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 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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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 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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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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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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How do I unscrew a hex screw that doesn't have any grip anymore?

I messed up the screw that fits this tip of this particular type of screwdriver bit (circled in red): That screw now has almost no edges and is basically oval. I tried lubricating the screw so that I can get it by the neck on the opposite side with…
Vrankela
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How can I cut off the rusted closet bolts holding my toilet?

I need to change the wax ring on my toilet. The closet bolts that hold it in place are rusted so I need to cut them in order to remove the nuts. I thought of trying bolt cutters. The bolt cutters I have are, I believe, 24 inches, but they are too…
Mowzer
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What is this tool set for?

What is this tool set in the red rack used for?
PJS1987
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What's the name of these pliers?

My grandfather called them "order clerk pliers" but can't find that name anywhere on the internet. The brand is Sargent but I can't find anything else about them. The "bolt cutter" like snip at the top is very powerful I've used them for cutting…
Greg VonSeggern
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