Hand tools are an important part of a home renovators forte. Without the proper tools, the task of repairing or building home projects are tedious and difficult. Despite the new technology of tools, the basic hand tools have remained unchanged over many decades. Shopping for tools can be a frustrating experience for the beginner and the novice.
Since the market is saturated with name brand tools, it is often difficult to make choices among the many. Although it is a great idea to invest in a set of new tools from the outset, it is also an expensive treat for the beginner. However, one school of thought is to shop for bargains at flea markets, garage sales, moving sales ... and closing out sales. Often there are many vendors and homeowners who are eager to sell hand tools at discount prices.
The care and use of hand tools is very essential to a home renovator's well being and safety:
Use the right tools for the right job.
Keep handsaws, chisels, drill bits, and planes in good working order.
Apply dabs of thin oil to metal surfaces of hand tools to prevent rust.
Do not use defective tools.
Avoid dropping tools on the floor.
Do not use power tools in the rain.
Adopt good house keeping habits.
Store tools in tool boxes, wall cabinets or on wall mount peg boards.
The basic hand tools are divided into many categories:
Measuring Tools: tape measure, 50 foot tape...
Layout Tools: framing square, combination square, bevel...
Cutting Tools: hand saw, chisel, axe...
Smoothing Tools: smooth plane, block plane...
Boring Tools: auger bit, drill bit...
Assembly Tools: hammer, screwdriver...
Leveling Tools: spirit level, builders' level...
Holding Tools: clamp, vice...
Sharpening Tools: whet stone, file...
Wrecking Tools: wrecking bar...
Power Tools: jig saw, power saw...
Helpful Hints:
Use a combination square's bubble level to adjust and mark plumb cuts on the rafter tails before trimming them for fascia board installation.
Use a spirit level to mark plumb lines, horizontal level lines and straight edge applications.
Use a spirit level to start wall board applications.
Use a spirit level to establish a line of sight.
Use a hacksaw blade to cut hard to reach nails.
Use a wire cutter or vice grips to remove deep embedded nails in lumber.
Use a plumb bob to establish points of true plumb and a chalk line to snap lines between the points.
Use a chalk line to establish straight lines and guidelines where necessary.
Use a string line and spacer blocks to straighten long walls or objects of such.
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