Hand tools are manually-operated tools that fit in the hand. They are used in many industries and applications to assemble, install, repair and maintain such items as machines, products, structures, components and equipment.

Some examples of hand tools include: 

• Pliers have two jaws and are designed to grip objects by using leverage.
• Calipers measure the distance between two symmetrically-opposing sides.
• Screwdrivers are devices that fit into the head of a screw to drive the screw into the object to be fastened.
• Wrenches are used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts.
• Hammers are hand tools that deliver repeated blows to an object. For example, a hammer is used to drive a nail into wood. 

Specialty Tools

For every basic type of hand tool, many specialized varieties are available. For example, a standard wrench has two fixed jaws, but an adjustable pipe wrench has two serrated, movable jaws for gripping and turning a pipe. A standard hammer can be made from a common metal such as chrome, but titanium may be added to provide extra strength. 

Controlled Pressure

In operations where precise measurements are crucial, specialized hand tools may be used to apply specific amounts of pressure, or to precisely measure the tension being applied. For example, torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers are used to set the amount of torque applied to the tightness of the screw or bolt. This torque amount is the rotational force generated when energy is applied to the hand tool. 

Standards

A-A-59337 - Intrenching tool, hand, folding, lightweight

ASM HDBK TOOL MATERIALS - Speciality Handbook - Tool Materials

ASTM F1505 - Standard Specification for Insulated and Insulating Hand Tools 

Image Credit:

DME Company