

Wrenches

• Wrenches install and remove nuts and bolts.
• Wrenches are available in conventional (inch) and metric (millimeter) sizes.
• The wrench size is stamped on the side.
• Wrench size is determined by measuring across the jaws.
• Always select the correct size.
• The wrench must fit the bolt head snugly.
• Never hammer on a standard wrench.
• Use a longer wrench for more leverage, or use a special slug wrench designed for hammering.
• When possible, pull on the wrench to avoid hand injury if it slips.
• Never use a steel bar or pipe to increase the length of a wrench, as excess force can damage the tool.

Types of Wrenches

• Open-End Wrenches
• Features an open jaw on both ends.
• Each end is typically a different size and set at an angle.
• The angle allows turning bolts/nuts with little swing space; can be flipped for a new "bite."
• Box-End Wrenches
• Completely closed on both ends, so they do not round off bolt heads as easily.
• Available with either 6- or 12-point openings
• Combination Wrenches
• Incorporate a box-end on one end and an open end on the other.
• Both ends are usually the same size.
• They provide the advantage of two wrench types in one.
• Line Wrenches
• Tubing or flare nut wrenches are box-end wrenches with a small opening or split to allow the tool to be slipped over fuel, brake, or power steering lines.
• They prevent damage to soft fittings.
• Socket Wrenches
• Cylinder-shaped, box-end type tools.
• One end fits over the fastener; the other has a square hole for a turning handle.
• Adjustable (Crescent) Wrenches
• Jaws can be adjusted to fit different size bolt and nut heads.
• Primarily for use only when other wrenches will not fit
• Pipe Wrenches
• These adjustable wrenches are designed to grasp cylindrical objects.
• Toothed Jaws dig into the object
• Allen Wrenches
• Hexagonal shaft-type wrenches.
• Used to turn set screws on pulleys, gears, and knobs.
• Specialty Wrenches - Ratchet, Flex-Combination and Half-moon wrenches

Socket Wrench Terms

• Drive size refers to the size of the square opening for the handle.
• Common drive sizes include 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4".
• Points refer to the configuration of the box for the bolt head.
• Sockets available with 4-point, 6-point, 8-point, or 12-point configurations.

Socket Handles and Accessories

• Ratchet handles turn sockets.
• Breaker bars or flex handles are used for extra torque.
• Speed handles allow for quick turning.
• T-handles provide a good grip and leverage.
• Torque wrenches measure and apply specific torque.
• Flexible drivers are available.
• Extensions used between a socket and the handle to extend reach.
• Universal joints (swivels) lets the socket wrench reach around obstructions.

Screwdrivers

• Used to remove or install screws.
• Available in many shapes and sizes.
• Types include Standard, Phillips, Reed and Prince, Torx, Clutch, Offset, Stubby and Starting screwdrivers.
• An impact driver loosen stubborn fasteners by exerting powerful turning and downward forces when struck with a hammer.
• Select a screwdriver with a tip that perfectly fits the screw slot to avoid damage.

Pliers

• Pliers grip, cut, crimp, hold, and bend various parts.
• Pliers can nick and scar parts; avoid using when another tool will work.
• Combination (Slip Joint) Pliers
• Has a slip joint that that allows adjustability to grasp different size parts.
• Rib Joint Pliers
• Also called channel lock or water pump pliers.
• Features an extra wide opening for holding very large objects
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Excellent for handling extremely small parts or reaching into highly restricted areas
• Diagonal Cutting Pliers
• Jaw shape allows cutting flush with a surface.
• Locking Pliers (Vise Grips)
• Clamp onto and hold a part.
• Sometimes used to unscrew fasteners with stripped or rounded heads
• Snap Ring Pliers
• Sharp, pointed tips are useful for installing and removing special clips called snap rings

Hammers

• Hammers are used for operations that involve striking a tool or part.
• Select the right size hammer for the job.
• Always check that the hammer head is tight on the handle.
• Never hit a hardened part with a steel hammer, as metal chips may fly-off..
• Grasp the hammer near the end of the handle and strike the part or tool squarely.
• Ball Peen Hammers used for general striking; round end is for shaping metal parts like sheet metal or rivet heads.
• Sledge Hammers are heavy and produces powerful blows.
• Brass (Lead) Hammers have soft, heavy heads that deform to protect the part surface from damage.
• Plastic (Rawhide) Hammers are light with a soft head; used when light blows are needed to prevent part breakage or damage.
• Rubber Mallets are recommended on sheet metal or plastic parts, such as moldings and wheel covers.
• Dead Blow Hammers
• Features a plastic-coated, metal face and is filled with small metal balls (lead shot).
• Extra weight prevents rebound, plastic coating avoids damage.

Chisels and Punches

• Chisels are used for cutting off damaged or badly rusted nuts, bolts, and rivet heads.
• Punches are used to mark or make an indentation in metal, as well as drive-out parts like pins or bolts.
• Types include Flat, Cape, Round-nose, Diamond-point chisels, Holder, Center, Pin, Long tapered, and Starting punches.
• Center Punches mark parts for reassembly and/or to start a hole before drilling.

Starting and Aligning Punches

• Starting punches are used to drive pins, shafts, and metal rods part of the way out of a hole; it has a strong, tapered shank that can withstand moderate blows
• Pin punches are generally used after a starting to straighten the shank can fit into a bore as the part is driven fully out.
• Aligning Punches - has long, tapered shape & handy for lining up parts during assembly.
• Insert punch into holes in mating parts, and then wiggle to match up the holes

Chisel and Punch Rules

• Use the largest punch or chisel possible for the job.
• Keep both ends of a chisel or punch properly ground and shaped.
• Prolonged hammering can deform top of a chisel/punch; mushrooming can occur.
• Grind off the mushroom and form a chamfer.
• When grinding, work slowly to avoid tool overheating that can cause the tool to become soft.
• Wear eye protection when using or grinding a chisel or punch.

Files

• Remove burrs, nicks, and sharp edges, and perform other smoothing operations.
• Useful when only a small amount of material must be removed
• Coarse files provides large cutting edges and used on soft materials, such as plastic, brass, and aluminum
• Fine files provides small cutting edges & a smoother surface & are used on harder materials, like cast iron or steel
• Never use a file without a handle securely attached.
• Apply pressure only on the forward stroke to prevent wear.
• When filing, place one hand on the handle and the other on the file tip.
• Do not file too rapidly; one file stroke every second is fast enough.
• If a file becomes clogged, clean it with a file card.
• Never hammer or pry with a file.

Saws

• Hacksaws the most frequently used by technicians.
• Various blade lengths can be mounted in a adjustable frame.
• Blade teeth should point away from the handle.
• Select the appropriate blade for the job.
• At least two saw teeth should contact the material being cut.
• Press down lightly on the forward stroke, using 50-60 strokes per minute when cutting with a hacksaw.

Holding Tools

• Several types of tools used for holding objects in the automotive shop include: vise, C-clamp, stand and a holding fixture
• Vises are mounted on a workbench
• Vises holds parts during cutting, drilling, hammering, and pressing operations
• Vise caps or wood blocks should be used when mounting precision parts in a vise vise caps are soft metal jaw covers
• Never hammer on a vise handle to tighten or loosen the vise.
• Keep moving parts clean and oiled to maintain smooth, easy movement and function.
• Always wear safety glasses/goggles and gloves when using the vise
• Be careful not to damage parts in the jaws- use jaw covers to protect metal.
• C-Clamps holds parts on a work surface for welding, drilling, filing and cutting
• Stands and Holding Fixtures help secure heavy or clumsy parts for engine work.
• Cylinder Head Stands position a head for valve and seat work

Cleaning, Probe and Pickup Tools

• Dirt is a major enemy of a motor vehicle
• One grain of sand can cause a major breakdown by clogging a passage or scarring a part.
• Scrapers removes grease, gaskets, sludge, dried oil, and carbon on parts; typically used on flat surfaces.
• When using a scraper, never scrape towards your body, and keep your other hand out of the way.
• Brushes are used to remove light rust and dirt on parts
• Pickup tools are needed for dropped bolts, nuts, or other small parts that cannot otherwise be reached.
• Magnetic pickup tools have a magnet hinged to the end of a rod.
• Finger pickup tool grasps nonmagnetic parts.
• Mirror Probe lets you look around corners or behind parts.

Pry Bars

• Consist of strong steel bars that are helpful during assembly, disassembly, and adjustment operations.
• Commonly used when adjusting the tension of engine belts.
• When prying, always be careful to not damage any part of the vehicle.