[2] Proper Use of Hand Tools in Mechatronics

Hand Tools

manually operated tools that require physical effort to perform tasks such as cutting, shaping, assembling, or measuring

1. Essential for Assembly and Installation

2. Precision and Accuracy

3. Versatility

4. Safety in Operation

5. Portability and Accessibility

6. Cost-Effective Solutions

7. Enhanced Troubleshooting and Maintenance

8. Improves Productivity

Importance of Hand Tools in Mechatronics

1. Mechanical Tools

2. Electrical Tools

3. Measuring Tools

4. Specialized Tools

Categories of Hand Tools

1. Wrenches

2. Screwdrivers

3. Pliers

Mechanical Tools

Mechanical Tools

these tools are used for assembly and adjustment of mechanical components

Wrenches

used in tightening or loosening nuts and bolts of varying sizes

used in installing frames for robotic arms or tightening bolts on machinery

1. Adjustable Wrench

2. Allen Wrench (Hex Key, Allen Key)

3. Open-end Wrench

Types of Wrenches

Screwdrivers

used in tightening or loosening screws, nuts, and bolts of varying sizes

used in securing control panels, assembling electronic casings, or fastening sensors

1. Flathead Screwdrivers

2. Phillips (Star) Screwdrivers

3. Precision Screwdrivers

Types of Screwdrivers

Pliers

used in holding wires while soldering or gripping small components during assembly

1. Long-nose Pliers

2. Combination Diagonal Pliers

3. Diagonal Cutter

Types of Pliers

Long-Nose Pliers

used for bending or holding small wires in tight spaces

Combination Diagonal Pliers

used for cutting, holding, and bending of wires and other thin metal rods

Diagonal Cutter

used in cutting wires or small metal rods

Electrical Tools

these tools are essential for working on wiring, circuits, and electrical systems

1. Wire Strippers

2. Crimping Tool

3. Multimeter

4. Cable Cutters

Electrical Tools

Wire Strippers

used to remove wire insulation of various wire sizes

Crimping Tool

used to crimp wires and cable terminals to secure connections

Multimeter

used to measure voltage, current, and resistance

Cable Cutters

used in cutting cables, especially large ones

Measuring Tools

used to measure precise dimensions and is critical for fitting and functionality in mechatronics systems

1. Caliper

2. Meter

3. Laser Meter

4. Torque Wrench

5. Micrometer

Measuring Tools

Specialized Tools

these tools are tailored for mechatronics tasks involving precision and safety

1. Antistatic Wrist Straps

2. Tweezers

3. Soldering Stations

4. Deburring Tools

Specialized Tools

Antistatic Wrist Straps

used in preventing electrostatic discharge while working on sensitive electronics; with a grounding cord

Tweezers

ESD-safe precision tools that are used to handle, place, and remove small surface-mounted devices

Soldering Stations

used to solder electronics components to printed circuit boards and wires to components

Deburring Tools

used to smoothen rough edges of cut materials like sheet metal

Caliper

a precision measuring tool used to measure the dimensions of objects, such as length, width, depth, and diameter, with high accuracy

Identify the parts of a caliper

1. Main Scale

2. Vernier Scale

3. Outside Jaws

4. Inside Jaws

5. Depth Rod

6. Locking Screw

7. Thumb Wheel

Parts of a Caliper

Main scale

fixed scale, usually graduated in millimeters and inches

Vernier scale

sliding scale that provides precise fractional measurements

Outside Jaws (Lower Jaws)

measure the external dimensions of an object

Inside Jaws (Upper Jaws)

measure the internal dimensions of an object (e.g., a hole)

Depth Rod

measures the depth of an object or cavity

Locking Screw

locks the sliding jaw in place to prevent accidental movement

Thumb wheel

helps move the sliding jaw smoothly for precision

1. Zero the caliper

2. Place the object to be measured

3. Take the reading

4. Note the value and ensure accuracy

Using Vernier Caliper to Measure Dimensions

• wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times

• inspect tools for damage before use

• use insulated tools when working with live electrical systems

• avoid overexertion or forcing tools beyond their design

Safety Guidelines for Using Hand Tools

• improper grip

• incorrect tool selection

• ignoring calibration

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Safety

• Proper Maintenance

• Calibration

• Quality

These are important to consider in mechatronics