1. Sharpen the claws

The back of your hammer will eventually need restoring as well. You can smooth the inside edges and the ends of the hammer with a flat metal file. You can also deepen the V shape of the hammer by using a triangular file. Grass Shears

2. Restore your hammer's face

Over time, hammers become gouged and nicked by repeat use. This will happen even with high quality hammers. You can repair your hammers face by smoothing it with a file. When filing down the face, make sure to leave the outer edges beveled. This will prevent hammer marks from forming on your work. Hedge Shears

3. How to clean the face of your hammer

When using nails that are cement coated you might begin to notice that you are bending the nails. This is caused when cement sticks on the face of your hammer. You can clean the face of your hammer by rubbing it with steel wool or sandpaper. Lopping Shears

4. Create a hammer holder

To create a convenient way to carry your hammer, drill two holes into a one and a half inch PVC coupling and thread a string through the holes. Slide the coupling up the handle of the hammer and you can now carry the hammer with the string.

Joseph has been writing articles for nearly a year. Come visit his latest website, which helps people find the best fish smoker. Round Mouth Shovel

5. How to restore hammer handles

In order to repair a loose hammer handle, you can place it into a cup of linseed oil and let it soak for about an hour. This will create a snug fit by making the wood fibers swell. If you have a cracked or broke handle, you will need to have it replaced. Do this by first shaping the new handle to fit. After fitting the handle, coat it with epoxy and insert it into the head of the hammer. Set the hammer aside and let the epoxy cure for a day or so.

1. Sharpen the claws

The back of your hammer will eventually need restoring as well. You can smooth the inside edges and the ends of the hammer with a flat metal file. You can also deepen the V shape of the hammer by using a triangular file. Grass Shears

2. Restore your hammer's face

Over time, hammers become gouged and nicked by repeat use. This will happen even with high quality hammers. You can repair your hammers face by smoothing it with a file. When filing down the face, make sure to leave the outer edges beveled. This will prevent hammer marks from forming on your work. Hedge Shears

3. How to clean the face of your hammer

When using nails that are cement coated you might begin to notice that you are bending the nails. This is caused when cement sticks on the face of your hammer. You can clean the face of your hammer by rubbing it with steel wool or sandpaper. Lopping Shears

4. Create a hammer holder

To create a convenient way to carry your hammer, drill two holes into a one and a half inch PVC coupling and thread a string through the holes. Slide the coupling up the handle of the hammer and you can now carry the hammer with the string.

Joseph has been writing articles for nearly a year. Come visit his latest website, which helps people find the best fish smoker. Round Mouth Shovel

5. How to restore hammer handles

In order to repair a loose hammer handle, you can place it into a cup of linseed oil and let it soak for about an hour. This will create a snug fit by making the wood fibers swell. If you have a cracked or broke handle, you will need to have it replaced. Do this by first shaping the new handle to fit. After fitting the handle, coat it with epoxy and insert it into the head of the hammer. Set the hammer aside and let the epoxy cure for a day or so.

Maybe that should actually read, garden hand tools that every gardener should have to make your life easier. And I'm sure after going over some of the "must have" garden tools, you'll probably be thinking, "Well, what about this tool or that tool?" And your opinion may differ from whets being presented here but that's ok.

Just like gardens, the selection of garden hand tools is basically up to each individuals taste and exactly what type of gardening you really are doing. So with that said, let's take a look at just a few of the essential gardening tools that you should have in your arsenal. Holesaw Set

Next on the list of garden hand tools is a good solid hand cultivator. These are ideal when you want to work between flowers or vegetables and you don't have the room for a full size rake. The same applies for your container gardens when you are faced with limited room but want to keep the soil on the fluffy side or you are adding organic material for feeding. FORGE

The cultivator is also wonderful for creating those uniform seed rows quickly and easily. And just like the gardening tools we've already spoken about, buy quality! Not trying to beat a dead horse here on the quality issue, but for the most part, if you stick with buying quality, they literally will last a lifetime. Hedge Shears

One of the essential tools that everyone should have is a good sturdy hand trowel. These little gems are perfect for planting annuals, perennials and bulbs. Heck, they actually have a hundred or more uses when you stop and think about it. When you start shopping for garden tools, look for a hand trowel that is made from forged stainless steel and is made all in one piece. Also be sure the grip is comfortable to your hand so that you'll actually use the tool. Try and avoid ones that look or feel a tad flimsy. Spend the few extra bucks and buy quality tools that you'll only have to buy once.

Now let's talk about some garden hand tools that keep your plantings looking their best. And in order to do that, you'll need yourself a good quality pair of bypass pruners. These are great for deadheading and shaping your plants and also for removing any type of spent foliage like with tulips and lilies. In this category of hand tools you can obtain a variety of sizes that will also handle pruning your shrubs and your trees. Look for bypass pruners that fit comfortably in your hand as this is one of those tools that you'll be using quite often! bow saw

For the shrubs and bushes that just need a little off the top, you can always add a good pair of pruning shears to your assortment of garden hand tools. This will insure that you keep everything looking nice and tidy.

There are certain drywall hand tools that are essential for any do it yourself-er or professional. But if you're in the business of doing it for a living, then you already know that so this really isn't directed at you. This brief article on drywall tools is just a quick look at what every home owner should have in their tool arsenal and here is why. It's almost inevitable that sooner or later you'll need to do some type of repair to the walls in your home and if you have the right drywall hand tools out in your toolbox, you'll save yourself a lot of time and frustration. chainsaw file

So with that said, let's jump into some of the drywall tools that you might need.

Once you have your repair done now comes the most fun part of all and that's the sanding. OK, maybe some of you are cringing a bit at that as it really can be quite messy. Depending on just how involved you want to get, there are various tools ranging from the most simplest sanding disks up to complete vacuum type systems to catch all of the dust you create. And yes, you will create dust with even the smallest drywall repair so be prepared ahead of time. Hand Riveter

Always choose a knife that is made from stainless steel as these will usually last the longest. Also be sure to choose one that fits comfortably into your hand if you have to use it for any length of time. Another feature that you want to look for with these types of hand tools is at the end of the handle or what is commonly referred to as the knife hammer. Look for solid construction and a decent size striking area. This saves you from having to carry around any other tools when you're doing your repairs. Dry Wall Hammer

One of the essential tools is naturally a taping knife or also referred to as a finishing knife. These can range anywhere from 2 inches up to 14 inches but for most uses having one or two of the smaller sizes will do just fine for most of the repairs around the house.

Next on the list of must have drywall hand tools is a container for your mud. After all, it's a whole lot easier working out of a mud pan than a small plastic container or a 5 gallon bucket of drywall mud. You can find these in either stainless steel or plastic ranging in various sizes starting around 10 inches in length. The only recommendation on these tools is to look for mud pans that have no interior seams. These can be a headache to clean. Mini Hacksaw

Now some of the other drywall tools that you might want to consider would be a good quality T-square, a jab knife for cutting and a good quality razor knife for your initial scoring. One thing to remember when you start your hunt for these tools is to look for quality over price. Quality drywall hand tools will last you a lifetime and perform each time that you may have to use them.

Gardening is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies that you can have. This is primarily because it allows you to plant the foliage and greenery that you want right outside your home. It is also rewarding and fulfilling since seeing your garden grow right before your eyes as the days go by can very well be the best reward for all of your hard work. To make sure that you have an easy and pleasurable time tending to your garden, it is important that you have the right types of garden tools. Here are some of the basic garden tools that every homeowner should have.

Cultivator

A cultivator is generally used for mixing the soil with fertilizer to prepare it for planting. They also help in removing soil lumps, cleaning moss and in thatching and aerating. They can also be used with different attachments to cut vegetation or plough the soil.

Spade

A spade is used for digging or removing soil. In the past, spades have actually been made with riven wood. Today, however, they are with sharp tips of metal, allowing an easier and more efficient method or breaking up and moving soil.

Garden Hoe

This garden tool offers plenty of uses including agitating the surface of the soil which surround plants and removing weeds. Holesaw Set

Secateurs

Secateurs are pruning shears which are used for pruning hard and thick branches of shrubs and trees. There are three types of blade designs of secateurs: bypass, anvil and parrot-beak. The first type, the anvil secateur, has a single blade that closes onto a flat surface and are useful for cutting up to two-centimetre thick branches. Bypass secateurs work just like a pair of scissors. They have two blades that pass each other, with at least one of them curved. Parrot-beak secateurs have two curved passing blades, trapping the stem or branch between them, making it easier to cut. Parrot-beak secateurs are often used for narrower stems.

Pitchfork

Pitchforks have a long handle and long and thin pointed tines pr prongs which are widely spaced apart. They are used in lifting and throwing loose materials such as leaves and other agricultural materials. Round Mouth Shovel

Grass Shears

A grass shear is different from a secateur or a pair of pruning shears as it has longer handles which are at right angles to its blades. It can be used in cutting grass and lawn edges from a standing position. It is commonly used by gardeners to cut grass which were not been cut by the lawnmower.

Trowel

A trowel is a tool which has a handle and a pointed and scoop-shaped metal blade. Similar to a cultivator, it can be used for digging small holes and breaking up lumps of soil. It can also be used for removing weeds and in planting and mixing fertilizer. Transplanting Trowel

Rake

A rake is a horticultural implement which has a toothed bar that is attached to a long handle. It is generally used for loosening the soil, leveling the earth and in weeding.

Lawnmower

The lawnmower is another common garden tool which is used for cutting grass. It has a blade which rotates around a vertical axis or a horizontal axis. Those which rotate around a vertical axis are referred to as rotary mowers while those that rotate around a horizontal axis are referred to as reel or cylinder mowers. Lawnmowers come in different sizes. There are smaller ones which can be pushed manually and are best for smaller lawns or gardens; and there are the bigger ride-on mowers which are more suited for larger lawns. Junior Hacksaw

Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow is small and hand-operated vehicle that has only one wheel. It can be maneuvered by the user through pushing and guiding the two handles on its rear. It is useful in transporting or moving soil, plants, pots, gardening equipment and other things which are too heavy or bulky to move by hand.

Khalid Adams has been marketing home improvement companies for over three years. His knowledge of the industry allows him to write sound articles on garden tools amongst other related products and services.

Pruning hedges, trees and plants not only tidies up their appearance but also encourages new growth and aids in controlling pests and disease. There are a range of pruning tools available to the gardener, all have their purpose, some are designed to cut thick branches while others will only cut small stems.

Choosing a pruning tool is fairly easy if you know their capabilities and how they work. Here are the most common pruning tools that you will need for cutting and trimming anything from flowers up to mature trees.

Floral Snips

Resembling a pair of scissors they can be used for delicate pruning of flowers as well as deadheading flowering plants to encourage new blooms.

Secateurs or Hand Pruners

Good for taking cuttings and pruning small branches up to ¾ of an inch or 19mm. There are two main types of hand pruners called bypass and anvil. Bypass secateurs are the most popular choice as they are better for pruning living plants due to their cutting action which produces a cleaner cut and will limit disease. Anvil secateurs have a cutting action where the blade moves forward to meet a bar similar to cutting vegetables on a kitchen chopping board. Grass Shears

Hedge Shears

Essential for anyone with a hedge in their garden, they are also ideal for tidying up lawn edges. Over the years blades design has moved forward and has given rise to more efficient cutting. Plain blades have the problem of letting twigs slip out the end when the cutting action is performed. Serrated and wavy blades are designed to hold the twigs in place.

Loppers

Suitable for cutting branches up to 2 inches or 50mm, loppers also have bypass and anvil versions. Because of their shaped blades bypass loppers are better for close trunk work and they leave hardly any stub. Anvil loppers are preferred for heavy cutting and pruning back dead wood. Telescopic variations are available to give the user extra reach and more leverage. Lopping Shears

Bow saw

For thicker branches a bow saw will easily cut a 10 inch or 250mm branch. Most bow saw blades are designed to cut on the push and pull stroke to aid cutting. For close in pruning a version with a tapered front is a good choice.

Hand Saw

Hand saws are an excellent choice for close in pruning of branches up to 3 inches or 75mm.There is a choice of fixed blade, folding and retractable models. Folding or retractable saws have the advantage of being able to be carried on a belt or pouch. Mini Hacksaw

Pole Saw

Cutting high tree branches can be easily carried out with a pole pruner and usually without using a ladder. Equipped with both a lopper and a saw attachment they are able to reach up to 11 feet high to cut small and large branches.

On Saturday I outlined what you need to look for when buying hedge shears/clippers. Today I am going to outline what you should look for when buying secateurs. I had said this would be a three part series but it looks to me now like it will be more, so stay tuned.

When buying secateurs there are a few things to consider. One of the most important things to check out is how they feel in your hand. When you are out shopping pick up a few pairs and see how they feel. Feel for weight, feel for grip. Most secateurs handles will be shaped with little divots for your fingers to go in, find the pair whose divots best fit your hand. Bypass Secateurs

When it comes to gardening you really won't get far without a good pair of secateurs. But what makes secateurs good? What should you look for when you are shopping for secateurs? One thing many gardeners don't know is that there are actually three different kinds of secateurs, Anvil, Bypass and Parrot Beak. Very quickly, Anvil secateurs have an upper blade which pushes down onto a flat lower 'anvil'. Parrot Beak secateurs have two blades which cut by meeting together in the middle and looks like a parrot's beak. The third kind of secateurs is called Bypass secateurs. They work by having two blades which bypass each other in a similar way to scissors. The big difference between Bypass and Parrot Beak secateurs is the shape of the blades, with Parrot Beak having two identical blades compared to Bypass which has one large and one small blade, the large blade being convex in shape and the small blade being concave in shape. Bypass secateurs are the main type used and sold and will be the focus of this entry. Aviation Tin Snips

Another key tip is to make sure the secateurs you are keen on have a safety latch that is easily engaged and disengaged with one hand. When you are pruning a plant, if you have to stop and use two hands to engage the safety latch it is more likely that you won't. A safety latch is only useful if it is likely to be put to use. Slip Joint Pliers

Try and look for secateurs with plastic covered metal handles. Metal handles are strong but are cold to work with and plastic handles are a sign of cheap manufacturing and are not likely to last as well as metal handles.

The general rule of thumb with secateurs is, strangely enough, don't try cutting plant limbs that are thicker than your thumb. If you try and cut limbs that are too thick you will damage the blade and therefore your tool that you have invested in will not last as well for as long. Transplanting Trowel

There are three different blade types, stainless steel, coated steel and carbon steel. My preference is for stainless steel but carbon steel works well two. Either of these kinds will stay the sharpest for longer periods of time. The only real upside to coated steel is that it cleans more easily. Cleaning your secateurs after use is extremely important but having blades that remain sharp are better for the job at hand.

Good luck with your shopping for secateurs!

Selecting the right equipment and tools for painting tasks is very important so as to achieve best results. With the use of right brush for a certain project, one can be assured that the paint will be properly applied and the outcome will be good. Right tools are essential in painting works for they help you save time and effort when doing the job.

Today, the paint brush choices have grown massively. When you visit a painting shop or a hardware store, it will be hard to not to notice the different kinds of paint brushes displayed on their stock shelves. These brushes come in different brands, size and kinds. Sadly, the criterion of many people in choosing the right brush is the price rather than its quality. In the following paragraphs, tips regarding how to find the right brush will be given to help you pick the brush you need for your painting job. Hand Riveter

Technically, painting jobs range from minutes to few hours and sometimes even days to finish hence it is necessary that you choose paintbrushes that you're comfortable with. With this, when you go in search for paint brushes, be sure to try on its grip. Hold the brush like you're actually painting and feel if you're comfortable with the size of its handle and its weight. Don't forget to check if the metal ferrule is attached properly to the brush handle to avoid problems with painting. Paint Roller Cover

There are two types of brush bristles: the synthetic brush bristles and the natural brush bristles. The synthetic brush bristles can be made of either nylon or polyester. Synthetic bristles are basically made to use in applying paints that are water-based primarily because they don't absorb water hence they do not go out of shape when used with water-based paints. The natural brush bristles uses ox hair thus making it fine and soft. This is the reason why paint is applied smoothly and evenly creating a uniform result. The downside with natural bristled-brush however is it absorbs water making it not suitable in painting projects using water-based paints.

It is also necessary to examine the brush bristles before buying the paint brush. Test the brush's bristles if they're fine by pressing is on the palm of your hand. It must spread out evenly and don't separate into clumps. Moreover, once you remove your hand, the bristles must return to its original look easily. When you are trying to decide among brushes with same width, choose the one with the longest and thickest bristles because it can hold more amount of paint. Side Cut Pliers

Never to forget to consider your brush size or brush width when you purchase a paint brush. If you're going to paint a wall, a brush with bigger width will be great since it can cover and paint a bigger surface. Moreover, if you're going to paint narrow areas, small width brushes can help finish the task easily. Bypass Secateurs

When you go out searching for paint brushes, you might find some square-end brushes. These brushes are ideal when painting flat and large surfaces as well as angled areas because they are easy to control. In addition, such type of brushes is also great to use when painting window trims, putting clear finishes and stains.

These are the things that you should look for when you are planning to purchase paint brushes. May this article was able to provide you with good information that can help you select the ideal brush for your painting needs.

A tape measure is a very useful measuring tool. One that every person who intends on doing any sort of project should be very familiar with and a must have tool in any tool box. In fact, no tool box would be complete without at least one tape measure.

However, to make accurate measurements, it is important to have a background on how to read a tape measure, which include knowing the basic English measurement systems like yards, feet and inches. FORGE

To start this activity, it is important to have some materials that will be useful for learning how to read a tape measure. People who will do this activity need a tape measure, a pencil and a paper that has a size of 8.5 x 11 inches.

Reading a tape measure is not difficult. To help people who experience problems concerning the use of the measuring tool, this article will discuss an activity that they can use to improve their knowledge on reading a tape measure. contractors tape measure

Materials Needed in the Activity

A Quick Look at Tape Measure

Many tape measures use the English measurement systems, which include yards, feet and inches. The bold numbers in most tape measures are the inches. Twelve inches are equivalent to one foot and 36 inches are equal to one yard. People who are knowledgeable about the use of tape measures advise that it is best to rely on the 16 lines that consist an inch because they give more accurate results than using inches, feet and yards when using the tool. Hence, people should know these conversions because they are very important to make the measurements accurate.

One of the reliable measuring tools used in homes and business establishments, a tape measure has many uses. People can simply use this measuring tool to know the length of particular furniture or they can also use it in major construction projects. Because of the utility of this tool, many people like to know how to read a tape measure. crimped wire cup brush

Details of the Activity

With the use of the pencil, put two marks on the paper. It is important to remember that the marks must not be near to each other. After putting two marks on the paper, measure the distance between the marks. To do so, put the end of the measuring tool on the first mark and stretch the tape measure until it reaches the second mark.

The first whole number that you will see at the left side of the second mark refers to the distance of the marks in terms of inches. Now, count the number of lines at the right side of the tape measure from the whole number up to the second mark to get the exact distance between the two marks. wire end brush

To improve one's knowledge on reading a tape measure, practice and mastery is very important. Learning how to read a tape measure is easy but it will definitely take time so does not be discouraged if at first you cannot successfully make accurate measurements.

Pliers are not wrenches. Even though it is easier to grab a pair and grip that nut or bolt tight, they are not the way to go. Wrenches are the perfect tool for nuts and bolts. So, what do you use pliers for?

Pliers are designed for gripping objects or cutting by using leverage. They have different jaw configurations to turn, pull, crimp, or cut a variety of items. There are several type of pliers that perform different tasks. Some of the most common types are slip-joint, cutting, lineman's, needle nose, locking, self-adjusting, and tongue-and-groove.

Cutting

Cutting pliers are built with sharp cutting edges with some major shearing power. These pliers are designed to cut heavy gauge wire, nails, and bolts. Unlike other wire cutters, cutting pliers are tapered to reduce the sudden "snap" when cutting. And the handles increase the leverage needed to cut thicker gauges. Bypass Secateurs
Lineman's

Lineman's pliers, also known as electrician's pliers, have flat deeply toothed jaws and a side-cutting blade. These pliers are designed for cutting, holding, and twisting solid electrical wire. The lineman's pliers is also great for bending and shaping light sheet metal.

Needle-Nose

Needle-nose pliers, also known as long-nose pliers, have a long and narrow jaws. This makes them great for working in tight places. These are also useful for intricate work like making jewelry and electronics work. Many needle-nose pliers come with a side cutting edge for cutting wire with precision. Side Cut Pliers

Slip-Joint

Slip-joint pliers can be found in just about anyone's tool box. They are a versatile form of pliers that provide two jaw width positions. One position allows the jaws to close on each other; perfect for perfect for grabbing thin objects. The second position leaves a gap between jaws allowing for a larger jaw capacity. Slip-joint pliers can be used in a number of gripping operations including removing hose clamps, pulling wire, holding nuts and bolts secure. Slip Joint Pliers

Locking

Locking pliers are adjustable pliers that lock closed on an object like a vise. This allows for a hand to be freed-up instead of having to hold the pliers in place. Most locking pliers have an adjusting screw that changes the width of the jaw opening to size of the object. These pliers also come in various sizes with various jaw styles; such as curved, straight, and needle-nose.

Self-Adjusting

Self-adjusting pliers are great as general purpose pliers. This pliers as a cam-and-ratchet mechanism that allows the pliers to quickly adjust to an object as the handle is squeezed. This keeps the jaws parallel to the sides of the object allowing for sturdy and accurate fit with exceptional gripping power.

Tongue-and-Groove

Tongue-and-groove pliers are similar to self-adjusting pliers except for they need to be manually adjusted to the size of the object. The adjustment is done through a series of grooves or channels. These pliers come in multiple sizes with different jaw styles; such as straight, curved, and smooth. They are generally used in plumbing applications. Aviation Tin Snips

Gardening is a healthy, exciting and creative form of exercise that will improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. However, without the right equipment and tools, gardening simply can be a frustrating and difficult chore. Here is my list of the 5 most essential pieces of gardening equipment which simply must be close at hand every time I head out into my gardens:

1. Trowel - A trowel is a necessity to set small plants and helpful to dig weeds. There are many styles to choose from, so choose one with an easy and comfortable grip. Always try one out in your hand first to ensure it feels comfortable. Trowels with narrow blades are best for transplanting seedlings, while ones with the wider blades will move more earth quickly. Look for a good steel blade with a sharp edge and an ergonomic but strong handle. You will probably want both types of trowels. Transplanting Trowel

2. Spade and shovel - A gardening spade has a long, thick handle and a heavy flat steel blade. This tool is a must to dig up and move dirt from one place to another. It can also be used to pack down dirt once your plant has been planted. Like a spade, a shovel can be used also for digging, but it has a curved steel blade that is slightly pointed. Make sure your shovel's blade has a flat top so you can use it for leverage with your foot. This type is great for lifting plants and digging holes for planting. Long Handle shovel

3. Garden fork - A garden fork is a gardening tool which has 4 to 6 reinforced prongs and a strong handle. The sizes of forks vary, depending on what they are being used for. The space between each prong varies as well. Garden forks are used to separate, lift and toss loose pieces of material such as dirt and leaves. You can use one to aerate and loosen soil before planting, or to turn your compost pile. Small garden forks are often paired with trowels, and are invaluable when you're working in a small garden area or are gardening in containers. Hand Cultivator

4. Pruning Shears - Pruning shears come with two main types of cutting action - either anvil cutting or by-pass cutting. Anvil pruners have one sharp blade that comes down on a flat surface. Bypass pruners have one blade that is sharpened on only one side and by-passes a curved but flat surface that is holding the branch being pruned. Look for pruners that are made of good carbon steel and have replaceable parts. This is an essential tool for precisely pruning bushes and vines and trimming other plants. No other piece of gardening equipment can do the same job as your pruning shears. Always invest in good quality pruning shears that have a lifetime guarantee. Loppers are another type of garden shear, with longer handles for more leverage in cutting larger branches. They usually have a ratcheting action to increase the cutting ability. Loppers are necessary if you have large bushes or trees. Lopping Shears

5. Wheelbarrow or gardening cart - A wheelbarrow is a large and absolutely indispensable piece of garden equipment. There will always be things to haul - compost, sand, plants, weeds, stones and so on. With their two handles, sloping sides and single wheel, they are easy to maneuver and to dump out. Another option is wheeled gardening cart.These have a flat bottom, two or four wheels, and are pulled rather than pushed. Although more stable than wheelbarrows, they are harder to maneuver on rough ground, and harder to empty.

No woodworking project can be a success without doing some measuring and some laying out of parts. There are an amazing variety of tools from elegant and high tech to ugly and low tech to get the job done. The most important thing is accuracy. While there might be some fudge factor in banging together a temporary gate to keep the dog out of the garden, when it comes to getting a good fit on a cabinet door or drawer, measurements are key. wire end brush

The two primary ways to assure accurate measurements are by direct measure using a ruler, protractor, etc and by reference, using tools such as a story stick, bevel gauge, or pantograph. Let's move first to direct measurements:

Rulers - There are more variety's of rulers than you can shake a stick at (sorry, I couldn't resist.) Most of us are pretty familiar with the standard 12" wooden ruler of our school days. We probably have one somewhere in the house. While wooden rulers are familiar and common they are not the best ruler for the workshop. Wooden rulers get dinged up, the metal edge falls out and the paint peels from the numbers. Additionally, most wooden rulers have only relatively coarse fractions - from 1/8th " to 1" segments. In fine woodworking the tolerances may call for 16th, 32nds or even 64ths. Also, some plans call for metrics and those can be quite hard to read on wood. For clarity and durability I would recommend metal over either wood or plastic. In my shop I have three ruler sizes; a 3ft, 12" and a finely detailed 6." My 6" is thin bladed allowing it to be used for precise, close in detail. True, I need really good light to read it these days but with 1/64th increments on one side and millimeters on the other side I can get as exact as I need to be. This is the ruler I use every day on almost every project.
Tape measures -The advantage of a tape measure is the distance it can cover. The disadvantage is a lack of accuracy. Manipulate the metal tab on the end and you'll see how much play it has. Tape measures are good for getting an overall length, for checking diagonal corners for square and similar large scale tasks. They have a proper place in the shop, if they are properly used. One practice to keep in mind is to use the same measuring tool for each similar task. For instance, if you use a tape measure to measure one side of a cabinet, use the same tape measure for the other side and for the back. This way, all of your measurements will be consistent.
Tri-squares - The most common angles in woodworking are 45° & 90°. Basically, a square edge and a miter. For these two the ideal tool is a tri-square. This basically a metal ruler with a sliding head. One side of the head is 90° to the ruler and the other is 45° to the ruler. For everything in between you need a protractor.
Protractors - Protractors are a semi circular tool with angle gradations around the top. This allows you to place the flat edge against one side of your work piece and then mark any angle you need. If, for example, you wanted to make an octagon shaped mirror you would set the flat edge against the long side of your board and use the protractor to mark the end at 22.5°. If you took geometry in high school protractors will be a simple addition to your tool box. If, like me, you skipped that class they'll take a little getting used to.

With these four tools: Tape measure, ruler, tri-square and protractor you can create all the measurements you need for any project. That being said, there are countless ways to refine and simplify those measurements. As you practice your FORGE you'll find some measuring tools easier and more comfortable for your needs. When you discover a favorite, find a hand place to keep it and put it there every time you are finished for the day - you don't want it to go missing just when you need it the most!

Appliances are among the easy to obtain investments. Some are available at a low price while some branded appliances can really cost a fortune. But whatever the brand or the price of these appliances, at some point they will malfunction and wear down. When that happens, we try to repair and fix them either by doing it ourselves or by taking the appliances to a professional repairman. Either way, there are certain tools which are indispensable equipments in restoring the broken appliances. Hand Riveter

A variety of meters including Ohmmeter, Voltmeter and Ammeter are the major tools in appliance repair. The ohm meter, available in micro and mega, is for measuring large and small amounts of electrical resistance or the opposition to electrical current. The quantity of electrical potential difference from two points in the electrical circuit is gauged by a volt meter. The ammeter is the device utilized in measuring the electric current in a circuit. There is also a device called the multi tester which integrates a voltmeter and an ohmmeter and effectively combines several measurement functions in a single meter.

A set of adjustable wrenches is very much needed in repairing appliances. A wrench, or a spanner, is a hand tool that adds extra force in mechanically working with application of torque to turn a nut or bolt. Wrenches are of various sizes, shapes and forms. Commonly used wrenches or spanners are Open-end wrench, ring spanner, combination wrench/spanner, flare nut wrench, monkey wrench, pipe wrench, socket wrench, torque wrench, box spanner and striking face box wrench.

The nut river set for specific usage in appliance repair must have at least 7 elements or pieces. A nut driver is a tool for fastening nuts and bolts. In essence, a nut driver is composed of a socket attached to a shaft and cylindrical handle, like in a screwdriver that is also a useful tightening tool.

A Screwdriver set for use in repairing appliances needs to contain about 4-6 screwdrivers. The screwdriver has a head and a tip that engages the screw in applying torque. This tools is a long, straight hand device whose head is flat and narrow to be able to fit in screws. There are also Phillips head type of screwdrivers whose tips look like a star. Paint Roller Cover

A hose clamp pliers is known to already been around even before the birth of the other tools. This basic hand tool is employed in placing and removing spring tension hose clamps that are found in appliance drains and fill hoses. The handles or knobs are usually made with wax or dipped in plastic to allow fast and easy gripping.

Sometimes when appliances do not function properly, it may not necessarily broken or damaged, there are times when there is only too much accumulation of dirt and rust therefore cleaning materials, paints, lubricants and adhesives may also help facilitate the repair of the appliances. Rust remover is for washing machines and dishwasher. Specialized tools are for use by professional repairers like refrigerator condenser brush, condenser cleaning brush for repairing and maintaining the fridge.

Woodworking using hand tools may be completely new to you if you are a modern day woodworker. Most people avoid old tools at all costs. They think that they are outdated, less accurate and slower than the modern day machines. This simply is not true in most cases. This article will provide you with some facts about using planes and saws in your every day wood working projects. contractors tape measure

You can use a smaller work area. Table saws and planers take up a lot of room. It physically takes more space to operate your home shop with machines. Starting out by hand you can start in the corner of your garage and be just fine.

Hand tools are in some cases faster than machines. You may find that hard to believe but sometimes it is a lot faster. Sure if you are cutting out one thousand boards for a wood factory you cannot touch that by hand. However for the guy at home doing one single project by the time you set up your machine, adjust the fence and make a test cut you will be done and going on to the next step by using old fashioned tools.

Hand tools are safer. This is a major reason to consider using them. Woodworking machines with their sharp blades move pretty fast. You can have an accident and lose a finger or hand before you know what happened. You can be as careful as you can be but it only takes one small slip and you are off to the hospital or worse. Working by hand can get you hurt but the injury is normally not as severe. When you are operating the tool you usually have more reaction time to stop before it gets out of hand.

Hand tools make less noise. This is one reason I choose to use to use these tools. There is something to be said about planning a board and hearing the blade smoothing the wood.

It costs less to get started woodworking. Starting out with woodworking machines that are of any quality cost a lot of money. Even though you can spend plenty on high quality planes and saws the fact is you can start with a few tools and get your project done without breaking the bank.

Achieve greater precision. Early on when using my table saw it was very easy to cut a little too much off my project. I have thrown away many a good-looking piece of wood because of some small mistake. When I use my hand saw it is much easier to sneak up on my mark and not overdo it. Hedge Shears

I choose to use work by hand as much as I can. For myself it is a more sensible way to work with wood. The best system for most would be some sort of combination of the old and the new. Woodworking using hand tools is hard work. The rewards are worth it for me.

Woodworking has been around since the beginning of time, therefore the need for woodworking tools is apparent. Like technology, woodworking tools has evolved into what we know it as now. From wood adhesives to wood drills to wood saw, these are numerous and come in every way shape and form. Because there is so much one can do with a piece of wood, countless ones have been created.

You don't have to be a carpenter to enjoy working with wood. From building a little birdhouse for a school project to fixing things around the house, they are needed by everyone of every age. The most basic woodworking tool would be the everyday handsaw. But most woodworking projects require more than just a handsaw. One could break down them into two categories. The first category would be the hand tools. For example: saws, chisels, files, hammer, and the list goes on and on. The second category would be power tools. Anything from a power drill, sanders, to an old fashioned table saw; they are all considered power tools.

For most woodworking projects, both forms of tools are usually used. We also can't leave out wood stainers and wood adhesives as woodworking tools. These things' are just as important as any hand tool or power tool. The basic need for any of these tools is felt by everyone in everyday life. FORGE

We may not know it but, people of everyday life have used a woodworking tool at least once in there lifetime. May it be a hammer or saw, we've used it once. It may possibly be the oldest form of labor we know since it has been around sine the beginning of man. As long as there is trees and wood in the world, they will continue to be used.

There are many tools that are available to gardeners. Indeed the range can be quite confusing to the newcomer to the hobby who may be uncertain about which tools are needed to perform given tasks. Hand tools are very important for both garden creation and subsequent maintenance. However, the spade, fork, hoe and rake are the most important. Few gardens can function successfully without all of these.

Spades are essential for digging, for planting and for removing various materials such as soil and sand around the garden. They are available in varying lengths and weights, some being lightweight and especially designed for ladies. There are two main kinds of spade, the digging spade and the border variety. The latter is narrow-bladed, light in weight and used for general maintenance and planting purposes, while the digging spade is a robust tool which is intended for turning over raw garden soil during fall and winter.

Garden forks come in similar variety, there being both border and digging kinds. The border fork is mostly used for pricking over the soil amongst plants. The digging variety can perform a similar function to the digging spade except that it provides only a complete inversion of the soil, whereas the spade can be used for both trenching and double digging as well.

Hoes come in a number of configurations and are used to knock down the lumpy soils created by the spade and fork. They are also used for cultivating between plants and rows of plants as well as for taking out seed drills. The Dutch hoe is a flat-bladed tool that is used solely for cultivating while the swan neck hoe is excellent for taking out seed drills as well as mounding-up potatoes.

Rakes are usually solid tined and made of metal. They put the finishing touches to soil preparation before seed sowing. Spring-tined rakes and wooden landscape rakes are mostly used for raking up cut grass and fallen leaves, although the spring-tined variety is tough enough to be used as a scarifier. A dummy rake, which consists of a flat board on edge that replaces the tines of a wooden landscape rake is used for grading soil, especially during lawn preparation.

Apart from Long Handle shovel, forks, rakes and hoes, most gardeners require a number of smaller complementary hand tools. For planting small plants a trowel is necessary. This is like a much-reduced version of a spade but with a blade, which is curved and bowed. While the trowel may be regarded as the diminutive version of the border spade, the hand fork is the equivalent of the border fork. It is used in confined spaces, such as the rock garden, for pricking over the soil amongst plants.

Onion hoes are like large swan-neck hoes in shape but much reduced and with very short handles. They originated in Europe and were first intended, as the name suggests, for using amongst commercial onion crops, not only cleaning the rows of weeds, but also removing crowded plants. Now they are utilized for all hoeing tasks where a larger hoe is difficult to manoeuvre.

Secateurs and loppers are essential in the majority of gardens. Secateurs are well-balanced hand cutters which are used in pruning and for cutting back herbaceous plants. It is always worthwhile buying a high quality pair so that they not only last for a long time, but also do a good clean job of cutting. For left-handed people it is possible to buy left-handed secateurs and there is also a design with rolling handles, which are easier for gardeners who have a weak grip to use.

Lopping Shears are enlarged versions of secateurs used two-handed. They do all the same things that secateurs do, but on larger branches. They are usually straight bladed, but there are versions with curved blades that are popularly referred to as parrot bills. To complete the array of tools necessary for pruning, there are special small hand saws with narrow blades and coarse teeth that are especially designed for pruning.

There are many mechanically operated tools for the garden, but the lawnmower and rotavator are probably the most commonly used. Hedge trimmers are also important along with shredders and chippers.

Lawn mowers are available in two basic kinds, the cylinder mower and the rotary type. Both are well suited to specific jobs. Cylinder lawnmowers are used on fine decorative lawns. The more blades the cylinder has, the finer the cut, those mowers used for very fine lawns having as many as sixteen blades. Rotary mowers on the other hand can do a good job of cutting a domestic lawn in a backyard, but with adjustment can be used for much longer grass than might be thought conventional. They are available both electrically and petrol driven.

Hedge trimmers are available powered by a small petrol engine or by electricity. Most of the modern brands are excellent value being of very light weight and in the case of electrical models having built in safety cut-out facilities. They have various cutter bar lengths, the size chosen depending very much upon the configuration of the hedge or topiary to be trimmed. Shredders are available as both petrol and electrical models. These shred garden waste prior to composting. Chippers on the other hand pulverize woody material and are best hired in rather than purchased.

Finally we have the most useful and probably most used tool in the garden - the wheelbarrow. A builder's wheelbarrow is far better than any garden wheelbarrow, unless you are not strong enough to wheel it when fully laden. Modern garden wheelbarrows are fine for pushing a few weeds around in, but the builder's wheelbarrow is what is necessary for moving soil, rocks or paving.

What makes a house more attractive is not the paint. But the well trimmed grass which grows around the yard and the sight of colorful flowers which beautifully blooms. Some consider plants as their pet; they talk to it, feed it and even spend some time with it. For them having a plant is like having a non talking friend. Not everyone could have a garden and if you are lucky to have one, you should take good care of it. And taking care of it means having the right tools to do the job. There are several tools which you would like to have to maintain a beautiful sight outside your homes:

1. Grass Shears- these special kinds of scissors are used to trim the edges of your lawn and cut the grasses which are not cut by lawn mowers

2. Lawn mower - this is a powerful tool which would definitely make your garden well-maintained. Its blades cut thoroughly into your grass making it evenly cut. It wouldn't take the whole day for you get the job done. With lawn mowers you could easily trim your grass without further hassle.

3. Pruning shears - this type of scissor is used cut and trim your shrubs, and are also strong enough to cut branches of trees in your garden.

4. Spades - this tool is used to remove dirt and help you dig a hole whenever you would like to plant some flowers in your garden. It would easily remove earth and dig a hole for you without getting your fingers dirty. Choosing a best spade is a good investment because it will definitely last for a gardening lifetime.

5. Transplanting Trowel - this is a perfect tool for digging small holes, mixing soils in a pot, planting container plants and digging out weeds. It should have a rubber grip to maintain a smooth gardening.

6. Rake - this are needed especially if you have tall trees in your garden. It serves its purpose by raking out fallen and dried leaves.

7. Sprinklers - of course, every plant needs watering. A sprinkler help your job becomes easy. It automatically waters your lawn and with just the right amount of water. You could both the automatic which is ideal for a wide lawns and a manual which could be used for your hanging and potted plants.

8. Hand cultivators - this hand tool is especially useful in removing small weeds and roughing up the soil for seeding.

9. Garden gloves - having garden gloves is important, aside from getting your hand getting dirty it would also prevent any finger cutting accident that may occur.

Gardening tools are generally invented to make gardening life easy and fun. So there is really no reason for you to not have one. With the right gardening tools, you could maintain your garden with not much effort and hassles.

Recently, I have received many emails asking; "What are some tools that I should, and will, need for DIY and home improvement projects." Well, I decided to make a list of essential tools for the home. Tools that every homeowner should have around, for any project or regular maintenance.

List of 22: (no particular order)

1. 2ft Level- When you're going to build anything or remodel anything, you're going to need to make sure your work is level and plumb. You would hate to finish a beautiful job and find out its a few inches out of level and a complete eye sore.

2. Nail Set-If your going to be using a hammer and driving a number of types of nails you will need a nail set to sink the nail heads under the surface of the wood. This is especially important with trim and finish work. Later you can putty, and hide them completely.

3. Flat Bar-A flat bar is basically a multi-nail-pulling-tool. It is a must have for any demolition work you may need to do before you begin your DIY project. Also, it is a great tool to use as a lever for lifting heavy objects or giving you the leverage you need in tight places. (Ex. lifting appliances to adjust its feet for level or reacheing a nail that you can't get at with a hammer)

4. Cats Paw- Dig, pry and try as you might. Sometimes, you need a tool to pull nails that have been sunken below the surface of the wood. You won't be able to pull these nails without a cats paw and hammer to dig down and under the nail head to pull out the nail.

5. Hammer-It has a pretty obvious purpose. Driving and pulling nails. Also, combined with a piece of wood for padding, it is also perfect for knocking things into place in tight places and tightly together.

6. Torpedo Level-Even the most basic of household tasks may require a small "torpedo" level. From hanging pictures and mirrors, to towel racks and toilet paper dispensers. No one wants to have to tilt their head to get a good look at that beautiful smile of yours!

7. Crescent Wrench- There are many types of bolts and fittings that require many sizes of wrenches. Having one crescent wrench can save you a lot of hassling. Although there are some instances where a crescent wrench will not hold tight enough to break free a bolt or fitting. For most other instances, they are exactly what you'll need.

8. Channel Locks- Now, there are also times when you may have a rounded bolt, or maybe a fitting you don't need to torque down crazy tight. That is where the channel lock pliers come in. They grip tight with their teeth backward facing and with various size options they are an essential tool for the home.

9. Dikes- These may be one of the most versatile tools in your arsenal. From pulling nails to stripping wire, as well as cutting hard materials, a pair of dikes are worth their salt.

10. Vice Grips- Also, another very versatile tool. You can use vice grips to pinch together metal for a weld or grip a stripped out bolt, tight enough, to be able to usually remove it. Vice grips come in many different sizes

11. Slip Joint Pliers Sometimes, you won't be able to get a big pair of pliers in an area where you'll need the gripping power of one. From reaching into tight places with the tight grip of a pair of pliers, to its own small cutter toward the base of the working end, you'll want to have these in your set.

12. Framing Square- You won't be able to get a thing done without knowing whether or not, your work or your cuts and angles, are square or correct. There are many types of useful squares, but as a basic tool for angles, stairs, checking for square, and marking your cut lines square, the framing square is versatile enough to be the only square you'll need.

13. Speed Square- This tool may not be as large or as versatile as the framing square, but its uses are helpful in many situations. If you need to make many cuts quickly, on 2x8 material or smaller, you can work much faster with the speed square. You can just slap it up on the board and the build in fence allows you to only worry about making sure it's tight and your line is drawn where you have made your measured mark.

14. chainsaw file- Chisels come in handy quite often. When you need to cut away a small amount of material or set in hinges or hardware into a door. You may need to cut away something up underneath an obstacle where a utility knife won't reach. An assortment of chisels, even simply the ones shown, can be a valuable tool to own.

15. Multi Driver- With so many types of screw heads around the home, it can be hard to tell whether or not, you will need a flat head or hex head, a #1 phillips or a larger #3 phillips. You can cut out the guess work with a multi driver, or 6-in-1 screwdriver. It becomes both small and large, phillips and flat head as well as a 1/4 and 5/16 inch drivers.

16. Assorted Driver Tips- Being a homeowner or professional alike, it's not always as simple as a flat, phillip or hex head screw. Many times, they require star bits and allen keys. Sometimes screws are square or have a slot for a triangle. This is when an assortment of driver tips, in combination with a multi driver, comes in perfectly.

17. Hand Saw- Some jobs require a small cut, or a delicate one. You can't always just bust out the power tools for simple or tight/delicate cut. Also, when using power tools for cutting, you may run into breakage and need to cut off a few splinters for a perfect cut. Anyone, and everyone, that is planning on, or is involved with DIY or home improvement, needs to have a hand saw at the ready.

18. "C" Clamp- Many jobs around the house or around the shop require some clamping. Although, clamps come in many forms; a generic, practical and must have clamp is the "C" Clamp

19. Allen Keys- From furniture to small electronics, various sizes of allen keys are another essential tool for the home. Make sure you pick up metric and standard sizes. It can be hard to determine, until you start trying different sizes, whether or not the size you need is one or the other.

20. Caulking Gun- Maybe you need to finish a job off with clean lines of caulking. Maybe you need to use construction adhesive on an application. Or, maybe you need to seal something off. You're going to need a caulking gun to apply various types of sealant and adhesives.

21. Cordless Power Drill- Last, but certainly not the least! I know, I know, this isn't a simple hand tool, like the rest listed. But, that doesn't take away from its basic necessity around the house. From drilling holes to slapping in a driver bit for quickly securing and removing screws, a cordless power drill can save you time, energy, trouble and frustration with the pull of a trigger.

22. Assortment of Drill Bits- Many projects and home improvements will require drilling and pre-drilling for screws. Get yourself one set of bits, and as long as your careful and use them correctly, you'll have them for years to come.

This is my list of essential tools for the home. This list covers all the basic to somewhat advanced tools that you will need for most DIY and home improvement projects. You don't need to go out and buy all of these tools right this second. But, when you get to a project where you need any of these tools, you can rest assured, that purchasing any of these essential tool for the home, will be an investment that will pay off, time and time again.

And once you start to get yourself some tools you may want to get in their and get your hands dirty!

A saw is a piece of toughened steel with teeth cut into one edge and a wooden or plastic handle. In some form or other, saws have been one of the principal woodcutting tools for thousands of years. The different types of saw for different jobs can roughly be divided into three main groups:

Saws differ in the size and shape of the blade, and the size, shape and number of teeth they have. Rip teeth, which are designed for cutting down the grain of wood, work like small chisels. The front edge of each tooth is more or less perpendicular to the saw edge and the back edge slopes at about 30 degrees. If saws with teeth like this are used to cut across wood grain, they tend to tear the fibres and leave a jagged edge. Rip teeth are generally straight-sharpened the tip of each tooth is perpendicular to the cutting line. Cross-cut teeth, which are designed for cutting across wood grain, generally slope back rather more and are usually cross-sharpened the teeth are sharpened at an angle to the saw so that the outside edge of each tooth is pointed. Cross-cut teeth tend to cut through the wood fibres rather like a knife. Fleam teeth slope back even more than cross-cut ones and have symmetrical points. They cut equally well on the push and pull strokes.

Saw teeth are usually set teeth are bent slightly outwards from the blade, alternately in each direction, so that the width of the slot cut by the saw is greater than the width of the blade. This prevents the saw jamming in the slot when cutting and lets you change the direction of the cut slightly during sawing. An even set is essential: badly set saws tend to wander.

For years, saw blades have been made from hardened steel which has been tempered to reduce the hardness (and increase the toughness) so that the blade wears well but is still soft enough to be sharpened with a file. More recently, however, saws have been introduced which have 'hardpoint' teeth the tips of the teeth are hardened to reduce wear. Saws with hard-point teeth can have several times the life of a conventional saw, but they cannot be sharpened by conventional methods and they are much more easily damaged when they meet a nail in their path.

There are, confusingly, two systems for describing the number of teeth a saw has - both are still based on imperial measurements. The first method records the number of complete teeth in an inch length of blade. The second method states the number of tooth points in an inch, starling on a point and including this in the count. The two methods can be confusing since a saw with eight points per inch actually has seven teeth per inch. The second method is the most widely used and the terminology is often shortened to talk about an eight-point saw, for example. Saws with large teeth generally cut faster but leave a rougher edge than saws with small teeth.

You might also want to learn how to cut metal with hacksaw blades and how to choose a good circular saw among many.

Next Tuesday you're having plastic surgery on your nose. Who are you going to get to do the operation -- a butcher with a meat cleaver, or a surgeon with a scalpel? Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it? Then why is it that you're planning to plant a garden without the better garden tools? It obviously takes the right tools to do the best job.

You Won't Use it if it isn't Comfortable!

There are a lot of garden tools on the market that will help you achieve the same result, but not every tool is going to fit your hand. If you have some arthritis in your hands or tend to cramp from the repetitive movements, such as when trimming a hedge, you need to choose a better pair of pruning shears that won't put so much stress on your hands.

To alleviate hand pain, consider grips made of gel or rubber which absorb the stress better. There are better garden tools on the market that have been designed employing ergonomics so that the tool doesn't put pressure or stress on the wrong places. To alleviate back pain, try tools with longer handles that eliminate stooping and bending.

The Quality of the Materials

Buying tools made of cheap materials is never the answer. You will find they rust, bend, stick, and dull quickly, and you'll undoubtedly be replacing them with better garden tools rather quickly. Take, for example, hand clippers which have a cheap spring mechanism that doesn't operate smoothly. You can wear big blisters on your hands in short order with clippers like these. Buy a pair with a smooth-operating, heavy-duty mechanism, and you'll make the job, and your life, much easier.

Gardening gloves are another thing that comes in a lot of different grades. To economize, only buy as much glove as you need. If you're clipping dainty flowers, don't try it in heavy rubber gloves that don't allow you enough flexibility in your fingers. If you're working with plants with thorns, you'll want heavier gloves. If you get blisters even while wearing gloves, you know you'll need to wear even heavier gloves next time. Use common sense, and fit the gloves to the job.

Most of us have heard of tool brands that are known for their high quality. To buy better garden tools, you can try sticking to these brands. There are also many gardening shows on TV these days which you can watch to see what brand of tools workers are using. There equipment is always top-of-the-line, because they want to impress the public with the things they do. If possible, only buy tools that come with a money-back guarantee. That way, if they don't have the level of quality you expected, you can take them back to the store.

FORGE

Although hand tools may look harmless, they can be a cause of major injuries. An astounding percentage of all workplace accidents are associated with hand tools. The injuries can be fatal from crushed fingers to damaged eyesight. Due to such incidents, manufacturers came up with solutions to make their products more user-friendly. Check out these products that are already out in the market.

1) Non-slip Tools-The handles of the tools are made from a low friction material enabling the user to grip the handles comfortably. Some tools with jaw handles are even equipped with an anti-slip device that will allow the user to press the tool in a controlled manner. The anti-slip device is placed to aid the user from having to exert much effort.

2) Non sparking, Non-magnetic Hand Tools - These are specially made from aluminum bronze or copper beryllium alloys. These tools are designed to eliminate sparks in conditions where there are combustible vapors, liquids, residues, and dust. They include hammers, striking wrenches, impact sockets, shovels and the like. Since they are corrosion-resistant, they are perfect for shipyards, paper mills, pharmaceuticals, laboratories and wine industries.

3) Insulated Hand Tools- These tools have protecting insulating materials such as rubber coating on the outside. The rubber coating prevents grounding and electric shocks from the wires inside.

4) Auto Retractable Knives-These are knives that automatically close as soon as they are lifted from the cutting surface. Knives such as these were made to minimize unwanted cuts and lacerations brought about by cutting an object.

All manufacturers will claim that their products are guaranteed to keep you protected. Remember that it is still recommended that you take necessary precautions when working with one. Avoid working with wet hands especially if you are dealing with electricity. Protect yourself with the right gears such as gloves, hats and protective eye-wear. Read the manual of your tools and make sure that they come from a trusted brand forge.

The speed with which technology is evolving and the sheer number of new inventions that pour into the market every day makes it difficult to ensure that you are using the right tools to do minor carpentry around your home. Simple chores like measuring surfaces, cutting or fastening hardware and basic furniture construction do not require specialists if you know the correct hand tools to use. While you may want to choose between mechanical hand tools and electrically powered ones, their basic functions remain the same.

The most practical use of hand tools that you will often have is to pry things apart. Going back to the basics, the best tool to serve this purpose is the pry bar. A pry bar is a flat bar with two ends, one forked and the other, wedged. As simple as it may look, the pry bar forms an essential part of any woodworking kit. Its construction makes it ideal to remove nails or force apart two objects with minimum effort. While the wedged end helps maintain a better grip, the forked one can be conveniently inserted into crevices to pry open jammed crates or pop out stubborn nails.

Usually made of metal like medium-carbon steel, the pry bar is a relatively heavy hand tool. However, markets now offer lighter, non-magnetic titanium versions, too. Alternatively, they may be composed of insulation material and prove useful where electricity conduction is an issue. Also, a pry bar's length can range from 10 inches to over a yard.

Using basic principles of leverage, applying force on one end of the pry bar increases its power to push up the other. Sometimes, this versatile hand tool even doubles as a sledgehammer to break unnecessary walls.

While the pry bar's name obviously originates from its utility, it is often known as a "crowbar" or "iron crow" due to its resemblance to a crow's beak. Another bird etymology terms it as a "gooseneck". Informally, the hand tool is also referred to as a "jimmy" or "wrecking bar".

Without a doubt, pry bars are extremely handy around the house to extract nails, unscrew door hinges and polish moldy walls. In addition, they also make an appearance in the carpentry kits of inspectors at loading docks, security personnel, policemen, construction workers and firemen, forge.