Hand Tools: Spanners, Screwdrivers, Hammers and Measuring Devices for Tradespeople

First define the job — threaded connections, wire cutting, measuring, cutting or striking — and choose the matching tool. Compare spanners by type (open-end, ring, combination, adjustable) and size (usually 6–32 mm), and screwdrivers by tip type (SL, PH, PZ, HEX, TORX) and size. See how to choose wrenches, sockets, ratchets and torque tools and how to choose screwdrivers, hex keys and TORX keys.

Pliers, long nose pliers and cutters are usually 160–200 mm long, and the hardness of the cutting edges determines how thick and hard a wire can be cut. For live electrical work choose tools with 1000 V insulation and VDE marking. Read how to choose pliers, cutters, strippers and crimping tools and how to choose insulated hand tools for electrical work.

Choose knives by blade type (replaceable snap-off 18 or 25 mm, fixed, folding), scissors and snips by material (sheet metal, rubber, cable, paper), and hand saws by tooth pitch (around 7–11 TPI for wood, 18–32 TPI for metal). The blade should be hardened and easy to replace. See how to choose hand saws, knives, snips, files and scrapers.

Choose a hammer by head weight: 200–300 g for fine work, 500–800 g for general construction and 1–2 kg or more for heavy work, and an axe by blade weight and handle length. A fibreglass or steel handle with a rubber grip absorbs shock, and the head must sit firmly on the handle. Read how to choose hammers, mallets, axes, chisels and pry bars.

Compare bench vices by jaw width (usually 75–200 mm), maximum opening, body material (cast iron or steel) and whether the base swivels. Choose staplers by staple type and size, and punches by material thickness. See how to choose clamps, vises and holding tools and how to choose manual fastening tools: staplers, riveters and applicator guns.

The most common measuring devices are 3–10 m tape measures, 40–200 cm spirit levels, squares and calipers. Pay attention to accuracy class, scale readability and housing strength, and for a level — to vial accuracy (for example 0.5 mm/m). Read how to choose hand measuring, marking and layout tools.

Quality hand tools are made of Cr-V (chrome vanadium) or Cr-Mo steel with a hardened working part and an anti-corrosion finish. Two-component handles reduce hand fatigue, and in sets what matters is not the piece count but how well the sizes and types match your work. See hand tool materials, hardness, coatings and ergonomics.

Do not use tools with a cracked handle, worn tip or damaged insulation, and wear safety glasses and gloves when cutting or striking. Clean the tool after work, lubricate the joints from time to time and store it in a dry place — in a box or on a wall panel. Read how to use hand tools safely and how to maintain, store and organize hand tools.