Tools Insurance

So you have decided to embark on a woodworking project or two. You need a worthwhile hobby and it will enhance the beauty and functionality of your house let alone the increase in value. You have your collection of woodworking plans and selected all the ones you would like to build with the first project marked out and all ready to go. No doubt the guide will have told you the basics you will need in tools. There are the basics and then there are the extras. You can build most projects with just hand tools but will find things a bit easier and quicker with a few power tools too. Maybe our budget can’t expand all the way to the range that most tradesmen have but a few additions to our range will make our project building a little easier.

First thing we are going to need is a good claw hammer. Try and get one that has a good balance and feels good in your hand. If you go for a steel handle you will have no hassles later on trying to fit a new one if it breaks. You will find it handy to get a tool pouch too that goes around your waist and holds your hammer and other hand tools and has pockets for the nails or screws you are using. You will need a couple of hand saws, a fine tooth for small work and a bigger tooth for large cutting jobs. Select saws with Swedish steel if you can because they are recognized as some of the best. Get some sort of sleeve to keep your saws in and look after them because if you get them damaged and no longer sharp they are difficult to use. Other than that you will need the basics like screwdrivers and pliers etc. and you will find that you add another specialty tool with each new project that you start.

If you are going to tackle some large jobs you may consider adding some power tools to your collection. Large projects like decks or pergolas or sheds etc. will go a lot easier with some power in the tool department. Of course to go with power tools you will need a long power lead so make sure it is a heavy duty one and plugs into a safe outlet. The first power tool you will find handy will be the power drill. You may even buy two of these. A large heavy duty drill is handy for using large bits in large holes like bolt holes in a deck through large timber. A light duty drill will just bog down and you may even burn it out. These days the cordless drill is a popular alternative for a small drill and is used too for all your screw driving and makes life much easier.

If your budget can stretch to a power saw you will find it very handy for large cutting jobs and large lumber. A drop saw or table saw is extremely handy for accurate cutting. A big problem many of us have is cutting two pieces of lumber exactly the same with a handsaw. This is a bit tricky and if your project demands that then we could be in trouble. However, with the table saw, accuracy is easy making all our jobs look very professional. So get your woodworking patterns out and get your tool cupboard filled up and start building and have fun.

Supplementing basic equipment with specific equipment rentals only when you need them is a great way to extend your fleet and compete for more projects. Your local equipment rental yard lets you eliminate the need for a large warehouse or storage area. Plus, you’ll be letting someone else handle – and pay for – the warranty, maintenance and upkeep.

The phrase, “set in stone,” alludes to the permanence of materials, such as concrete. Still, when the time arrives to cut or remove concrete, renting a tough, saw makes the work possible. Consider these advantages of renting a saw.

Multiple applications. Rented saws let you cut through walls and floors to create openings for windows and doors or for installing pipes or ducts. They also allow you to cut concrete for repair or removal, as well as to create control joints in concrete before it cures.

Versatile. Rented saws can cut through not only concrete, but also rebar-reinforced concrete, stone and steel. This makes them ideal for demolition work.

Clean and precise. Unlike other methods of concrete demolition, such as using a jackhammer, rented saws let you make precise, clean cuts that will leave surrounding areas undamaged. They also create less dust and noise than jackhammers do.

Renting saves money. When you need a saw, nothing else will do. Since most people do not need a concrete saw often, renting one offers a cost-effective alternative to buying expensive equipment, only to store it for most of its life.

Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your saw needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator.

You Do! Lithium screwdrivers have only been out for a couple of years but you now see them all over. With the introduction of lithium battery technology, these small but powerful tools are becoming a must have for many tradesman and hobbyists alike.

Take for instance an electrician or low voltage contractor. These techs not only drill and install but a good portion of their job each day is loosening and tightening screws for their install work. Think how many faceplate screws, emt connectors and light fixtures an electrician tightens each day. A lithium screwdriver is the perfect tool not only to speed up his day but also reduce possible wrist problems after a few years.

Think about an cabinet installer. Any given day he installs hinges, knobs and slide. Most of these are installed with small number six screws. You just don’t need the 18 volt Makita to set these small screws. Most of these types of fastenings are done both in tight corners and on finished product. You need something small and light to get into these spots and not damage the finished product. A lithium screwdriver fit’s the bill. Most lithium screwdrivers have a light that comes on with just a touch of the trigger that lights up any dark areas you may find inside a cabinet.

There are endless types of assembly work that will benefit from use of a cordless lithium screwdriver. Many of assembly jobs have been using cordless screwdrivers for years. The same old complaint not enough power or run time comes up. A lithium screwdriver not only is lighter and has more run time, they get more charge cycles than standard NiCad cordless screwdrivers. When you run these tools all day, that is a big deal.

Hobbyist have always love cordless screwdrivers and they really love lithium screwdrivers. While many of the first tools available were expensive and intended only for the contractors, many less expensive models are on the market today and are finding their way into many hobbyists hands. Any hobby from model railroads, radio control, woodworking and model building will be easier and more fun with a lithium screwdriver at the ready.

As mentioned above many less expensive drivers are the market now so many home owners are keeping one around for any number of small projects around the house. Even if you don’t use it a lot, just a couple of minutes on the charger will usually give you enough run time to hang a picture or install a new fixture. Now that I think about it, I may want a second less expensive unit in my RV.

Don’t rush out and by the cheapest lithium screwdriver you can find, think about what you are going to do with it. If you are a contractor or assembly worker who is going to use it day in and day out, the cheaper units just aren’t going to cut it for you. If you are a home owner who wants to have it on hand, just in case, a top of the line tool may be unnecessary . To answer the question at the start, who needs a lithium screwdriver? You do!

Stuck nuts and screws, and other fixing devices, can often present problems – and of course, it is always the most difficult nut to get at that is the problem. Buy you can usually get it to move eventually, as long as you take the matter logically.

First, make sure you have the right sized tool. A spanner should really be of the same series as the nut; a screwdriver should have a head that fits the screw slot both in length and in width.

You may be able to use an over-large spanner by sticking a screwdriver blade into the gap between the spanner head and the nut. You could make a screwdriver blade fit the width, at least, of the screw slot by regrinding or filing its point.

The next step in undoing a stuck nut or screw is to try tightening it: this breaks the seal between the threads of the bolt or screw and the surrounding work piece.

Then pour penetrating oil over the components: if possible, soak it in the stuff. If you do not have penetrating oil, any light oil is worth trying. Be patient: leave the oil to do its work over several hours.

If nothing has worked, the next stage is to be more violent. Use an impact screwdriver or spanner. You hit the end of this and it jars the screw or nut, breaking the seal and turns it round at the same time. A Powertool version of an impact driver is available, and is really worth having in your tool kit. I would recommend either a Makita Impact Driver or a Panasonic Impact Driver. Both companies have recently launched a lithium model, and are both around the same price.

If you still cannot, remove the screw even with the help of a power impact driver, the application of heat sometimes helps. Try playing a blowlamp flame on while jarring the screw or nut in any of the ways mentioned above. If you think this may damage the surrounding area, a less abrasive alternative is applying a soldering iron to the screw.

At this point if you still cannot remove the screw the only thing left to do is to drill it. You will need a drill bit that is slightly larger than the shank of the screw. By drilling right through the screw, you should destroy it and so loosen the components. Take care when you start the drill that it is in line with the screw.

A bolt can be drilled out in the same way. However, it is often easier to try sawing through the bolt head or the nut using a hacksaw. Sawing through a nut will most times free a stuck bolt when all else has failed. If bolt is threaded into something and it is important to preserve the thread, use a drill bit slightly smaller than the shank of the bolt. The remaining pieces of the bolt should then be picked out.

As we all know removing a stuck bolt or screw isn’t the easiest of jobs, but hopefully I’ve shown you that with a little patience nothing is impossible.

Remember people: measure twice, cut once.

Johan Nickson

You may be one of the many people who think that a hammer is a hammer. However, there are different types of hammers designed for different jobs. The framing hammer is one of those specialized tools that are meant for use with particular tasks. Here is a short introduction of this hammer, including some examples of when you would want to use it.

In appearance, a hammer designed for framing work is a larger claw design. Typically, they will weigh in the range of twenty-five to thirty-two ounces. Usually there is a longer handle attached to the hammer, making it easier to get up some power when swinging the hammer.

The head of this type of hammer will also be milled. Milling is simply a process where a waffle like design is imbedded on the surface of the head. The reason for this design has to do with the nails that are often used in framing jobs. Because the heads of those nails also have a milled effect, the raised grid on the head of the hammer helps to catch the lines on the grid of the nail head. This results in much less incidence of the hammer slipping off the nail of the head upon impact. This will result in fewer swings to get a nail all the way into the frame.

The framing hammer usually is made of steel, which holds up well for a number of years of use. The long handle for the hammer is traditionally made of hard wood, which is treated and sealed so it will last through many years of service as well. All steel hammers have also been manufactured over the years. More recently, there have been some brands that have gone to fiberglass handles for these types of hammers. The fiberglass and steel hammers usually have a rubber grip on the handle, while the wooden handles usually do not come with a rubber grip.

The framing hammer is made for just about any type of framing work, from framing a house, or a room addition to a standing structure, or even a doghouse. The idea is to help make the process of framing quicker and more secure. If you have a building project coming up, check out these types of hammers at your local hardware store. They will make your job much easier.

Mayoor Patel

The Advantages of Renting Pneumatic Tools

Pneumatic tools, also known as air tools, receive power from compressed air provided by an air compressor. You can rent pneumatic tools to complete projects pertaining to construction, concrete demolition, remodeling, woodworking, automotive work, cleanup and more. The advantages of renting pneumatic tools are numerous.

Lightweight and ergonomically friendly. Rented air tools often weigh less than their electric power tool counterparts containing a motor do since pneumatic tools receive power from an air compressor. Less weight means less stress on your body when using the tools.

Quicker. It takes less time to finish a project using a rented pneumatic tool than to do everything manually. For example, think of how much less time it takes to frame, roof, side or finish a house using pneumatic nailers compared to nailing with a hammer.

Increased productivity. Since rented pneumatic tools weigh less and work faster than other tools, you can accomplish more work in the same amount of time.

Less labor. Rented pneumatic tools do much of the work for you. Think of all of the swings of the hammer it would take to drive in one nail compared to accomplishing it with one shot of a pneumatic nailer.

No electricity required. By hooking rented pneumatic tools to a gas-powered air compressor, you can work in an area without electricity and achieve the same results as you would using an electrically powered tool.

So What Type of Air Tools Can I Rent?

Air drill. Use a rented air drill for the same applications as you would an electric drill.

Air sander. Rent an air sander for sanding wood and metal or for removing rust from a vehicle before painting it.

Air stapler. Renting an air-powered stapler allows you to lay a carpet or upholster furniture with ease.

Blo-gun. Rent this air tool to remove dust and dirt from difficult-to-reach areas using compressed air.

Caulking gun. Apply a uniform caulk bead, which will last longer, using a rented pneumatic caulking gun. You also can use this tool for applying adhesives.

Concrete demolition tools. Rental air tools that fall under this category include paving breakers and chipping hammers. You can use paving breakers to demolish concrete floors, patios, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots and other hard surfaces. Chipping hammers allow you to chisel away specific areas of concrete.

Impact wrench. When you want to tighten or remove bolts quickly, an air impact wrench can come in handy. When choosing an air impact wrench, keep in mind the size of the bolts you will tighten and the amount of torque you will need.

Nail guns. Rent nailers specifically designed for a number of purposes including framing, roofing, fencing, siding, flooring and finishing.

Sandblaster. Remove rust or old paint from boat hulls, swimming pools or masonry work using a rented air sandblaster.

There are a certain few things that no household should be without – warm beds, a full refrigerator and power tools, to name only a few. Having just a few basic power tools around the house (garage or shop) can simplify nearly every household task. More specifically, there are five life-changing power tools that no homeowner, handyman, or hobbyist should be without.

1. Power Drill
Every household on the block should have either a corded or (preferably) cordless power drill on hand. Having a good drill will simplify common household tasks like tightening the screws in your cabinets, hardware, light sockets, etc; and any repair, renovation, hobby, or do-it-yourself project becomes that much more professional with a good power drill at your disposal. Corded drills are generally a bit more powerful, but present the problem of being anchored to a wall with a power cord. This limitation doesn’t present too great an obstacle unless, of course, you need to move from one location to another. The mobility of cordless drills, on the other hand, makes them much more practical for household repairs. Because of their battery, however, cordless drills do tend to carry a bit more weight, but with battery technology advancing nearly every day, cordless drills are becoming as lightweight and powerful as their electrical counterparts. There are many types of drills on the market today from hammer drills with percussive action, to right angle drills for tight-space accessibility. Each of these tools have special designs and capacities to better perform different applications, but a standard power drill is perfectly qualified (if not absolutely necessary) for most household tasks.

2. Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saws are generally designed for demolition and construction jobs, but at your house, the recipro saw is the master of outdoor landscaping projects and disposal jobs. For all-purpose outdoor pruning, shaping, and cutting (e.g. tree branches) a reciprocating saw completes the outdoor tasks of homeowners with surprising ease and efficiency. Household disposal or demolition applications are also made more simple with a reciprocating saw; its powerful oscillating blade is ideal for dismantling old furniture and outdoor equipment (swing sets or fences), or consolidating yard debris. The very best thing about reciprocating saws is that they will truly cut anything. The saw and blades are designed to slide through nearly any material so no (reasonable) household and backyard chore is too much for a reciprocating saw. It is worth noting, however, that many recipro saws are relatively large and heavy. Of course there are many smaller, more portable varieties that are perfect for yard and household maintenance. Both corded and cordless models are available to best suit specific needs.

3. Circular Saw
A hand-held circular saw is a must-have tool for any homeowner. The circular saw is extremely versatile, probably the most versatile of the power saws, offering up a huge range of applications from rip and cross cutting to cutting slats for fences and decks. Most circular saws are specifically designed to cut wood but most can also be used with specialty blades to cut metal, plastic, and other such materials. Because saws can certainly be intimidating, especially for first time users, the saw does have a blade guard which covers the blade almost entirely to protect users from the notoriously thin and sharp teeth of a circular saw blade. On possibly the most positive note, however, circular saws are incredibly lightweight, versatile, portable, and comfortable to use. Although even the electrical models are surprisingly portable, owning a cordless model eliminates any dependence on outlets or power cords. Ultimately, these saws can go anywhere, and in one package, can do more than most saws on the market. There are certainly specialty saws that may do it a little better than a standard circular saw, but none that do it all so conveniently. Its portability, versatility, and compact size make the circular saw a wonder tool for do-it-yourself-ers.

4. Miter Saw
Ideal for the quickest and most accurate cross cuts, every household should have a miter saw for the inevitable (both indoor and outdoor) remodeling and renovation projects. From household improvements like crown molding to hobby projects like picture frames, miter saws offer a huge variety of benefits to a homeowner. They are simple to use and provide greater precision than most saws on the market. Miter saws have what’s called a miter index which allows users to cut at any angle by changing the cut angle in one degree increments. The saw also features built-in capacities at common cut angles for the most precise angled cuts. Because they are large and built with a fence and saw table for accuracy, miter saws are a bit more difficult to move around than a standard circular saw; their mobility, however, rarely presents too great a hindrance to be significant, and the ease and accuracy of their performance makes their relative bulk worth any potential limitations. Ideal for any renovation project or carpentry application from bookshelves, tables, door frames, and fence and deck slats, the miter saw is a dream tool for every homeowner, hobbyist, and do-it-yourself-er. The saw cuts angles with superior exactness and brings a profession appeal to all household projects.

5. Finishing Sander
For home or hobby projects like refinishing, painting, and spackeling, a finishing sander is an indispensable tool. Most finishing sanders are lightweight, and comfortable and easy to use so refinishing an old table top or sanding a rough patch in hardwood flooring, fences, or decks is something most homeowners can easily manage. These sanders are incredibly handy for restoration work, removing paint, or preparing a surface for paint, or stain. Designed to quickly produce the smoothest surfaces, finishing sanders are ideal for every carpentry application from finishing furniture, birdhouses, hardwood floors, and other woodworking projects. Finishing sanders are the most delicate in the sanding family and don’t remove all that much material with each pass. This means that, though still in some danger, users are in much less danger of removing too much material from a workpiece. Finishing sanders yield the smoothest results, and with superior comfort and ease of use every homeowner should have a good finishing sander on hand.

As with all power tools and industrial equipment, it is insurmountably important to always be cautious. Even the most seasoned craftsmen can lose a finger if he is not entirely focused and devoted to the task at hand. These five power tools will enhance your home (garage and shop) and your ability to care for it efficiently. In short, love your power tools, use them cautiously, and let them fill your home with the warm glow of professional craftsmanship.

A student at the Univ. of UT, Mallory Kramer is earning an English degree. She joined M&M Tool 3 yrs ago adding to their over 150 years combined experience; she specializes in tool parts & web communications. For over 60 years M&M Tool has provided the best service to the tool industry with parts, sales, & service to expert woodworking products, tools, & machinery. Visit M&M Tool’s woodworking forum for professional articles, advice, & info.

Being a locksmith requires acquiring specialized tools. Some of these tools require the use of electricity and some do not. The original tools of the trade were quite large and cumbersome compared to today’s set of tools.

Use of Fire And Water

The term “locksmith” originates from two words: lock and smith. The term “smith” describes anyone who shapes metal pieces into other useful objects or parts of another more complex machine or structure. So a locksmith is someone who uses metal pieces to build locks.

Originally a locksmith used a forge or a mould to build his locks since every locksmith designed, “manufactured” and assembled his own locks from start to finished product. He would work in a forge or a workshop with a hearth used to heat metals. Metals were heated in order to be shaped by using tongs, an anvil and hammer. The metal would be heated enough so it would bend into the desired shape by hammering. Tongs would be used to hold the heated metal. The metals would be heated and then cooled in a tub of water so that they would harden into the desired shape.

Use of Moulds

A locksmith would use a hollow-out block or mould and fill it with the desired metal. Upon hardening, the metal retained the shape of the mould. This saved a lot of time since the finished product was “ready-made” and did not need a lot of filing down. Even so, a locksmith of ages old would still have to hand cut screws and file down parts, often requiring hours of work.

Smaller Tools Today

Tools of a locksmith today are considerably smaller and easier to handle. In fact, a locksmith can be mobile now since he does not require the use of fire and water. Generally, unless a locksmith is also an engineer, he does not have to design or manufacture any locks. Most repairs are made by swapping out broken parts with mass-produced new ones. He can replace a lock, drill out a lock or re-key a lock with minimal time and effort.

Every locksmith possesses a lock pick set for opening locks without a key. These long narrow needle-like tools are inserted into a lock and catch the tumbler so that it can be set into its own unlocked position. The lock opens when all tumblers are set into their unlocked positions.

Another method a locksmith uses to gain entry is to decode a lock. Using depth keys, a locksmith can code cut a new key that matches the pre-existing key or he can use an expensive code machine as well.

A locksmith can also cut new keys or duplicate old ones using a key-cutting machine. He will still use a file to smooth down the sharp edges of new keys; however, this file is considerably smaller than the one that early locksmiths used.

Electronic Security Systems

A locksmith today will also install and maintain electronic security systems. These systems would include code keypads in which a sequence must be entered in before the door will open. Television and video recording systems would also be used in more sophisticated systems.

There are 100′s of specialised automotive tools available and they are needed if tackling specific tasks. However there are some basic tools that every mechanic will need and we will aim to give you a brief description of what they are.

Screwdrivers

There are many types and sizes of screwdrivers they include, flat head, Philips, Torx and star head. You will need a selection of all types in your tool box.

Ratcheting Spanner

Ratchet Ring Spanners are cross between a Socket Wrench and a traditional ring spanner and are designed for use in areas where restricted access is a problem, the flat design and ratchet mechanism allows the working on nuts or bolts where a socket wrench would not fit. The use of a ratchet spanner will also speed up tasks as the spanner remains in contact with the nut or bolt and reduces the chance of slipping.

Torque Wrenches

A mechanics best friend, Torque Wrenches can be set to ensure nuts and bolts are tightened to the manufacturers specifications. This is especially important when assembling wheel hubs containing bearings. Torque wrenches do need to be recalibrated for time to time

Automotive MultiMeter / Voltmeter

Multimeters and a essential but of kit for mechanics as they are essential for troubleshooting and diagnosing almost anything electrical on a car including locating bad connections or shorted wire.

Air Tools

Air tools include air impact wrenches, they can speed up word by removing stubborn bolts and nuts quickly. Air tools do require a air compressor to work which would be a bit over the top for a enthusiast but if you’re a mechanics the garage would normally have one you can plug in to.

Impact Sockets

Impact sockets are high strength sockets for use with air tools where a higher torque is applied. Standard sockets are normally made of vanadium steel and can split or shatter. Impact sockets are manufactured from molybdenum steel and are much stronger. Pliers Good general mechanics tools there are many varieties of specialist automotive pliers but a good sturdy pliers set should get you started allowing you to grip rounded or striped bolts.

Rubber headed hammer

for persuading things! You will be surprised what an indispensable bit of kit a rubber mallet is.

When it comes to procuring your tools don’t fall for the idea of purchasing cheap tools it’s a false economy as they will not last half as long and will course more trouble than they are worth.

You have to think of your tools as a investment. When it comes to buying tools remember the old adage a bad workmen blames his tools.

Always go for quality, forget about the bargains for high street discount retailers.

The Power Tools to Get For the Man in Your Life

There are so many options for gifts for that special someone in your life. Instead of the everyday standard gift think “power.” Not super hero power, but rather tool power. There are many power tools that will make the special man in your life feel like a qualified do it yourselfer and here is a list of three power tools that should be in every man’s tool bench.

To begin, a drill is a very multi-purpose and functional tool. There are many options when it comes to a power drill. Whether you get a corded or wireless drill, be sure that it has multiple drill bits for the various tasks that it can perform. Think of what tasks will be done with the drill and then research how strong a drill you want to get for him. The more powerful the cordless drill means that it is typically heavier. Consider weight when thinking of a cordless drill. Corded drills are measured in amps and the higher the amperage, the more powerful it is.

Another great power tool to have for his tool bench is a miter saw. If he is building or cutting wood, it is a very helpful tool. It can cut at angles, which is very helpful for many projects. There are a range of prices for miter saws, so look at reviews and its features. Some of the features of a miter saw are a slide that allows it to make cuts that are longer than the blade. Often a miter saw will come with a laser guide to help you know where to cut. There is typically a blade guard and a dust bag to minimize the messes. A compound miter saw can change the angles.

The last very useful and versatile power tool is a nail gun. There are different nail guns for different jobs. A pneumatic nail gun is one that uses a compressor, battery powered nail guns use batteries, and some also use a cord to receive their power. There are finishing nail guns, framing nail guns, roofing nail guns, brad/stapler guns, and flooring guns. Depending on the task at hand, you will buy and choose the nail gun that you want.

A power tool makes for a great gift for that special someone in your life. It could be a subtle hint that you want them to complete a chore or fix something that needs fixing, or it could be a gift to show them that they are handy and that you appreciate the work they do. Whatever the reason, a power tool is a must.

Speeds Power Equipment (http://www.speedspower.com/) specializing in reliable service and out-door power equipment sales chainsaws in Salt Lake City. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.