Basic Hand ToolsWhen making working models in the Imagineering Clubs, you will be using a variety of Hand Tools.

For example making the Steady Hand Game involves using Screwdrivers, Pliers and Wire Strippers

Here is a quick guide to some common tools

Screwed Fixings

Screwed fixings are an essential means of attaching and securing components to each other and to external surfaces

They come in two main types:-1) Tapered (sharp ended) self-bedding, and2) Parallel (blunt ended) to fit with

mating .pre-threaded holes

Screwed Fixings

Examples of the first type are wood screws, chipboard screws, self-tapping screws

Wood screws Chipboard screws Self-tapping screws

Screwed FixingsExamples of the second type are nuts and bolts, studs and set screws

Nuts and bolts Double ended studs Set screws

Drive systems

There are many configurations used on the heads of threaded fasteners to mate with the appropriate tool in order to turn or ‘drive’ the fastener into position

The most important of these systems are shown on the next slide

Drive systemsSlotted flat or straight

Phillips ‘crosshead’ PH

Pozidrive (SupaDriv) PZ

Hexagon (external)

Hexagon socket (Allen)

One-way (clutch)

Torx T & TX

Torq-set

Triple Square XZN

Tri-wing

Square (external)

Spline drive

Spanner head (snake eye)

Polydrive

Drive systemsAll of these drive systems are made in a range of sizes to cover different sizes of fasteners

The Pozidrive system is a development of the Phillips system and is the commonest for most screw types in construction and general use

Hexagon drives are still the most common for nuts, bolts and some set screws but Torx drives are now widespread in engineering

Screwdrivers

2. Shaft or blade length

Screwdrivers are specified by the following characteristics:-1. Drive system and size (eg, No. 2 Pozidrive, …5mm flat slot, No. 3 Phillips)

3. Shaft or blade diameter or square section …(normally tied to drive size)

4. Grip or handle profile

Screwdrivers

Pump action

Some screwdrivers have special features like pump action, reversible ratchet drive and multiple loose interchangeable drive bits

Ratchet and multi-bits

Screwdrivers

When driving slotted head screws use a screwdriver whose blade is as near the width of the slot as possible and is a ‘snug’ fit in the slot

Always use the correct drive type and size for the fastener to avoid damage and ‘cam-out’ where the drive twists out of the head

Phillips and Pozidrive are NOT interchangeable

Screwdrivers

Hexagon drives are normally used with spanners, sockets and socket keys and will be covered in a separate future set of slides

Phillips screw drives are made in sizes 0 to 5, inclusive, but No’s 1,2,3 &,possibly, 4 should cover the vast majority of work

Similarly, Pozidrive sizes are 0 to 4 but No’s 1,2 & 3 will be all that are needed in a normal tool kit

Pliers

These are combination pliers, taper (or round) nose pliers and parallel pliers

Pliers is a general name for a huge range of tools designed to do specific jobs

However, for a general home workshop tool kit three types should give a good basis

PliersTaper (or round) nosed

Combination

Parallel

Wire Strippers

Other tools can be used to strip insulation but they are generally not as quick, safe or effective

Wire strippers are specialist tools for removing the insulation covering from electrical wiring to expose the conductor

They come in a variety of designs often combined with a wire cutter, crimper, etc

Wire StrippersThree designs of stripping tools

Tools - SummaryScrewdrivers – 3 common types are Slotted, Phillips & Pozidrive. Normal sizes 1,2 & 3

Pliers – many different designs but 3 most useful types are combination, taper (or round nose and parallelWire strippers – unless you are a professional electrician, get the simplest design for the job

C H Price © The Imagineering Foundation - a Charitable Incorporated Organisation no: 1158003 updated 21.08.15 www.imagineering.org.uk