NETWORK MEDIA

INFORMATION SHEET 2.1-1

Michael U. Mamitag
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, STUDENT(S) MUST be able to:

Identify different hand tools and its uses

Know the specification of various hand tools

Michael U. Mamitag
 INTRODUCTION

A tool is a handheld device that aids in

accomplishing a task. Tools range from a traditional
metal cutting part of a machine to an element of a
computer program that activates and controls a
particular function.

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 Proper Tool Selection

1. Know and understand in detail the usage of the work

to be accomplished.

2. Plan for the scope taking into account of the sequence

of tasks.

Michael U. Mamitag
 3. Select the best tool for each task. This may require
training in proper use of the tools, field experience in
their safe use and following manufacturer’s guide and
instructions for that specific tool.

4. Obtain the tool along with its associated tools and

consumable parts as recommended by the
manufacturer. Remember to select and use the
consumable parts according to their manufacturer’s
instruction.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Safe Use of Hand Tools
Misuse of hand tools may lead to injuries
within ourselves and/or people working
around us. Also, incorrect use of hand tools
may damage the tool itself that causes the
tool to fail. Thus, hand tools must be safely
used.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Guidelines for Hand Tools Safely

Use the right tool for the job

As tools are designed for specific needs, the first step
in safe hand tool is using the correct tool for the
correct job. This is the reason why there are
screwdrivers with various lengths and tip styles and
pliers with different head shapes.
Improper use of a tool is a step in the wrong
direction. Inappropriate use of hand tool causes
injury, tool damage and even equipment damage.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Use insulated tools when needed.
Insulated tools are designed to reduce the chance of
injury if the tool should come in contact with an
energized source. As we never know when a situation
will arise where insulated tools are required, we need to
have some insulated tools in our collections.
We must frequently inspect insulated tools for any wear
or cracking of the insulation. Keeping tools clean, dry
and free from surface contaminants is important as not
to compromise insulating properties. It is best not to use
tools that have been broken by cutting, worn or burned
out.
Make note that tools with plastic clipped or slip-on-
plastic handles are not insulated. They are only featured
for comfort. Likewise, wrapping a tool with elastic tape
does not promote insulation.
Michael U. Mamitag
 Follow general safety and maintenance practices.
Improper use of tools is not only dangerous but also
shows a lack of understanding of tool safety, and
disrespect for those around you, thus, following safety
and maintenance practice is a must.
Wearing an approved eye protection is one of the safety
practices when using a hand tool. Through it, we can
protect our eyes from serious injuries.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Another safety practice is keeping cutting tools like
knives, bolts, cutters, and pliers sharp, lubricated
and in good repair. Cutting wire, bolts and similar
materials must always be made at a 90-degree angle
to avoid clipping the edges of the knives. Pliers must
not also be rocked when attempting to cut materials.
This puts tremendous side pressure on cutting
surface that can result to tool failure.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Use well-designed, high quality tools.
For safer and easier job, investing in high quality tools is
advised.
If you are using pliers, take note of the qualities of high-
quality pliers. For jobs requiring extra leverage, use
high-leverage pliers. This plier gives more cutting and
gripping power than standard pliers. It is also best in
jobs with repetitive cuts or twisting numerous wire
pairs. Pliers with hot riveting at the joint ensure smooth
movement across the full active range of pliers. This
reduces handle wobble for positive cut. For heavy-duty
cutting, use side-cutting and diagonal-cutting pliers.

Michael U. Mamitag
 In using knives, choose sharp cutting knives and
tempered handles for better cutting result.
Further, for other tools not mentioned, you must
look for well-designed tools with a contoured thumb area
for a firmer grip or color-coded handles for easy tool
identification.
Using well-designed and high-quality tools save time and
give professional results to you. Most importantly they
help you do your job safely.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Other Basic Safety Rules for Hand Tools
- Keep your hand free from oil and grease.
- Handle sharp-edged and pointed tool with care by
your side with the points and heavy ends down.
- Secure all small work and short work with a vise
or clamp.
- Carry tools with its storage box for protection;
never put them in your pocket.
- Use tools in good condition not those that are
loose or cracked.
- Make sure your tools are all with handles.
- Clean the tools after using and return them to
proper storage place.
Michael U. Mamitag
 DO YOU UNDERSTAND?

Answer the following;

1. Why is proper selection of hand tools in computer

repair important?

2. What are the things to be considered in selecting

the hand tools to be used in computer repair and
maintenance?

3. What is likely to happen if the technician

incorrectly uses his hand tools?

Michael U. Mamitag
 4. Why is it necessary to use the right-hand tool for
the specific job?

5. What are insulated tools? Why is it more

appropriate to use these kinds of tools?

6. What are some of the safety practices that should

be observed in a computer workshop or repair shop?

Michael U. Mamitag
 Preparing for the task to be undertaken
includes proper tool selection.
1. How do you select the best tool for the job? First,
know and understand in detail the scope of work to
be accomplished, second, plan for the scope taking
into account the sequence of tasks.

Michael U. Mamitag
 2. Selecting the best tool for each task requires
training in the proper use of the tools, field experience
in their safe use, and following the manufacturer’s
guidance and instructions for that specific tool.

3. When obtaining the tool all the associated tooling

and consumable parts, as recommended by the
manufacturer, must be included. In addition, related
consumable parts must also be selected and used
according to their manufacturer’s instructions.

Michael U. Mamitag
 SAFE USE OF TOOLS
Once selected, use the tool for the purpose for
which it was designed. Not all tools come with
detailed instructions, but there are those that do
spell out the safety ―Do’s and Don’ts‖ for your
safety. If there are set-up/use options, operator
judgment must always be based on what is the
safest way to use the tool.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Environmental Safety and Health Program
requires the following:
• All tools be kept in good condition with regular
maintenance
• The right tool be used for the job
• Each tool be examined before use AND
damaged or defective tools NOT to be used
• Tools be operated according to manufacturer’s
instructions
• The right protective equipment for the tool and
activity be used

Michael U. Mamitag
 HARDWARE TOOLS
To complete hardware repairs, it is important to have a
toolkit that should contain all of the necessary tools. As you
gain experience, you will learn which tools to have available
for different types of jobs. Hardware tools are grouped into
these four categories:
• Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tools
• Hand tools
• Cleaning tools
• Diagnostic tools

Michael U. Mamitag
 Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) Tools
Static electricity is easily generated by friction on carpets, tile
flooring, clothing, hair, fabric, and etc. The friction of moving
air alone will charge suspended particles and cause the
buildup of static electrical charges on people and objects in the
environment. Grounded antistatic work mats used with
antistatic wrist straps provide the most basic means for the
controlled discharge of electrostatic electricity.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Examples of ESD Tools

Anti-static wrist strap – used to prevent ESD

damage to computer equipment.

Anti-static mat – used to stand on or place

hardware on to prevent static electricity from
building up.

Michael U. Mamitag
 HAND TOOLS
A hand tool is a device for performing work on a
material or a physical system using only hands. The
hand tools can be manually used employing force,
or electrically powered, using electrical current.
Examples of Hand Tools:

Flat head screwdriver – used to loosen or tighten slotted

screws.

Philips head screwdriver – used to loosen or tighten

crosshead screws.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Torx screwdriver - used to loosen or tighten screws
that have a star-like depression on the top, a feature
that is mainly found on laptop.

Hex driver – sometimes called a nut driver, is used

to tighten nuts in the same way that a screwdriver
tightens screws.

Needle-nose plier – used to hold small parts.

Wire cutter – used to strip and cut wires

Michael U. Mamitag
 Tweezers – used to manipulate small parts.

Part retriever – used to retrieve parts from location that

are to small for your hand to fit.

Wire Stripper –
A tool designed to remove the protective covering (jacket)
off of a cable to expose the inner wires. Because different
wires come in different shapes, there are dozens of
different wire strippers available. In the picture is an
example of a wire stripper that strips cables when placed
in-between the blade and the holder and spun around the
cable until the cable jacket can be pulled off.
Michael U. Mamitag
 Crimping tools - is a device used to conjoin two
pieces of metal by deforming one or both of them in a
way that causes them to hold each other. The result of
the tool's work is called a crimp. A good example of
crimping is the process of affixing a connector to the
end of a cable. For instance, network cables and
phone cables are created using a crimping tool (shown
below) to join the RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors to the
both ends of either phone or CAT5 cable.

Flashlight – used to light up areas that you cannot

see well.

Michael U. Mamitag
 CLEANING TOOLS
Having the appropriate cleaning tools is essential
when maintaining or repairing computers. Using
these tools ensures that computer components are
not damaged during cleaning. Examples:

Lint-free cloth – used to clean different computer

components without scratching or
leaving debris.

Michael U. Mamitag
 Compressed air – used to blow away dust and debris
from different computer parts without touching
the components.

Cable ties – used to bundle cables neatly inside and

outside of a computer.

Parts organizer – used to hold screw, jumpers,

fasteners and other small parts and prevents them
from getting mixed together.

Michael U. Mamitag
 DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
Computers are easier to use and more dependable with each new generation of hardware and
operating system update, but that doesn't mean they're problem-free. Here's the most popular
tools for diagnosing your computer problems:

Multimeter – used to test the integrity of circuits and

the quality of electricity in computer components.

Loopback Adapter – used to test the functionality of

computer ports.

Network Cable Tester- A cable tester is a device that is used to test the
strength and connectivity of a particular type of cable or other wired
assemblies. There are a number of different types of cable testers, each able to
test a specific type of cable or wire (some may be able to test different types of
cables or wires). A cable tester can test whether a cable or wire is set up
properly, connected correctly, and the communication strength between the
Michael U. Mamitag source and destination.