UNIT TWO

HAND TOOLS IN AN ELECTRIC WORKSHOP

INTRODUCTION. -
Hand and power tools are a part ot our everyday lives ana help us to easijy pertorm tasks that otherwise

would be difficult or impossible. However, these simple tools can be hazardous, and have the potential for

causing severe injuries when used or maintained improperly. Workers must be provided with appropriate

personal protective equipment to guard against injury. All electrical connections for tolos must be suitable for

the type of tool and the working conditions (e.g. wet, dusty, flammable vapors). Employees should be trained

in the proper use of all hand tools in their workplace. Workers should be able to recognize the hazards

associated with the different types of tools and the safety precautions necessary to mitigate exposure.

DEFINITION:

A tool is any instrument used in doing work. A hand tool is any tool operated by hand to do work. It is used to

do a task or Job that could not be done with the bare hand or without the tool. This is contrasted with a

power tool, which is operated by some source of power other than human power. Hand tolos are used to do

the small jobs and to do the work where large machines cannot function.

HAND TOOLS:

These tools are the most employed in an electrical workshop:

PLIERS SCREWDRIVER WRENCH

MEASURING TAPE BENCH VISE MECHANICAL

CLOSURE
 FILE CUTTER - KNIFE WIRE STRIPER
PLIERS. -

Different designs of pliers are available for different applications. Lineman's pliers have a squared-off,

snub-nose jaw tip for gripping and holding, and nearer the jaw joint have opposed cutting edges. Some

versions have an additional gripping section near the joint which can be used to assist in pulling or a

crimping device to assist in applying connectors to bare wires.

Long-nose, or needle-nose, pliers have extended, pointed, thin jaws that are ideal for working where there

are space restrictions or for manipulating small objects.

These pliers are useful for bending wire ends to create

connection loops.

LONG NOSE PLIERS

A common use of lineman's pliers is for gripping and twisting

wires together before adding a twist-on wire connector nut

LINEMANS PLIERS

Lineman's pliers are used by electricians to straighten, cut, grip, twist, push, and pull wire. They are used to

cut and bend light gauge metal and pull staples and nails.

WIRE STRIPPERS: is a small, hand-held device UTILITY KNIFE: a knife used for
used to strip insulation from electric wires. general or utility purposes.

SCREWDRIVER.-
This is a tool used to loosen and tighten any type of screws with slots. There are two types of screwdrivers
that are:
 FLAT SCREWDRIVER FLATHEAD SCREWS

CROSS SCREWDRIVER CROSSHEAD SCREWS

WRENCHES. -
They are tools used to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts.

There are many type of wrenches but the electrician uses the following wrenches:

OPEN END WRENCH BOX END WRENCH CRESCENT ADJUSTABLE WRENCH

FLEXIBLE STEEL TAPE (Measuring tape) it is a measuring tool used to measure any type of measurement
on a work.

HACKSAW: It is a cutting tool used to cut some workpieces.

BENCH VISE: It is a pressing tool used to hold pieces.

KNIVES: They are tools used to cut an outer layer ot a cable or some other work

FILE: It is a hand tool that is used to smooth or polishes some works.

Five basic safety rules can help prevent hazards associated with the use of hand and power tools:

1. Keep all hand tools in good condition with routine maintenance,

2. Use the right tool for the job and within its intended purpose of design.

3. Examine each tool for damage prior to use and never use if damaged.

4. Operate tools within the manufacturer's guidance.

5. Provide and use properly the correc.t personal protection equipment associated with the task.

Employers are responsable

The wide variety of hand and power tools on the market today helps workers be more efficient and perform

rnore t:skg than ever before. 'vVheri used incorrect;y howevei% they can cause injuty enu even death.

Hand Tools: Best Practices

 Do not use tools torjobs tor which they are not intended. For example, do not use a slot screw driver

as a chisel, pry bar, wedge or punch, or wrenches as hammers.

 Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools.

 Do not cut towards yourself when using cutting tools.

 Do not hold the stock in the palm of your hand when using a cutting tool or a screwdriver. Always lay

it on a workbench or in a vice.

 Do not wear bulky gloves to operate hand tools.

 Do not throw tools. Hand them, handle first, directly to other workers.

 Do not carry a sharp tool in your pocket.

 Do not use tools during electrical work unless they are designed for electrical work (e.g., properly

insulated).

 Do not leave tools lying around on elevated structures, such as a platform or scaffold, as they may be

bumped and fall.

 Store the tools when they are not in use.

 Keep the tools in a toolbox or in a panel on the wall of the workshop.