Tools of the Trade
By: cilicon

SCREWDRIVERS

A screwdriver is one of the most basic of basic hand tools. It is also the most frequently abused of all hand tools. It is designed for one function only—to drive and remove screws. A screwdriver should not be used as a pry bar, a scraper, a chisel, or a punch.

Main parts

There are three main parts to a standard screwdriver. The portion you grip is called the handle, the steel portion extending from the handle is the shank, and the end that fits into the screw is called the blade. The steel shank is designed to withstand considerable twisting force in proportion to its size, and the tip of the blade is hardened to keep it from wearing. Standard screwdrivers are classified by size, according to the combined length of the shank and blade. The most common sizes range in length from 2½ to 12 inches. There are many smaller and some larger for special purposes for the boston plumber. The diameter of the shank, and the width and thickness of the blade are generally proportionate to the length, but again there are special screwdrivers with long thin shanks, short thick shanks, and extra wide or extra narrow blades. Screwdriver handles may be wood, plastic, or metal. When metal handles are used, there is usually a wooden hand grip placed on each side of the handle. In some types of wood- or plastic-handled screwdrivers the shank extends through the handle, whereas in others the shank enters the handle only a short way and is pinned to the handle. For heavy work, special types of screwdrivers are made with a square shank. They are designed in this way so that they may be gripped with a wrench, but these types are the only kind on which a wrench should be used. When you use a screwdriver, it is important to select the proper TOOLS OF THE slot size so that the blade fits the screw slot properly. Proper fit prevents burring the slot and reduces the force required to hold the driver in the slot. Keep the shank perpendicular to the screw head. Another type of screwdriver that is essential for your toolbox is the Phillips. The head of a Phillips-type screw has a four-way slot into which the screwdriver fits. Three standard-sized Phillips screwdrivers handle a wide range of screw sizes. Their ability to hold helps to prevent damaging the slots or the work surrounding the screw. It is a poor practice to try to use a standard screwdriver on a Phillips screw, because both the tool and screw slot will be damaged. Use the same technique for driving and removing screws as for standard screwdrivers.

PLIERS

Pliers are made in many styles and sizes and are used to perform many different operations, but mainly to hold and grip small objects in situations where it may be inconvenient or impossible to use hands. Combination pliers are handy for holding or bending flat or round stock. Long-nosed pliers are less rugged, and break easily if you use them on heavy jobs. Long-nosed pliers (commonly called needle-nose pliers) are especially useful for holding small objects in tight places and for making delicate adjustments. The round-nosed kind are handy when you need to crimp sheet metal or form a loop in a wire. Slip-joint pliers have straight, serrated (grooved) jaws, and the screw or pivot with which the jaws are fastened together may be moved to either of two positions in order to grasp small- or large-sized objects better. To spread the jaws of slip-joint pliers, first spread the ends of the handles apart as far as possible. The slip-joint, or pivot, will move to the open position. To close, again spread the handles as far as possible, then push the joint back into the closed position.

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