First published: 28 June 2021 @ 6:00 pm
Common hand tools are used for many jobs around the house and garden. While many people would think that the hand tools are only used for small jobs, they are also used for bigger jobs.
For example, the handsaw is used to cut big trees. There are many types of hand tools and each of them has their own benefits and disadvantages.
Despite their simple and easy to use nature, some people are still having problems using hand tools. The purpose of this article is to discuss the common faults in using hand tools.
Fault #1: Poor Grip
The most common fault when using hand tools is having a poor grip. The tool is only as good as the person using it.
If the grip is poor, then the work done will also be poor. Many people do not realize that having a good grip on the tool is very important for effective work.
The right way to hold a tool can make a big difference in the quality of work done.
Fault #2: Lack of Safety
Safety should always be considered before doing any job with hand tools. In some cases, it might be safer to use power tools but if you are going to use hand tools, then safety must be taken into consideration at all times.
There are some people who ignore safety rules, and they often end up hurting themselves and damaging their workpieces by making mistakes such as not wearing safety glasses or protective equipment when working with wood or metal.
Some people also hurt themselves by placing their fingers too close to the blade when sawing wood or metal pieces, and many more similar mistakes which can cause serious injuries and damage both to you and your workpieces if you are not careful.
Fault #3: Not Having the Right Tool for the Job
It is important to have the right tool for the job. Using a wrong tool can cause damage to both your workpiece and yourself.
This is why it is important to know what the correct tool you need before starting a job. This way, you will avoid any unnecessary damages and injuries.
Fault #4: Forging
This is one of the most common faults in using hand tools. It occurs when the user strikes a blow on the object which is harder than the tool itself.
This leads to breaking of the tool or its tip. If you have a hammer, it is better to use a small amount of force than too much force.
Too much force can break the head of your hammer and will require you to replace it with a new one. Also, striking at an angle is another mistake that is made by many people while using hammers.
It causes damage to your hand as well as the object that you are trying to strike on.
Fault #5: Mishandling
While handling hand tools, it is important that you do not drop them on hard surfaces like concrete or metal because this can damage them severely and will require replacement or repairs for them to be used again.
When using tools such as screwdrivers, you should always use their handles because if you hold their tips they can slip from your hands and cause injury to yourself or someone else who might be standing nearby.
Also, while using any type of tool, you should always make sure that your hands are clean and dry because if they are not, then the tool might slip from your hands.
Fault #6: Poor Quality Tools
It is important to buy quality tools so that you can get good quality work. The tools will also last longer if they are of good quality.
Also, using poor quality tools will result in less accurate work and it can cause damage to the workpiece as well as yourself. It is better to spend a little more money on a good tool than buying cheap tools which will require you to replace them after a short period of time.
There are some hand tools that will last for many years such as hammers and screwdrivers. However, there are some other hand tools that will only last for a few days or weeks such as knives and scissors.
For example, the scissors can easily get rusty if they are not cleaned after use. Also, hand tools can easily get damaged caused by many factors, such as hitting it against hard surfaces, exposing it to water or storing it in inappropriate places.
Some people also store their handsaws near magnets which will attract all the iron particles in the saw thus damaging its blade, making them turn into dull blades.
That’s why it is important to store your tools in a place where they will not get damaged easily. It is also important to do proper maintenance of tools.
Fault #7: Lack of Knowledge
Many people do not know how to use hand tools properly. If you do not know how to use a tool, then it is better not to use it at all.
Many people who do not know how to use hand tools end up doing more harm than good by damaging their workpieces or hurting themselves by making mistakes such as striking at an angle when using hammers.
Other mistakes include striking too hard when using cord chisel, not wearing safety equipment when using sharp tools, and many more similar mistakes which can cause serious injuries and damage both to you and your workpieces if you are not careful.
The common faults in using hand tools can be avoided by taking proper care of your tools and knowing the standard operating procedures on how to use them properly. You should always read the instructions before using any type of tool.
If you do not know how to use a tool, then it is better not to use it at all. The only way to become good at using hand tools is by practicing and learning how to use them properly.
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