tools vocab - engineering

open end wrench

a wrench w 2 open ends

box end wrench

a wrench w 2 closed ends

combination wrench

a wrench w an open + closed end

ratchet

a 2 piece wrench; socket + wrench; limits backwards movement

allen key

used for allen screws; hexagonal head

pipe wrench

a wrench w an adjustable jaw that tightens to hold tight when movement is applied to handle

tongue + groove / locking pliers

pliers used for clamping + turning nuts/bolts; can be locked into place

lineman’s pliers

used for electric work

diagonal cutters

used as side cutters to cut wires

needle nose pliers

pliers that come to a point

flat blade screwdiver

screwdriver w a flat tip

phillips screwdriver

screwdriver that has a head that ridges intersect like a pointy “x”

offset screwdriver

screwdriver w screw heads off 90 degrees from e/o; used to remove/replace screws in tight areas

bolt cutters

used to cut bolts

tin snips

used to cut thin sheet metal

flat file

used to sharpen blades

half round file

used to remove metal burrs from inside large round objects

triangular file

used to remove metal burrs from L shaped objects

round file

used to remove metal burrs from small round objects

micrometer

precise measurement device; used to measure outside of objects

dial caliper

measurement device used to measure inside/outside diameter or precise distances

feeler gauge

used for setting air gaps on various objects (ex: spark plugs)

metal framing square

measurement device used for cutting straight lines + 90 degree angles

steel tape measure

measuring device; measuring tape is coiled inside a small case

combination square

adjustable square w grooved 12-inch metal ruler