Forgetools's Personal Finance Blog

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.

A standard adjustable spanner replaces several fixed-jaw spanners.

There are 3 types of adjustable spanner that may be employed in loosening nuts, bolts and gripping objects. The most common and familiar style utilizes manual operation for the adjustments required. The slide style functions much more rapidly with only the motion of the thumb required operating and lastly and more conveniently the automatic one is powered by a battery. The great thing regarding these three types of spanner is that it eradicates the need for a full set of open-end or closed-end spanners which come in a variety of sizes, and saves valuable time space and money.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Standard Open End Spanner Set

Open up the jaws on the adjustable spanner by twisting the worm gear toward the jaws of the spanner.

Position your thumb on the gear and turn it forward. This movement engages the adjustable jaw so that it spreads out and makes a greater distance between the 2 jaws. Rotate as many revolutions as is essential to open the jaws greater than the object to be gripped.

Secure the spanner with the jaws fixed around the nut and hold the spanner in this position. You then turn the spanner gear towards the handle until the jaws clamp tightly on the nut.

Proceed to rotate the nut anticlockwise to undo it or clockwise to tighten up.

Twist the worm gear toward the jaws of the spanner to open the jaws and remove it from the nut or object.

Offset Ring Spanner Set

Slide the adjustable thumb knob toward the handle to widen the jaws of the spanner.

Position the spanner jaws around a nut or other object and slide the adjustment towards the jaws of the spanner to tighten them.

Twist the spanner anticlockwise to undo or clockwise to tighten up a nut.

Slide the thumb adjustment knob toward the handle to open up the jaws and free the nut.

Automatic Adjustable Spanner Wrench

Press the button in on the spanner with your thumb to widen the jaws without anything in between the jaws. The battery powered jaws will open up as widely as possible.

Position the spanner jaws around an object or nut and press the thumb button. The jaws will then proceed to automatically close tightly about the nut or bolt.

Rotate the nut clockwise to fasten it or anticlockwise to undo.

Push the thumb adjustment for the jaws to open up and let go of the object.

Tips & words of advice

If the worm gear on a standard adjustable spanner doesn't rotate very easily, spray it with a spray lubricant. Twist the worm gear to the full in either direction and loosen the worm gear.

All 3 types of adjustable spanners feature a fixed jaw and a movable jaw for grasping objects.

Adjustable spanners either come with straight handles or angled handles to help in reaching objects that are found to be in tightly confined or cramped areas.

There are many tools that you must have handy when building a house but there are a few that get used often in the building process.

I'll start with the obvious. A hammer. In this day and age, many builders use compressors and framing mailers. The hammer still has a place on the job site. Most carpenters still use the hammer to frame floor joists, walls, ceiling joists and rafters. The feeling is that they can draw connections tighter with a hammer. I'm in favor of using a hammer for framing and using a nail gun to nail off plywood on decks, walls and roofs.

Another obvious tool is the circular saw bow saw . I like to have at least two on the job, one for me to do laying out of plates and roof cutting and one for the crew to cut headers, cripples and whatever else they might need it for. I prefer a worm drive saw. It’s a heavier saw but I like to use that to my advantage when cutting. I also like the fact you can see the blade cut the line. Others prefer what is called a sidewinder. The blade is on the other side of the saw thus the name. A right-handed user will usually find himself leaning over the saw to see the blade and follow the cut line. This is a lighter saw so it may fatigue the user less than a worm drive. chainsaw file

Layout tools. These include pencil, speed square, framing square, chalk line, dry line and tape measure. Obviously the pencil is a companion to most of the other tools for making layout marks and lines. The speed square is used primarily to square lumber and laying out plates for wall, floor joist, ceiling joists, and rafters. It can also be used for rafter cutting layout but I prefer a framing square, which I feel is more accurate. The framing square is also used to square up wider lumber like 2x10's and 2x12's. Pages can be written on the many uses of a framing square. I've even heard stories of guys being able to figure their paychecks with one. A chalk line is a necessity and is one of the first tools used to start building a house. Lines are snapped on top of foundation walls, on decks for wall layout and for cut lines on plywood, OSB and wall sheathings. A dry line is used to keep things straight. Its used to straighten tops of walls, basement steel, and hip rafters among other things. Last but not least is the tape measure, the most important of the layout tools. It would be impossible to build a house without it.

There is also what I like to call lifting and persuading tools. A handy tool to have on site is a pry bar. On my jobs its primary function was to lift a wall to put a 2x4 block under the top plate.
This is for finger room when it is time to lift the wall. The main persuader on any job is the sledgehammer. Also called a trim hammer for moving that heavy wall that last 1/8th of an inch to the line. I also like to use it to tap a wall square before sheathing it. Another necessary use for the sledgehammer is to tap tongue and groove plywood decking together.

Don't forget the erasers. Sometimes we make mistakes. That is why we keep nail pullers (cat’s paw) and a seawall or reciprocating saw on hand. I prefer the seawall. I like to cut the nails rather than pull them. I feel it’s quicker and makes for a cleaner job.

Don't forget a 4 foot level. I almost did. This is considered a layout tool. You'll need one to level interior walls to brace them off and to install window and doors. Other than that, it is almost all you'll need it for except for an occasional check for plumb and level. With the above mentioned tools, you have got what you need to build a house.

A good set of tools will always serve you well, provided you take care of them, protect them against rust and damage and keep them stored neatly. High quality hand tools can cost quite a bit of money, although many people assume they require no maintenance or care and throw them carelessly into a drawer or cheap plastic toolbox. Here's a look at the proper way to take care of your screwdrivers, pliers and all other metal tools to make them last you a lifetime.

Step One: Cleaning

All tools should always remain free of dust and debris, which can cause damage over a long period of time. If your tools get dirty or wet during use, take the time to clean them afterward. Most tools can be cleaned with a simple soft brush that you keep near your tool cabinet. Rust, the main enemy of metal, can cause permanent damage if left unchecked. Rust forms from moisture, although you can prevent it with most tools by applying a light oil on rust-prone areas. When rust does form, use a fine scrubber and oil to remove it but remember, rust will also be prone to reforming on this area in the future. If you can afford it, invest in tools that are made from high-quality metal alloys to make them resistant to rust and corrosion. Finally, any moving parts should be lubricated occasionally so they remain in good working order. wire end brush

Step Two: Proper Storage

What's the point of cleaning your tools regularly if you don't have proper storage in place? Depending on your needs, a simple toolbox will suffice. If you have a large collection of tools or use them professionally in a trade, a metal cabinet is a good option. Tools should always be organized and sorted and put back in their designated area after each use. This way, they're always there when you need them. Ideally, tools won't touch each other while they're stored. A few companies have developed storage systems to address this. Keep all of your instruments in a dry area free of moisture, dust and direct sunlight. For sharp instruments like chisels, keep them in a holder so you won't accidentally hurt yourself when you get them out. Tools should never be left on the ground or a working area as they can pose a serious hazard. Try to group your tools together in a way that makes sense to you.

Step Three: Maintenance

Most people are injured using their tools when they aren't kept sharp or in good condition. Metal blades should always be well oiled and replaced when they lose their sharpness. Regularly inspect your nuts, bolts, screws and other small parts for damage so you know when they need to be replaced. If you own hand tools with a wooden handle, take the time to sand and oil it regularly to prevent splinters and splitting. Round Mouth Shovel

Whether you're a tradesman or performing DIY projects around the house, high quality tools from Bovidix will serve you well. Bovidix offers a huge selection of innovative and durable hand tools and tool sets. The new Multibox system from Bovidix is designed to address all of your complaints about typical tool storage and transportation. Multibox sets are stackable, lockable, portable, space-saving and made from durable metal. They're all compatible and complement the new Multibox tool cabinet.

I have seen people starting in woodworking that spend money on woodworking hand tools every year now for the past 25 years. Whilst it's essential to get the very best tools you can, it's not essential to spend a ton of money buying the most expensive tools. Neither is it essential that you buy every tool that the toolmaker recommends. crimped wire cup brush

It is a difficult set of choices. Toolmakers make their living by selling you tools that you don't need and selling you tools that are more expensive than you need to pay. Yet it isn't good practice to buy cheap tools. Cheap tools are made for the weekend woodworker and the handyman. Yet if you don't have the money they can, with a deal of your effort and work, be made to do a job. You may have to put some work into setting them up right, or reshaping parts of them so they perform better, but you can in the end get that cheap tool to do the job. But time is money. However, your time probably you don't pay for so maybe you can invest a few, or a lot of evenings, in flattening the backs of chisels, in grinding the bevels on blades that are ill formed and flattening the soles of old planes.

The professional craftsman or craftswoman would have a relatively small group of hand tools about their bench. They would all be razor sharp and they would know exactly where they were. Time is of an essence. Speed in workmanship is essentially about planning ahead and picking up and putting down tools, smooth effortless movements. To achieve this you need a relatively small assembly of well chosen tools that are sharp, sharp sharp.

What we are advising is a middle course. Beginners pay a lot of money to learn the relevant skills from craftsmen. Their time is costing them money so what we are suggesting is that you buy by and large relatively expensive tools that require the minimum of setting up, or fettling, as it's known in the trade.

I am not associated with any toolmaker or tool retailer. My advice to you is totally independent and is well informed. I've seen literally hundreds of people making these choices. Really the choice is dependent upon how each brand of plane fits in your hand. A Clifton plane may fit your hand better than a Lie Nielsen. Sorbie chisels are beautifully shaped, expensive, but need a little work on the backs of them. The same can be said of Ashley Iles chisels. Lie Nielsen chisels are extremely expensive and made in an H2 steel which we have reservations about recommending. However these are fairly popular with our students. What you need is a small collection of well chosen hand tools that will fit your pocket and fit your hand and enable you to make beautiful furniture

Choosing the correct hand tools is a difficult step to get right. We have put together a Woodworking DVD that give advice gathered over 30 years worth of experience to help you along the way. Visit our Woodworking DVDs selling page for more information. David Savage is an Internationally recognized professional Furniture Maker and Designer with over 30 years experience. Lopping Shears

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.

While hand tools offer a host of benefits, their improper usage poses a high risk of injury. If mishandled, they can hurt not only the user but also those working around him. In addition, misuse can damage hand tools beyond repair, leaving them with no utility for the future. The resultant accidents would result in downtime, adversely affecting the task at hand.

To ensure security of life and equipment, it is very important to use hand tools correctly. Here are some safety tips:

Quality

The user's toolbox must be equipped with quality hand tools, designed to minimize effort and maximize safety.

Screws, nails and other hard objects would require high-quality cutting pliers. Also, cutting pliers offering higher leverage would not only make the job easier but also offer a stronger, safer grip. Good locking pliers offering a contoured area make for better grip, too. Well insulated tools also reduce chances of injury greatly.

Correct Usage

Every hand tool is designed to perform specific tasks. For instance, cutting pliers are designed to cut wires without much effort. Using one to drive a nail into a wall may not only bend the cutting plier out of shape but also keep the nail loose and unsecured. Grass Shears

Or, in another case, locking pliers are popular toolbox contents as they offer an exceptionally firm grip over an object. In fact, until the user applies pressure to release an object, locking pliers will maintain a vise-like grip on it. However, they would simply not work as screwdrivers.

Then again, certain jobs require hand tools to be insulated to be safe for use. Indifference towards this need may boomerang on the user badly.

Thus, using a hand tool to serve its intended purpose will ensure optimum performance with no damage.

Good Maintenance

Tools must be inspected frequently to be able to serve the user well.

If insulated hand tools are kept dry and clean, their safety is a given. This applies in the case of well lubricated cutting pliers, too. While cutting, if these pliers are used at the right angle, their knives will remain sharp and damage-free. Also, in the case of locking pliers, properly adjusting their center screw will make them highly effective in loosening hard bolts.

Safety Norms

An alarming fact is that most accidents while on the job occur because safety procedures have been ignored. For instance, if appropriate gear is not worn to protect the eyes while working on metal or glass, shards can fly into them and cause serious, even lifelong, injury. Keeping oneself updated about the latest in workplace safety norms is a must for any hand tool user.

While purchasing hand tools, the user must always remember that superior quality and adherence to safety norms translates into an investment made towards better, injury-free performance.

FORGE

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

A bow is a weapon that projects arrows powered by the elasticity of the bow itself. It has been used for thousands of years for both hunting and war. The reason for this was because the bow could cause damage from a distance, unlike melee weapons (swords, axes, etc...).

As time went by, with technological advancements, the bow was replaced with gunpowder weapons. Nevertheless, the bow made a comeback for sports competitions and hunting.

There are 4 types of bows in use nowadays, and no archery lessons are complete without explaining their differences.

Recurve Bow

Recurve bows saw prevalent use mostly in Asia starting in the second millennium B.C. The name of the bow is due to the fact that the bow tips curve away from the archer when the bow is unstrung. Nowadays, this type of bow is used by archers in the Olympic and many other competitive events, though it is more technologically advanced than in the older days. It also sees the most widespread used nowadays considering the big majority of beginners start their archery lessons with one. In addition, a recurve bow stores more energy than a straight-limbed bow such as the longbow, which possibly gives a greater amount of cast to the arrow. It will also permit for for a shorter bow, which is more useful in environments where a longer bow could prove cumbersome, such as forests or on a horse.
The Compound Bow

The compound bow is a modern bow that uses a levering system, usually of cables and pulleys, to bend the limbs. It is the most technologically advanced type of bow. It is barely affected by changes in temperature and humidity, and it gives better accuracy, velocity, and distance in comparison to the other types of bows. The compound bow was first introduced in the mid-to-late 60s and it is said to be the most dominant type of bow in use in North America. It is commonly popular among bowhunters since its technology enables the archer to hold the bow fully drawn to take more aim with the least amount of force.

The Longbow

The longbow is one of the oldest types of bows. It has existed for ages, and its usage was widespread in the middle ages. These are bows are made out of a single natural piece of wood, usually as tall as the user of the bow itself, but accessories are not available for it. This makes this type tough to master, and relatively weaker than its modern counterparts, but its advantages come from it being quicker to prepare for shooting, lighter, and having it shoot more quietly. If you're a beginner interested in longbows, then I highly recommend you take archery lessons specifically oriented towards that, simply to avoid frustration and to learn correct technique.

Crossbow

The crossbow consists of a bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles. Typically, bolts were used as projectiles for crossbows, but recently, crossbows can now shoot the same types of arrows used with recurve bows or compound bows. The modern crossbow also comes in the recurve and compound varieties, chainsaw file

It provided several advantages compared to the bow, but also several disadvantages. In general, with a crossbow, archers could release a draw force that far exceeds what they could have handled with a bow. In addition, crossbows could be kept cocked and ready to shoot for longer times with very little effort, while also providing better accuracy. The disadvantages are due to the clumsiness of it, the greater weight, and the slower rate of fire.

These are the main types of bows that are used nowadays. Most people start out with the recurve bow and then either stick with it, or move on to the compound bow. Figure out what is of interest to you, and make sure any archery lessons you're taking or any archery tips you're reading would apply to the correct type of bow, and you're set to better enjoy this great sport.

Hand tools are certainly not just for men particularly construction workers alone. Some hand tools have great use in your home regardless of who you are, whom you are living with or how good you are at repairing things independently. Looking for these tools at any store can be quite daunting especially if you are not familiar with them. Although, there are people whom you can call to help you at repairing things at home, but do you really have to spend money on this when in fact, you can easily get this job done on your own only if you have the right tool and a basic know-how?

One of these basic hand tools is the screw gun. They are used the way you would normally use a screwdriver but this makes thing a lot easier and faster. While a screwdriver is use for minor repairs and for things like hanging shelves and artwork, a screw gun can make all these simple repairs even easier. Moreover, when it comes to hanging things around the home, the screw gun can be a lifesaver. Screw guns come in various sizes; there are ones that are bigger than others, so ask for help when choosing one. When buying a screw gun, you don not have to pick out the commercial grade guns if you think something smaller would do.

In fact, a woman can use hand tools and work on some little repairs at home without having the assistance of a man. Some repairs may be a bit heavy and hard to handle but it's about time that all women must know how to use at least the basic hand tools and must have them at home. While some of these tools are just for convenience, others are for when something goes wrong. As for men, since they are the usual ones who use these tools, they should have them in the house for when they need them.

Another must-have hand tools is the hammer. Just like screw guns, hammers are also handy to have around the house. However, unlike the screw gun, they do not require power or batteries to work. Hammers are typically use for hanging things in the home with nails rather than screws, and can fix broken items made out of wood. You may find that your hammer can be used for many things you would never associate with a hammer, but anyhow you will be glad to have it for all those reasons. There are a few different types of hammers available in the market so get at least one to use in your home.

The various other hand tools that you may want to use in your home may depend on your needs. You may be compelled to buy them as the need arises, or you could get a complete kit made for home use. Whatever the case, it is always nice to know that you have the necessary hand tools that you can use handy when you have small problems at home. With that, you can save a lot of money. It spares you from calling someone and waiting for them to have the time to come help you, forge.

The number one secret for great results in woodworking is having sharp and well maintained tools. Dull edges in your tools will just slow down your work and damage the materials of your project. On top of that, working with low quality cutting tools can be very dangerous for the woodworker.

The most traditional sharpening tools are sandstone or granite. However, synthetic grinding wheels and flat sharpening stones are often preferred by woodworkers as they come with precise grades of abrasiveness they can choose according to their needs.

The huge variety of cutting tools used in woodworking reflects a similar variety of sharpening techniques and tools. Most sharpening tools are created from man-made materials. These includesynthetic oil stones made, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, ceramic waterstones and diamond paste. There are exceptions like Arkansas stones and quarried stones from Japan.

Generally speaking, you can sharpen your smaller tools yourself. Bigger tools though, should be sharpened by a professional tool sharpener. There are many ways to sharpen a tool. tools. Here's a list of basic sharpening tools:

Whetstone or Oil Stone

Whetstones (also called oil stones) may be natural or artificial. Artificial whetstones are usually made of bonded abrasive composed of silicon carbide (carborundum) or of aluminium oxide (corundum). Artificial stones, are typically double-sided, with a coarse grit on one side and a fine grit on the other.

Japanese Waterstone

A type of stone which consists of fine silicate particles in a clay matrix. There are 3 different types of waterstones that can be used: 1) rough, 2) middle to medium and 3) fine.

Bench Grinder

A bench grinder consists one or two motor-powered grinding wheels. It can be used to sharpen tools and also shaping metal objects.

Diamond Plate

Diamond plates are sharpening tools that are used to sharpen tools with steel blades. A diamond plate consists of a plastic base and a steel plate impregnated with diamond grit coating bonded onto the base. The diamond grit can grind away various materials from the surface of the blade. Diamond plates are available in various sizes, forge.

Every household needs a set of hand tools. Each one of us at some point in time has used hand tools to fix things around the house. There is a list of some common practices requiring us to use or to buy hand tools. These tools are very useful especially if you own a lovely lawn, which you must take care of. They are necessary when you intend to perform some woodwork as well. During your leisure time at home, make use of some of these tools to perform some construction work

The cutting tools come in a kit that is for the beginners. This kit helps you to get to learn the basic rules of the industry. The tools that make up the kit are easy to maintain and use. This should be your first step and you could continue your journey from here. The journey has many more steps and stages in store though. The saw is one of the tools that fit this category perfectly.

If one has never worked with a hand tool previously, this would surely be a tough task. Getting used to the tools' handling is not easy. If one wants to buy these forge tools, the person could either look at a local store or search on the Internet. The mode of buying is completely the choice of the buyer. Many always prefer Internet as it not only helps one to save money and time but it gives a detailed description about the tools. While choosing these tools make sure, you fulfill all the needs and keep the budget in mind.

Buying of hand tools is not an everyday activity. Therefore, you should make sure that you make this activity a good and mistake-free one. When you choose the hand tools you want to buy, make sure you keep in mind factors such as strength and reliability in mind. When buying these tools, you should touch them to guarantee they have great quality. Make sure you are comfortable with them, as you would be using the tools for a long time. It is advisable to buy products that have removable handles, as they are easy to maintain and clean. Checking these products in person is always a good option. You may have to buy hand tools or to do the shopping offline to go to this extent.

Storing the hand tools in a safe and proper place is also very important. Make sure you read the safety feature guide or manual before beginning to use them. You can make your work easier and fun when you are aware about the technical details. When you are going to buy hand tools, keep in mind that these do not cause any damage and they are not harmful.

Once you have bought these tools, the next important step is maintenance. If you take care of the tools, they will obviously last longer. This would in turn help you to avoid minor injuries and accidents. It is an added advantage to know the cleaning process for these products. If you have even the slightest doubt, make sure you take some professional assistance. Once you have seen or learnt the process, in due time, you need to handle the cleaning and changing of blades very carefully.

Each and every week, I take the time to read the comments that my readers make about my woodworking blog. First of all I want to them for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate all of the comments and suggestions. This past week there was a comment from a gentleman, who expressed a desire to get into woodworking. As a guy who is passionate about woodworking, I want to welcome him to the fold. And I want to offer him all of the advice and encouragement possible in his endeavors.

There are normally two ways that a person moves into woodworking. The first group of people is those who grew up in an environment that included woodworking. These are the guys and gals whose father, grandfather, or other relative or neighbor was involved in woodworking. And as time went on, they either inherited their woodworking tools from these folks, or because woodworkers are an opinionated group, had already learned the importance of having quality tools. My comments do not apply to this group.

When starting out, most novice woodworkers will normally opt for the smaller, lighter less expensive tool, be it a tablesaw, miter saw or whatever tool is needed to supplement their workshop. In their thinking, it doesn't make sense to spend the money on an expensive tool when they are not sure that they will really like doing woodworking. And I can understand that line of thinking. But when they try to make that precise cut with this tool, the results are often less than perfect. Why? Well there could be a multitude of reasons, the woodworker didn't set the tool up correctly, or the blade/bit was dull, the wood wasn't secured correctly or maybe just maybe the tool was not capable of making the desired cut. But since this occurred with a novice woodworker, there is a very strong possibility that the woodworker will blame their own skills rather than seeing that the problem maybe with the tool.

Over this past weekend I happened to spend some time in the shop of another woodworker, and he and I got to talking about the problems that a new woodworker faces. The more we talked, the more we became convinced that many new woodworker actually make it harder on themselves to become a successful woodworker than necessary. Now I know that you are not going to let me get away with making a statement like that without some explanation.

They do however apply to a second group of new woodworkers. This is the group that includes those who one day decide for whatever reason that they want to become a woodworker. Maybe it's because they have just moved into a new home and see many projects that they could take on, if only they were into woodworking. Whatever the motivation, I feel that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that idea; in fact I think it's great. But what often happens next is the problem. The new woodworker is faced with a dilemma. As we all know, to do woodworking he or she needs to invest some hard money into the tools that woodworking requires. But not being 100% sure that they will really enjoy woodworking they hesitate to spend the money to purchase quality tools. And this I feel is where they set themselves up for failure.

At this juncture, one of two things can happen, the woodworker can take the time to diagnose the problem and realize that the tool, not they are at fault. Or they can simply give up woodworking, because they feel that they just can't do it. That they don't possess the skills needed to be a good woodworker. And this is really too bad. Yes, I know about the old adage that a craftsman doesn't blame his tools. But there are times that the tool is the real culprit.

Getting back to the guy who wants to get into woodworking, my advice would be to avoid the cheap tools. I am not advocating buying the most expensive tool. I am advocating buying the best tool. Take the time to research the tools completely. Look at any one of the multitude of woodworking blogs for their reviews or comments on tools. I know for certainty that any woodworker who is unhappy with the performance of a tool will make sure that anyone who will listen knows their feeling about that tool. Likewise, if they have had a good experience with a particular tool, they will let you know that as well.

Just to clarify, my comments about taking the time to find the best tool, based on all factors not just price, applies to all tools. A cheaply built hand tool can cause just as many headaches for the woodworker an equally poor power tool.

If you try woodworking and find that it just isn't your thing, that's okay. Woodworking isn't for everyone. I just don't want anyone to quit trying woodworking because they have bad tools.

The Jersey Woodworker has been a successful woodworker for over 30 years. To read more of his tips, tricks, projects and reviews please visit his blog at Sawdust on the Floor, forge

There are lots of different products with great woodworking plans on the Internet today and it can be really hard to determine which product will provide you with what you need in order to achieve your woodworking goals. This article covers the fundamentals of several different woodworking products and what they offer their users. I am going to start off with what I have found to be the best woodworking product and then review what I have found to be the second and third best woodworking blueprint products.

My Shed Plans Elite

My Shed Plans Elite is another product with great woodworking plans. Ryan Henderson created this product and he has over 20 years of woodworking experience in building wooden sheds. Throughout his career, he faced many of the same dilemmas that the creator of Teds Woodworking encountered, mainly, poorly written and understandable wooden plans. The My Shed Plans Elite product contains over 12,000 different wooden plans and blueprints. There are a lot of shed plans in this product in addition to hundreds of other plans in various categories.

My Shed Plans Elite also contains several bonuses as well. These bonuses are called: project sets and plans with 12,000 designs, detailed plans and how-to guides, more than 12,500 woodworking blueprints and projects, and a book with lots of tips, tricks, and secrets that professional woodworkers use. These bonuses provide you with more detailed information in regards to the woodworking, which will allow you to breeze through you woodworking projects. A couple of other great features that this woodworking product provides its users are a money-back guarantee and a couple customer support options.

Teds Woodworking Plans

Teds Woodworking Plans is the first product that I am going to review and this product is a collection of great wooden plans. It's actually one of the best collections of woodworking plans that you can buy today! These wooden plans consist of more than 16,000 blueprints and include over 100 different categories of plan types. These categories include but are not limited to: bird house woodworking plans, furniture woodworking plans, and garden woodworking plans.

In addition to the various categories that Teds Woodworking Plans provides its customers, it also provides its customers with four great bonuses. The coolest of these bonuses is another software program that is called the DWG or CAD software. This software program allows users to analyze the woodworking blueprints in more detail. You can even edit or create your own wooden plans with this software program. The great options that the DWG or CAD software offers its users is one of the reasons that Teds Woodworking is the best set of wooden plans for customers to buy. This product also comes with three other bonuses: premium woodworking videos, how to start a business woodworking guide, and the complete woodworking carpentry guide. These additional bonuses are great tools to help customers learn more about woodworking and how to get involved in the industry if woodworking is something you are really passionate about.

Overall, this product is a great set of wooden plans to help you achieve any of your woodworking projects.

Woodworking 4 Home

The last product that I am going to review is called Woodworking 4 Home. This product is a fairly new product and that's the reason I have this product listed as the third best woodworking blueprints product. As this product continues to impress me, I will most likely move this product up the ranking list. This product contains over 14,000 woodworking plans and projects. These plans are categorized into over 100 different categories that include anything that you would want to build through woodworking.

The product developer for Woodworking 4 Home has designed this product so that it is very easy to navigate through. The wooden plans are very easy to follow and set up in a step-by-step format for users. These plans are also great for intermediate and advanced woodworking users as well. If you decide to purchase this product then you will be able to use the product for 60 days under their money back guarantee. In addition, you can contact customer support if you have any questions in regards to the product.

Quick Review:

In conclusion, these are three products with great woodworking plans and my number one pick is Teds Woodworking Plans. I choose Teds Woodworking for a variety of reasons, mainly, the large number of wooden plans and for the additional bonuses provided in the software package. I hope this review has been helpful and that it leads you to find a woodworking product with great woodworking plans, forge.

A tape measure is really an essential tool. It can be utilized in a lot of different jobs easily, which makes them extremely popular and useful. It works by using the same units of measurement that's basic with rulers. Usually, the tapes made these days will be double sided. One side of the tape will provide measurement that's in linear increments, while the other side will provide measurements in metric increments. In other words, one simple measuring tape can function anywhere on this planet.

You can find various kinds of tape measures on the market. Contractors tape measure is used to measure big areas like your room, roof, large areas that require a measuring tape that is durable. This is the type you can pull and let snap back after use. There are also ones that are made from softer material, which are utilized to measure fabric and is also intended for indoor use. No matter what measuring tape you use, an individual should know how to read a tape measure. It will require very minimal skill and all that you need to understand are the divisions you see on this particular tool. Listed below are what you need to fully understand for you to read a tape measure.

Reading the Inches - The most obvious marks you will find on your tape measure are the ones for inches. They are the ones having the large numbers on your strip of tape. Each distance from one number to the next is exactly 1 inch. Reading the Half Inch Marks - If you read a measuring tape you will see that there are lines in between each number representing an inch. The lines are of various lengths and the tallest ones mark every half inch. These are generally in between every number for every inch on your tape measure. Quarter, Eighth, and Sixteenth Inch Marks - As you learn how to read a measuring tape, you will discover that there are more marks between the half inch and inch numbers. The next tallest ones are the quarter inch markers, then the eighth inch, and sixteenth inch markers. Every smaller fraction of an inch is marked with a shorter line.

Here is the way you read a tape measure: Step # 1: Pull out a length of your measuring tape beginning at the point in which you want to start measuring. If you are using a durable tape measure, you can lock it at the length where you stopped so you don't have to hold the length of tape down with your own fingers. Step # 2: The first thing you read from your measuring tape is the inches. Read or note down the nearest number to where you stopped. Step three: You then check out each of the half inch, quarter, and other lines on it and note them down until you get to the point in which you stopped.

Remember, if you are measuring huge spaces you may hook 1 end of the tape measure and pull the entire length back. You may also lay and read a tape measure on the ground. Most measuring tapes you will find will have the same unit of measurement.

A Tape Measure should always come in handy since it is a unique tool for the Construction and Industrial professional. Tape Measures are very flexible and permits one to measure around curves or corners.
FORGE

The High Speed Steel or the HSS drill bits are used for a variety of industrial applications. Compared to the ordinary high carbon steel bits, these steel tools are ingrained with a number of advanced properties. The High Speed Steel bits are resistant to scratches and tensile compared to the other bits. These bits are durable and used mainly for large scale production drilling.

Hss Drill Bits Important Features

The HSS bits include a number of advanced features and therefore it is used for a wide variety of purposes.

Heat resistant: It is also known to be heat resistant. These can be used to pierce holes in stainless steel quite easily. As it is resistive to heat, it can withstand the high temperatures infused during the process.

Tensile: The HSS bits are known to be the toughest bit that can be used to pierce different types of materials. It can be used efficiently on plastic, metal and wood. As it is made of chromium and carbon, it is known to be one of the toughest steel bits.

Iron content: These contain iron as its base metal. It also contains percentages of tungsten, chromium, carbon, cobalt and other elements. Chromium and carbon is mainly added to induce strength and robustness to the metal. Tungsten is also added to the drill bits to increase the hardness and the heat resistant capacity of the metal. In addition to tungsten, cobalt is also added to the metal bit to increase its heat resistance.

High speed: The HSS bits can be used effectively for high speed drilling processes. Compared to the carbon bits, these tools can perform efficiently as it is tensile and durable.

The HSS bits are available in different grades which include M1, M2 and M50. Among these varieties, the M1 HSS bit is the most expensive type of steel bit. Even though it is known to be the most expensive type of steel bit, it is quite fragile and is susceptible to breakage if used improperly. The M2 HSS bit is more flexible than the M1 steel bit as it contains molybdenum. The M50 bits are less expensive compared to the M1 steel bits. These steel bits are strong but soft compared to the M1 steel bits.

The HSS bits can be sharpened many times, compared to the other types, before it is replaced.

Popular Use of HSS bits

These are popularly used for various purposes. It is used in a number of tools and machineries. Compared to the ordinary carbon bits, these tools can withstand high temperature. It is considered to be more efficient than the ordinary one.

Different types of HSS bits are available in many of the online stores these days at affordable price rates. In comparison to the cobalt, the HSS are available at reasonable price rates. It is important to choose the right one before piercing materials as different types of materials require different types of tools and bits，FORGE

Drilling and cutting efficiently requires the right kind of drill or blade. And, as the range of materials used on domestic and commercial environments increases, correctly matching drills and blades with materials becomes even more important. And that counts for contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Drilling

Traditionally, drill bits have been made from steel. Soft, low carbon steel bits can only be used when drilling wood. High carbon steel bits are used on wood and metal, but can lose their edge if allowed to overheat.

Tungsten carbide (and other carbide) tips are extremely hard and can drill many challenging materials while retaining their edge. Unfortunately, they suffer from brittleness and high cost.

HSS (high speed steel) bits can be used to drill a wider range of materials, including metal and hardwood, at higher speeds than carbon steel bits. For extra hardness at higher temperatures, HSS variants, cobalt steel alloys are a good choice.

Coatings such as Black Oxide, Titanium nitride, Titanium aluminium nitride and Zirconium nitride applied to drill bits can extend life and provide greater heat resistance.

Diamond powder coatings are perhaps the most useful of all, providing a long-lasting, durable solution to drilling the very hardest of materials.

A diamond drill or hole cutter can generate a lot of heat, so you need to be careful not to allow it to build up or it can damage some finishes and materials. Consequently, some diamond drills are supplied with a water-cooled wet core that supplies a continuous stream of coolant for drilling materials such as flint and limestone aggregate concrete, reinforced concrete and other hard building materials.

A standard dry core diamond drill is more suited to medium and soft bricks, concrete blocks and abrasive concrete products. A tougher, superfast dry core drill will take most building materials in its stride. These include semi-engineering bricks, clay products, clay products and limestone aggregate concrete.

Cutting

There are many types of saw available, but in this article we're going to look at bow saw .

If you're looking for a good, reliable wood saw, you should consider a tungsten carbide tipped or HSS blade. For more demanding applications, you'll need to consider more advanced blades or you'll suffer tools that simply can't cut the material, or very soon get blunt and/or overheat. Diamond tipping enables manufacturers to offer a range of blades precisely matched to the requirements of cutting some of the hardest materials.

When it comes to cutting building products such as engineering bricks, concrete and clay products a segmented universal/hard diamond blade with cooling holes to disperse some of the heat is an excellent choice. While, if you're cutting natural stone as well, a top-quality superfast blade would be a better choice.

Stepping down from the most difficult of materials, a standard general-purpose diamond blade can easily handle the demands of cutting bricks, slabs, concrete paviors, roof tiles and most concrete products，chainsaw file

Whatever kind of drilling or cutting job you're faced with, it's always best to ensure you're using the best kind of blade or drill. It'll make the job easier, give you a better a finish and also potentially save you money by lasting longer.

Dave Symons is Technical Manager of Hilbor Diamond Tools, whose Spectrum brand is a world leader in diamond drills and cutting blades.

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.

The beginning woodworker is sometimes confused about what wood tools are needed as there are so many to choose from. My advice is: Don't rush out and buy any tools recommended as a 'starter kit' unless you have an immediate task to use those tools on. This article provides a basic list of useful hand woodworking tools with a short description of how to use them. To determine which to buy, check your project. Get the tools you'll need to complete your project.

The general recommendation to the beginning woodworker is: Learn how to use wood hand tools before trying to work with power tools. The work will be slower and a bit more physically taxing but you'll gain knowledge of how to use the various types of tools to best advantage, your work will be more precise, and you won't be nearly as apt to get seriously hurt.

1) Clamps
Clamps are an essential basic hand tool and are used to to keep your wood stationary. They come in all sizes. Use them when drilling, sawing, gluing, etc. - any task that requires the the wood you're working on doesn't move.

2) Saw
It's useful to learn how to use a hand saw, but it's very tiring if you have a thick piece of wood that you're trying to cut. I much prefer a power saw.

3) Drill Bits
There are various types of hand drill bits. Some are called push-drills. Pushing the drill up and down makes the drill bit go around, cut into the wood, and make a hole. Another type of hand drill consists of a crank on a shaft. Turning the crank makes the drill bit go around, making a hole. Most drills come with a set of bits of varying sizes which, obviously, make different size holes. Being able to make the correct size hole in a piece of wood is necessary for attaching two pieces together with screws, bolts, or nails. When using nails in a pre-drilled hole, I often dip the nail in Epoxy before slipping it into the hole. This anchors the nail so it doesn't slip out again.

These are just a few of the many and varied hand wood tools that are available.

Woodworking is a very enjoyable hobby. It takes some practice to get really good at it, but the rewards of completing a project that is both useful and good to look at make this one of the more productive hobbies that one could learn,forge.

Gardening is a tool-intensive work that requires the usage of pertinent gardening hand tools. With the right tools for gardening, you can make even the most hard, back-breaking work simple and easy-to-do. So, pick from various types of garden tools and equipment based on your needs and purposes. Some of the useful lawn and garden tools you need to have are:

Shovels: These lawn and garden equipment are used to dig, move, and gather dirt, coal, gravel, soil, snow, and other trash. This multi-purpose tool is essential for all gardens, small or big.

Edgers: A good-looking garden or lawn requires professional-looking edges at driveways and pathways. Use edgers to create that uniform look throughout the perimeter of your landscape.

Pruners: There are basically three types of pruners - bypass, anvil, and ratchet. All three styles serve different purposes. They can be used to prune trees and shrubs, cut away dead flowers and leaves, and trim hedges in your garden.

Garden Tools and Equipment to Clear Snow: Tired of clearing the snow off your lawn? Get appropriate lawn and garden tools to clear the snow in your garden. Ice choppers or crappers, ice melters, snow pushers, snow rakes, and snow shovels are top picks you can go for.

If you are looking for these garden tools and equipment to beautify and maintain your garden, visit forge tools. This web store has all kinds of quality tools for gardening at affordable prices.

These Garden Hand Tools and equipment are sure to make your job easy.