Hand, Power & Air Tools

Hand, Power & Air Tools
Last updated on Thursday, June 01, 2023 05:33:37 AM Mountain US Time Zone

Phillips Screw Drivers, Slotted Screwdrivers, Small Screwdrivers,
Pliers Cutters Specialty, Hammers, Punches, Chisels & Hooks,
Imperial Wrenches, Metric Wrenches, Socket Sets, Hex Wrenches,
Wire Strippers & Crimpers, Clamps, Files, Planer, Air Tools,
Corded, Cordless, Impact, Generators, Jump Starter, Saws

Refer to the Hardware Section, too.

Phillips Screw Drivers

Many of my very durable Craftsman tools have
lasted over 50 years old but those worn out
were replaced under their lifetime warranty.

1/4" Reed Prince tip (bottom).

Phillips #0, #1, #2, #3, #4 screw drive types

The shape of a Phillips #2 tip (left) as compared
to that of a 1/4" Reed Prince tip (right).
The pointed Reed Prince drive does not cam
out under high torque like a Phillips type &
is often used in marine applications.

Slotted Screwdrivers

wide blade slotted screwdriver.

Car door fastener pry tool (left).
star & Robertson drivers
plus a cotter pin puller (bottom).

Klein extendable stubby, ratchet, & standard-sized
extendable screwdrivers. Extensions impact rated,
interchangeable bits, spin caps, cushion-grips, bit storage,
stainless steel bit holder with rare-earth magnets, 1/4" nut
drivers. Industrial-strength heat-treated bits stored
in the handles. Reasonably priced (Taiwan).

The removable extensions can be used with
an impact drill. Adjustable blade lengths.
Blade lock is all-metal chrome-plated steel.
Smooth, 24-point ratchet mechanism. The
arrows point to the direction you are driving.
Simply grab the ring & twist the handle in
the direction you are going to drive; intuitive.
Large-diameter handles allow good torque.

Klein 14-in-1 precision screwdriver/nut driver.
The bit holders also act as the nut drivers.
Crosshead bits - #00, #0.
Flat-blade bits - 3/32" & 1/8".
Star bits - T7, T8, T10, T15.
Nut drivers - 9/64", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16".
Industrial-strength heat treated bits.
OAL 7-1/4" (18.5cm). It has a spin cap, too.

Klein Multi-bit screwdriver/nut driver shaft holds 8
tips & converts to 3 nut driver sizes. Industrial strength
heat-treated bits: 3/8", 5/16", 1/4" nut drivers, #1,
#2 Phillips, 1/4", 3/16" slotted, T10, T15 TORX, plus
#1 & #2 square recess. Comfortable Cushion-Grip handle.
Blast-finish bit tips provide a firm hold & reduce cam-out.

Klein Nut Driver allows for one-handed driving,
with seven sizes in one tool. Rare-Earth magnets
(1/4", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 1/2") hold nuts & bolts.
Spring coil (7/16", 9/16") holds nuts & bolts in
place without the use of magnets Hollow shafts
(1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 9/16") for driving nuts
deep onto bolts or threaded rod. Wrench-assist
on handle for added torque on tough jobs.

Gun Screwdriver Sets

Chapman gun screwdriver set; high
quality (USA). Metric bits available, too.
Gun screwdrivers are hollow-ground so the blade
surfaces are parallel (not a wedge) thus, by matching the
blade's width & thickness to the screw's slot, a precise
fit can be obtained. A better slot fit reduces/eliminates
damage to the screw head.

Chapman metric hex bits (USA); hardened steel.

Ratchet handles for screw bits.
These can get into tight places.

Wheeler gun screwdriver set (USA).
Some tips are frangible & are designed
to break before causing damage via over
torque. Gunsmithing screwdriver set

Torque is the tendency of a force to rotate
an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot.

A torque screwdriver set to 20 in lb.

Torque ranges are specified for different screw &
bolt types. Torque screwdriver instructions
It varies as a function of size, material, number
of threads, hardness, plating, lubrication, etc.
There are numerous torque reference tables
available on the web; it's common to over-torque.
Store torque wrenches at the lowest setting
to help maintain long-term accuracy.

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Craftsman 18" pry bar (USA).

Non-marring plastic Universal Auto
Interior Tool Kit can be used on many
different kinds of delicate parts.

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Worx Pegasus portable worktable, clamping
system & sawhorse. Best, super sturdy, most
versatile portable worktable I have ever used.
Max loads: 300lb (135kg) as a table &
1000lb (454kg) as a sawhorse.

Two clamps & four dogs store compactly.
Each side can be folded down, independently.
Metal-on-metal locks. Folds to a compact size.
Large, non-slip, rubber feet that stay attached.
Tables can be joined together.
Caution: multiple pinch points.

The clamp handle is secured via a retractable bolt.
The bolt retracts when the tightening handle is pulled.

The other end of the clamp is secured in a channel.

Tray, slots & holes for tools.

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This open-weave drawer liner has anti-microbial
properties that prevent bacterial growth. The
non-slip black cushion protects the instruments &
keeps them from moving (banging) around, too.

Small Screwdrivers

Star, Slotted, Phillips-type screwdrivers.

Screw-head types.

Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) Driver

The JIS driver tip geometry compared
to the US standard Phillips driver.

JIS-type screws are used in
Japanese camera equipment & electronics.

Using a Phillips driver in a JIS screw
will not grip well & likely distort it.

JIS/Slotted driver set.
Sizes: #00, #0, #1 JIS, & .055, .070
slotted bits with plastic handle (USA).
Magnetize the tip to help handle small (ferrous) screws.

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Pliers, Cutters, Specialty

This Channellock tool works on both internal &
external snap rings. Supplied with multiple tip sizes.

Round needle-nose tips for shaping wire.

Parallel jaws reduce marring
precious metals for jewelry.

These Klein utility scissors are a very useful tool;
very well made. The leather holster is handy.
There are two wire stripper slots & the
blades are serrated. OAL = 5-1/4" (13.5cm).

The small diagonal cutter (second from left)
is over 40 years old; Lifetime Warranty.

Compound diagonal cutters.

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An extra pair of replacement nylon jaws is included (Japan).
I use them in the kitchen, too.

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Hammers

My favorite, a 4-oz ball-peen hammer (USA).

Europeans seem to favor this style of hammer-head
shape; purchased in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

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Dead Blow hammers: 1, 2, 3, 4 lb.

Punches, Chisels, & Hooks

Starrett punches (left), finish-nail punches (top),
Craftsman punches (center). The two long tapered tools
are for aligning parts (USA). All Starrett tools are excellent.

Metric punches:
2mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, & 8mm (Germany).

Long punches (import).

Standard center punch (USA).
Automatic punches are easier to use more accurately.

Scribes & automatic center punches. Top to bottom:
Starrett surface gauge steel scribe, a diamond-tipped
scribe, a carbide-tipped scribe, two large-body
punches that make deep marks, two high-precision
punches that have fine, sharply pointed replaceable
tips & the last punch has small replaceable tips.
Regular punches have a 90 deg angled tip whereas
prick punches have a more narrow-angled point.
See the Layout Section

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Various chisels (USA).

Various hooks mainly for removing/tensioning
springs in tight locations. The bottom set has
three screw-on handles for compact storage &
that can be combined to extend one's reach.

Hook set collapsed for storage (USA).

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Imperial Wrenches

Ignition wrenches.

Box wrenches are very strong & open-end
wrenches work well in tight places.
Six-point box wrenches are stronger than
12-point but the latter works better in tight locations.

Ratchet-style box wrenches.

Metric Wrenches

Miscellaneous metric wrenches used for lathes & mill.

Adjustable wrenches.

Strap wrenches.

Pipe wrenches.

Copper pipe cutters.

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Socket Sets

Imperial & metric 1/4-inch drive socket sets.

1/2-inch drive set.

3/8-inch drive set.

Imperial & metric 3/8-inch drive sets:
hex, deep socket, universal, adapters, spark-plug.

Imperial & metric 1/2-inch drive impact
socket sets with universal & extension.
WARNING: Do not use standard sockets with an
impact wrench as they can crack & fragment.

Air impact wrench.

Automotive tools.

1/2", 3/8", & 1/4" drive torque wrenches. Store torque
wrenches at the lowest setting to help maintain accuracy.
The top 3 wrenches measure ft-lb or Newton-meters;
the bottom 1/4" drive wrench measures in-lb or cm-kg.

Imperial nut driver set.

Metric nut driver set.

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Hex Wrenches

Imperial & metric hex wrench sets.
The two bottom sets are short-handle type.

Hex T-handle drivers;
Imperial/metric & ball-end/straight.

Metric (black) & Imperial (clear) hex driver sets.

Craftsman Imperial hex driver set (USA).
Imperial sizes in fractional inches:
1/4, 3/16, 5/32, 1/8, 9/64, 7/64, 3/32.

Bondhus metric hex driver set (USA).
Metric sizes in mm: 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5.

Ballhead

Wire Strippers, Crimpers & Electrical

Video coax & phone crimping tools.

Professional Klein Tools

Klein Tools self-adjusting wire stripper/cutter (Taiwan).

True RMS multimeter with many functions.
Compact size with: probes, temp sensor & case.
To protect it from scratches, I store it face down.
The probes' removable plugs are point covers.

Owon HDS2425 40 MHz handheld oscilloscope.
Compensating the probe. Owon HDS242S Oscilloscope Manual

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Clamps

Large Kant Twist clamps; 4.5", 3", 2.5" openings.
An excellent, versatile clamp design (USA).
Floating smooth & prismatic copper-coated jaws,
large deep-throat opening, copper-coated lead screw.
Always buy clamps in (multiples of 2) pairs.

2" & 1" clamps.

V-grooved, copper-coated, self-centering jaws.

Two parts are secured in the mill's vise with
small clamps. Short, stiff, stub drill bits used.

C-clamps.

See the related Hand Vises Section.

Click on these linked thumbnails for different sized clamps #ad

Wire Hose Clamp Making Tool

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Files

Simonds, Nicholson, & Craftsman files are
quite good. I prefer Simonds (USA).

It is important to have good handles on files especially
when they are being used on a part turning in a lathe
as it could catch & push it through one's hand or worse.
A handle also affords more accurate control.

Small diamond files.

A pin vise (USA), that stores needle files in the
handle, for general deburring of machined parts.

Fine files (regular & diamond) of various shapes & grits for deburring.

A steel file card used to remove stuck metal chips from the cutting edges.

(1) Point, (2) Cutting Edges, (3) Heel, (4) Tang, (5) File Length, & Handle.

CAUTION: Always use a handle when filing on a turning lathe part.
If it catches, it can jam the tang into your hand. Wear eye protection.

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Planer

Stanley hand drill #v03-803 (England).

Fiskars hand drill (USA).

Hand stapler (USA).

Stapler & small nail gun.

Air Tools

Air finishing nail gun; 120 PSI.

Air grinder.

Shop air supply compressor (manual).
I have a much larger compressor for a big impact wrench
but it was not developing the rated torque. I changed from
a 1/2" to a 5/8" air-supply hose & that made all the difference.

Portable Inflator

Milwaukee M18 Inflator Model 2848-20.
Pros: It uses Milwaukee M18 batteries, has rugged
construction, it's well-balanced with a battery,
has four memories, large rubber feet & turns-off
automatically when a preset pressure is reached
(150 PSI max). Tops off tire pressures, fast.
Cons: A light would be very helpful as would
an included quick-disconnect type air chuck.

Supplied with additional standard adapters.
Screw on/off chucks lose air during removal.
Added an all-brass quick-disconnect air chuck.

M18 batteries have a built-in power checker.

Easy to use backlighted LCD. The crosshair
symbol indicates you reached your target pressure.
The infinity symbol indicates you are in manual
mode e.g., blowing dust out of a computer case.
Milwaukee M18 Inflator 2848 Manual

Milwaukee M18 Inverter 2846 Manual

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Corded

Corded drill when you need real power all day (USA).

See Drill Bit Section.

Milwaukee heavy-duty, two-speed hammer drill
with metal case; durable & powerful (GER).

Milwaukee Sawzall (USA).

1/4-sheet finishing sander.

Random orbital sander. This type works the best.

Industrial heat gun. CAUTION: Much hotter than any blow dryer.
It will quickly blister, warp, bubble, burn, and/or ignite material.

Heat gun nozzle attachments to
concentrate, spread, surround, or scrape.

Two Imperial rules (top) & a metric rule (bottom).

The Milwaukee tape has a small,
strong magnet on the end.
A nicely designed, very durable tape measure.

165-ft (50m) tape rule.

Strait-Line Laser Tape (instructions).

Measures/calculates areas/volumes quickly & accurately.

Levels

Stud finder that has deep-scan,
metal studs, & electrical line modes.

Chalk line.

Plum bob.

Builder's square.

Cordless

Milwaukee M18 2701-20 brushless cordless drill kit
in a durable plastic case. Uses all M18 battery sizes.
Compact, powerful, well-balanced with an ergonomic
rubberized grip. 1/2" metal chuck & metal gear
housing. Variable-speed trigger. White LED work
light stays on ten seconds after stopping. It has a
ratcheting chuck. First, tighten the chuck.
Second, rotate in the opposite direction to
lock the chuck. You will feel/hear a click. This
chuck-locking feature is not in the manual.
Milwaukee Drill M18 2701-20 Manual

3.7 lb with a 2 Ah battery. Variable torque dial; 500 in lb peak.
Two-speed transmission: 0-450, 0-1800 RPM. Rubber armored.

Impact Driver

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge 1/4" Hex Hydraulic Impact Driver

IPM 0-4,000 maximum, torque 450 in-lbs,
cordless brushless motor, weight 2.8 lbs,
Length 5", Height 7.7", Width 2.4",
18V battery system M18 Fuel,
quick-change 1/4" hex chuck 4-mode
drive control, RPM range 0 to 3,000,
surprising light-weight/compact, balanced,
with a 5 year limited warranty.

Comparing the areas beneath the two torque curves
(their integrals) show the total hydraulic-torque delivery is higher,
resulting in greater application speeds. Longer sustained hydraulic
torque per impact vs. brief peak torque per hammer impact.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge 1/4" Hex Hydraulic Impact Driver Manual
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge 1/4" Hex Hydraulic Driver Service Manual

Red Lithium battery pack has 4 LEDs showing the amount of
charge with a button push or when mounted onto the wall charger.

Milwaukee Shockwave bit set. Very high
quality/precise/durable. Heavy-duty case.

Milwaukee magnetic nut driver bits,
set of five: 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2".

Milwaukee Titanium Shockwave
drill bit set with hex shafts.
29 pieces 1/16" to 1/2" by 1/64"

See the Drill Bits, Countersinks, Reamers & Counterbores Section

[Dewalt screwdriver photos here]

Heavy-duty Milwaukee jigsaw with
M18 XC5.0 Red Lithium battery pack.
Power, endurance & precision.

Jigsaw blades (Swiss).

Dust & splinter guards for jigsaw.

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Dewalt DCF680 cordless Gyroscopic screwdriver manual.
Superior ergonomics, great kit.

Excellent, impact-ready SAE & Imperial nut driver bit set.
Clearly labelled, nice finish with compact soft storage case.

Click on linked thumbnails

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Hulkman Alpha 85S 2000A Jump Starter Instructions
2000 peak cranking amps, 74Wh/20000mAh@3.7V battery capacity,
start up to 8.5L gas / 6.0L diesel 12V engines & 60 jump starts on a
single charge. Very robust design. Excellent quality, needle-nose clamps,
12V car outlet adapter (female) & USB-C cord. The kit includes a
65W fast (1.5hrs) wall charger. Well organized, soft shell, padded,
zippered Hulkman Alpha Bag. Two corner-lights illuminate the
car/truck work area. All I/O sockets have built-in dust covers.

Westinghouse iGen4500 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Westinghouse iGen4500 Dual Fuel inverter power generator.
Well-designed, full-featured inverter that uses gas or propane.
Equipped with hand-pull start, electric start, & remote start.
This 100 lb unit has extensive double insulation; very quiet.
I installed the high-altitude carb jet (C) for 5000-6000 ft.
Little discussed, but engine power loss is 3.5%/1000 ft.
Gas with no ethanol content is best as it does not
leave deposits in the carb; but it's expensive.

Four carb jet kits (A, B, C, D) for higher altitudes:
OEM Jet 0'-2000', Jet A 2000'-3000', Jet B 3000'-5000',
Jet C 5000'-6000', Jet D 6000'-7000'. An aluminum
crush washer for the 10mm oil plug is also shown.
The WH video for carb jet replacement is overly complex.
Drain the carb bowl of gas. Remove the large access
panel & loosen the bolts along the bottom. Remove
the air cleaner housing & the carb bowl. Replace the
jet & reassemble. I did this before first start.

Westinghouse iGen 4500DF Inverter Power Generator Manual

Used plastic bed risers to hold the 100 lb unit
high enough to change the oil. These low-cost
risers are very stable & sturdy. The recesses
on their tops securely hold the unit in place.
Note the stored, telescoping steel handle (left).

First oil change.

The motor's oil drain plug is a 10mm hex
bolt with an aluminum crush washer.
Below that, is a rubber-plugged hole in the
bottom housing to allow oil to drain.

A 10mm universal socket & 13mm Crowsfoot
(optional) may be useful for the oil drain plug.

The magnetic dipstick picks-up any metallic particles in the oil.
It's a tight location so I chose the paddle-style over a knurled knob.
Note the foam sound insulation, which is used thoughout the entire housing.

Keep toxic generator fumes outside & indoor
cables clean/dry; windows & doors remain closed.

Reliance portable generator Through-the-Wall Kit install video
Reliance WKPBN30 Through-the-Wall Kit Instructions

Parts kit with 1-1/4" spade bit, included.
Use an electronic stud finder, that includes
electral wire & metal stud detection, to
analyze the walls of candidate mounting sites.