Pliers, Screwdrivers & Hammers

Fundamental hand tools used for gripping, twisting, tightening, loosening, driving, and striking.

Types of Pliers, Screwdrivers & Hammers

Pliers: Slip-joint pliers, Lineman's pliers, Needle-nose pliers, Diagonal cutting pliers, Tongue-and-groove pliers (Channel locks), Locking pliers (Vise-grips), Snap ring pliers.

Screwdrivers: Slotted (Flathead), Phillips, Torx, Hex (Allen), Pozidriv, Square (Robertson).
Insulated screwdrivers, Precision screwdrivers, Ratcheting screwdrivers.

Hammers: Claw hammer, Ball-peen hammer, Sledgehammer, Mallet (rubber, rawhide), Dead blow hammer, Framing hammer.

Applications in Various Industries

General Household Repairs: Everyday tasks.

Construction: Assembling structures, driving fasteners.

Automotive Repair: Engine work, bodywork.

Electrical Work: Wiring, component installation.

Plumbing: Pipe fitting, valve adjustments.

Woodworking: Nailing, chiseling.

Metalworking: Shaping, striking.

Technology: While seemingly simple, hand tools benefit from:

Ergonomic Design: Comfortable grips to reduce user fatigue and improve control.

Material Science: Use of specific alloys for optimal strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance.

Heat Treatment: Precision heat treatment of jaws, tips, and striking faces to achieve desired hardness and toughness.

Precision Machining: For accurate jaw alignment, tip geometry, and fastener engagement.

Insulation: For electrical safety in insulated tools.

Material Selection Considerations

• Pliers:
• Jaws: High-carbon steel, chrome vanadium steel, often induction hardened for wear resistance and gripping power.
• Handles: Steel with plastic or rubber grips (TPR, PVC, cellulose acetate) for comfort and insulation.
• Screwdrivers:
• Shaft/Blade: Chrome vanadium steel, S2 tool steel, often hardened for torque strength and tip durability.
• Tips: Precision machined for exact fit with fasteners, sometimes magnetic or coated for grip.
• Handles: Cellulose acetate, TPR, polypropylene for grip and comfort.
• Hammers:
• Head: Forged high-carbon steel, heat-treated for hardness and impact resistance.
• Face: Polished or milled, sometimes crowned to prevent marring.
• Claw/Peen: Heat-treated for strength.
• Handle: Wood (hickory, ash), fiberglass, steel with rubber/plastic grip for shock absorption and durability.