Forgetools's Personal Finance Blog

Gardening is more popular than ever before. Gardeners love the beauty and solitude of working in their gardens, and the fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables are such a satisfying reward. If you are new to gardening and looking for garden hand tool sets, there are a few tools that are great to begin with.

Below is a list of the five tools that you should purchase to begin. I will also explain the basic uses of each of these tools.

1. Soil Rake

Depending on the size of your planting beds, you can purchase a full size or mini sized soil rake. These rakes are a basic essential for removing debris and breaking up and aerating the soil. Mini soil rakes are only a few inches wide, so you can use them more easily in containers or around tight borders.

2. Holesaw Set

Hoes are another basic essential for gardening. Hoes are used to pile soil around the base of plants, to break up and agitate soil, to remove weeds, and to create furrows and trenches for planting seeds or bulbs.

3. Trowel

Another basic, trowels are constantly used by gardeners. There are many different sizes and weights, so select one that feels right in your hand.

4. Cultivator

Both hand cultivators and full-size cultivators are a must. Cultivators penetrate, break up, and aerate tough soil and they are great for removing weeds. Hand cultivators are great for sit-down gardening, and full size cultivators are used for larger areas.

5. Weeder

A weeder is like a long and wide screwdriver that is notched at the end. They are great for penetrating along the roots of dandelions and other weeds, and they are also great for working in sidewalk cracks, between stones, or in tight areas. Weeders make weeding go much more quickly and allow weeds with deep roots to be removed more easily and completely.

Of course, there are many other types of shovels, rakes, tillers, and other helpful garden hand tools, and you can purchase them as you need them. Remember to buy quality tools that will last you for years. Spending a little more when purchasing your tools and then caring for and maintaining your tools during use will allow you to enjoy them for decades.

chainsaw file are a great tool for a variety of tasks around the house. They have power, strength, and a blade that no other tool can compare to. The one thing to always look at is if it's in proper working order. A sharp blade is easier to use, requires less effort, and is safer all around as a dull blade can hurt both the project being worked on, and the person using the chainsaw. It is said that a chainsaw blade needs to be sharpened after every hour or two of use for optimal usage, so this is the easiest way to sharpen that blade after every use and make sure it can handle every task at hand.

The first thing to look at with chainsaw sharpening is the size of the cutters, or saw blades. Once you know the size of the blades, you can find the size of round or chainsaw file needed. The round or chainsaw file needs to match the same size of the blade, so make sure one is not used that is too small or too large. The chainsaw file can be used on its own, but it is not only easier, but offers a more consistent sharpen if a sharpening guide is purchased. Once the tools are at hand, try sharpening the chainsaw at a workbench or other stable surface. Try a vise grip to grab hold of the bar to really keep it in place and offer you stable chainsaw to work on.

The first thing to do is to lay the sharpening guide over the chainsaw blades, and then lay the file over the guide. The chainsaw file guide should have a clamp that allows it to be aligned with the marks, and then clamped into place to give you two hands to work with. Once the guide is in place, grab the file with two hands and start to file, using large broad strokes from inside to out. Continue the even strokes all the way around working first on just the right hand cutters, then moving to the left hand cutters. Another tip is to mark where you started filing so you know when you have finished as your working your way around. Continue to file each cutter until all the signs of damage to the still chainsaws has been filed off. In order to get an even sharpness, each cutter will take three to five strokes of the file. Remember that the cutter edge needs to be between 25 and 35 degrees so maintain a consistent stroke to prove an even angle.

If a chainsaw is properly maintained, it can be one of the most powerful tools you will ever use. The one thing to recognize is that with every use, the blades begin to wear down, and the sharpness can dull over time. With out sharpening, the job is harder and less effective, and the machine begins to wear down unable to perform as needed. So this does not happen, just remember to keep up on sharpening and keep that chainsaw in perfect working order for every task.

For those not familiar with tools, you may find yourself asking what a wrench is. Well, a wrench is tool that is used to for gripping when trying to turn an object or a component. These components include nuts, bolts, and other types of rotating fasteners. The term wrench is an American standard term for this tool, but for the British the term is spanner. This tool is made from a durable material like the chromium-vanadium alloy. To resist corrosion wrenches are coated with chrome.

Like other tools, there are various types of wrenches. Knowing a few things can help you familiarize yourself with it.

Adjustable - this is probably one of the most popular types. You must see these in almost everyone's toolbox. This type has an adjustable jaw. To move the jaw you simply turn the knob beneath it. This is perfect in case you do not want to store a lot of wrenches.
Open-end wrench - this tool has a U-shaped end that can grip either ends of a nut and bolt. Open-ended wrenches are usually double-ended and each end has a different sized opening.
Box-end wrenches - this is a kind of wrench with an angled end. The ends are enclosed and fit perfectly on the faces of the nuts or bolts. The recesses or openings can have six points or twelve points that can fit nuts with hexagonal heads.
Combination - this type is actually a merging of a box-end and open-end wrench. One end has a U-shaped opening while the other end is enclosed. The ends may be different but the size is the same.

These are just some examples of the wrench you might have tucked away in your toolbox. However, the list does not stop there. There are numerous types of wrenches from general types to a more specific type.

If you have a big, beautiful home garden, chances are, you have a garden hose. A garden hose also known as a hosepipe is basically a flexible rubber tube that carries water. Although garden hoses may also be made from polyurethane or vinyl, rubber is the most popular material used. Attached to a spigot or a tap, water hoses are useful gardening equipment making watering a lot easier and faster. You can attach a number of things at the end of your garden hoses. Sprinklers and sprayers for example, concentrate or de-concentrate water to one point or over a wider area.

Garden hoses are actually the simplest method of irrigating your garden. But if your garden is quite large, you might benefit from having multiple garden hoses attached end to end. The threads at each end of a typical garden hose easily connect with one another. FORGE

Fashioned from synthetic rubber or durable soft plastic, garden hoses have an internal web of fibers that makes garden hoses flexible and their smooth exteriors make for easy maneuvering between, around, and past trees and other obstacles. And because of their inherent durability, garden hoses can withstand scraping, scratches, even being stepped on without damaging its functional use.

Hoses are normally classified into categories depending on usage, toughness, durability, and overall quality of materials used. Garden hoses can be either of three kinds:

Light Duty. Light duty garden hoses are made of lightweight material and can be handled quite easily. You can use a light duty garden hose for fairly light gardening chores or light house cleaning. This type of hose is easy to move around and drag to different places. It can be wrapped around in a spool after use. It is usually made of hard plastic or rubber.

Medium duty hoses can give out enough water pressure to take out hardened dirt in hard to reach corners. Although a bit heavy, this is very useful in working with big lawns or gardens.

Medium Duty. Medium duty hoses are ideal for general watering purposes. Resistant to kinks and generally durable and flexible, medium duty hoses are good for watering your lawns or washing your car. Most also come with at least a five-year warranty.

Heavy Duty. For tough watering chores, use a heavy duty hose. Very kink-resistant, heavy duty hoses come with heavy duty brass octagonal couplings. They're also extremely flexible. Heavy duty hoses can handle all of your typical watering chores such as gardening, car washing, etc. This type is perfect if you use your hose heavily as most heavy duty hoses come with lifetime warranties.

Other types of hoses are available for various uses and purposes. Generally larger and made with materials tougher than garden hose rubber, some of these types of hoses are employed for industrial purposes and are able to handle intense water pressure.

Whether you're a professional gardener or just doing it as a hobby, pick out a good garden hose to have handy. It should serve you well in the garden and for various other chores you might need it for.

What are the Choices of Garden Hose Reels and where will you get the best Hose Reels Advice?

There are many choices of garden reels available today and it can be quite confusing as to deciding which type, style, brand etc is going to best suit your needs. In this article I will offer my over 20 years experience in the hose reels business to hopefully offer you the best hose reels advice so that you can be armed with the best information when you make your purchase.

Where Will You Position your Garden Reel?

So you are considering buying a hose reel for your garden. Maybe you have walked through a few large DYI or Hardware stores or even checked out a few sites on the internet and are maybe a little bit confused about what type you should purchase and importantly where are you going to position it?

There are a number of aspects to consider when selecting a garden reel for your particular needs. Some of these are listed below in brief form and will be covered in future articles in more DETAIL. Some of these are pretty obvious however there are some things that many people fail to take into account when finding the right reel. Hose length, hose diameter (internal and external), water pressure, length of hose required (versus what hose capacity different reels have, the construction material (steel or plastic), method of winding up the hose (hand crank or spring rewind) and the major aspect that many people fall down on is the positioning of the reel.

Let's first look at the that wonderful real estate adage, position, position, position as a starting point. Where you are going to install / mount your garden reel needs careful consideration. What practical length of hose will you need relative to where you install it? What area of garden or lawn do you want to effectively cover with your reel?

So if the length of hose on a type of reel you are considering is not quite going to give you the coverage you need - what is the solution?

Is your current inlet water supply (tap / faucet) limiting you on where you can install / mount your garden hose reel? The chances are the position of your water supply (tap / faucet) outdoors for use with a garden hose was arbitrarily determined by the builder of your home or the previous owner, or if by you then likely from a set of plans - let's face it, the garden / lawn area was either not predetermined or has changed.

If installing / mounting your garden hose reel near / next to your water supply to the reel (tap / faucet) will not give you the most desired coverage then there are solutions.

Example - you may have 2, 3 or more water supply points around your house - typically most homes have at least 2 - one at the front and one at the back of the house. These outlets may not be in the best position for watering your garden - I know mine aren't and I designed my house!!!

Example 2 - I have a water supply (tap / faucet) on the south facing side at the front of my house, about a metre (3ft) from the corner of the house. There is no garden(s) on that section of the south side of the house - the gardens are on the west side!!!

So mounting a hose reel right next to that outlet means I am pulling the hose around a corner - not very practical or sensible right?

So the solution for me was to run some poly water pipe from the outlet, along the ground (eventually I pulled up my pavers and buried it) to a point on the west side of the house where the garden is. Sounds logical however even I didn't think of it in the first place!!

Last but not least in this section of positioning your garden hose reel is how you install / mount your garden hose reel after you have decided where you want / need it. A garden reel should be offering you efficiencies right? - if not then you could use an old car wheel rim.

I fitted a riser and an on / off valve and then mounted my garden reel in the best possible position for me to get the best efficiency and least hassles. It is easy and cheap to do - you don't need to pay a plumber to do this for you - some poly pipe, some fittings and the job is done!!

Tip - make sure you mount the reel at a suitable "ergonomic" height - a height which will not have you bending over or reaching up to operate it. Take some time to measure the installation / mounting position carefully before installing the reel to a wall or post or other fixing. The ideal position is for the hose as it rewinds onto the reel to be at about your hip height (this assumes in hand crank reels that the crank is centre line with the reel which should be the case - for spring rewind reels this will be a given).

The combination wrench is the perfect tool for an automotive kit, industrial shop usage or household toolbox. A combination wrench also known as a spanner, is a wrench with an open face on one end and a circular grip on the other.

A combination wrench set is useful for the aspiring motor mechanic as well as industrial mechanics, carpentry jobs, household repairs, automotive repairs and for common tasks such as furniture assembly.

Mechanics Tools:

The right mechanics tools make the difference between an easy job and a difficult one. A mechanic or carpenter is defined by their tools and having the highest grade tool set, complete with combination wrenches, prepares you for any job. The complete mechanics tool set includes wrench kits for automotive jobs, bicycle repair and even specialized work involving foreign automobiles and RV repair. Accessories for spanners that you may want to add to your tool set include cases, wrench grips and wrench holders.

As everyone who has been through an apprentice program knows, bolts are used in construction, manufacturing, and assembly of almost everything. By having a combination wrench set at the ready, you can show that you have the ability to place or remove a bolt easily and efficiently.

Toolkits:

Toolkits come with a variety of selections from a basic 8 piece wrench set, on up to 16, 32, 64 or even 256 piece or more sets. While a few common wrenches will cover most tasks, having a large toolkit with a full selection of wrenches insures that you are ready for any job that comes your way.

Combination wrenches are available in a wide variety of sizes for both standard and metric nut and bolt combinations. This simple hand tool does not require electricity, is designed specifically for the job that it is made to do and is highly resistant to breakage.

Automotive Tool sets:

An automotive tool set should contain a variety of common wrench sizes to handle automotive repairs while on the road. By having a wrench set in your vehicle you are prepared for any emergency car repairs that may be needed.

You will not find an auto repair shop, an automotive training course or even an auto mechanic school that is not well stocked with a wide variety of combination wrenches. When it comes time to do car repairs or other basic mechanical jobs, the first tool in your kit should be the combination wrench. Solid, basic, sturdy and dependable the combination wrench doesn't have moving parts and is designed to withstand impacts on even the most demanding jobs.

Metric Tools:

Metric tools and metric mechanics sets, in addition to standard wrenches, keep you covered for any repair situation. By having an array of metric tools conveniently available you can grab the 8mm or 15mm wrench you need to get the job done, slip it in your pocket and you are ready to go. The roll out case keeps your combination wrenches well organized and ready for automotive jobs or other tasks. In addition to your metric mechanics set, you may wish to purchase specialty manufactured wrenches which can meet the most exacting specifications, including sets that are designed to handle non-standard bolts. A complete set of metric tools for your assembly and repair needs is as essential as a standard tool set which includes the commonly used, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ and 3/4″ combination wrench.

Tool Storage:

When storing your wrenches, a tool storage chest, wrench holder or a standard tool box can be useful. Tool boxes and cases for wrenches, include soft cases in rollout and box style, as well as heavy plastic cases or even heavy duty steel, titanium and aluminum toolboxes for the serious mechanic. Wrenches can be stored in tool chests, roll up cases, and will help you find the exact tool you need for getting extra leverage on a stubborn bolt.

Wrenches range from the most common household types to specialty types.

Gardening is considered as one of the most relaxing and enjoyable leisure activities among all populations - unless you are Tarzan or if you don't have a garden - but can become awfully wearisome and frustrating if you don't equip yourself with the right kind of basic garden tools. There are just about half a dozen or so essential garden tools that can make all the difference between frustration and pleasure. And these days, with on-line shopping becoming a hot trend, you can pick up good quality products at affordable prices from websites offering great tool deals on garden implements.

Some must-have garden tools are: a pair each of pruning shears, lopping shears and hedge shears; a rake; a shovel; a hole digger; and some watering tools like water hose, nozzles, and watering can. Junior Hacksaw

Pruning/Lopping/Hedge Shears: Shears, also known as clippers, are essential garden tools that are used for pruning, shaping and removing foliage or branches. A pair of pruning shears is used for light pruning of trees, shrubs and rose plants. For pruning thicker branches, larger shrubs and stocky stems, lopping shears are more suitable as they have longer handles and stronger blades. As the name suggests, hedge shears are used for trimming hedges. They have much longer blades, almost as long as the handles themselves. Lopping Shears

Shovel and Hole Digger: A good shovel and hole digger can make digging fun. Many designs of shovels are available; go in for a design that serves your purpose and gives you a secure handgrip.
Rake: A rake is an indispensable garden tool that is used for gathering fallen leaves, cut grass, branches, hay, etc., as well as for loosening the soil, removing weeds and small stones, and leveling the soil. A big fan-style rake is ideal for removing fallen leaves and cut grass.

Garden Hose: A good quality water hose is a must-have if you want to make your gardening experience pleasurable. Choose a water hose that is at least 3 or 4 ply in thickness and has brass fittings. If convenient storage is a factor that is of prime importance to you, go for a coiled type of water hose. This is more expensive than the uncoiled type, but is really convenient to store and transport. Long Handle shovel

Watering Can and Nozzles: Choose a watering can with long nozzles that allows the water to come out gently and reach across long distances. A spray nozzle is good for watering young seedlings.

Air rivet guns are not the weapons used in warfare; rather it is a type of tool used to drive rivets powered by air. Rivets are the permanent mechanical fasteners supporting tension loads. The manufactured head side of the rivet uses air guns while the bucktail side of the rivet uses bucking bar. Large rivet guns are used to drive rivets in structural steels. Smaller ones which can be held by one hand are used in aircraft assembly. They vary in size. Side Cut Pliers

How the air rivet gun works:

A regulator adjusts the amount of air entering the tool. A trigger in the handgrip controls the regulated air as it enters and passes the throttle valve. By squeezing the trigger, the throttle valve allows pressure air to enter the piston. Movement of the piston allows the port to open allowing the escape of air pressure. The piston hits the rivet set again. The force on the rivet set prods into the wall and against the buck. The buck deformed the rivet's tail. The piston returns in its original place by a spring on the shifter of a valve letting air to push piston back to the staring point.

There are several types of air rivet guns: Hand Riveter

1. Slow hitting gun is able to strike several blows as long as the trigger is held down. The repetition rate is 2,500 blows per minute (BPM). It is easier to control than the one-shot gun. This is the most common type.
2. One-shot gun takes only a single blow to drive the rivet. It is large and heavy compared with the other types for it is used for heavy riveting. The gun strikes one blow each time the trigger is depressed. Its size makes it hard to control on light gauze metals. Under general conditions, this is the fastest method of riveting.
3. Fast hitting gun hits multiple high-weights blows at a high rate as long as the trigger is held down. These are in the range of 2,500 to 5,000 BPM. The fast hitting gun vibration is used for soft rivet.
4. Corner Riveter, a compact rivet gun, can be used in closed spaces. The rivet is driven at right angles to handle spaces by a short barreled drive.
5. Squeeze Riveter uses air pressure to provide a squeeze action that compresses the rivet from both sides rather than distinct blows. The squeeze can only be used closed to the edge because of the depth of anvil. With the proper adjustment, the squeeze rivet will produce very uniform rivet bucks. The stationary (fixed) jaw is placed against the head and compressed by the action of the gun.

By the use of air rivet guns, rivets can be used to permanently and mechanically fasten and support tension loads. FORGE

Having your own property is not only a luxury but a responsibility and as such you should keep it in optimal condition and attractive at all times. Besides the physical aspect of your house the other important part one should never overlook is the landscaping work, you could hire someone to do it for you or you could do it yourself. In most cases property owners end up hiring someone to do the job but this is not cost effective. FORGE

Learning how to do these tasks yourself provides great satisfaction because all the work has been done exactly how you wanted. In order to get things done the right way you need to own at least the most basic set of garden tools unless you intend to visit your neighbor every time you need to do some yard work.

Garden tools can be acquired at your local hardware store and even at some lumber yards, however the most important thing to keep in mind is to go for quality instead of quantity, shop carefully and choose the best ones because the right set of tools will last you a lifetime.

The following are some basic garden tools you will need to get started:

Shovel: There are many sizes and shapes of these, handheld ones were designed to help you to easily dig into the ground and plant flowers and small trees, long-handled shovel are used to dig holes where you can place large plants. There are many uses for shovels but according to the size of your yard you will need to acquire one that will help you get things done the right way. Round Mouth Shovel

Secateurs: This is the best tool for cutting and pruning around your garden, some people use it when they are working on flower arrangements or cutting small tree branches. There are three types of secateurs: anvil, bypass and parrot-beak; each one has a different purpose and shape but the most common one is the bypass secateur. Lopping Shears

Hoe: These are used for cultivating and weeding, they have a sharp blade bent at a 90 degree angle.

Rake: This is a tool used to gather loosen material (soil that has been dug) or level a surface. Most rakes are many-toothed tools that are also used to gather leaves around the yard.

There are many other tools you can purchase however the most important thing to remember is to acquire top quality tools or the best tools you can afford, make sure you try the grip to ensure they are comfortable tools to use while working on your garden. Buying top quality tools will ensure you won't have to make several trips to the hardware store to replace them and they will last you a lifetime.

It is every homeowner's responsibility and a good amount of common sense to know that having a number of quality hand tools ready for use at home is a must to invest on. However, there are a lot of hand tools available in the market today that it ends up quite confusing and a little hard to choose the ones to have at home. contractors tape measure

Considering how hard it is financially these days, it is highly recommended to be smart in going through the options. Here are a couple of life-saving tips when it comes to getting quality hand tools. Hss Drill

1. Steer away from very cheap tools. They might seem like a good deal at first sight because of the lesser amount of money required acquiring them; they are not really the most cost-efficient choice. They are most of the time not of good quality, and to add to that, they do not come with the warranties that are available with the quality tools. in the long run, they are not really worth any of the money spent for them, no matter how small the amount might be.

2. Stick with what is most necessary. It is important to start out by determining what one needs when it comes to the tools that are most useful at home and for any situations. One can buy those tools that are most needed at home and the ones that are used on a regular basis. The common tools like screwdrivers, simple saw and hammers to name a few are really a must have in most households, but tools such as specific types of wrenches as well as power tools can be easily borrowed from a neighbor or friend. They can also be rented in tool rental shops. Since these tools are used once or twice a year only, they should not be on top of one's to-buy list unless there is a lot of extra cash around.

3. Research on the tools' make. The best quality hand tools are the ones made out of top quality steel. Although they are more costly, they offer the best return of investment because of their overall quality. If the budget allows, there are tools that come with an application or two of corrosion resistant finish, making the tools more long-lasting for one to use. Dry Wall Hammer

4. Learn a little more about what makes up the usual tool kit. The basic tool kit is composed of drills, saws, hammers, screwdrivers, sanders and a staple gun. Knowing about these tools is really helpful when looking up which ones to buy and which ones to get on some other day when splurging on things do not hurt the budget a lot. When it comes to drills, one can go around looking at different kinds of drills. They are all designed to create halls on wood. There are hand drills, electric drills, cordless drills and breast drills for larger construction activities. For the saws, the most common kinds include the band saws and circular saws. Screwdrivers, on the other hand, come in different sizes and variations for varied purposes.

Owners of residential properties may have good reasons in resorting to tree lopping. These are for generally for outdoor decoration, safety and health issues. Although trees can make your home look more attractive, there are instances when you need to trim branches or remove the tree completely. Grass Shears

Lopping service providers will remove unhealthy, shattered or dead boughs that have grown in young and old trees. It prevents micro-organisms that can infect other healthy parts of these large perennial plants. At the same time, amputation of live limbs facilitates exposure to natural light and free flow of air within the top. Pruning is also meant to enhance the beauty of your topography.

There are two options for tree lopping. One is to trim the branches personally provided you have some knowledge. The other is to hire or hire a professional tree "lopper". There are upsides and drawbacks for both. It is essential to evaluate each alternative carefully before settling on the approach to take. It really does not matter for as long as the tree is pruned properly. Up to standard pruning techniques also ensure the safety of passers-by, pets, motor vehicles, and physical structures. Hedge Shears

Trees are not allowed to grow too high. Full grown trees are pruned for restoration and to sustain production. Twigs in the lower portion are cut down to facilitate mechanical harvesting procedures. While trees are expected to provide shade especially during summer, low undergrowth should be pruned for safety reasons. Branches should not obstruct electric wires since this poses a hazard to people. Falling leaves and twigs can also cause damage to the roofing of your house. Lopping Shears

Trimming medium-sized and young trees can produce well-built branch structures. A lot of property owners preserve trees primarily for environmental purposes. It is also necessary to cut trees for beautification, landscaping and adding value to your home. The growth of trees is enhanced because unfit branches are removed. Appropriate pruning is important in making the foundation of trees stronger and the form more attractive.

Service providers have the skills and experience to engage in this activity. Besides, experts possess the appropriate ladders, rope, pruning shears and other equipment required to accomplish the job. It is risky to climb trees and cut down large trees if you are not knowledgeable of tree-cutting and pruning techniques. Look for the best tree lopping utility in your community. Get the best provider to save money and conserve time.

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

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

Floral Snips

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

Secateurs or Hand Pruners

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

Hand Saw

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

Hedge Shears

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

Loppers

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

Pole Saw

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

Bow saw

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

Sheet metal is used to make things that we use every day, from major appliances to simple decorative items. As its name implies, sheet metal comes from the steel mills in sheets around 200 feet long. It needs to be cut down into smaller lengths. Whether using tin snips, computer controlled machinery, or large power shears, it is cut again into usable sizes and shapes. The computer controlled cutting machines make precision cuts that are amazing.

Two types of precision cutting are punching and laser cutting

Punching is the older way of the two. A die consisting of two intermeshing plates are mounted opposite each other. A piece of sheet steel is placed between them. The punch is activated and the two plate punch cut the steel into the form the die was designed in. Punch cutting is faster but harder to change for repetitive assembly line cutting. Air conditioner housing and car hoods are just some of the examples of punch cutting.

Laser Cutting

Laser cutting is a more modern way of cutting sheet metal. A CNC or Computer Numerical Control monitors a laser to heat and cut the sheet metal. Oxygen is blown through the same nozzle as the laser beam. The oxygen/laser combination allows for a faster cut than laser alone. The CNC can cut very precise shapes and the pattern can be changed faster than the punch cut.

Hand tools

Sheet metal has been used since before machines were invented. Cutting and forming sheet metal can be done with hand tool. Although a hammer and knife, or axe can be used to cut sheet steel, it is dangerous and it is highly discouraged from using that method. Try using tin snips instead. They are popular with hobbyists. When working with tin snips, remember that the metal is unforgiving. The metal is stiff and the edges are sharp enough to cut with just a slight brush of the skin. Cutting curves and shapes with tin snips is difficult. Remember to use the proper snips and study up on the proper techniques of using tin snips.

Hand tools come in different shapes and size for different applications. The same is true for tin snips. Offset compound tin snips are recommended for beginners. The offset jaws allow you hand to stay above the sheet metal instead off passing through the cut in the steel. The compound jaw action lets you cut thicker steel faster and easier. Be advised; tin snips are color coded.

Snips cut curves in the counter clockwise direction. Green tin snips cut curves in the clockwise direction. I guess that means there is left handed and right handed tin snips.

Finally, a sheet metal cutting tool that is used by construction workers and professional sheet metal workers are aviation snips. Unless using aviation snips with offset jaws known as upright snips, the user of aviation snips must put his/her wrist into a precarious position when holding the metal to be cut.

Did you know that the hammer is the oldest human tool? Gosh, imagine the Neanderthal man with a hammer in hand trying to make some music by banging that beautiful hammer on those mineral-rich rocks!! Anyway, Wikipedia defines the hammer as "a tool meant to deliver blows to a target, causing it to move or deform."

Though the hammer may seem ordinary, every homeowner needs it at some time or the other. It is mainly used for driving in nails, breaking up things, and some more fun activities - remember, it is not to be used for threatening your neighbor. There are different types of hammers for different uses, and the following is their list.

Types of hammers

Claw hammer: Bangs in nails from one side, while the other side is shaped like a curved claw and is used for extracting nails.

Ripping hammer: This is like the claw hammer, except that the side that is used to extract nails, is straight. This hammer helps in ripping boards.

Finishing hammer: Used in smallish workshop jobs and also for general use, the finishing hammer features a smooth face on one side and a pick on the other.

Tack hammer: This is a lightweight hammer used to drive light stuff such as tacks and brads.

Ball Peen hammer: One of the sides of this is round or ball-shaped and this hammer is used for working on metals.

Mallet: This looks like a brute, but is made with wood and plastic chisels and normally used to strike chisels.

Sledgehammer: These are the hammers that the blokes on the World Wrestling Entertainment carry around. A sledgehammer is used for heavy work, such as breaking concrete.

Thor's hammer: There is no such hammer in the tools industry.

Working with hammers

Here are some handy tips on how to use hammers:

If you want to extract a longish nail, first place a piece of wood under the hammer's head. This ensures that the wood that is worked on, is not damaged.
While hammering, wear safety goggles because you don't want wood and metal particles flying off into your eyes.
Take the thinner piece of the wood and measure its thickness. Now, the nail that you must use should be double (in length) of that thickness.
Drill a small hole before hammering the nail into that spot.
Blunt the point of the nail before hammering it in. You can do this by tapping the nail with the hammerhead.
Hammers are designed for a specific purpose and there are loads of models available on the market. At some point or other, you will feel the need of a hammer, so it will be prudent to equip yourself with a hammer kit.

Ball peen hammers are the type of hammers which has two ends. One end of the hammer is shaped like a ball where as the other end has the shape of an ordinary hammer. The handle of these hammers are usually made of fiberglass, wood or metal and appears similar to the handle of an ordinary hammer. These are also known as engineers or machinist hammer. Unlike the ordinary, the head of these hammers are quite hard and seldom breaks on contact. Ball peen hammers weight differently and are used for various purposes.

The Most Important Uses of These Hammers

In the earlier days, the ball peen hammers were used to manufacture different types of swords and knives. Today the uses of these have varied. It is used to strike and shape metals. It is considered to be one of the most important tools used in the field of metal fabrication. These are also used for striking punches and chisels.

There were originally used to peen metals to obtain flexible joints. Today these are widely used for expanding and softening metals to obtain required shapes. It is also used for flattening, shaping and removing dents in metal parts including automobile parts as the tool is quite hard and hefty. Stubby Claw Hammer

Used For Riveting Jobs

These are mostly used for riveting jobs. For the process of setting rivets in metals, the peen hammers are considered to be one of the best tools. A soft metal nail is driven into sheets of metals to join them together. This process is known as riveting. Riveting is also done on metal sheets apart from welding to permanently join metal sheets. Aviation Tin Snips

Different types of hammers can be bought from many of the online stores at affordable price rates. A variety of peening hammers are available today at different prices. Some of the most common varieties of peening hammers include the straight peen, cross peen and the ball peen.

Although it is a common tool used by most of the engineers and mechanist, it is also popularly used by blacksmiths to shape metals. It is used by the blacksmiths to manufacture knives and swords.

These are ideal in riveting process as it is requires an efficient tool that can bend the soft metal inside the hole of the metal sheet. The joints formed by riveting are seldom separated when it is formed by using ball peen hammers. Strong structures can be built with the help of these hammers. Dry Wall Hammer

Today however, these are being replaced by power tools that perform the same functions quickly and effortlessly. But the efficiency and the demand of these hand-tools have seldom diminished with the arrival of power tools. These are still used by a large number of mechanist to clear the dents in cars and metallic objects. It is still used by blacksmiths to make sharp knives. Moreover, as these tools are easily available from online stores, most of the people prefer to use them.

When you start planting your first garden you will probably only want to use your bare hands to do the work. It probably won't take very long for you to learn just how helpful gardening tools can be. It is easy to be tempted into buying a whole bunch of tools after you've been working with your hands for a long time. Try to fight the temptation! You could spend far too much money on tools that are not going to be useful to you. Start slow with just a few essentials and then build your collection from there. If your garden is not very big you will probably learn that you only need a few simple tools to do the work. Use the tools we talk about in this article to begin your gardening tool collection. Mini Hacksaw

Every gardener needs a good and sturdy pair of gardening gloves. Gardening gloves protect your hands while you work with your plants and with the earth. Using your bare hands to dig in the dirt can feel very satisfying but gloves are usually necessary for the purposes of protection. One example of this is the rosebush: wearing gardening gloves will help keep your hands safe from the sharp thorns that stick out of rose stems. Heavy duty hacksaw

Gloves also provide protection for your hands when you work with substances that will leave residue behind like fertilizer and compost. There are a lot of bugs and other creatures that are going to take up residence in your garden; your gloves keep you from having to touch them directly.

Pitchforks are wonderfully useful gardening tools, even for gardeners who have no plans for large gardens. A pitchfork is, basically, a large scale trowel or spade (it does the same work, it just does more of it). Pitchforks are great earth turners, compost movers and soil aerators. Compost needs to be turned as it breaks down and decomposes-you will need to have a pitchfork to help you with the turning. If you don't turn your compost it will just get hard and you won't be able to use it. Stubby Claw Hammer

For gardeners who plant and work with the actual ground (instead of containers) a shovel is a necessity. For gardeners who garden over large plots of land, a shovel with a long handle is something that they must purchase. Shovels are good for quickly and easily scooping and moving dirt. It is certainly possible to do the same thing with your hands but your shovel will give you nicer looking results. Trying to transport dirt, earth and other items without a shovel just makes your job as a gardener that much harder. Your long handled shovel will save you a lot of time and strain as you work in your garden. Gardening can be a great hobby or a great job! As you become more proficient at gardening don't be surprised if you find yourself tempted by all of the tools that you find at the gardening store or nursery. Instead of spending too much money on tools you may never use begin with the basics. Eventually you will figure out what tools you really need and which tools aren't really necessary.

If you've been working in the garden for any amount of time, you have more than likely worked with a shovel or you've needed the services of a shovel at one time or another. There is nothing more frustrating about working with a shovel than to not know exactly which kind to use for any particular job. In this article you will learn information that pertains to all the different types of shovels available, and how to choose the right one for any specific job you may have. Depending on the specific job you're working on, this will determine the type of tool you'll need for the job and how effective it will be at solving your problem. Long Handle shovel

* What is a shovel?

A shovel is used for lifting, digging, and moving different types of material that can be scooped or shoveled from one location to the next. These tools can be used for dirt, gravel, sand, snow, and garden soil. These types of tools are common to every household and are used on a frequent basis. You will find that many of these tools are made with steel blades and wooden handles; however, they can be found with hardened plastic blades and fiber glass handles.

* What is the difference between a shovel and a spade?

Many people call a spade a shovel and vice-verse, but the truth of the matter is a spade is pointed or sharp edged, and is used for breaking up hard ground so it can be shoveled out in a proper manner. The square head with a flat front is the design for a basic shovel. They are meant for shoveling all types of materials that simply need to be moved from one location to the next.

* How many different shovels are available?

There are many different styles and types available for about every kind of job you can think of. There are long handles, short handles, fiberglass, steel, hardened wood, and aluminum. Some are made for snow, coal, dirt and gravel, and others are made for gardening, sand, and horse barns. If you need a specific type, there is a shovel for every type of job imaginable. Round Mouth Shovel

* Why choose a short handle over a long handle?

When using the right tool for the right job this will help you get the work done a lot quicker and without hurting yourself. So choosing a long handle over a short handle really amounts to leverage, or the area in which you have to work in. The long handle will give you all the leverage you need, but you have to be careful not to put too much pressure on the handle for fear it might break. The short handle will allow you to get in to tight spots and get the work done much quicker, and without too much difficulty. FORGE

Choosing the right tool for any job is important, but knowing the type of shovel you'll need will help to save your back and prevent an unforeseen injury. Working in the garden will require having both a spade and a flat head which will help you with any job you may have in the garden.

Stephen Jay Jackson is an article content writer that writes informational and educational content for gardening tips and ideas.

Remember the last time your neighbor came over for a drink and you playfully locked him in your bathroom? God, you thought that was such a fun thing to do then, until you discovered that the bathroom door jammed and your vicious Pit bull terrier (who intensely hated your neighbor) was sleeping in the bathroom! Didn't you wish that you'd have had an emergency DIY toolkit for times like these?

No problem, it's not too late to make your own DIY toolkit and the best way to make your DIY toolkit is to first get some great online tool deals and then follow our instructions. Here you go:

First, buy a small storage box.
Next, buy the most used items in case of an emergency - no, it's not what you are thinking - these items are fuses, hooks, and insulation tape. Now store all these items in a small drawer that's nearest to the place where you frequently pass by in your house - it can be a drawer closest to the living room or in the kitchen. Don't put these things in the storage box mentioned above!
Now, start adding this stuff to that nearby cute drawer of yours': radiator key, electrical screwdriver, wire and pliers. Again, don't put these in the storage box!Junior Hacksaw
Keep a battery-loaded torch or flashlight handy and ensure that you have a pack of extra batteries just in case. Keep this torch (flashlight) and the batteries in the same drawer.
Great, now the easy part's over and the tough one begins, and here are the tools you need to buy to place in that storage box we spoke about above: tape, hammer, screwdriver set, pliers, knife, spanner and hacksaw set.Holesaw Set
Now, place that storage box back in that nearby drawer - there, you're done.
Now, imagine the scene above if you were equipped with a DIY toolkit - most probably you'd have used the spanner and unhinged the bathroom door, and would probably have been in time to transport your neighbor to an intensive care unit! That's how useful a DIY toolkit can be!

Jokes aside, you never know when an emergency can crop up and you may have no one else to help you tackle it. These are times when you are all alone and have to do things single-handedly - it is in times like these that you cannot do without an emergency DIY toolkit.Junior Hacksaw

So, go right ahead and make that DIY toolkit because you never know when you'll need it. And, hey, don't forget to look for some great tool deals on the Internet - you'll end up saving up loads of cash!

A pipe is used to convey liquids or gases into or out of the building. The types are mainly P.V.C pipes or mild steel pipes. They are located inside walls, ceilings, ducts, or exposed on the wall surfaces. The liquid to be conveyed determines the size and type of tubing to be used. When fixing, connections to the main supply and the utility feeding point are done. It is important to follow instructions of the manufacturer when joining pipes.Junior Hacksaw

Once pipes are installed, insulation is done at one inch clear of any adjacent surfaces. The same clearance should be given from one tube to another. It also important to allow for expansion and contraction of pipes. Precautions should be taken against any arising forces are no transmitted to the adjacent surfaces. Valves and operational equipment should be easily reachable to control the use of the pipe. this is important for all fluid carrying pipes.Heavy duty hacksaw

When fixing pipes on ceilings, roofs or roof structures it should be done with mild steel hangers. These should be cut and pinned to the building structures. Where more tubes are placed together, they are in positions that leave the lower surfaces at the same horizontal level. The support shall be arranged at equal intervals over the whole pipe length. The pipe diameter determines how far supports shall be placed. They should be maximum three feet.

Sleeves in piping are provide where they are passing through walls, solid floors or concrete structures. These allow movement of the tubes through this structures. When cutting, it is important to use a hacksaw or other cutting material. This should not injure the tube. It also should not reduce the diameter or form beads or feathers that restrict the flow of fluids. Before joining pipes, they must secured properly. Ensure all formed bends retain the original diameter.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling, Redesigning Your Homes Using Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Your Lifestyles. Heavy duty hacksaw

Hold your saw the right way.bow saw

The first step in keeping your saw in tip-top shape is to hold it the right way. Grab the handle with all of your fingers in the slot. Then take your index finger and point it straight out in front and against the handle. This will give your greater control of the saw and allow you to make straighter lines.

Remove resin from the blade

Some woods such as pines can cause a gummy buildup on the blades. This can make your saw blades dull. Spray oven cleaner on the blades in order to remove the resin. To prevent the buildup in the first place, apply silicone along the teeth. You can also try running a soap bar on them. This procedure is only for construction jobs and not for finished pieces. Side Cut Pliers

Keep your hacksaw clean

Cutting metals with a hacksaw will eventually lead to clogged teeth. This can be avoided by using a bigger toothed blade, keeping your strokes slow, and being gentle when pushing down on the saw.

How to tell if your saw is dull

Carefully inspect the teeth to see if there is wear on the cutting edges and if the points are rounded. You can get a close look by using a magnifying glass. If you have a dull blade, take it to a professional and have them resharpen it. Junior Hacksaw

Inexpensive way to cover your saw

Covering your saw is vital to making it last. If you have misplaced the store-bought cover, you can use an old garden hose with a slit down the middle. You can also use rigid foam, or slip on spines from a report cover as backup options. Mini Hacksaw

Hold your saw the right way.bow saw

The first step in keeping your saw in tip-top shape is to hold it the right way. Grab the handle with all of your fingers in the slot. Then take your index finger and point it straight out in front and against the handle. This will give your greater control of the saw and allow you to make straighter lines.

Remove resin from the blade

Some woods such as pines can cause a gummy buildup on the blades. This can make your saw blades dull. Spray oven cleaner on the blades in order to remove the resin. To prevent the buildup in the first place, apply silicone along the teeth. You can also try running a soap bar on them. This procedure is only for construction jobs and not for finished pieces. Side Cut Pliers

Keep your hacksaw clean

Cutting metals with a hacksaw will eventually lead to clogged teeth. This can be avoided by using a bigger toothed blade, keeping your strokes slow, and being gentle when pushing down on the saw.

How to tell if your saw is dull

Carefully inspect the teeth to see if there is wear on the cutting edges and if the points are rounded. You can get a close look by using a magnifying glass. If you have a dull blade, take it to a professional and have them resharpen it. Junior Hacksaw

Inexpensive way to cover your saw

Covering your saw is vital to making it last. If you have misplaced the store-bought cover, you can use an old garden hose with a slit down the middle. You can also use rigid foam, or slip on spines from a report cover as backup options. Mini Hacksaw

Portable air powered hacksaws are relatively uncommon tools, and many people are not even aware of their existence.

Typically, hacksaws come in two varieties: the unpowered, handheld kind that consists of a handle and a bow-like frame that tenses a fine toothed, flat blade (this is the same general layout as a coping saw, except a hacksaw is a much stronger and used for cutting hard materials, while coping saws are delicate and used for contour cuts). Twist Knot Cup Brush

For electric units, these advantages don't include portability. This is where portable pneumatic hacksaws come in. The fact that they're air-driven allows them to be significantly lighter and deliver vastly more power per pound than units that need to incorporate a motor; they're also at an advantage in places where moisture is an issue, or environments where there are many sharp corners and edges - while severing an electric cable can lead to fires and short-circuits, an air hose isn't nearly as hazardous if punctured. Heavy duty hacksaw

Power hacksaws are generally large electric units that are either free-standing or table-mounted. Too heavy to move, they occupy roughly the same workshop niche as floor band saws. In recent times, they have fallen out of favor to the benefit of handsaws, which can cut faster; however, many machinists still swear by hacksaws, claiming that they're tougher and don't need replacement blades as frequently. Tool makers sell a number of power hacksaws for use in remote regions and less developed countries, where simplicity of maintenance and longevity are key advantages. Machinist's Hammer

The simplicity and portability of air hacksaws makes them a good choice for use in maintenance at remote and watery locations such as oil rigs. The saws can be clamped directly onto a pipe or other object, and left to do their work. A band saw, as already mentioned, can cut much faster, but equivalent portable air band saws have a cutting diameter of only a few inches; a hacksaw, on the other hand, can cut pipe of up to 30" and more in diameter.

Here, we explain how to use a clamp-style air powered hacksaw to cut pipe onsite.

First and foremost, "portable" doesn't mean that it can be used free-hand. Unlike more common hacksaws, these saws don't attach the blade to a frame at the far end; instead, they use a bow-like guide with rollers to keep the blade straight. All this needs to be assembled when preparing to make a cut, and disassembled when the cut is done.

First, you need to attach the saw clamp to the work (let's say, a pipe). Put the clamp on top of the pipe, loop the chains around the pipe, feed them into the clamp and tighten them with the anchor, so the assembly can't shift during cutting.

Now you can mount the hacksaw on the clamp and use the provided springloaded pin to secure it. The saw will be able to pivot up and down as it cuts through the material, but won't be able to move side to side.

Next, attach the blade guide we discussed above - this semicircular piece of metal attaches to the saw at one end, and lets the saw blade through a pair of rollers at the other. The guide ensures a straight cut while also improving the longevity of the blade.

After that, mount the blade on the saw and put it through the blade guide.

One of the advantages of hacksaws is the ease of swapping out blades for different materials - there are special blades for cutting carbon steel, aluminum and many other materials. These blades are rated for different stroke speeds, so make sure to set the saw to the appropriate stroke per minute frequency before starting the cut. Dry Wall Hammer

Finally, while the compressor is off, attach the air hose to the saw.

Use the safety switch to turn the saw on; a portable air powered hacksaw can do its work with minimal human supervision; if you're cutting horizontal pipes, gravity will make sure the saw swings down as it makes the cut. However, you shouldn't leave the saw completely unattended - pay attention to saw blade wear, since a dull blade can heat up, expand and jam the cut. If this happens, the blade can snap and ruin equipment, if not injure someone.

Finally, when the cut is almost done, for the sake of safety, it's good to lower the air pressure and carefully guide the saw through the final several inches of the cut manually.

This is the general procedure of using a portable pneumatic hacksaw. Be safe and don't cut corners!

Portable air powered hacksaws are relatively uncommon tools, and many people are not even aware of their existence.

Typically, hacksaws come in two varieties: the unpowered, handheld kind that consists of a handle and a bow-like frame that tenses a fine toothed, flat blade (this is the same general layout as a coping saw, except a hacksaw is a much stronger and used for cutting hard materials, while coping saws are delicate and used for contour cuts). Twist Knot Cup Brush

For electric units, these advantages don't include portability. This is where portable pneumatic hacksaws come in. The fact that they're air-driven allows them to be significantly lighter and deliver vastly more power per pound than units that need to incorporate a motor; they're also at an advantage in places where moisture is an issue, or environments where there are many sharp corners and edges - while severing an electric cable can lead to fires and short-circuits, an air hose isn't nearly as hazardous if punctured. Heavy duty hacksaw

Power hacksaws are generally large electric units that are either free-standing or table-mounted. Too heavy to move, they occupy roughly the same workshop niche as floor band saws. In recent times, they have fallen out of favor to the benefit of handsaws, which can cut faster; however, many machinists still swear by hacksaws, claiming that they're tougher and don't need replacement blades as frequently. Tool makers sell a number of power hacksaws for use in remote regions and less developed countries, where simplicity of maintenance and longevity are key advantages. Machinist's Hammer

The simplicity and portability of air hacksaws makes them a good choice for use in maintenance at remote and watery locations such as oil rigs. The saws can be clamped directly onto a pipe or other object, and left to do their work. A band saw, as already mentioned, can cut much faster, but equivalent portable air band saws have a cutting diameter of only a few inches; a hacksaw, on the other hand, can cut pipe of up to 30" and more in diameter.

Here, we explain how to use a clamp-style air powered hacksaw to cut pipe onsite.

First and foremost, "portable" doesn't mean that it can be used free-hand. Unlike more common hacksaws, these saws don't attach the blade to a frame at the far end; instead, they use a bow-like guide with rollers to keep the blade straight. All this needs to be assembled when preparing to make a cut, and disassembled when the cut is done.

First, you need to attach the saw clamp to the work (let's say, a pipe). Put the clamp on top of the pipe, loop the chains around the pipe, feed them into the clamp and tighten them with the anchor, so the assembly can't shift during cutting.

Now you can mount the hacksaw on the clamp and use the provided springloaded pin to secure it. The saw will be able to pivot up and down as it cuts through the material, but won't be able to move side to side.

Next, attach the blade guide we discussed above - this semicircular piece of metal attaches to the saw at one end, and lets the saw blade through a pair of rollers at the other. The guide ensures a straight cut while also improving the longevity of the blade.

After that, mount the blade on the saw and put it through the blade guide.

One of the advantages of hacksaws is the ease of swapping out blades for different materials - there are special blades for cutting carbon steel, aluminum and many other materials. These blades are rated for different stroke speeds, so make sure to set the saw to the appropriate stroke per minute frequency before starting the cut. Dry Wall Hammer

Finally, while the compressor is off, attach the air hose to the saw.

Use the safety switch to turn the saw on; a portable air powered hacksaw can do its work with minimal human supervision; if you're cutting horizontal pipes, gravity will make sure the saw swings down as it makes the cut. However, you shouldn't leave the saw completely unattended - pay attention to saw blade wear, since a dull blade can heat up, expand and jam the cut. If this happens, the blade can snap and ruin equipment, if not injure someone.

Finally, when the cut is almost done, for the sake of safety, it's good to lower the air pressure and carefully guide the saw through the final several inches of the cut manually.

This is the general procedure of using a portable pneumatic hacksaw. Be safe and don't cut corners!

Hacksaws are one of the most common hand tools. Nearly everyone owns one, and if you don't have one, you need to buy one. Hacksaws are inexpensive and very economical to use. But most of you never use it because the one time you tried to use it things didn't go well. You broke the hacksaw blade, the blade kept falling out of the handle, or it kept getting stuck in the piece you were trying to cut. If you did manage to get the piece cut, it took forever and the cut ended up crooked.

I will cover each of these difficulties as you and I go through this article.

Hacksaws and hacksaw blades are designed to cut metal (I will tell you how to use it to cut wood and plastic) and most people find cutting metal very difficult and frustrating. The reason, most of the time, is that they don't really know how to use the metal hacksaw.

What is a Hacksaw? Junior Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a metal frame designed to hold a tempered metal blade. The blade is typically 1/2 inch high and the majority of them are 12 inches long. The blade has a hole on each end that fits into pins on the hacksaw. Hacksaws are designed to cut on the push stroke. The handle (grip) on a properly designed saw is angled just right so you put a little pressure on the blade when you push it through the material you are cutting. Even though some so-called "experts" will tell you that you can put the blade in the other way a hacksaw does not work well if you have the blade in backwards.

Do you need a Hacksaw? Mini Hacksaw

You can cut almost anything with a hacksaw. Although it was designed to cut metal, you can use it to cut plastic, wood, metal tubing, aluminum, copper, and brass. It works very well to cut electrical tubing (conduit), BMX (flexible metal tubing), plastic water pipe, (PVT & CVT) and even nuts and bolts. You can use it to cut a 2X4 in a pinch and with the right blade porcelain tile.

Setting up the Hacksaw to Cut.

Step 1. Determine which blade you will use to cut the material. Use a 32 t.p.i. blade for conduit, an 18 tooth blade for cutting off a bolt or plastic pipe and an 8 tooth for wood. In practice you want at least three teeth in contact with the material at any time. If you are cutting deeper than the depth of the blade use a blade that has wavy teeth. The wavy blade leaves a wider slot (kerf) that keeps the blade from sticking in the groove you are cutting. Heavy duty hacksaw

You can use it to cut wood. It will cut a lot slower than a wood saw, but it works if you don't have anything else. Use a 8 or 10 tooth blade and mark the cut line on the board both horizontally and vertically. Use the horizontal mark to make you initial cut (groove) and the vertical mark to keep your cut straight. Take your time and don't put a lot of pressure on the hacksaw.

Step 2. Insert the blade so that the teeth are pointing forward. If you can't see this, rub your finger gently over the teeth of the blade.

You will feel the teeth "grip" your finger. Put the blade so it grips when you push the saw. The holes of the blade go into the pins on the bottom of the frame. Many hacksaws are designed to take different length blades so if you have an adjustable frame you may have to shorten or lengthen the frame to fit your blade.

The teeth should try to "grab" your finger when pushed. If they don't feel sharp, the blade is dull and should be replaced. Blades are inexpensive so don't be afraid to replace it.

Step 3. Tighten the thumbscrew until you can't turn it with your hand (Hand tight).This amount of tension on the blade should keep the blade from bowing as you cut. Sometimes when I am have problems with the blade falling off, I will tighten it another 1/4 turn with a pliers.

Gardening tools is the name we give to any gardening materials. These things help us with garden works starting from watering, planting, grass cutting, and grooming. There can be a lot of equipments that we need to have especially when we get into serious gardening.

Each of these gardening tools for gardening has their own specific task to do. Listed are some of the basic gardening tools we will need for planting and gardening:

Forks

• Barn fork - this is used for moving hay, pruning, weeds, dried leaves and other organic materials. It has a long angled times that can carry such even the loose weeds.

• Spading fork - this one is used for a multitude of garden tasks. The spading fork is mostly used for soil tilling and in breaking heavy dirt clods. This is not advisable to use within planted areas for it may damage and hurt the roots of the plants. It also goes with different sizes depending on how big the task would be.

Shovels

• Round point shovel - this is the most often used shovel. This is the one used for digging, scooping, and shoveling dirt from one place to another.

• Irrigation shovels - almost the same as the round shovel, but has a straight and sharper rod.

• Garden shovel - used for a lighter garden tasks life tilling the soil and moving light materials.

• Square point - this one is a lot flatter than the others. Its edges are pointy and used moving gravels, heavy soil and even snow.

• Scoop shovels - this one is used only for light materials like saw dust, dried leaves, and dried manure. It is a wide shovel that is designed to scoop. This isn't recommended for other heavy duty shoveling.

Hoes

• Garden hoe - this is conventionally designed for grooming the soil. It has a long handle with a flat blade that is located at the right angle on its end. It is also good for weeding.

• Scuffle hoe - these types of hoes are used to cut the annual weeds' tops rather than chopping them.

• Weeding hoe - it is a two sided tool. The side as a narrow hoe, while the other one as a 3 tined weeder.

• Warren hoe - this is used for the cultivation of the plants. It helps us create furrows and planting rows. It has ears in the back of its head that is used to pull the soil back into the newly planted seeds.

Shears

• Pruning shears - this is one of the most important tools a gardener has to have. It is of a lot of usage. It helps prune the weeds and other unwanted stems or twigs on the plant. Twist Knot Cup Brush

• Hedge shears - this one is not merely used for pruning but for shaping the hedge and shrubs.

Cultivators

• Bow rake - this is the traditional steel rake that is used for heavy duty raking. This is mostly used for raking large amounts of weeds, dried leaves and others. Stubby Claw Hammer

• Level head rake - this is just the same as the bow rake except with its straight back head. This one is used to level seedbeds on our gardens.

• Lawn rake - this kind of rake comes with different variety of designs. It can either be made from bamboo, metal, or plastic. Machinist's Hammer

Trowel

Used for tilling the soil from containers and even to small plant beds. This is for light duty planting that requires only small amount of plowing. It is also used to dig the soil from small areas. Dry Wall Hammer

Those are the basic gardening tools that we should have for our homes. All of these will be very useful and important for our gardening activities.

Taming and maintaining a yard or garden can be a difficult task without the use of powerful tools. Trees, grass, bushes and other plants are each best maintained using a different variation of tool. Caring for plants often requires users to carefully cut and prune branches in a way that is best for the plant's long term growth. This can only be accomplished by using the mechanical precision of a garden shear. Shears are similar to scissors in that they have two blades which cross each other to make a cut. Within the realm of yard shears are several different variations, each of which has a different use. Heavy duty hacksaw

Grass can grow rapidly, requiring constant maintenance to keep in line. Grass likes to grow around the edges of a lawn, growing in large bundles that can reduce a yard's appeal. Instead of breaking out the string trimmer every couple of days, a grass shear can be used. These shears feature a medium length set of blades which are very sharp. Many models have a long bar that has the blades at one end and the handle on the other, allowing users to stand up straight while using it. This adds comfort and increases usability of the tool. Junior Hacksaw

When a large tree needs to be trimmed, only the most heavy duty type of shear is used. Known as a bypass lopper, this tough shear provides the leverage needed to slice through even thick branches. Look at a bypass lopper you will notice that is has a very small cutting head and long handles. It is obvious that this small head would be useless in trimming a large bush, but that is not what it is meant to do. These long handles focus human strength into the small head for much focused power. Holesaw Set

Hedge shears are similar in appearance to grass ones but have longer blades. These shears are designed to cut large amounts of very thin plant material. These trimmers can make quick work out of hedges and bushes. They should not be used on thick material like tree branches, as the blades are too thin. Short handles and a long blade provide less leverage than a bypass lopper but can cut more material in less time. Always look for shears with rubber handles to provide maximum control while working. A blade lock is essential if children are present in the home. Mini Hacksaw

Shears for gardening

Hand shears cut in the same way as scissors, with edged blades closing onto the material to be cut, and it's handy to have a pair of these in the shed, ready to tackle soft growth that needs trimming back.

Shears for hedges and other plants

Smaller shears are fine for short lengths of leafy hedge and other soft trimming jobs such as tidying up herbaceous perennials and heathers. But woodier material tends to slide out of small-bladed versions, so larger shears are necessary to give you the leverage and power to snip through twiggy hedges with their thicker harder stems. Very woody material can still escape, so shears with wavy-edged blades (such as Drapers) are the better choice here. But generally, the meatier the shears, the heavier they are, so if you think this will be a problem, look for lightweight shears such as the ARS K1000 (from Burton Mcall), which weigh 650g (that's about 1lb in old money).

A cutting notch at the base of the blades is also useful for cutting through the occasional thicker twig without having to fetch the secateurs. However, hedge shears are not suitable for cutting back into older wood -- it takes a lot of effort to cut material more than 3mm (1 inch) thick.

Trimming hedges soon becomes tiring, so make the work as easy for yourself as possible by choosing shears with adjustable blade tension. This solves the problem of the blades being too tight or too loose. If the blades are too tight, it's difficult to open and close the shears. When the blades are too loose, they don't meet and can't cut material cleanly.

Also, look for shears with shock absorbers in the form of rubber stops or buffers fitted to the handles, because these reduce the jarring each time the blades are closed.

Trimming above waist height really tells you about your arm and shoulder muscles,and although long-handled shears give you greater reach, they are usually heavy, so many gardeners prefer to use their usual shears and stand on steps to reach the hedge top. But if you can track down a supplier of ARS long-handled shears, you're on to a winner, as these are incredibly lightweight --however we're not sure if they're still available in the UK, so let us know if you find out where to get them from. In our notes we have a comment that they weigh 60g but we have not been able to check this.

Long-handled shears are too awkward to use for jobs where you don't need the extra reach, so if you have many different tasks in mind, but only want one pair of shears, then choose a version with telescopic handles for versatility (eg from Spear & Jackson).

Shears for lawn edges

Lawn edging shears

Long-handled edging shears are made by nearly all the garden tool companies and you'll find a good range available. Grass Shears

Some gardeners hate lawn edging because they make it hard work for themselves --by opening and closing both handles as if using loppers. A more efficient technique is to hold one handle still (the one connected to the lower blade) and just move the handle connected to the upper blade in order to snip through the grass. Try it and see -- t's faster and less tiring.

Designed for you to tidy up lawn edges (best done after every mowing session so that the clippings can drop and shrivel unobtrusively), the main points to look for are appropriate handle length, blade length, and weight. Ideally you should be able to edge your lawn while standing upright, not stooping over and getting backache. Shorter blade versions are better for curving lawn edges and are lighter too. Lopping Shears

Grass shears

Grass shears are designed for single-handed use, leaving your other hand free to gather up the material. Basic grass shears open and close in the same plane as the handgrip so you have to twist and turn yourself for different angles; more versatile ones have adjustable blade angles so you can twist them around for vertical lawn edging.

You have to bend down to use these short-handled shears, which are specially made to trim grass in awkward places and are also useful for snipping off flowering grasses (that the mower has missed) and for dead-heading flowers in the border. They are easier to use on dry grass, but will cut wet grass if the blades are in very good condition. Most hand tool manufacturers include these in their range. Round Mouth Shovel

The handles on grass shears are off-set to be higher than the blades so that you don't graze your knuckles on the ground, but for greater protection, consider Wolf's range -- in addition to having an enclosed handgrip, they are suitable for left- and right-handed use, and have swivel blades.

Looking after your shears

Whatever shears you have and whatever plants you trim, the job is much easier if you take care of your shears. Long Handle shovel

The sap which builds up on the blades makes opening and closing them more difficult, so wipe them clean with an oily rag after use (and part-way through trimming, if there's a lot to do). For ease of use and cleaning, consider buying shears with stainless steel or teflon-coated blades. Stainless steel doesn't go rusty and teflon-coated blades are easier to clean than ordinary ones.

Check the blade tension is correct and oil the pivot point regularly.

Some shears are self-sharpening. If not, check whether one or both blades have a cutting edge, and sharpen that edge at the same angle with a sharpening stone.

Shears are basically manually operated devices used for various purposes. We have various kinds of shears available for all purposes. From your kitchen to the garden, you will definitely find a pair of shear partnering up with you in completing your task.

For animal shearing, we use blade shears. For gardening purposes, to remove the unwanted leaves and shaping them up to get your garden a beautiful look, we use pruning shears. To remove the grass and hedges, we have different scissors fulfilling this purpose. For the purpose of trimming the grass and hedges we use grass and hedges shears. Nail shears are used for shaping and cutting the finger nails and toe-nails. FORGE

Thinning shears are one of the most popular scissors used by hairstylists. Thinning shears serve the purpose of thinning hair to avoid the bushy hairstyle. There are various types of hair shears available and each hair scissor provides a different look to you. Thinning scissors are designed especially for removing the over weight hair without damaging or any effect to the length of the hair.

Kitchen shears, as the name suggests are basically used in kitchen preparations. They perform various functions in a kitchen. Usually made up of stainless steel, a kitchen scissor is designed keeping in mind various tasks involved in a kitchen. A special care about the hygiene to be involved in the kitchen is taken while designing kitchen scissors. Today, kitchen shear other than helping out for food preparation serves many other purposes as well. bow saw

Apart from these, we have various shears fulfilling various purposes. For making wool, we have sheep shears and machine scissors to help us out. Poultry shears are used for cutting the poultry easily and systematically. Hedge Shears

Pinking shears are scissors used for cutting cloth, especially the woven cloth. They help in cutting the unfinished edges of the cloth without leaving any fray. Pinking shears are different in design from the normal ones being used. They have a saw-toothed blade which limits the length of frayed thread and further prevents it. The zigzag pattern of blades helps giving a pattern and design to the cloth. Bypass Secateurs

Shears are one of the most widely used parts of our day-to-day life. With them, the works have become easy and very systematic to perform and get through with.

Here's a list of why a tape measure is a must-have item for your toolbox:

1. Accuracy. Any grown-up knows that accurate measurements help save time. You need to know whether that new shelf fits your room before you end up purchasing it. Measure the exact dimensions of the shelf and the amount of free space you have, instead of making guesses or basing your purchasing decision on mere estimates. When it comes to measurements, never ever trust your imagination, or you might regret exceeding even just a few inches and you will have to repeat the process.

2. It has many uses. A measuring tape has endless practical uses. You can use the steel tape for measuring room dimensions when you need to buy a new piece of furniture, or for estimating if the furniture will fit through the door after you buy it. You can use one for measuring woodworking projects: is a twelve-foot birdhouse really reasonable? It's always great for measuring the length of your flower garden. Better yet, you can measure the amount of space you have available for your garden in order to learn how many plants you can have in it.

You can use the soft tape to measure the fabric for your new curtains or the length from the top of the window to the floor, to know whether your workout and diet are effective and whether you have trimmed a few inches off your waist and hips, or to make sure the pair of pants you bought as a surprise gift to your dad fits him perfectly. Indeed a tape measure can be used countless ways, and you will only realize this once that need arises!

3. It is affordable and has the potential to save you money. Measuring tapes are real money-savers, and not only because they don't cost a lot. If you have the right measuring tools, you can take on do- it-yourself projects and create things instead of just buying them from a store. You can sew your own skirt, which would fit you perfectly, instead of grabbing one off a store rack. Or you can build your dog a little house instead of paying somebody else to do the woodwork for you.

4. Along with a set of basic tools, a sturdy measuring tool makes a great gift for a college-bound teen, a newlywed couple, or anyone settling into their own digs. Sometimes practical gifts are the best.

What is tape measure? A tape measure or measuring tape is a ribbon of cloth, plastic, or metal with linear-measure markings, such as steel tape measure. Surveyors use tape measures in lengths on the order of hectometers. It is a convenient measuring tool. Its flexibility allows for a measure of great length to be easily carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one to measure around curves or corners.

How to read a tape measure?

Tape measures are often used to give a standardized length for objects which are of an irregular shape. But how to reed it is big problem for layman. Side Cut Pliers

Firstly, you must know a tape measure blade is marked both in inches and in feet. Each foot is divided into 12 inches. The end hook always appears to be loose. This special design slide a distance equal to its own thickness so both inside and outside make sure the result is accurate. The upper scale is increased by 1/16-inch, so it reads 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, and 1-inch. The bottom scale reads in 1/16-inch increments as well, so it reads 1/16, 1/8, 3/16-inch, and so on. So if you find a 8 lines in an inch that mean the scale is increased by 2/16-inch. And likewise, if you have 4 lines , or 4/16" you have a quarter inch and so on. Paint Roller Cover

For example

1. The longest line in the inch is in the middle. This is the half-inch mark and there is only one.

2. The next shortest line is the 1/4" (one quarter of an inch) inch mark and there are only two of these.

3. The third shortest line is the 1/8" (one eighth of an inch) mark and there are four of these.

4. The fourth shortest is the 1/16" (one sixteenth of an inch) mark and there are eight of these.

5. Some rulers will go a step further, down to 1/32" but this is often more precise that most woodworking cuts need to be.other measurements

Tips of tape measure

When you use the tape measure, there are some problem you must notice.

1: Not all tape measure have same unit. All tape measures included linear-measure markings, with many including both imperial and metric units. Imperial measurements are those commonly used in the United States, including feet, pounds, and seconds. Metric units, on the other hand, are those used in the metric system, commonly used by many countries outside of the United States. Aviation Tin Snips

2: When you use the tape measure, pull the tape straight out of its case with one hand.

3: Do not forget to look at the back of the tape which have some useful information about parameters. Because not all tapes are created equal.

4: Note the markings on the tape.On the typical ruler the basic (smallest) unit of measurement is 1/16". If you count the distance between two inch marks (one inch) you will find sixteen lines. This is because an inch is 16/16th of an inch long. Studs read out at 16-inch on center, and are normally marked in red. Trusses or floor joists read out at 2-foot on center and are normally marked in black. Slip Joint Pliers

5: Line up the 1-inch mark with one end of the object being measured. Sometimes the metal hook becomes loose and can cause your measurement to be off by up to 1/16 of an inch. Be sure to deduct 1 inch from the measurement.

6: Slide the thumb lock down to hold the tape in place which can make the result more accurate.