B-1 Use Hand Tools and Measuring Tools Introduction
Hand tools are used in almost every trade, though many are designed for specific tasks within particular industries and trades. You may have already used some of these tools at work, at school, or at home. However, this may be your first opportunity to examine their design, function, and applications in greater detail. Understanding how tools are designed and why they are used in certain ways will help you work more safely, efficiently, and confidently in your trade.
Learning Objectives
After completing this section, you should be able to:
- Recognize and identify common hand tools and their proper uses.
- Describe the care and maintenance of common hand tools.
You will be required to reference publications and videos available online at WorkSafeBC. Supplementary videos by Camosun College: Trades Access Common Core Line C: Tools and Equipment Videos – BCcampus by Camosun College.
Terminology
The following terms may be used throughout this section. Note that some glossary terms may be in italics throughout the section content but are not included in this list. A complete list of terms for Section B-1 can be found in the Glossary.
- bevel: A slanted or angled edge cut into a material, often used to prepare surfaces for cutting, joining, or welding. (Section B-1.1)
- burr: A rough edge or small metal fragment left on a material after cutting, drilling, or machining. (Section B-1.1)
- chalk-line bob: The weighted end of a chalk line tool that helps keep the string tight and straight. It allows workers to snap a straight chalk line on a surface for marking and layout. (Section B-1.1)
- chamfer: A beveled edge that removes the sharp corner of a material, usually to make assembly easier or safer. (Section B-1.1)
- combination square: A measuring tool used to check right angles (90°) and measure distances. It has a ruler and an adjustable head. (Section B-1.1)
- crimping: A method of joining pipe or tubing by squeezing a metal ring or fitting tightly around it with a special tool. (Section B-1.1)
- deburring: The process of removing burrs or rough edges from metal, plastic, or other materials after cutting or drilling. (Section B-1.1)
- flaring: The process of spreading the end of a pipe or tube outward so it can connect securely to a fitting. (Section B-1.1)
- kerf: The width of material removed by a cutting tool such as a saw blade. (Section B-1.1)
- National Pipe Thread: A standard type of pipe thread used in North America. The threads are slightly tapered so they seal tightly when pipes are screwed together. (Section B-1.1)
- PEX: Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) is a type of flexible plastic pipe used for plumbing and heating systems. (Section B-1.1)
- pitch (thread pitch): The distance between corresponding points on adjacent threads, often measured as threads per inch (imperial) or millimeters (metric). (Section B-1.1)
- plumb bob: A pointed weight attached to a string that is used to find a perfectly vertical (plumb) line. When the weight hangs freely, the string shows a straight up-and-down direction. (Section B-1.1)
- reamer: A precision tool used to enlarge, smooth, or finish an existing hole or pipe end to an accurate diameter. (Section B-1.1)
- spiralling (pipe cutting): A cutting problem that occurs when a pipe cutter does not stay in a straight line around the pipe. Instead of following the same groove, the cutter wheel gradually moves along the pipe in a spiral pattern, resulting in an uneven or angled cut that is not square to the pipe; sometimes referred to as a barber’s pole. (Section B-1.1)
- spirit level: A tool used to check if something is level or plumb. It has a small bubble inside a liquid-filled tube. (Section B-1.1)
- square cut: A cut made at a 90-degree angle to the length of a pipe or material. (Section B-1.1)
- swaging: A process used to change the shape or size of a pipe or tube end, usually to make it fit inside another pipe. (Section B-1.1)
- tang (file tang): The narrow-pointed section at the end of a file that fits into the handle. (Section B-1.1)
- tangent chart: A printed chart on some pipe layout tools that helps workers find angles and measurements when laying out cuts or fittings on pipe. It uses tangent values to calculate distances needed for accurate pipe layouts. (Section B-1.1)
- tapered thread: A thread that gradually decreases in diameter along its length to create a tighter seal as it is tightened. (Section B-1.1)
- tempered steel: Steel that has been heat-treated to increase hardness and durability. (Section B-1.1)
- thread: A spiral ridge formed on a bolt, screw, or pipe used for fastening or sealing. (Section B-1.1)
- torque: A twisting force applied to a fastener or tool. (Section B-1.1)
- tubing: Thin-walled pipe used to transport fluids or gases. (Section B-1.1)
- vise: A mechanical tool used to securely hold a workpiece during cutting, drilling, or assembly operations. (Section B-1.1)
