Hand Tools, Part 2

Maintenance mechanics work with a variety of hand tools to perform many jobs, so it is important for mechanics to understand the function and care of common hand tools. Mechanics should know how to select the correct tool for any given job and how to use tools efficiently and safely. This course discusses the proper use and general care of pliers, vises, clamps and punches.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify what is meant by slip-joint pliers and explain how pliers increase a person's mechanical advantage
• Identify locking pliers, parallel jaw pliers, round-nose pliers, and needle-nose pliers, and list precautions for using these tools
• Define what is meant by cutting pliers and explain the function of snap-ring pliers
• Describe the difference between vises and clamps and list precautions for using these tools
• Define what a punch means and describe the design and use of prick punches, center punches, drift punches (drifts), pin punches, alignment punches, and hole (gasket) punches