If you need to lift and hold a heavy load, there’s no better tool than a lifting jack. Whether it’s suspending a vehicle in the air so you can change a tyre or positioning steer girders into place, the job will be made easier and safer with a lifting jack to bear the load.

Like most tool families, lifting jacks come in a variety of styles, each intended for a specific type of job. Jack safety relies on knowing which jack to use and when, so in this guide we’ll run through the key lifting jack types and teach you how to handle them safely.

How to Use a Jack Lift?

How to use a jack lift is one of the most important things to get to grips with from a safety point of view. Attempting to operate a jack without the proper know-how could result in a serious bodily injury and/or damage to the vehicle.

How to use a jack lift is one of the most important things to get to grips with from a safety point of view. Attempting to operate a jack without the proper know-how could result in a serious bodily injury and/or damage to the vehicle.

Once you’ve positioned your jack correctly, begin raising it slowly (the action needed to do this will depend on whether your jack is mechanical or hydraulic). When the base plate meets the car, pause to check it’s aligned properly. Then, simply continue a slow raise until the vehicle is in the desired position. If you’re working beneath the car, prop the vehicle securely on axle stands before moving underneath it.

Types of Jacks for Lifting

There are many different types of jacks for lifting, ranging from mechanical to hydraulic styles. To help you buy with confidence, we’ve summarised nine of the most common types of jack and their main uses below:

1. Bottle Jacks

A bottle jack is a compact, upright-standing, lifting jack, that is mainly used to raise and lower vehicles off the ground vertically. Bottle jacks are powered by a hydraulic level that, when pumped, forces pressure from a small diameter piston through to a larger piston chamber.

As lifting jack types go, bottle jacks are easy to use and store. They’re available in different sizes to accommodate different sized vehicles, but they can be a little more unstable than other types of vehicle jacks. They’re also weight restricted and can only be used to lift or lower a vehicle, so you will need to combine a bottle jack with weight supports.

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2. Scissor Jacks

Lifting jack types don’t come more old-school than the scissor jack. Still used by professional mechanics today, scissor jacks are a classic type of car jack that raise or lower vehicles using two sets of vertical arms. These arms (which resemble scissors) are then elevated or contracted by turning a screw that rotates where the four arms interlink.

A scissor jack is a compact and portable type of lifting jack that requires minimal maintenance. They easily fit in the boot of a car – making them ideal if you find yourself needing to change a flat mid-journey. And, because, scissor jacks don’t use any hydraulic components, there’s no danger of fluid leakage.

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3. Trolley Jacks

Like a bottle jack, a trolley jack lifts heavy loads via a piston powered by hydraulic pressure, but they offer better stability than a bottle jack because they are much more heavy-duty. Like many jack types, car trolley jacks are pump-operated using a handheld lever. Although heavy, they’re mounted on castor wheels, so moving them around isn’t too much of an issue.

You’ll find car trolley jacks in a range of sizes and shapes, designed to be compatible with different vehicle types. They’re a good and reliable choice of lifting jack to have at home if you’re someone who spends a lot of time tinkering with cars but they’re an equally good investment for professional car maintenance and MOTs too.

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4. Air Jacks

Air jacks (also known as inflatable jacks) are the perfect jack tool when you need to lift something high off the ground (or at least higher than a regular jack would safely permit). Their lifting ability lies in an inflatable cylinder which is filled with air, although water and oil-filled types do also exist.

As types of jacks for lifting go, air jacks are by far the most versatile; able to push and clamp as well as to lift. They’re suitable for both open and confined spaces and can spring into action faster than other types of jacks for cars, giving you the advantage of speed too.

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5. Axle Stands

An axle stand is an essential bit of kit if you’re planning on suspending a vehicle for a prolonged period of time – for instance, if you need to change the oil filter. Designed just for holding and bearing the weight of vehicles, axle stands – or jack stands as they’re also known – have a stable four-pronged base for even weight distribution.

They come in different weight limits so it’s important to refer to your car’s manual or door jambs for guidance when selecting an axle stand, so you know how much weight you’re lifting.

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6. Hydraulic Jacks

If a jack uses hydraulic pressure to lift an object, it falls into the hydraulic lifting jacks category. These types of lifting jacks force hydraulic fluid through a cylinder via a piston in order to generate movement.

The jack then retracts when the fluid flows backwards. Common hydraulic jack types include the floor jack and the bottle jack.

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7. Mechanical Jacks

Mechanical jacks are jacks that operates on a purely mechanical basis, using a system such as a screw or ratchet, rather than hydraulic components.

A scissor jack is one of the most well-known mechanical jack types still in use today.

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8. Transmission Jacks

A transmission jack is a special type of lifting jack that lifts and lowers a vehicle’s transmission from the bottom of a vehicle. This type of jack comes equipped with a large cradle that allows the car to be positioned in such a way as to make it easy for a mechanic to install, maintain, or replace the transmission.

Operated by foot pedal, they really are an essential jack to have for any vehicle work involving the transmission.

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9. Floor Jacks or Service Jacks

Floor Jacks or service jacks are wheel-mounted on swivel castors, making them easy to move and manoeuvre into position. They’re operated using a long lever-arm (similar to a bottle jack) except in this case the lever is also used to direct the jack where you need it go.

As well as being strong, nimble, and easy to operate, the long-levered handle also means it’s possible to stand upright while operating the jack, saving you the struggle of bending down. Their low profile and agility also make them extremely easy to work with, which is why you’ll commonly find this popular car jack type in garages and mechanics’ workshops.

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How to Safely Use a Car Lifting Jack and Stands

There are some important safety precautions to be mindful of when working with car jacks. We’ve summarised the main safety points below:

1. Never go under a car when it’s suspended on a jack
   The purpose of a car jack is to help you to raise the car off the ground. If you need to access the underneath, make sure you always secure the vehicle on axle stands first. The only exception is if you’re changing a tyre, as you don’t need to slide under the car to do this.
2. Make sure you’re working on solid ground
   Car jacks should only ever be used on solid, dry, and level surfaces, and in safe environments. Never attempt to jack up a car on grass, a slope, or beside the road, as this could lead to serious injury or fatality. If you experience a flat while driving, carefully pull off to a safe stopping point and call for assistance.
3. Ensure the vehicle is in park with the brake engaged
   Before you even position the car jack in place, make sure you engage the brake on the vehicle and check that the transmission is in park. For cars with manual transmission, place the car into first gear. It’s also a good idea to chock a tyre with a block of wood to stop the car rolling.
4. Always choose the right jack weight for the vehicle type
   There are many types of jacks for cars, each designed to help you lift and lower a car safely. But that doesn’t mean that all jacks are suitable for all cars. Jacks come in different weights, according to the size of vehicle they can lift, so be sure to check the car manual or door jambs for the vehicle weight, and never attempt to lift a car with a jack that’s too light for the job.

Popular Car Lifting Jacks

From screw jacks and air jacks to mechanical and hydraulic jacks, whether you’re a trading mechanic or just a hardcore petrol head, our best-selling car jack models are perfect for professional and domestic use.

Take a look at our most popular styles below or see the full extent of our lifting jack range here.

BAHCO BH4S6

SCREWED BOTTLE JACK 6 T

BAHCO BH9BJ22SLH

2-STEP AIR BALLOON JACK WITH LONG HANDLE 2 T 2 T

DRAPER 54722

AXLE STANDS, 6 TONNE (PAIR)

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A good set of gardening tools is essential if you have trees, bushes, vegetables, plants, or other vegetation to tend to.

Many professional gardening tools are available, but which ones you need depends on the size and style of your garden, as well as how and where you plan to store your tools.

To help you narrow down your gardening tool set selection, and ensure that you only invest in the tools you really need, we’ve put together this essential gardening tools list, looking at some of the most popular gardening tools names and their main uses.

The most useful gardening hand tools

1. Secateurs

A pair of secateurs is a must-have in your gardening hand tool set. This hand-operated cutting tool serves many uses, from deadheading roses to trimming back wayward branches of up to ¾ of an inch thick.

Secateurs come in two varieties: Bypass (used to prune live plants) and Anvil (suitable for deadheading). They’re a great gardening tool to keep your garden neat and tidy, as well as for seasonal pruning to encourage future growth.

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2. Garden Trowel

A garden trowel is a versatile gardening tool you can use to dig flower beds or prepare soil for potting. It has a short handle, affixed to a metal scoop, and its size makes it ideal for precision tasks.

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3. Gardening Fork

Gardening forks (sometimes called spading forks or digging forks) are designed to help you loosen, lift, and turn over soil.

The most common gardening forks are equipped with a long handle and four prongs, which help you to penetrate the soil using your body weight as leverage. They’re a handy tool for digging borders and breaking up clumps of hardened earth.

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4. Weeder

Weeding tools help you to keep unwanted weeds at bay in your garden. As with other essential gardening tools, weeders come in a few varieties. The most popular of these is the Claw Cultivator, which has an appearance similar to a curved hand fork. These are ideal for hand-raking the topsoil layer.

The second weeder we recommend is the Dandelion Weeder. This one is perfect if you need to weed in concentrated areas of planting as it penetrates straight down, giving you a greater degree of accuracy and control when weeding.

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5. Hand Shovel

A hand shovel (also known as a garden spade or a hand trowel) is a small handheld tool that’s used for turning over soil or digging small holes for bulbs to drop into. Once the bulb is in place you can then use the hand shovel to distribute the dirt back into the hole and then gently pat it down.

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6. Pruning Tools

We’ve already talked about secateurs, but there are many other types of pruning tool that can help you to maintain bushes, shrubs, and trees in your garden. One of the most useful for tackling longer branches is a pruning saw, which looks similar to a curved, serrated, knife.

Another good-to-have pruning tool – particularly for cutting smaller branches – is a pruning knife, which features a distinctive billhook blade.

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7. Garden Rake

If you have trees overlooking your garden or vegetable patch a garden rake is a must-have. Rakes help you to gather up leaves and other fallen branches, ready to scoop into your garden waste bin or composter. They’re also handy for creating lines in soil, levelling out uneven earth, and helping to break-up clumps of dirt.

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8. Lawn Edger

If you’re particular about your lawn looking neat and angular on all sides, a lawn edger will help you to achieve clean and distinctive lines that appear visually appealing while creating a clear distinction between your lawn and beds.

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9. Kneelers

Kneelers are a great way to relieve the pressure on your knees when you’re doing ground-level work like weeding and potting.

They’re a portable foam layer you can carry around with you (or attach individually to your knees), usually covered in a non-absorbent material to offer protection from damp.

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10. Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows, like those you find on construction sites, are great for helping you to move heavy loads. You’ll find single wheel and dual wheel styles available, as well as single handled varieties.

Two wheeled wheelbarrows offer better weight distribution and stability and are easier to manoeuvre over rough terrain but if you’re strong and don’t mind a bit of heavy lifting, a single wheeled wheelbarrow should do just fine. Just make sure to keep the tyres well inflated.

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11. Hedge Shear

Hedge shears are a type of cutting tool designed specifically for hedge trimming, shaping, and maintenance. They have a scissor-like blade and extended handles, allowing you to reach up and down without overstretching.

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12. Lopper

Loppers are a larger form of handheld cutting tool you can use to trim back unruly branches in your garden. As with secateurs, loppers come in bypass and anvil styles and their long handles (usually between 16 to 32 inches) help to achieve excellent leverage when it comes to tackling thick branches in hard-to-reach places.

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13. Lawn Mower

If you need to trim a lawn look no further than a lawn mower. You’ll find many different types of lawn mower available, from manual varieties and petrol-powered mowers to electric lawn mowers and even self-cutting lawn mowers.

If you don’t want to collect the grass trimmings from your lawn, be sure to purchase a style that collects the clippings as the lawn is being cut. You can then simply empty the cuttings into your garden waste bin or a composter.

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14. Chainsaw

Chainsaws are the perfect tool for tackling large branches or removing trees from your garden.

This powerful saw uses teeth attached to a rotating chain to make rough cuts into wood, making it possible to saw through thick and heavy branches with relative ease as well as reducing an entire tree to just a stump.

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15. Leaf Blower

A leaf blower is a handheld gardening power tool designed to help you to quickly clear up fallen leaves from your garden, decking, or driveway.

The blower emits a strong current that you can use to direct the leaves into a pile, making it easier to gather them up.

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16. Electric Hedge Shear

An electric hedge shear, commonly known as a hedge trimmer, is a power tool designed for landscaping and manicuring hedges.

They feature an elongated toothed blade that makes light work of cutting through hedge branches and are the perfect tool to use if you want to create curved hedges without taking too much time over it.

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17. Tiller

A tiller (short for rototiller) is a tool for breaking up dense and compacted soil. They’re equipped with a set of rotating blades that turn the earth while raking through it.

Tillers come in two types: front-tine and rear-tine. Rear-tine tillers perform better in very hard ground over a larger area, while front-tine tillers are ideal for smaller spaces where the ground isn’t as compacted.

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18. Lawn Aerator

A lawn aerator is a professional gardening tool that can help you to transform tired-looking and patchy lawns.

This ingenious gadget breathes new life into lawns by improving drainage and stimulating root growth. They’re even effective if your lawn is seeded in clay soil.

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19. Garden Hose and Spray Gun

A garden hose and spray gun are the perfect combination to help you to water your flower beds, lawn, and vegetable patches. Hoses come in different lengths so be sure to choose one that’s long enough to reach all of your garden once attached to the water supply. You can also invest in a watering lance if you need your hose to stretch just that bit further, or you have hanging baskets to water.

If you don’t want to manually water your garden, a sprinkler attachment for your hose will automatically distribute water by spraying it overhead. Just move it around every so often to ensure the whole of the garden gets watered.

You’ll also need to invest in a hose connector to attach your hose to your outdoor tap and, if you don’t want to deal with any knots or kinks, we’d also recommend a hose reel cart, which will help you to easily store your hose and wind it back in after use.

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Popular garden tool sets

Ready to make your garden grow? Take a look at our best-selling garden tool sets or visit our website for our full gardening tool range including manual and power operated gardening tools and professional gardening tool storage.

DRAPER 09000

DRAPER HERITAGE STAINLESS STEEL GARDEN TOOL SET WITH ASH HANDLES (7 PIECE)

DRAPER 83971

CARBON STEEL GARDEN FORK AND SPADE SET

DRAPER 08997

STAINLESS STEEL GARDEN TOOL SET WITH STORAGE BAG (8 PIECE)

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From tool bags and tool chests to tool boxes with wheels, tool belts, tool cases, and trade-specific tool storage, at Red Box Tools we offer high-quality solutions you can count on.

Or why not take your tool storage to the next level with our made-to-order tool box foam drawer inserts and custom shadow foaming?

The post Essential Gardening Tool Names appeared first on Red Box Tools.

What is a Drill Bit?

A drill bit is an interchangeable tool accessory for an electric power drill.

Drill bits help you to cut holes into materials cleanly and efficiently, saving you time while getting you the best result. You’ll find different drill bit types designed for different applications, such as drill bits for metal, screwdriver bit sets, and drill bits for wood.

The key to working with drill bits is knowing which types of drill bits you need for the job, so this guide will cover-off the different drill bit names and explain what each one is for.

Drill Bit Parts and Functions

The main parts and features of a drill bit include:

Types of Drill Bits and Uses

1. Masonry Drill Bits

Masonry drill bits are designed for materials like brick, concrete, and stone. They feature a robust cutting lip, usually made from tungsten carbide on a steel shaft that’s powerful enough to cut through solid material.

As well as a rotating motion, masonry drill bits also use a hammering action to drive the bit through. Size-wise, these types of drill bits range from around 5mm to 16mm.

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2. Spade Drill Bits

Also known as Flat Drill Bits, Spade Drill Bits are designed for wood. This makes them an extremely popular tool with electricians, who use them to cut holes for cables to feed through.

Spade Drill Bits feature a sharp centre point and a distinctive flattened cutting lip. They offer a fast way to cut large-diameter holes in wood, however, the finished result is rough and often splintered around the edges.

Size-wise, Spade Drill Bits are measured in diameters of 10mm up to 32mm.

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3. Auger Drill Bits

Auger Drill Bits are also designed for wood; however, they give a more accurate and precise finish than Spade Drill Bits. That’s because Auger Drill Bits feature a pronounced Spur that keeps the drill bit on course, resulting in holes with clean edges. Their corkscrew-like flute also helps to clear chips away quickly.

Auger Drill Bits are available from 8mm to 32mm and are a highly adaptable drill bit type with a range that spans everything from fine woodworking to flooring installation.

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4. HSS Drill Bits

HSS Drill Bits (short for High Speed Steel) are heat resistant up to 500C and extremely hardwearing, making them ideal for projects involving metals, hardwoods, and plastics.

If you need to cut holes in steel, cast iron, and alloyed or non-alloyed metals, an HSS Drill Bit is the perfect bit to use.

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5. Step Drill Bits

Step drill bits have a stepped or staggered point that widens towards the flute (similar to a spear’s tip). They’re designed for use with soft and thin materials, and are coated in titanium-nitride, which minimises heat transference while acting as a lubricant.

Step Drill Bits allow you to create a range of holes in different sizes, without needing to change your drill bit. They also come in handy if you need to widen or deepen a hole that’s been cut too small.

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6. Drill Bits for Glass and Tiles

Drill bits for glass and tiles typically feature an arrow-like point, allowing them to create a neat and precise cut without cracking the glass or tile. Unlike other drill bit types, glass and tile drill bits shave material away and must be operated at a very slow speed using a coolant such as water or turpentine.

If you’re drilling through porcelain or other hard masonry you should instead use a Diamond Tile Drill Bit. To prevent the point from slipping, begin the cut at a 45-degree angle and then straighten the drill bit slowly.

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7. Multi-Purpose Drill Bits

As the name implies, Multi-Purpose Drill Bits are suitable for a range of different materials and applications. This is a great all-round drill bit set to have in your tool arsenal as it gives you the flexibility to work with metals, masonry, plastic, and wood.

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8. Mortice Drill Bits

Mortice Drill Bits are used for woodworking and cabinetry. They produce square holes and can be used to cut corners and slots in wood for mortise and tenon joints.

Unlike other types of drill bits, which fit into power drills, Mortice Drill Bits can only be used with drill presses and mortising machines.

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9. Countersink Drill Bit

Countersink Drill Bits have a cone-shaped point. They’re used to bore a bevelled hole into wood or metal for screws, bolts, or other fasteners to fit into.

Countersink Drill Bits typically come in sizes 13mm to 19mm. The wood, metal, and fastener varieties differ, so if it’s important to check which drill bit type you need.

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10. Hole Saw Drill Bits

Hole Saw Drill Bits are compatible with wood, metal, tiles, plastic, and – in some cases – even masonry. They cut large diameter holes but leave the core behind.

Hole Saw Drill Bits are easily identified by their circular serrated cutting blade, which pivots around their spur. They’re an ideal choice of drill bit for installing door hardware, and a little neater in their cuts than a Spade Drill Bit.

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Drill Bit Shank Type Explained

The shank is the part of the drill bit that affixes to the drill. It sits at the opposite end of the drill bit point and comes in five key varieties, compatible with different chuck types:

Hex Shank – A six-sided shank, designed for electric screwdrivers and screw guns.

SDS Max Shank – A grooved shank suitable for heavy-duty jobs. It’s compatible with most hammer drills and some standard drills.

SDS Plus Shank – A slotted drive system, common with masonry drill bits.

Straight Shank – A smooth and circular shank, compatible with keyed or keyless drill chucks and drill bits of 10mm to 13mm.

Threaded Shank – A shank designed for hand-held drills or grinders that don’t have a chuck. Good for when you’re working in restricted or confined spaces.

Screwdriver bits: Which one do I need?

Screwdriver bits, like drill bits, come in a variety of styles. Which type of screwdriver bit you need depends entirely on the type of screw you need to remove or fasten.

The main screwdriver bit sets we stock at Red Box Tools are:

Slot Bits

Slot screwdriver bits have a flat, blade-like, point that looks a little like a chisel. They are compatible with single slotted screws.

Philips Bits

Philips screwdriver bits have a slightly tapered and pointed tip. They fit Philips screws, which feature a small, plus-like, shape at their centre.

PoziDriv

PoziDriv screwdriver bits have a blunt tip and parallel flanks. They’re compatible with Pozi screws, which are almost identical to Philips screws except for an extra set of grooves.

Square Bits

Square screwdriver bits are square-shaped and fit screws that have a square-shaped screwhead slot. They’re mostly used in electrical work.

Star Bits

Star screwdriver bits (also known as Torx bits) are star shaped. They fit with star-headed screws, commonly known as Torx screws.

Popular drill bit sets

At Red box Tools we stock all types of drill bits from a range of top-name manufacturers.

Our extensive collection includes drill bits for wood, drill bits for metal, and screwdriver bit sets, to name but a few. Here are just a few of our most popular drill bit sets from our professional drill bit range:

BAHCO 228-SET-SD

HSS STEP DRILL SET – 3 PCS

BAHCO 4513-SET-19

HSS-G DRILL SET FOR METAL – 19 PCS

BAHCO 9629-SET-8

FLAT DRILL BIT SET FOR WOOD – 8 PCS

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The post Different Drill Bit Types and Their Uses appeared first on Red Box Tools.

What are measuring tools?

Workshop measuring tools help you to accurately measure angles, record an object’s exact dimensions, or discern the distance between two or more points.

As tool families go, measuring tools are a diverse tool group, spanning a variety of styles and applications. These range from basic measuring tools such as the tape measure and spirit level to more technical tools such as the vernier calliper.

As with all tools, the key to using measuring tools correctly is by choosing the right tool for the job. So, to help in your selection, we’ve shortlisted 9 must-have measuring tools for your workshop, explaining how each tool works and its main uses.

Types of measuring tools and their uses

1. Tape measures

Featuring a hooked end, attached to an extendable ruler that retracts and coils, tape measures range from 5m to 100m in length and are one of the most common measuring tool types.

They come in a few different styles, from spring-loaded tape measures that automatically retract to non-retractable tape measures that you retract using a hand crank. A third type of tape measure is the Surveyor’s Tape Measure. These measure extremely long distances and feature a spiked ground hook to hold them steady.

Tape measures also come in three different accuracy ratings, of which class 1 is the most accurate and best suited to professional applications.

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2. Spirit Levels

Spirit levels are another well-known measuring tool. Used to indicate when a surface is vertically or horizontally level, they feature a liquid vial with a visible air bubble inside that, when level, sits perfectly centred within two marked lines.

Like tape measures, spirit levels come in different types. These range from Box Beam Levels, discernible by their rectangular shape, to post levels, a two-sided spirit level used for measuring the angle of fence posts. The other two types of spirit levels are Scaffold Levels, used during the erection of scaffolding, and Torpedo Levels, a three-vial level used to determine vertical, horizontal, and 45° angles.

Large spirit levels average around 1830mm in length while the smallest are just 65mm in size. Accuracy-wise, you should aim for a measurement of plus or minus 0.5mm per metre or 0.029° to ensure the most trustworthy results.

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3. Sliding Bevels

A sliding bevel (also known as a bevel gauge, T-bevel or bevel square) will be familiar to anyone working in carpentry. Composed of two parts – a stock and a beam – both of which can tilt on an axis, a sliding bevel is one of the best tools for accurately marking up angles.

Its adjustable parts can be tilted and locked to any angle, as well as extended or shortened to differing lengths. Simple, but extremely versatile in design, it’s a must-have workshop measuring tool for accurately translating architectural measurements or drawings onto raw materials.

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4. Squares and Rulers

While squares allow you to accurately gauge the angle between two surfaces, rulers are a simple tool you can use to measure the distance between two points or to draw a perfectly straight line.

Rulers, like those you will remember from school, are available in lengths of 15cm to 1m and are typically made from metal, wood, or plastic. Like tape measures, rulers have an accuracy classification of 1, 2, or 3, with class 1 rulers being the most accurate.

Squares come in a range of styles, one of the most popular of which is the ‘L-shaped’ Framing Square used by carpenters and furniture makers. Combination Squares are often identifiable by their in-built spirit level, while Try Squares feature a wooden handle and thin metallic blade. T-squares resemble the letter ‘T’ and are mainly used for drywall installation, and Rafter Squares (sometimes referred to as Speed Squares) have three angular sides in the shape of a triangle. This square type assists with the placement of rafters (thus their name).

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5. Protractors

Like Sliding Bevels, Protractors allow you to accurately transfer angle markings from drawings to raw materials. Usually made of plastic, they resemble a ‘D-shape’ in that they have a ruler-like flat edge on one side and a semi-circle on the opposite side.

Protractors are additionally fitted with a moving sliding scale that the user manually adjusts to the exact degree to achieve the desired gradient.

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6. Micrometers

A Micrometer is used to measure the diameter and girth of small objects up to 25mm, such as pipes or coins. It has an almost vice-like appearance, with its main components consisting of an adjustable spindle, an anvil, and a C-shaped frame.

Micrometers have an incredible accuracy of plus/minus 0.004mm and are most common in industries such as plumbing and engineering.

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7. Feeler Gauges

A Feeler Gauge is a tool you use to measure widths between objects that are near to one another. Able to ease into tight spaces that other measuring tools struggle to penetrate, Feeler Gauges are popular with tradespeople such as mechanics.

Unlike most types of measuring tools, Feeler Gauges are fitted with small steel lengths (referred to as blades) in different thicknesses. These blades are then inserted into gaps to provide an estimate as to the diameter of the opening.

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8. Vernier Callipers

A Vernier Calliper can help you to accurately measure internal and external voids as well as depths. Mainly used in metalwork and carpentry, this rod-shaped tool is fitted with two jaws, one large and one small, which measure the outer and internal proportions respectively. Depth is gauged separately by a depth probe attachment.

You can generally find both digital and analogue versions of Vernier Callipers. While digital Vernier Callipers provide automated readings, analogue varieties need to be manually read by the user.

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9. Laser Measures

Also referred to as Laser Tape Measures, Laser Measures use a laser light beam to calculate distance and volume. Measurements are determined by how long it takes the beam to return, and the results are displayed on a digital screen.

Used frequently by landscapers, plumbers, surveyors, and electricians, Laser Measures are one of the most reliable tools for measuring distance, with the most accurate models able to give a result of within 1.5mm. Ranges vary from 15m (ideal for indoor use) to 80m – perfect for long-range applications.

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Factors to Consider When Buying Measuring Tools

With such a wide variety of measuring tool types available, some better suited to different applications, the most important thing to consider when buying measuring tools is what you need the tool to do. This will immediately rule out some types of tools and shift your focus onto those best suited to the job at hand.

Once you’ve established the type of measurements you need to collect, consider where you will be working. Are you likely to be permanently based in a workshop or moving from location to location? The answer to this question will impact not only the types of measuring tool you choose to buy but also the tool storage you need to protect them.

Finally, consider how accurate you need the results to be. Measuring tools come in different degrees of accuracy, often reflected in their price. If you’re only using your tools casually, say for home DIY, being 98.9% accurate might suffice. If you’re a professional carpenter on the other hand, laser accuracy is likely to be paramount.

How to Properly Store and Maintain Measuring Tools

The best way to store and maintain measuring tools is with purpose-designed tool storage, ideally something hardstanding and watertight, fitted with custom foam inserts.

Cleaning your tools regularly will also help to remove grease, dirt, and other residue that if left alone could impact your tools’ integrity.

Spaying metal tools with WD-40 is another good tool maintenance habit you should get into. This, along with drying your tools before storing them, will go a long way in helping to protect your tools from rust and corrosion.

Popular Measuring Tools

Ready to improve the accuracy of your measuring?

Shop our top-rated measuring tools and take your workmanship to the next level. Find your perfect match from our 9 must-have measuring tool types or discover our other measuring tool ranges, including a measuring wheel, angle finder, and marking tools.

DRAPER 82753

FIBREGLASS SURVEYORS TAPE, 30M/100FT

BAHCO 406T-225

MAGNETIC PLASTIC SPIRIT TORPEDO LEVELS 228 MM

FACOM 806.C25

MICROMETERS 1/100TH MM ACCURACY

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What is a Bench Vice and What is it Used for in the Workshop?

Like an extra set of hands, bench vices attach to your workbench to help you to hold wood, metal, and other materials securely in place while you work, freeing up both of your hands to perform the action you need to complete – for example, sawing, filing, or drilling.

Different types of vices support different functions and are designed to be used with specific materials. Being able to tell each vice type apart, and its main uses, is the key to working with vices safely, as well as ensuring the quality of your workmanship.

Bench Vice Parts and Functions

Bench vices are one of the most popular types of vices used by professional tradespeople, craft hobbyists, and home DIYers.

Common bench vice parts and functions include:

Bench Vice Types and Uses

Different types of bench vice are designed to support different applications. That’s why you’ll find a wide variety of vices available on our website, ranging from a metalworking vice and a woodworking bench vice, right the way through to hand vices and a heavy duty bench vice.

To guide you in your vice selection, we’ve broken down the different vice types and their main uses:

Bench Vices with Fixed Base

A workshop bench vice with a fixed base is the most common of all vices.

Made from hardened steel or cast iron, they feature a fixed base that attaches to the workbench and components including a handle, spindle, an adjustable jaw, and a static jaw.

Bench Vices with 360°Swivel Base

Swivel based bench vices are almost identical to a fixed base vice, with the exception that their base allows for the vice to rotate from side to side.

This vice type is handy when you don’t have a lot of room around you.

Vacuum Vices

Vacuum vices are fitted with a suction pad that holds materials without the risk of marking them.

They are compatible with any material type, providing the workpiece has at least once flat and smooth surface.

Clamp-on Portable Table Vices

Portable clamp-on vices are equipped with fold-out legs and a clamping system that enables you to work between locations.

You may find these on job sites or for indoor work at client residences. The adjustable jaw in these devices is controlled with a foot pedal instead of the usual handle.

Drill Press Vices

Drill press vices are designed for use with pillar drills.

They feature a clamping system that stabilises the vice to your workbench and expandable jaws that hold your workpieces securely in place during drilling.

Metalworking Vices

A metal working vices sometimes referred to as a machinist’s vice or an engineer’s vice.

Designed for metalworking applications, metalworking vices feature replaceable jaws, that can be covered with a soft material to protect the component during use.

Woodworking Vices

A woodworking vice is designed to hold wood.

Contrary to other vice types, woodworking vices feature two in-built guide rods, which ensure that both the static and adjustable jaws always remain parallel.

Pipe Vices

Used primarily in the plumbing industry, pipe vices are designed to hold circular tubes or rods and are the perfect vice to choose when you need to cut threads into pipes.

In a pipe vice, the static jaw is shaped into an arch and the base allows it to be clamped to the end of a workbench. Some bench vices can be used as pipe vices, simply by screwing on a pair of interchangeable pipe gripping jaws.

Hand Vices

Hand vices are designed for smaller workpieces and more intricate applications. Used widely in jewellery assembly, hand vices – like locking pliers – allow you to grip small components of any shape, keeping your fingers clear while performing tasks such as polishing and sanding.

Many hand vice types come with head pins that enable you to clamp fiddly components more securely. Others feature a removable handle cover, giving you the option to insert the vice head into a bench vice.

Heavy-duty Vices

A heavy-duty bench vice is what is known as a forged vice. This means that the vice has been made from a solid chunk of metal, which has been heated and hammered into shape, as opposed to cast from molten metal poured into a mould.

Heavy-duty vices are generally more solid, durable, and stronger than their casted counterparts. They are the type of vice used by blacksmiths and can withstand heavier blows without compromising their integrity.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Bench Vice for Your Workshop

Jaw opening

When using a vice, it’s important to ensure that the jaw opening aligns with your workpiece. Using the wrong size jaw can cause the material in your vice to slip, putting you at risk of injury, or even damaging your vice.

To determine the correct jaw size to use each time, measure the dimensions of your workpiece and refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

Material

What you intend to put into your vice also has a bearing on the vice type you choose.

If you’re working with metals, you should opt for a metalworking vice. For wood, you want a woodworking vice, and for pipes or rods, you need a pipe vice.

Metalworking vices are also compatible with more fragile materials, providing the jaw faces are fitted with a soft covering. If you want to ensure the workpiece isn’t marked in any way, you should consider using a vacuum vice.

Mounting and base type

The position of your vice and the clearance you have around it to work is another factor you need to consider when choosing a vice to invest in.

Portable vices are great if you conduct most of your work on location, for example on a construction site. If you mainly work on a workbench, a fixed base or a swivel base vice is likely to better suit your needs.

While a fixed base will only allow you to work in one position, a swivel base vice can rotate, giving you more flexibility. This can be a helpful vice type to choose if your workspace is small or an irregular shape.

Bench Vice Spare Parts

Vices like any tool accessory can deteriorate over prolonged use and with natural wear.

The good news is it’s possible to pick-up spare parts to replace certain components of your bench vice, allowing you to responsibly extend its lifetime.

Bench vice spare parts typically include jaws, bases, and clamping screws. Just be sure to double check when you’re buying your vice that it’s compatible with interchangeable parts.

Workbench Vice Safety Tips

Although perfectly safe when operated correctly, vices can lead to injuries if not properly handled or maintained. Some tips for working safely with vices include:

• Always wear protective equipment such as goggles, safety glasses, and/or a shield.
  
  
• Ensure your vice is securely attached to its worksurface and stable before each use. Make sure that the workbench is strong enough to hold under sustained pressure.
  
  
• Never tighten the vice more than is needed. Similarly, do not attempt to force open the jaws any wider than their design permits.
  
  
• Inspect your vice for stress fractures and replace any affected parts immediately. Do not use the vice if a stress fracture or other crack has developed.
  
  
• Keep the moving parts of your vice well lubricated and clean.

Popular Bench Vices

Looking to expand your vice collection or add in a vice with workbench to your tool arsenal? Choose from our most popular bench vices or browse our full Red Box Tools vice selection.

BAHCO 834V-7

HEAVY DUTY SQUARE GUIDE BENCH VICE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE JAWS

FACOM 1224.150E

WORKSITE-MAINTENANCE FIXED VICES WITH INTERCHANGEABLE JAWS

DRAPER 68090

150MM BENCH VICE

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What are Hand Files?

Hand Files are a manually operated tool that allow you to shape, sharpen, smooth, and trim materials with extreme control and accuracy.

Typically manufactured from hardened steel, hand files are indispensable in industries such as woodworking, manufacturing, and jewellery assembly, helping to file everything from metal and plastic to wood with ease and precision.

Parts of Hand Files

Although hand files come in different varieties, each hand file type shares several common features, including: the tang, heel, edge, face, point, back, and teeth.

Not only do these characteristics help to identify a hand file among other hand tools, each one also plays an integral part in helping the user to control and operate the file effectively.

Different Types of Hand Files

At first glance, you may not notice the subtle differences that define each type of hand file, but telling filing tools apart is easy – once you know what you’re looking for.

Different types of files are designed for different jobs, so a basic understanding of hand file types is essential when choosing which type of hand file you need.

Flat Hand Files

A flat file or flat hand file is the most common hand file type. Perfect for any kind of general hand filing, it’s easily identified by its flat surface and parallel edges.

As types of filing tools go, flat files are the most versatile, allowing you to work with both flat and concave surfaces and a range of materials.

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Round Hand Files

Unlike its flat-sided cousin, round files have a distinctive conical or round shape, which starts out wider at the file handle and becomes more tapered towards the file’s point.

They are designed to help you to file circular-shaped recesses but can also be used on concave surfaces.

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Three Square Hand Files

Three Square files, also known as triangular files, feature a distinctive triangular cross-section and a face that’s indented with a series of perpendicular angled lines.

They are a popular hand file cut type for sharpening edges, as well as to help make corners more defined.

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Square Hand Files

Square files are angular with four flat-sided faces and a square-shaped tip. They also feature a diamond-like texture.

This type of hand file is best suited to rectangular and square-shaped openings as well as helping to shape sharp corners.

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Half Round Hand Files

Half round files look similar to a cheese grater.

They are rounded on one side, flat on the reverse side, and have rows of protruding teeth along their rounded face. They’re appropriate for both flat and curved surface types.

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Needle Files

Needle files are designed for detail and precision work. They can be found in a variety of shapes, including some of the file types we’ve mentioned above.

The key difference between needle files versus other types of hand files is their size. Needle files are very small and commonly used by jewellery makers to complete intricate and fiddly filing on tiny components. 

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File coarseness and how to select the right file cut type

When selecting a hand file it’s important to consider coarseness and cut, as well as the file’s shape and size.

Different types of hand file feature different teeth patterns on their face. This is known as the cut. The TPI (teeth per inch) refers to the file’s coarseness, or (to put it another way) how far apart the file’s teeth are spaced.

As you might expect, cut and coarseness have an impact on the result you can achieve with a hand file, so it’s important to select the right coarseness and cut for the application.

The main hand file cut types are:

• Single cut teeth
  One continuous parallel line of slanted teeth, equally spaced along the file’s face. This can produce a smooth finish with light pressure.

• Double cut teeth
  Two overlapping rows of teeth, running parallel in opposite directions. Requires heavier pressure but is great for fast removal.

• Rasp cut teeth
  Rows of teeth that have been created by a pointed tool (similar to a cheese grater). Primarily for softer materials such as wood, aluminium, and lead. It leaves a rough finish.

• Curved cut teeth/milled tooth
  Teeth are arranged in curved contours along a rounded file face. Commonly used in the automotive industry for smoothing body panels.

Coarseness

Hand file coarseness is measured differently, depending on whether your file is American or Swiss-made.

American hand files typically feature three grades of coarseness: Bastard cut, Second cut, and Smooth cut.

Swiss files, on the other hand, come in seven grades of coarseness ranging from 00 to 6. In both instances, longer files tend to have a greater degree of coarseness. This means they can remove more material, but the finish achieved is typically rough. Conversely, less coarse files produce a cleaner and more controlled finish.

How to Use a Hand file?

The standard way of operating a hand file is by grasping the point in one hand and the handle in your other. At the pointed end, position your hand so as your forefingers are gripping the file’s back and your thumb is placed on the face. The handle should sit in your palm, with your thumb and forefinger extended either side.

Ensure the object you’re filing is secured in your vice. When you’re ready, use one forward-moving motion to file, remembering to lift the file to reposition it back to the starting position. Then repeat the process, always remembering to file in one direction, whilst applying the same degree of pressure to each stroke.

If heavier strokes are needed, you should reposition your hands so as your thumb is face down on the handle and the file face is gripped along the edge, instead of at the point.

If you require lighter strokes, turn your handle-holding thumb at a right-angle and place your fingers and the thumb of your other hand on top of the file’s face.

Your vice should be positioned at elbow height for normal filing, a little lower down for heavy filing, and at eye level for delicate filing.

Files for Metalworking

The best hand files for metalworking are those which have a high TPI and a coarse cut. Here are some of our top picks for metalwork hand files:

BAHCO 4-153-08-1-2

ERGO™ HOMEOWNER’S FILES WITH TWO-COMPONENT HANDLE FOR METALWORK

Files for Woodwork

If you’re filing wood, you should opt for a hand file that has a rasp cut. Some ideal hand files for woodwork include:

BAHCO 4-154-08-2-2

4-IN-2 ERGO™ HOMEOWNER’S FILE SET WITH TWO-COMPONENT HANDLE FOR WOOD AND METAL

Hand Files for Plastic

Hand files suitable for plastic filing fall into two camps. For harder, more abrasive plastics, you’ll need a file that has a high TPI and sharp teeth. For softer plastics, we recommend a finer tooth, such as a single cut. Check out our top-performing hand files for plastic:

FACOM DRD.B250EMA

HALF-ROUND BASTARD FILES WITH HANDLE DESIGNED FOR WOOD AND METAL & HARD PLASTIC

With or without handle: Which file is best to use?

Many different types of hand file are sold without a handle, while some models, such as needle files, occasionally have a pre-forged handle in place of the tang.

The rationale behind this is that files often wear quicker than their handles, and it’s cheaper to replace an old blunt file for new rather than have its teeth re-sharpened.

With the exception of hand files with pre-forged handles, the tang of a file is purpose- designed to fit into a removable handle, thus its narrow, elongated, shape that tapers into a blunt point. Attempting to operate the file by holding onto the tang offers you less grip and consequently less control. You also risk injuring your hand, so it’s widely advised to invest in a removable ergonomic handle that fits with your file.

Popular Hand File Sets

Ready to upgrade your hand file or expand your filing tool kit? Take a look at our extensive range of high-performing hand file sets from top tool brands. From metalwork files to files for woodwork, whatever material you need to file, we have the right tool for the job.

FACOM STU

Set of 9 files and rasps for engineering and industrial maintenance

BAHCO 1-478-10-1-2

ERGO™ Engineering File Set

FACOM LIM200EM.J5

Set of 5 second-cut files

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The post How to Choose the Right Type of Hand File [Pictures] appeared first on Red Box Tools.

What is a Ball Bearing Puller?

A ball bearing puller is a handy piece of kit to have in your toolbox, especially if you work with machinery and/or vehicles, for instance in the manufacturing or automotive industries.

Bearing pullers are designed to help you to safely and easily remove components such as bearings, pulleys, gears, couplings, and propellers from within or around shafts, in situations where the component cannot be removed by hand.

You’ll find different bearing puller types for different applications, such as internal and external pullers, hydraulic bearing pullers, a wheel bearing puller, and bearing separators.

The key to working with a bearing remover is knowing which tool to select for the job, so here we’ll talk you through the different puller tool types and their main uses.

What are the Components of a Puller?

The main components of a bearing removal tool are a hexagonal head, a forcing screw, cross arms, and claw legs.

In fact, bearing pullers share a physical resemblance to the claw of the machines you sometimes see in arcades, where you can win a cuddly toy by correctly lining up and releasing the ‘claw’ in the right location.

Puller Types and Uses

To use a bearing extractor tool correctly, you first need to know the difference between puller types. This is the first step in helping you to identify the correct puller to use for the bearing type you’re working with.

1. Bearing Separator

A separator offers an alternative to an external bearing puller (see further down for more info). They’re mostly called upon when there is limited space behind the bearing, thus making it difficult to grip from behind.

The main feature of a bearing separator is a flat plate with tapered edges. These edges can penetrate the available space and (with the addition of a detachable puller) allow you to move the bearing towards you.

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2. Internal Puller

Internal pullers are also known as blind bearing pullers because they extract components from within blind holes or recesses.

As the outside of the component isn’t accessible, an internal puller grips the component from within the bearing’s inner raceway, using collets and an expanding sleeve. Once a firm grip is achieved the bearing can be pulled from within the shaft to bring it out of the recess.

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Slide Hammer Bearing Puller

A slide hammer bearing puller features a heavy weight that slides along a shaft that’s machine-threaded at one end and knobbed at the other. Tension is achieved when the sliding weight moves along the shaft to connect with the knob. Unlike other puller types, slide hammer pullers are mostly used to remove dents from automotive vehicles.

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3. External Puller

External pullers are the most common of bearing puller tools. They’re made up of a crossbar, connected to two or three legs (jaws) that grip the bearing, and a central rotating screw that pushes against the shaft.

As external pullers grip from the outside, they’re suited to jobs where the bearing is mounted on a shaft.

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Two or three-legged

Whether you use a two or a three-legged external puller depends on the amount of clearance you have around the bearing and how much force you need to apply. Two-legged pullers are more compact and easier to manoeuvre into tight spaces, but three-legged pullers give you a better distribution of force and grip, which helps if the bearing is stuck tight.

4. Reversible Puller

Reversible bearing pullers have reversible arms that enable them to pull internally and externally.

This means they can remove components that are fitted inside recesses as well as those that are mounted on the outside of a shaft.

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5. Hydraulic Bearing Puller

A hydraulic bearing puller is fitted with a pump-powered hydraulic cylinder that uses fluid pressure to remove a bearing from a shaft.

Hydraulic bearing pullers offer the same range of motion as traditional bearing pullers, the only difference being that they are hydraulic powered rather than manually operated. For this reason, you would normally use a hydraulic puller when working with larger bearings.

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Features to Consider Before Buying a Puller

Being able to tell the difference between puller types is just one aspect of buying a bearing extractor tool. When it comes to choosing the right puller for the job, you also need to factor is aspects such as reach, spread, legs, material, and bearing size.

• Puller reach, spread, and bearing size
  Puller reach refers to the distance between the head of the puller’s legs and the legs’ pulling surface. The puller reach reduces and expands in proportion to how wide or how narrow the legs are open. The spread, meanwhile, is the distance between the jaws at their widest point, which in most bearing pullers is 25 inches. Bearing pullers are also available in a range of sizes, which vary from 75mm (2.9”) all the way up to 200mm (7.8”). When deciding on puller size, it’s important to take into consideration the amount of space or clearance around the shaft or recess, as well as the proportions of the bearing you need to remove.

• Puller type: Two or three-legged
  As we briefly touched on earlier, bearing pullers can also be purchased in two-legged or three-legged varieties. Both will enable you to grip the fitting or component you need to remove, and they operate in the exact same way. The key difference between two and three-legged bearing pullers lies in the degree of stability and force. With a two-pronged claw you’re only gripping at opposite sides, so even with locking legs some slippage is possible. With a three-legged puller, you have an additional claw to grip the surface of the component you’re trying to extract, allowing you to distribute the force over a wider area and with a greater degree of stability.

• Safety (material is made of, capacity)
  As with all tools, operator safety should be a key consideration when it comes to pullers. To avoid injury, you should always choose a bearing puller that’s manufactured by a reputable brand and made from a high-strength material, robust enough to withstand the tension and pressure you’re putting it under. For hydraulic bearing pullers specifically, it’s vital to ensure that the puller has a 1.5 capacity safety factor and complies with ISO101000:2001.

Bearing Puller Sets

Like most tool types, bearing pullers can be purchased individually or as part of a bearing puller tool set. As a rule, you can expect a puller set to include a puller, pump, hose, and pressure gauge. Some bearing puller sets will also include different bearing puller types (external and internal) as well as a bearing separator.

Whether you buy a set or just invest in individual pullers on an ad hoc basis largely depends on the nature of your work and how frequently you require a puller day-to-day.

BAHCO 4574

PULLER AND SEPARATOR SET WITH GALVANIZED FINISH

FACOM U.JA1

LIGHT ENGINEERING PULLER KIT

FACOM U.312HJ4

HYDRAULIC PULLER 10 T FOR OUTSIDE PULLER – 4 SETS OF LEGS

FACOM U.103A

MEDIUM POWER ENGINEERING PULLER KIT

FACOM U.49PJ3

GENERAL ENGINEERING PULLER KIT

FACOM U.102T

GENERAL ENGINEERING PULLER KIT

Popular Bearing Removal Tools

From BAHCO sets made from galvanised steel and three-legged DRAPER models with a 150mm spread, to Lockable FACOM pullers with sliding legs, at Red Box Tools we carry a wide selection of popular puller types, made by trusted brands in tool manufacturing.

Shop our manual and hydraulic bearing pullers on our website today or fulfil all your bearing puller needs at once with a complete bearing puller set in a conveniently portable carry case.

Ready to get organised?

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The post Bearing Removal Tools: Puller Types and Uses [Pictures] appeared first on Red Box Tools.

There are many different types of handsaws available, each designed with a particular material or cutting surface in mind. One of the most important factors when choosing a handsaw is the intended application, so, in this guide to hand saw types, we’ll take you through the different varieties of handsaws on the market and teach you how to choose the right handsaw for the job.

What are Handsaws?

A hand saw is a manually operated cutting tool, designed to help you make incisions into different surface types as well as trimming materials to size.

Some of the most common uses of a handsaw include felling trees and logs, but handsaws are also a popular tool for cutting different types of construction materials, including MDF, chipboard, plywood, hardwood, softwood, ceramics, and certain types of metal.

Parts of Handsaws

There are several common components to a handsaw. These range from the handle (the part gripped by the user while operating the saw) to the teeth (the serrated edge of the saw’s blade that connects with the cutting surface).

Different Types of Handsaws

Hand saws come in many varieties, from wood cutting hand saws to metal cutting hand saws. Being familiar with the different types of hand saws is the key to choosing the right tool for the job. Below we expand on some of the most common hand saw types and their uses.

1. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a handsaw designed for cutting metal. It has a narrow and somewhat flexible blade, which enables it to saw through metal pipes, thin metal sheeting, and even plastics.

Hacksaws can be identified by their fine-toothed blade. They typically feature a tooth density of 18 to 32 inches, tensioned between a rigid C-shaped frame.

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2. Tenon Saw

A tenon saw (also known as a back saw or dove tail saw) is designed to cut hard and soft woods with extreme precision. It’s the perfect handsaw to use if you only need to make small incisions into the wood.

Tenon saws have a high TPI (teeth per inch) and a non-flexible blade which allows them to deliver neat and precise cuts, while giving the operator total control of the saw.

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3. Coping Saw

A coping saw uses tension to keep the blade secured during cutting. This saw type is typically used to shape wood, in particular into coping joints – thus being called a coping saw – but they’re also perfect for cutting plastic and ceramics.

Unlike hacksaws and tenon saws, coping saws have fewer teeth on their blades, normally in the region of 15 or 17 teeth per inch.

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4. Hardpoint Saw

A hardpoint saw is a basic saw type, that has induction-hardened teeth, a plastic moulded handle, and a triangular toothed blade that’s ideal for cutting hardwood, hardboard, or chipboard.

Unlike other handsaw types, hardpoint saws cannot be re-sharpened and the whole saw must be replaced once the blade becomes blunt.

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5. Panel Saw

Panel saws have larger teeth and are mainly used for creating rough cuts. They have a thin and flexible saw blade, and their size makes them short enough to fit into the top lid of a panel tool chest, which is how they earned their name.

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6. Fret Saw

Fret saws (derived from the French word “fretter” meaning latticework) are designed specifically for latticework.

They feature around 32 teeth per inch on their blade, allowing for the kinds of extremely precise cuts that are essential for complex woodworking. 

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7. Compass Saw

A compass saw is primarily used to cut curves in sheet material. It has a long rigid blade, with a TPI of around 11, and operates best on the pull stroke.

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8. Pruning Saw

Pruning saws are a common type of garden tool for trimming tree branches and bushes. They have a distinctive curved handle, and more teeth per inch than similarly sized saws, making them ideal for tackling branches in hard-to-reach areas.

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Wood Cutting Handsaws

Wood cutting hand saws cover a range of applications, from pruning and felling to furniture making, construction, and carpentry. For this reason, no single wood saw is appropriate for all jobs but, as a rule, wood saws with coarser teeth are best suited to tackling thicker and tougher material, where neatness isn’t a concern.

Conversely, if you need to cut wood more intricately and with greater precision, you should use a fine-toothed hand saw with a higher number of teeth per inch.

Metal Cutting Handsaws

One of the most trusted metal cutting hand saws is the hack saw, however, as with wood saws, a hacksaw may not be appropriate for all types of metal work.

The shape you need to achieve, and the finish quality, are just two of the factors you need to consider when choosing a hand saw for cutting metal. In addition, the thickness of the metal and the type of metal itself, will also have a bearing on whether a hack saw is the most appropriate tool for the task. 

How to Sharpen a Handsaw

The duller your saw blade gets, the less precise it will cut, so replacing your saw blade or learning how to sharpen a hand saw is an essential part of hand saw maintenance.

Many tradespeople will simply choose to replace the old saw blade or trade up for a new saw, as re-sharpening is a time-consuming task that requires uniform precision. In addition, not all saw types are suitable for sharpening, so it’s important to check whether your saw can be sharpened before proceeding.

To sharpen a hand saw, you’ll need a vice block, a taper saw file, and a flat mill file. The saw should be placed in the vice, blade-first, as low as possible and with the teeth still showing.

• Keeping the flat mill file parallel to the saw blade and level across the teeth, apply a gentle pressure to each tooth in a side-to-side motion to create a flat top on each tooth.

• Next, use the taper saw file to sharpen each tooth by putting the file in between two teeth and making two or three gentle sideway strokes in the same direction.

• Once the flat top of each tooth has been shaped into a point (that’s uniform across the length of the saw blade), your saw is sharpened. If you notice any anomalies in the teeth shape or size, make sure to correct these before using the saw.

Blade Length and TPI

We’ve mentioned blade length and TPI a few times in this guide. Both are a fundamental part of a hand saw’s design and have a bearing on the type of cut that can be achieved.

Blade length

Saw blade lengths typically range from 6” to 12” and 22” to 24”, with shorter saws designed for shorter strokes and vice versa. Longer saws, therefore, require the full motion of your arm to function and (for the most part) offer greater efficiency, but they’re not appropriate for all applications.

Longer saws also commonly have more teeth than their shorter counterparts, but not necessarily more teeth per inch (TPI).

TPI (Teeth Per Inch)

TPI or teeth per inch is the unit by which saw teeth are measured. The higher the TPI the neater the finish a saw will achieve. If you need to make clean and precise cuts you’ll need a hand saw with a high TPI. If speed is more important, however, you should opt for a hand saw with fewer teeth. These cut more quickly, but don’t offer the same degree of neatness. 

Popular Handsaws

At Red Box Tools we offer a wide selection of professional quality hand saws, manufactured by a range of top tool brands.

Whether you’re a tradesperson in search of a high-quality hand saw that won’t let you down or a DIY enthusiast looking to complete some home improvements to a top standard, you’re sure to find the perfect hand saw in our Red Box Tools range.

BAHCO 244P-22-U7-HP

HANDSAW WITH 2-COMPONENT FOR MEDIUM TO THICK WOOD 7/8 TPI 550 MM

BAHCO 2600-16-XT11-HP

ERGO™ SUPERIOR™ TOOLBOX SAW FOR PLASTER/BOARDS OF WOOD BASED MATERIALS 11/12 TPI 16″

BAHCO 325

ERGO™ PROFESSIONAL HAND HACKSAW FRAME 300 MM

Ready to get organised?

Find your perfect tool storage from our professional range

From tool bags and tool chests to tool boxes with wheels, tool belts, tool cases, and trade-specific tool storage, at Red Box Tools we offer high-quality solutions you can count on.

Or why not take your tool storage to the next level with our made-to-order tool box foam drawer inserts and custom shadow foaming?

The post Buying Guide to Different Handsaw Types [With Pictures] appeared first on Red Box Tools.

Can’t tell a needle nose plier from a wire stripper or an end plier from a flat nose?

Don’t sweat it.

This guide will teach you everything you need to handle pliers like a pro.

What are Pliers Best Used For?

From clamping to crimping and cutting to bending, whether you’re an electrician, plumber, mechanic, fencer, or a jewellery maker, pliers are an essential tool to have in your tool kit.

With so many different types of pliers on the market, however, knowing precisely which ones you need can be a challenge. Fear not. This brief intro to pliers offers an overview of 15 unique plier types, designed to help you get to grips with pliers and their main uses.

Parts of Pliers

First up – the parts of a plier. Like most tools of the same family, pliers share some common features:

Different Types of Pliers

Now that we’ve outlined the distinguishing parts of a plier, let’s look more closely at some specific plier types:

1. Needle Nose Pliers

Needle nose pliers are a small and delicate tool, commonly used by electricians. Their tapered jaw extends into an angular point that makes it easier to work in confined or narrow spaces. You’ll also find a side cutter towards the plier’s pivot point (fulcrum) and serration along the nose to help with gripping.

As well as being a trusty electrician’s tool, needle nose pliers are also handy for bending metal fittings and positioning tiny nuts and washers that lie beyond the reach of your fingers.

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2. Locking Pliers

Locking pliers feature an adjustable mechanism that allows you to alter the plier’s jaw capacity and then lock the plier firmly in place. They’re great for clamping tasks, allowing you to work with both your hands free, whilst the locking plier keeps the pressure applied precisely where you need it.

Locking pliers make a handy alternative to an adjustable wrench or a pipe wrench, although you need to exercise a little caution when using the adjusting locking mechanism to avoid damaging the fastener

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3. Crimping Pliers

Crimping pliers are another plier type engineered for a specific task. Although they have a similar look to a standard plier, crimping pliers feature a fulcrum closer to the jaw, which allows you to squeeze electrical terminals onto the ends of wires.

Most crimping pliers can accommodate wires of differing sizes, while others offer the option of a ‘swappable’ jaw to account for a variety of electrical terminals.

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4. Circlip Pliers

As the name implies, circlip pliers are specifically designed to aid in the installation or removal of circlips (a type of metal clip commonly found in washing machines and food blenders). Circlip pliers are immediately identifiable by their slightly tapered and elongated jaw, which resembles the pincher of a beetle.

Protruding from the top of the plier’s mouth are two tiny tips, which insert into circlips’ grip holes. When choosing circlips pliers, it’s essential to ensure that the size is compatible with the circlip you are working with to avoid damaging the circlip or your plier’s tip. As a sidenote, you may also hear circlip pliers referred to as retaining ring or snap ring pliers.

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5. Waterpump Pliers

Waterpump pliers (also known as multi-grip or tongue and groove pliers) feature an adjustable pivot, like that found in slip joint pliers. They’re primarily a plumbing tool, with long handles that allow you to access pipework in confined spaces (whilst retaining maximum leverage) and serrated jaws that are designed for gripping pipes.

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6. Combination Pliers

Combination pliers have a jaw that allows for wire stripping, together with a marginally concave opening that permits you to grip pipe and turn bolts and nuts. They’re a great all-round plier to have in your tool kit, perfect for general repair and light-duty electrical tasks.

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7. Flat Nose Pliers

Flat nose pliers are widely used by jewellery makers. They feature a stubby flat end that’s perfectly suited to tasks such as shaping wire. They’re also a great plier for gripping retaining clips and snap rings, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

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8. Slip Joint Pliers

The defining feature of a slip joint plier is its slip joint, which permits you to adjust the plier’s pivot point and extend the range of its jaws. This allows you to grip materials of differing thicknesses and sizes, giving you a much wider range than a traditional plier allows.

To aid with this, slip joint pliers typically feature a flat textured mouth that curves into a serrated jaw, giving you the ability to grip both flat and rounded surfaces. They’re an exceptionally versatile type of plier, as adept at tightening nuts and bolts as gripping, crimping, holding, and bending. 

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9. Diagonal Pliers

Diagonal pliers feature pointed bevelled jaws that can be used to cut wires, cables, and other materials. Though not especially sharp to the touch, the bevelled aspect of a diagonal plier’s jaws, coupled with applied pressure from the user, makes this an ideal cutting tool to tackle a wide range of applications.

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10. Bent Nose Pliers

Bent nose pliers can be distinguished from needle nose pliers by their hooked jaw. They are used to bend, slice, and strip electrical wires with extreme accuracy. Their design also makes them a great choice if you’re working in confined spaces or hard-to-reach places.

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11. Round Nose Pliers

Round nose pliers are another type of plier commonly used by jewellers and crafters. This plier type features a rounded edge on its tapered jaw, which (uncharacteristically for many plier types) is covered in a non-textured, smooth, surface. Round nose pliers are the ideal tool for creating wire rounds or making loops in a straight wire.

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12. Wire Twisting Pliers

Wire twisting pliers feature a distinctive cylinder between the handles that allows you to easily twist wires into shape. The result is always neat and uniform, making a time-consuming task quick and painless, whilst helping you to retain precision and quality.

They’re a great tool to help you to tie rebar, prior to pouring concrete, or when fastening fences into place. 

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13. Wire Strippers

Wire strippers are an essential electrician’s tool that offer blades for cutting wires and a tip for crimping. These pliers allow you to precisely trim the outer insulation of wires to exact depths and expose a section of the electrical wires within.

Along the side of a wire strippers jaw you’ll see a series of numerical markings, each of which corresponds with a particular wire dimension. Installing the correct wire into the desired position, ensures you’ll always cut the wire to the correct degree.

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14. End Pliers (Fencing Pliers)

End pliers, also commonly known as fencing pliers, look somewhat like a plier-hammer hybrid. They’re a tool designed for hammering staples into (and removing them from) wooden fencing.

End pliers also feature a slot (contained under the pincers) that allows you to grab and twist fencing wires, making this plier type a fencer’s best friend.

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15. Hose Clamp Pliers

Hose clamp pliers are a popular plumbing and automotive tool. Their main purpose is to help you to securely fasten circular clamps over hoses and other ring-shaped fittings, but they’re also commonly used by mechanics to hold radiator hoses in place, or by plumbers when repairing pumps, pools, and spas.

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Knipex Pliers: Why you need them in your toolkit?

Browse our vast selection of Knipex pliers>>

We’ve discussed many different types of pliers in this guide, but one thing we’ve yet to mention is Knipex pliers.

Knipex is a type of tool brand with a reputation for producing high-quality tools – specifically pliers. The company has been in continuous operation since the late 1880s, and its entire tool range is exclusively manufactured under strict conditions in Germany.

Forged from steel and state of the art technology, Knipex pliers come with a lifetime guarantee and are built to last. They are a top choice of plier for professional tradespeople, but their value for money makes them an excellent investment for home DIYers too.

Popular Types of Pliers

Now you understand the uses of pliers, you can add to your tool kit with confidence. So, why wait any longer?

Take a look at our full range of popular and specialist plier types on our Red Box tools website, all offering professional standards and supplied by top tool manufacturers.

Ready to get organised?

Find your perfect tool storage from our professional range

From tool bags and tool chests to tool boxes with wheels, tool belts, tool cases, and trade-specific tool storage, at Red Box Tools we offer high-quality solutions you can count on.

Or why not take your tool storage to the next level with our made-to-order tool box foam drawer inserts and custom shadow foaming?

FAQ

1. What should I look for when buying pliers?

Go for tough materials like hardened steel, and pick a style (like needle-nose or diagonal) that fits your needs. Check for comfy, ergonomic handles and any added features you might find handy.

2. How do I pick the right size of pliers?

Select a size based on the task—medium-sized for general use, smaller for precision work, and larger for heavy-duty applications.

3. How do I maintain and care for my pliers?

Regularly inspect for wear, clean after use to prevent debris buildup, lubricate the joint for smooth movement, and store in a dry place to avoid corrosion.

The post 15 Types of Pliers and How to Use Them [With Pictures] appeared first on Red Box Tools.

The best tool bags help to protect your tools from damage and make it easy for you to find the tool you need.

Tool bags come in many types, some more suited to DIYers than professionals. You’ll also find tool bags for specific trades, such as plumbers tool bags, tool bags for mechanics, and tool bags for HVAC, all of which can influence the type of tool bag you choose.

To help you reach the right decision, our tool bag experts have pulled together this handy guide, explaining the different types of tool bags and their main uses. We’ll also briefly touch on toolboxes, an alternative type of tool storage that you may also wish to consider.

Bahco Tool Bags

How to Choose the Right Tool Bag

Key factors to consider when choosing a tool bag:

1. Durability & Material

Tool bags are manufactured in a range of materials, the most common of which are polyester, nylon, leather, polypropylene and canvas. How durable your tool bag is boils down to the material it’s made of. If you need to transport a lot of tools, or tools that are especially large or heavy, you’ll be best off looking at heavy duty tools bags.

The other consideration with material is moisture resistance. It’s important to keep your tools clean and dry to protect them from rust – something that’s not always easy when you’re moving between jobs or placing your tool bag on the ground. Choosing a tool bag in a fast-drying or moisture resistant material can help you to keep your tools dry and minimise corrosion.

2. Compartments

Organisation is key with tool bags and there’s where compartments come in handy. The best tool bags have a range of internal and external pockets in a variety of sizes. The more pockets your tool bag has, the easier it is to separate and organise your tools.

One thing you want to avoid is having your tools loosely stored in the bag, where they’re free to move around and rub against each other. This is a sure-fire way to damage your tools, although tool rolls can help to remedy this. External pockets can also make your most used tools easier to access, making your life a lot easier.

3. Comfort & Portability

Although not so important for at-home DIYers, comfort and portability are key for professionals who take their tools on the road. Tool bags with wide padded straps are much more comfortable to carry as they don’t cut into your shoulders so much. You may also want to consider a tool bag that has handles, in addition to a strap, particularly if your tool bag is heavily loaded.

Tool backpacks, which allow you to distribute the weight of your tools over both shoulders, can offer a more comfortable solution than traditional tote bags for tools. Tool belts, which sit around your waist, are also useful for storing smaller and lighter tools that you use regularly.

4. Closure & Security

The types of fasteners your tool bag is fitted with also has a bearing on its accessibility and security. Tool bags with framed openings can make it easier to reach internal tools, compared to those made of soft fabric – something that’s likely to be of importance to professionals who use their tools daily.

If you opt for a tool bag with zippers or buckles, be sure to go for a hardwearing material, like nylon zippers with pull tags, which are easy to operate with gloved hands.

Find the Best Tool Bag for Your Trade

If you work as a professional tradesperson, you may find it more beneficial to choose a tool bag that’s designed specifically for your industry. Tool bags for professionals are often more durable than tool bags for general DIYers, and put a greater emphasis on portability, accessibility, and keeping your tools safe.

Electrician’s Tool Backpacks

The best electricians tool bags are durable, spacious, and comfortable, whilst offering adequate compartments and pockets for you to keep all your tools safely stored, yet easily accessible.   

Carpenter’s Tools Belts

Although carpenters may require a tool bag to get their tools from A to B, on the job many carpenters choose to store their tools in a tool belt, giving them access to a range of lightweight essential tools, without having to continually bend down. 

Tool Bags for HVAC

Heating and air conditioning professionals need a tool bag that can hold its own in a tough environment, but that also offers lots of differently sized storage pockets to accommodate the variety of tools that this job requires.

Metal Tool Boxes for Mechanics

Mechanics typically work out of a garage or workshop, so portability is less of a priority for this trade. Tool boxes for mechanics tend to focus more on moisture-resistance and capacity, especially as many mechanics will place their tool boxes directly onto surfaces which could contain grease and oil.

Various Types of Tool Storage

Tool bags aren’t the only option you have when it comes to keeping your tools organised. If portability is less important to you, or you have a larger than average amount of tools to store, you may find a tool chest, tool case, or a toolbox, better suited to your needs.

Tool Chests

Tool chests resemble a cabinet or a chest of drawers. They are freestanding and sometimes fitted with wheels to allow them to be moved.

Larger tool chests sometimes feature a worktop surface. All makes and models will be fitted with multiple drawers, usually in different sizes to accommodate varying tool types.

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Tool Cases

Tool cases come in two varieties: tool cases on wheels and rigid tool cases.

Tool cases on wheels often have the appearance of a hard-backed suitcase, down to the retractable pulley handle, allowing you to easily move your tools between locations.

Rigid tool cases have more of an industrial look and feel but are equally heavy duty.

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Tool Boxes

Tool boxes are one of the most popular types of tool storage for DIYers. They come in two main varieties, one of which are cantilever tool boxes, recognisable by their connected layered trays that fan out when opened and stack on top of one another when stored. Tool boxes typically feature intricate compartments for holding screws, nuts, and bolts, and a deeper cavity where hand tools are held.

You’ll find tool boxes in both metal (typically steel) and plastic. Metal tool boxes are sturdier than their plastic counterparts, but weigh more and are also subject to rust if not well maintained. Plastic tool boxes, on the other hand, are much lighter in weight. They transport well, can be cleaned easily, and can also include transparent components, making tools and fasteners easier to find.

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Tool Bags

Tool bags also come in a wide variety of makes, models, and styles. From tool backpacks and tool belts (which sit around your waist) to tote tools bags, which feature a solid central handle that helps them retain their shape, tool bags are a great solution for professionals and DIYers.

Another type of tool bag, or tool bag accessory, is the tool roll. A type of fabric tool storage that extends flat for tool removal and then rolls up neatly for tool storage.

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Tool Bag or Tool Box?

When it comes to tool bags vs tool boxes, it’s important to consider the pros and cons in respect of what you need your tool storage to do.

If you’re someone who’s always on the move with your tools, for example a professional plumber, electrician, or HVAC engineer, you may find the durability and portability of a tool bag more beneficial. If you’re a working mechanic, however, a tool chest or case, which offers a greater capacity for tool storage, might suit you more, providing you have the space to accommodate one.

For DIYers, portable tool boxes usually provide adequate storage for all the tools you need, and can be easily housed out of sight in a cupboard. However, a tool bag can just as easily do the job and will also give you greater flexibility when it comes to adding to your tool collection in future.

Ready to get organised?

Find your perfect tool storage from our professional range

From tool bags and tool chests to tool boxes with wheels, tool belts, tool cases, and trade-specific tool storage, at Red Box Tools we offer high-quality solutions you can count on.

Or why not take your tool storage to the next level with our made-to-order tool box foam drawer inserts and custom shadow foaming?

Tool Bag FAQ

1. Can I use a professional tool bag for DIY projects?

Absolutely! Professional tool bags are built tough and have plenty of room, so they can definitely work for DIYers 

2. How do I organize tools efficiently in a tool bag?

Group similar tools, use pockets and pouches, and arrange larger tools at the bottom. Consider bags with adjustable dividers for customisation.

3. Any maintenance tips for keeping my tool bag in good shape?

Clean it regularly, avoid overloading, repair wear and tear promptly, and store it in a dry place. Use a waterproof cover if working in wet conditions.

The post How to Choose the Best Tool Bags – for Pros and DIYers appeared first on Red Box Tools.

Confused about how torque wrenches work?

Perhaps you’re in the market for a torque wrench but unsure whether preset torque wrenches or adjustable torque wrenches are better?

This guide will teach you all you need to know in order to choose, use, and maintain a torque wrench with confidence.

What is a Torque Wrench?

A torque wrench is a tool that makes it possible to tighten nuts and bolts to a predetermined tension, helping you avoid over- or under-tightening.

It’s the perfect tool to use when fastening spark plugs, wheel nuts, and other nuts and bolts that need to be adjusted to a precise tension.

What is Torque?

Torque is the amount of force you need to apply in order to cause rotational movement. When we talk about torque in relation to a torque wrench, we’re referring to the amount of energy needed to turn the nut or bolt.

A good example of torque in action is twisting the lid off a jar or unscrewing a bottle cap. In both scenarios, you are applying torque to complete the action.

Torque is measured in lb-ft (pound-feet) or Nm (Newton-metres), a scale named after Isaac Newton. In the Newton metre measuring system, torque is recorded as the amount of force in relation to the distance required to rotate an object around an axis.

How to Use a Torque Wrench

The steps outlined in this section are specific to using a manually operated torque wrench, such as a click torque wrench (mechanical torque wrench). If using a digital or electronic torque wrench, some of the below steps will be automated.

Adjusting the Wrench

Torque wrenches feature a locking knob at the base of their handle and horizontal measurements around their shaft. To adjust the wrench to the correct torque you must first loosen the locking bolt. This will allow you to twist the wrench handle.

Turning the handle clockwise allows you to increase the torque, while turning it anticlockwise reduces it. Once the measurements align with the torque you need, you simply stop turning. If you need even more precise adjustments, you can then turn the top handle or dial (note, this action differs between torque wrench models, some of which have an independently rotating dial).

Once you’re happy with the adjustments you’ve made, simply screw the locking knob back into place. As you do this, make sure to hold the main portion of the wrench in your non-dominant hand so as not to move the settings you’ve applied.

Tightening Nuts and Bolts

To tighten a nut or a bolt using a torque wrench, first, attach a socket to the head of your wrench. Be sure to select a socket that is the right size for the fastener.

Begin by screwing the nut or bolt in by hand to ensure the fastener is correctly aligned. Once you can no longer turn it by hand, fit the socket of your torque wrench over the fastener and turn the wrench in a clockwise direction. If the wrench slips, choose a smaller socket, more suited to the fastener size.

Depending on the type of torque wrench you’re using, you can either return the wrench to the start position by turning the handle anti-clockwise or your wrench may reposition itself automatically. If your torque wrench doesn’t turn anti-clockwise, you will need to take the wrench off the fastener and reposition it manually.

If you hear a click while turning your wrench clockwise, you feel strong resistance from your wrench, or your wrench stops turning altogether, that’s your sign that the fastener has reached its required tightness and you need to stop turning.

How to Maintain and Store Your Torque Wrenches?

Some handy tips for maintaining and storing your torque wrenches include:

Returning the wrench dial back to 0 between uses.

This will help to maintain the wrench’s calibration. You should also get your wrench recalibrated at least every 5,000 clicks. Recalibrating torque wrenches is vital for maintaining their integrity.

Cleaning the fastener before working with it.

Another key way to extend the life of your toque wrench is by using a rag or wire brush to remove grime or rust from your fasteners before tightening them. Over time, these materials can build up inside the socket, affecting performance.

Types of Torque Wrenches

1. Mechanical (Click Torque Wrenches)

Mechanical torque wrenches need to be adjusted manually with each use (in the way we described earlier in this guide).

This type of torque wrench is also commonly called a click torque wrench, owing to the distinctive click sound the wrench makes when it reaches its pre-programmed torque.

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2. Electronic (Digital Torque Wrenches)

An electronic or digital torque wrench is fitted with a torque sensor and a display screen. It can automatically measure torque and gives you the ability to save previously used settings to allow you to easily program the wrench to the required torque each time.

Although more expensive than mechanical torque wrenches, electronic torque wrenches have less margin for error. Some models even allow you to upload data to an external device.

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3. Dial Torque Wrenches

A dial torque wrench measures torque with the aid of a dial gauge. It has a reputation for accuracy and is widely used in the automotive and aerospace sectors.

It’s also an incredibly easy torque wrench to use although it’s larger than other torque wrench types, so not great for tight-fitting spaces.

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4. Beam Torque Wrenches

A beam torque wrench is a simple to use torque wrench that features a sliding scale within the handle and a needle that lets you know when the correct torque is applied. As the wrench handle is pulled, the steel beam deflects, and a reading is taken.

Although not as sophisticated as electronic torque wrenches, beam wrenches offer good durability and are well utilised among mechanics.

5. Hydraulic Torque Wrenches

Hydraulic torque wrenches work by converting hydraulic pressure into torque. They feature an internal piston that, when advanced, causes the socket to rotate around the fastener.

Hydraulic torque wrenches are powered by hydraulic oil and should not be operated by anyone unfamiliar with the safe handling of hydraulic equipment.

How Much Torque to Use on Wheel Nuts?

Knowing how much torque to apply to wheel nut sockets is the key to ensuring a vehicle is road-safe. Too loose, and the wheel nut could come off while the car is speeding down the motorway. Too tight, and you risk shearing the nut or damaging the wheel.

The torque value of each car is specified within its handbook, but it should fall somewhere between 110 and 123 Newton meters.

How Much Torque to Use on Spark Plugs?

How much torque you apply to spark plugs can impact the engine’s safety and performance. While too much torque can cause the spark plug to overheat, too little torque can result in cracks in the threads.

Like wheel nuts, the level of torque you need to apply can be found in the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. This is usually anywhere between 8 and 40nm.   

Torque Wrench Calibration

Torque wrenches need to be routinely calibrated in order to maintain accurate readings.

You should ensure your wrench has been calibrated prior to its first use and aim to have it professionally recalibrated either once a year or every 5000 clicks – whichever occurs first.

Browse our selection of torque calibrating equipment, including sensors, multipliers, transformers, torque analysers and more.

Which are the Best Torque Wrenches to Use?

To view and compare a wide selection of high-performance torque wrenches from trusted tool brands, click below to view the full torque wrench product range.

The post How to Choose and Use a Torque Wrench appeared first on Red Box Tools.

Hammers are undoubtedly one of the most basic and easy-to-operate hand tools, especially when it comes to home DIY. They’re also one of the most versatile tools to work with, helping you to do everything from driving nails, to striking, straightening, and bending metals.

Identifying the different types of hammers and understanding the uses of hammers is key to choosing the correct tool for the task. If you’re new to working with hammers or unsure which hammer – or hammers – you need for a job, this guide to the types of hammers and their uses will explain all you need to know.

Types of Hammers

1. Sledgehammer

A Sledgehammer is a large and heavy hammer that you swing with force – in the same way that you’d handle an axe. They’re distinguishable by their long handle and flat-faced, double-sided, head.

Sledgehammers administer strong blows, and are great for tasks such as demolishing walls, driving-in stakes, or breaking-up masonry. 

2. Claw Hammer

A claw hammer features a small, circular, flat face on one side and a narrow two-pronged opening on the other. They’re one of the most recognisable and common hammer types. In fact, most people will have a claw hammer at home.

The flat sided face is used for striking tasks, such as driving-in nails, while the claw-shaped side allows you to pull out nails. They’re an essential tool for carpenters, as well as anyone who regularly works with wood and nails.

3. Ball Peen Hammer

A ball peen or ball pein hammer is flat faced on one end and rounded on the other.

They’re a popular hammer type for metalwork applications, the flat end is used for tasks such as driving punches, setting rivets, and the rounded -pein end is for shaping metal.

4. Mallet

A mallet is a soft-faced hammer, perfect for non-marring applications.

Their head is typically manufactured from rubber and they’re ideal for landscaping tasks such as driving in stakes or setting paving stones. They’re perfect for gently nudging ceramic tiles or laminate flooring into place, ensuring a flawless finish.

5. Club Hammer

A club hammer has an evenly balanced, symmetrical head, with two flat-faces.

Their design makes them perfectly suited to heavy-duty and demolition tasks that don’t require something as forceful as a sledgehammer.

6. Cross Pein Hammer

A cross pein hammer is primarily a type of metalworking and blacksmithing tool.

It has a similar appearance to a club hammer, with the exception that one side of its head is tapered into an angular point.

7. Tack Hammer

A tack hammer is a lightweight hammer type that features a small square face for striking on one side and a narrow, elongated, opening on the other end.

They allow for pin-point accuracy when striking and their main applications include fine detail and upholstery work. 

8. Dead-Blow Hammer

A dead-blow hammer is usually made from a polyurethane shell, which is filled with loose steel or sand.

They’re designed to reduce rebound and minimise damage and are commonly used to move or adjust an item without denting or marking it.

9. Specialty Hammers

Speciality hammer types include tethered hammers, which feature wire loops or eyebolts fixed to the handle and head for improved user ergonomics, and non-sparking hammers, which are essential when working in flammable environments.

Parts of a Hammer

All hammers comprise of a handle and a head, but other features, such as the face, cheeks, and eye, can help you to easily identify one type of hammer from another – a crucial part of selecting the correct hammer for the job.

Here’s the key components of a hammer in more detail:

Tips for Choosing the Right Hammer

There’s no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ hammer. From the head shape and weight to the handle length and material, each type of hammer is designed for a particular job, so it’s essential to always make sure you’ve chosen the right hammer for the task you’re taking on.

You wouldn’t get very far trying to drive in stakes using a tack hammer for example! That would be just as frustrating and fruitless as trying to use a sledgehammer for finer detail work, so the first thing to take into account when choosing a hammer type is the application.

What you’re trying to achieve – and the kinds of materials you’re working with – will influence which hammer you need to get the right result. A claw hammer for instance is ideal for carpentry applications but wouldn’t serve you so well for metalwork. For that, you’d be looking at using a ball peen hammer or a cross pein hammer. Likewise, if you’re working around highly flammable materials, you’d want to use a non-sparking hammer for safety.

Hammer size is also important. Small hammers may bend large nails out of shape, whereas large hammers may easily drive in nails but damage the bonding material in the process.

How to Properly Store Hammers

As with all tools, how long your hammers last depends on how well you care for them.

One of the best ways of preserving your tools is by storing them in a purpose-built tool solution, such as a roller cabinet or wheeled case – preferably with a shadow foam insert.

Alternatively, consider investing in a wall-mounted shadow foaming solution for your workshop. This will offer you both a handy storage solution and a way to keep your tools neatly organised and accessible.

Lastly, try and keep your tools away from moisture. If necessary, use a dehumidifier to capture any residual moisture in the air. Although most tools are made from high-grade anti-corrosive materials, this extra step will help to minimise the risk of any of your tools rusting.

Summary

Hammers are a versatile hand tool, helping you to perform a wide range of essential tasks, from metalwork, carpentry, and landscaping, to more intricate jobs such as shoe repairs and upholstering furniture. Choosing the correct hammer for the intended application will ensure that you complete each job safely, professionally, and to the highest possible standard. 

If you’re confident in the type of hammer you need, take a look at the full selection of speciality hammers and mallets we offer at Red Box Tools. Or, for further advice, give our team a call on 02380 254285 or drop us an email.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to browse our other tool guides, including spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers, and socket sets.

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