Wood is a wonderful medium to work on and one of the best ways to express one's creativity with it is to indulge in woodworking. It does require expertise and training but one of the foremost requisites is the ability to handle tools which are involved in this activity. There are a number of tools which facilitate woodworking and these can be broadly categorized as hand tools and power tools depending on whether they require electricity for being operated.

A strong recommendation to anyone who wishes to embark on a woodworking project is to be cognizant of the various hand working tools as the familiarity would come in handy during the work. Some of the commonly used hand working tools are listed as follows:

• One of the most essential woodworking hand tools is a utility knife because cutting is the very essence of woodworking. An added advantage would be the presence of disposable razor blades as this would infinitely increase the versatility of the knife. Junior Hacksaw

• A claw hammer with a smooth and rounded finish head is a versatile hand tool which could prove to be very useful while woodworking. Such a hammer should be selected by feeling its grip and also its heaviness and a perfect specimen would be the one which has a comfortable grip and does not weigh much either. Twist Knot Cup Brush

• It is imperative for a woodworker to have a retractable tape measure while working and some of its basic features should be standard and metric markings, a locking mechanism and a loose hook at the end of the tape to assist while taking internal and external measurements.

• To clean out the waste from the joints and mortises, a sharpened chisel should be used and to have a collection of bevel-edged chisels of different widths within reach is always advantageous.

• In order to judge whether the stock is perfectly aligned horizontally or vertically, a level should be used and it is advisable to keep a long as well as a short level. Heavy duty hacksaw

• As common as a claw hammer, screwdrivers of different types and varying sizes need to be a part of the woodworking kit and more importantly the onus is on the user to be aware of the type of screwdriver to be used for a particular purpose.

• Being the most invaluable, quickest and easiest tool while woodworking, a layout square is a definite inclusion and should be present at all times to facilitate marking a square line, an angle or a certain cut-off length. Slip Joint Pliers

• The sliding bevel is like a layout square only with more number of functions like being adjusted to any angle, locked in place with a locking mechanism and while duplicating an angle.

• Nail sets of different sizes come in handy during woodworking to fulfill and variety of reasons and hence form an integral part of a woodworker's toolkit.

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. wire end brush


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 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. contractors tape measure

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.

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. Bypass Secateurs

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. Mini Hacksaw

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cultivator

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

Spade

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

Garden Hoe

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

Secateurs

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

Pitchfork

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

Grass Shears

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

Trowel

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

Rake

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

Lawnmower

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

Wheelbarrow

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

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

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

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

Floral Snips

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

Secateurs or Hand Pruners

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

Hedge Shears

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

Loppers

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

Bow saw

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

Hand Saw

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

Pole Saw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck with your shopping for secateurs!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Materials Needed in the Activity

A Quick Look at Tape Measure

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

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

Details of the Activity

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

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

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

Men love new tools and laser tape measures would be both an asset and something he can boast about to his pals. Laser measuring tapes actually are something you can be proud of. It separates you from those people who are making use of the conventional metal ones. The guys like it when they get to finish things faster and more precise over the other people. Again, it all comes down to competitiveness and the desire to be outstanding. Laser tape measures will be a good way of mirroring those characteristics because they can let anyone measure things faster and more exactly. Open End Spanner Set

Laser tape measures are equipped with modern features and capability to do so. Due to this, laser tape measures is definitely the best present you can give your father, your guy, your uncle, your sibling, or a pal actually. There are plenty of things you can buy to your guy pals and family that will make them very pleased. One of them, as stressed is laser measuring tapes. Any gift you like to give to the men of your lives, be sure it's something they can use because that's what would make them happy and satisfied. Truly, some changes are great to have and laser measuring tapes are one of them. Hss Drill

To make use of laser tape measures, you place the device on one end of what you like to measure, and then aim the laser beam so that it hits something at the other end. If there isn't any wall, pole or anything like that, you can place a target at the area you wish to measure up to. The whole process is similar to using conventional measuring tapes, except you use a laser beam instead of metal tape. When you have the laser at the correct spot, press the button, and the tape measures calculate the distance and show it on its screen. The calculation is performed through precision optics and laser physics using the phase-shift method, in which a laser hits an item and compares its reflection with the beam transmitted, or using the time-of-flight method where the time it takes for an optical pulse to reflect back is computed. Some laser measuring tapes allow you to measure multiple distances and then add them together easily. chainsaw file

Laser tape measures are alternative to traditional metal measuring tapes; they're utilized to measure lengths, widths as well as heights of up to about 650 feet (198 meters). They're usually considered accurate to within an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) whenever measuring a distance as much as 300 feet (91.5 meters). Laser measuring tapes are utilized primarily by insurance adjusters, contractors, flooring professionals, architects and other people who conduct a lot of measuring. However, homeowners can easily utilize this around the house, too.

Laser tape measures are usually faster to use than traditional ones, and you avoid the errors which can be caused by a twisted or sagging tape measures. Additionally, it really is easier to read a digital display of the measurement rather than to count small lines on measuring tapes. Laser ones also get rid of the complications of measuring high ceilings and also other hard-to-reach areas. bow saw

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.

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.