Hand Tools, Measuring and Marking Out: notes

Measuring

• Steel rule: measures to 1 mm for general work.
• Vernier caliper: measures to 0.02 mm and can read outside, inside and depth.
• Micrometer: measures to 0.01 mm, used for fine work such as shaft diameters.
• Try square: checks that two faces are at 90 degrees.

Marking out

• Scriber: a hardened steel point that scratches a fine line on metal.
• Centre punch: makes a dimple at a hole centre so the drill does not wander. Its point is 90 degrees.
• Surface plate and surface gauge: give a flat reference surface for marking lines at a set height.
• Marking blue: a dye painted on metal so scribed lines show clearly.

Cutting and shaping

• Hacksaw: cuts on the forward stroke. Fit the blade with the teeth pointing away from the handle.
• Files: flat, half round, round and square. A smooth file gives a fine finish; a bastard file removes metal quickly. Draw filing gives a smooth surface.
• Cold chisel: cuts metal, struck with a ball peen hammer.
• Vice: holds work firmly. Use soft jaws to protect finished surfaces.

Threads

• Tap: cuts an internal thread in a drilled hole.
• Die: cuts an external thread on a rod.