Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [hand-tools]

Hand tools are those powered by human muscles, as opposed to any other power source.

Examples of hand tools include screwdrivers, saw, hammer, chisel, knife, clamps, and are operated by the efforts of the operator only.

If your tool is powered by electricity, compressed air, hydraulics, or other sources, then its not a hand tool.

Hand-powered tools that multiply forces are still hand tools, like a yankee screwdriver, or a breast drill, that transform the magnitude or direction of forces.

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What are insulated screwdrivers for if you’re not supposed to work on a live circuit?

It’s not just that I’ve been told by some people to never work on a live circuit as an amateur (I know that electricians often do work on live circuits)... but the package itself containing the insulated screwdrivers says to never work on a live…
Josh Withee
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Is there a trick to opening a tube of caulk?

Is there a tool especially designed for opening a tube of caulk, silicone, or construction adhesive?
Ben Welborn
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What type of tool has rings of teeth that spin freely on a shaft?

All "gears" spin independently of each other. Stumped my pops, hasn't happened in my lifetime. Thanks!
Pete
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What should a homeowner look for in a torque driver for DIY electrical work?

If I want to add a torque driver to my toolbox, so I can improve the quality of DIY electrical work in my home, what is a suitable torque range and precision I should look for? It should be suitable for use with breakers, panel buses, outlets, and…
jay613
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What is this set of claw-levers and bolts?

This has been in my garage for a while, but I have no ideas what it is. Anyone out there know?
Eric V
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Lineman's pliers don't fully close

I have some new DeWalt lineman's pliers (DWHT70276; never used). I noticed the cutters close tight but the gripping jaws don't close all the way. Is that by design? What if I want to grip something thin? The Home Depot stock image shows the gap…
User1974
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Purpose of sleeve on sledge hammer handle

What is the intended purpose of the wedge-shaped sleeve on this sledgehammer handle near the head? POWERFIST 12 lb Sledge Hammer
User1974
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What are these tools used for?

I have recently found in a box these two tools: I do not have any knowledge on whether these tools are for wood or metal. The second tool can be winded and unwinded in order to form some kind of tooth bite like shape to a material. Many thanks…
Konstantinos Chertouras
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What is the point of this double-ended spanner?

QUESTION: Just, why ? I was exploring a local swap meet and found this. For the life of me I cannot figure out why one would need an adjustable spanner at each end. I mean it's ADJUSTABLE and having two on the same handle means you can't tighten a…
Criggie
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What is an adjustable wrench fit for tightening bolts?

The other day I saw a plumber tighten a bolt with what looked like an adjustable wrench. But it seemed like he didn't need to take it off the bolt every time to turn it further. Rather, it looked like the wrench's jaws were non parallel, or perhaps…
ispiro
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Tool Identity and Use

I'm hoping someone can identify this hand tool. Here is what I do know: It was made by Stanley It may be something used with sheet metal or maybe Wire? It would only be used on the edge of the metal. It doesn't seem to be used to nibble as it…
jlaurenza
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What's the name of this type of screwdriver that turns when pushed?

In this video of "Breaking Bad", beginning at 0:21, Mike uses what looks like a Phillips screwdriver, but presses the tool to turn the screw. I always wanted one of these; what's the name of this type of tool?
Marceloawq
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What (in the US) do you call the type of wrench that is made from a steel tube?

This is the sort of wrench I have in mind: In the Wikipedia article (Socket Wrench) displaying this image, it is described as a spark plug wrench, but there are wrenches of this style in many other sizes, and for many other purposes - anywhere one…
sdenham
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Should I store my staple gun with the handle up or down?

How should I store my staple gun long term? Lever up like this: Or lever down, like this: I'm worried about the strength of the spring over time.
Gregor
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Found an old tool - What is it?

I found this with a bunch of other old tools. This is the only one I can't figure out what it is. I wonder if it's a home made tool for some unique purpose. Or maybe it was just for made for fun out of random available parts. Or was this something…
PJS1987
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