Tools and Equipment

What are diagonal pliers, and what are they for?

Pliers with acutely angled jaws that cut wires and nails.

What are slip-joint pliers?

Pliers with an adjustable pivot that lets the jaws open to two or more widths.

What is a torque wrench?

A wrench that prevents overtightening by limiting the force applied.

What is an open-end wrench?

A wrench with a U-shaped opening at each end, usually two different fixed sizes. It is NOT adjustable.

Name three wrenches or gripping tools that ARE adjustable.

Crescent wrench, monkey wrench and pliers.

What are vise grips used for?

Temporarily securing an item to a workbench, or clamping two items together so your hands are free.

What is an offset screwdriver?

A screwdriver built with an angle in it, so it can reach into tight or cramped spaces.

What is a micrometer used for?

Taking precise measurements. Its parts include the anvil, spindle, sleeve and thimble — but NOT a rivet.

What is a rivet?

A permanent fastener. It is not part of a micrometer.

What is a club hammer?

A short, heavy hammer like a small sledgehammer, used for demolition work.

What is a jackhammer?

A heavy-duty power tool used to break up concrete, asphalt and other hard materials.

What is a router used for in woodworking?

Engraving designs into wood, and cutting grooves and edges.

What is a boring bar?

A tool with a cutting tip used to enlarge and finish an existing hole to a precise diameter, usually on a lathe.

What is a lathe?

A machine tool that rapidly spins a workpiece while a cutting tool shapes it. Used to turn down wood or metal.

How is turning on a lathe different from grinding?

On a lathe the material is actually CUT away. Grinding wears it away by abrasion.

What is a tap used for?

Creating INTERNAL threads inside a hole — for example so a bolt can screw into it.

What is a die used for?

Creating EXTERNAL threads on a rod or bolt.

What is the difference between a tap and a die?

A tap cuts threads on the INSIDE of a hole. A die cuts threads on the OUTSIDE of a rod.

What is a die and punch used for?

Making holes in sheet metal by punching the material out.

What is a miter box?

A woodworking tool that guides a hand saw to make precise angled cuts — most commonly 90-degree square cuts and 45-degree miters.

What are bolt cutters used for?

Cutting metal bolts, rods and chains.

What are the four types of square named in this material?

Speed, framing, combination and drywall.