A New Direction and Growth for Practical Tools

2011 has passed us by in what seems to have been a Big Race.  Or is it just me?

Whatever …

The New Year arrives bringing us hope and expectation. When I first started this site I did so with the goal to expand and share my love of Tools.  Now I have re-evaluated the direction I want Practical Tools to take. It has been and will continue to be about Tools, it is just that the definition of the term “Tools” will expand and alter a bit.

We use all sorts of tools in our lives, and as such, I have come to realize that by being so narrow in my use of the term I have hindered my opportunity for growth, education and enjoyment.  On that note, I have decided to broaden the term “Tools” to include a wider variety of things, be they physical utensils, digital aides or mental inspirations, each will be included to assist us towards a better way of life.

As always, I encourage all of your input and look forward to many comments and discussions.

I wish you all a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year …

A Practical Guide to Drill Bits

When starting a project that requires drilling you should first make sure that you are using the right type of drill bit. If you use the wrong type you could damage the material you are working on. You can determine which drill bit to use based on what material you will be drilling into. Here is a practical and basic guide about drill bits and which are best suited for some of the more commonly used materials used in DIY projects.

Metal

When drilling into a non-ferrous metal, you will need to use High Speed Steel (HSS) drill bits that are made with partially ground tips. Non-ferrous metals include: aluminum, copper, zinc, brass and non-alloyed steel. If drilling into stainless steel, a different type of drill bit should be used. For this material, drill bits made of cobalt-alloyed High Speed Steel (HSS-E) or drill bits which have a titanium coating are best. They are more expensive than regular HSS drill bits but they allow for drilling without having to worry about excessive wear to the bits themselves.

Wood

When drilling into wood, brad point bits are best. Brad point drill bits have a long centering tip with two pre-cutting spurs. These spurs are used to score the wood fibers before the internal cutting edges cut them out cleanly.  Forstner drill bits, hardware drill bits or hinge cutting bits are usually used for larger diameters and there are auger bits for boring deep holes into wood.

Masonry

Drilling into brick or concrete will require the use of an impact drill or rotary hammer. If you are drilling any such material that contains perforated stones with a porous material, only rotary drilling should be preformed (without impact). This also applies when drilling into porous bricks and boarded walls. In order to drill into these materials, you will need a masonry drill bit. Masonry drill bits have tungsten-carbide tips designed to give the strength needed to penetrate the hard material and used with a rotary drill to lessen the likelihood of cracking and splitting that would happen with an impact drill.

If you are not sure which drill bit to use, don’t guess because this could have negative results. Ask someone who is knowledgeable, either by way of experience in the use of drills or those trained in the sale of such tools. Those who work at hardware stores usually have the knowledge needed and will be able to assist you with which bit is best for each type of job and material you will be working with.

Types of Electric Drills

Electric drills come in a variety of styles with different options. At times shopping for a new one can feel confusing. In order to assist you in making a Practical Purchase, this post is designed to explain the different types of electric drills available and what they are most commonly used for. Hopefully this will help you make a choice that better fits your specific needs.

Pistol Grip

A pistol grip drill is the most common type of corded drill. They are also the most versatile. The standard pistol grip has many attachments available to create a drill that can be used in most any application. You can purchase bits and attachments that will turn this drill into a sander, a small hand saw or a boring device.

Hammer Drill

A hammer drill, also called a masonry drill, is used most often along with concrete or brick. They are designed with a hammer mechanism that is able to rotate. The design of the hammer drill allows for heavier use while working on harder materials without breaking. Some types of hammer drills don’t have a drill only action while others can be used for either drilling or hammering.

The rotary style hammer drill will accelerate the bit with a piston design. A standard hammer drill uses a spinning cam instead. The rotary style drill tends to be more versatile, since it can be used as either a hammer or a spinning drill.

Drill Press

A drill press is a fixed style drill that is used on a workbench. They are most often found in workshops and are not portable. A drill press works when you clamp the material that needs to be drilled down, then you use a lever to pull the drill into the material. It takes less effort to create the holes, creates precision since the material can be fixed to the table, and can be adjusted to make angled holes. Attachments are available that will turn it into a sander, polisher, or honing machine.

Cordless Drills

Cordless drills are becoming more and more popular in household use and many professionals also have a few. A cordless drill uses a rechargeable battery pack. Depending on the jobs you plan on using the drill for, different battery voltages are available. A variety of attachments and drill bits can be added to make the drill an all in one tool.

The drawback to the cordless variety is you won’t have hours of use unless you have some backup battery packs fully charged and ready for use. The batteries self discharge after a period of time, requiring the battery pack to be recharged every day or two. A cordless drill is not designed to last forever, and needs to be replaced every several years.

This article contains information about electric drills gathered from Google, Wikipedia, ehow.com, doityourself.com and other sites during my research.

Prepare for Winter with Paint

Many of us have started or are considering some home maintenance to winterize our homes in preparation for the upcoming winter. One thing you may want to do is to slap a fresh coat of paint on your house. If you are going about this the Do-It-Yourself way, here are a few pointers.

In my opinion and probably the most important tip I can offer is to make sure you use quality products. By using professional quality exterior paint you will increase the time till you will need to repeat the process. By doing this you will save time and also a great deal of money. Using high quality interior paint is also highly recommended.  You may want to choose an eggshell or sheen finish as they hold up better when washing without removing the paint itself.

Needless to say, using top quality tools and accessories is also important. There are many styles of brushes and paint rollers available, if you are not sure which to purchase, you can ask for assistance at any paint or hardware store. The right brush can save hours of frustration and prevent the need to redo the job. There are many different brands of high quality paints and supplies available. Visit a hardware store or paint supplier for advice and have fun planning and shopping.

PREPARATION 

Planning and preparation are crucial to a successful project. The type of material and its condition will determine what preparation is necessary, whether new timber, timber with old flaking paint, steel, plastic, painted or unpainted brick work or an already painted wall. Preparing the surface will extend the life span of the paint thereby saving time and money.

Patching nail holes, removing switch plate covers, covering furniture and carpets with drop cloths, covering and taping off areas not to be painted should all be done before any painting is begun. Should your existing surface be flaking you will need to scrape off the flaking paint. Then lightly sand and clean to prepare for painting. Once this is done you can apply the base coat also known as undercoat or primer.

Most suppliers of paint are able to assist you in these steps. If you find one that can’t, you may want to consider choosing another one.

PRIMER

Using primer on an unpainted surface helps to seal it, creates a bonding surface for the final coat of paint and also extends the life of the job. Should you be painting over an existing darker color with a lighter color you should also use primer. It helps to hide and neutralize the existing darker color so the new color will cover easily.

FINAL COAT

It may seem as though you have been at this project forever. But, you are finally at the best part of the job … You can now apply your selected final paint. It will go quite quickly since you did the preparation work first. More importantly, the end result will have a more professional look and last much longer.

Tip: Your painting supplies; like brushes, rollers and paint trays, do not need to be cleaned each time you take a break. They can be kept moist if wrapped in plastic. Remember to allow each coat of paint to dry before applying the next. These tips will save you time and money.

Whether for maintenance, to prepare for selling or merely because you need a change, painting your home is an excellent way to revitalize it. Happy painting!

History and Development of Power Tools

Humans have made and used hand tools for more than 2 million years. Yet, when we look at the history and development of Power Tools, the first wasn’t invented until 1895. The earliest power tools were made by attaching motors to traditional hand carpentry tools.

Although power tools were available in the early 20th century, their use was not widespread.  The high purchase price along with their cumbersome and often unreliable nature caused most to stick with regular hand tools rather than switch to the then new power tools. The American manufacturer “Black & Decker” refined the electric drill in 1917. Later Michel and Sullivan improved their saw. Their new saw cost much less than previous models which aided in creating and increased interest among the average person.

Early power tools were, in part, responsible for the development of manufacturing as we know it today. Products made while using hand tools were often imperfect. Accuracy depended entirely on the skill level of the worker. The finished pieces, even those made by the same worker, would differ in size or shape from day to day. With large power tools, like milling machines, saws, and drill presses, precision could be determined with the machines settings. A product made on Tuesday would be the same as one made on Thursday. It finally became possible to manufacture identical, interchangeable parts, which led to mass production using assembly lines. The production of large quantities of the same product was accomplished much faster and at a reduced cost.

In 1886 Robert Bosch founded the Bosch Company in Germany where they made electrical components for the newly invented horseless carriage. The first Bosch power drill was produced in 1932. Today their collection of tool products is vast.

In 1924, the Milwaukee Electric Tool Company was founded. Known for manufacturing heavy-duty power tools, they are best known for the ‘Sawzall’ reciprocating saw. They also make over 500 different models of portable and stationary power tools including circular saws, drills, band saws, grinders and sanders. Also in 1924 the DeWalt power tool company was established in Baltimore, Maryland. Now they manufacture over 200 types of power tools worldwide.

Sears started marketing the Craftsman brand of tools in 1927, initially hand tools, though now they are one of the top-selling brands of power tools with both stationary and portable models.

The Makita Corporation introduced the cordless, battery-powered hand-held drill in1978. Within nine years they marketed a full range of cordless, professional-grade power tools. Today Makita manufactures more than 350 products.

While hand tools are limited by the strength of the person who uses them, power tools are not. Power tools, being equipped with motors or engines, far exceed human strength and can usually do a project much more quickly than a human worker possibly could.

Recent power tool improvements have concentrated on making longer-lasting batteries and more powerful motors. Some circular saws have laser pointers to aide in making straight cuts, and drills come with built-in lights to help working in dark spaces. There have also been ergonomic refinements made to the tool handles.

This article contains information gathered from Google, Wikipedia and other sites found during my research.

The Jigsaw – A Versatile Tool

The jigsaw is a versatile tool and is a very practical tool. It  is used for cutting curved designs into wood, metal and other materials. It can be utilized in more artistic ways than other saws, which usually will only cut straight lines. Although a jigsaw can be used to create cuts of various patterns and curves, making a straight line cut is quite difficult.

History

Originally jigsaws were manual hand saws, comprised of a handle attached to a small, thin blade. The first jigsaw puzzles were cut using this kind of saw. Most modern jigsaws are now made with an electric motor and a reciprocating saw blade.

A jigsaw with a bevel function on the sole plate allows cutting angles of typically up to 45 degrees relative to the normal vertical stroke for cutting miter joints.

In the past what we now usually call “scroll saws” were referred to as jigsaws.

Jigsaws are also referred to as “bayonet saws”.

The first powered jigsaw was created in 1946 by Kaufmann, an engineer. He replaced the needle on his wife’s sewing machine with a saw blade. Then in 1947 Scintilla started producing jigsaws under the name “Lesto jigsaw”. In 1954 Scintilla was acquired by Bosch and the name “Bosch” took over in 1964.

Blades

There are 2 main types of blade fittings in use today. One type uses a screw to hold the blade in place while the other has a slot in which to insert the blade and hold it.

A wide variety of blade types are available, including:

• thin blades to allow tighter curves to be cut
• push stroke cutting blades to avoid damage to the top surface.

Cut control is a problematic issue with jigsaws. The small blades are weak and not supported at the lower end. In order to get high quality cuts you should use blade rollers, which help keep the blade aligned just above the sole plate. Heavy metal sole plate saws are somewhat better than pressed steel models for their superior line control. To maneuver a jigsaw on a curved cut, it must be manually steered, not forced, to move sideways. Using fresh, sharp blades is recommended to ensure you get high quality cuts, so make sure you replace the old, worn blades often.

References

1. http://www.asktooltalk.com/articles/toolhistory
2. http://wikipedia.org
3. http://answers.com

The Definition, Uses and History of Staples

A staple is a two-pronged fastener, usually metal, used for attaching or binding various items together.

The crown of the staple can be used to bridge materials butted together.

The crown can bridge a piece and fasten it without puncturing it, with a leg on either side, e.g. fastening cable to wood framing.

The crown provides greater surface area than other comparable fasteners. This is helpful with the many various thin materials you might want to adhere to one another.

Large staples are used with a hammer or staple gun for masonry, roofing, corrugated boxes and other heavy-duty uses. Smaller staples are used with a stapler to join pieces of paper together; these are permanent fasteners for paper documents, unlike paper clips.

Construction staples are usually larger, have a more varied use, and are delivered by a staple gun or tacking hammer. Staple guns typically have staples made from thicker metal. Faster and easier devices known as tacking hammers or staple hammers operate with a simple head, loaded with a strip of staples, to hit them directly. Some staple guns use arched staples for fastening small cables, e.g. phone or cable cords, without damaging the wires. Powered electric staplers or pneumatic staplers drive the staples easily and accurately.

History

In ancient times, the staple was used in buildings.

Large metal staples dating from the 6th century BC have been found in the masonry work of ancient Iran. In the construction of the Pasargadae, staples, known as “dovetail” or “swallowtail” staples, helped to hold large stones together.

Related Articles

What is the Definition of a Staple Gun?

How to Use a Staple Gun

Purchasing Tools in a Practical Way

Are you starting to build your supply of tools or adding some extra ones to your current supply?

Does price really make a difference when buying tools? … YES!

I have always been a bargain hunter, but when it comes to tools, I shop with lifespan in mind. Top quality hand tools can last many years; therefore, they will end up costing you much less than bargain tools.  If well taken care of and treated with respect, professional grade, quality tools will prove to be the more practical choice. Prices can vary from store to store and with the changing seasons, so shop around to find the best deal.

If you like garage sales, you can find some very good quality used hand tools and save a considerable amount of cash.  Knowing, before you go, what you are looking for can also save you both time and money.

Flea markets also offer an opportunity for great savings. Just make sure you don’t fall for the barters claims of quality if there is none.  Having a list of the top quality manufacturers will aide you in your search for the best deals.

More Practical Garden Tools

Some practical lawn and garden tools to maintain the look and health of your garden:

Weeders: A simple hand weeder is used to get rid of unwanted plants. Even for those hard, deep-rooted ones like dandelions.  It is easy to rid your garden of these relentless weeds, just push the tines of the weeder down to the very bottom of the roots and pull up the weed. There are some alternatives that let you stand up and weed and also electric weeders that burn away weeds with hot ceramic plates. However, if you’re willing to do the work, the hand weeder is by far the best option.

Watering Cans: Choose a watering can with a long necked nozzle. These allow the water to come out at a gentle flow rate and are useful for reaching across distances. A good choice would also feature a detachable spray head; this type of watering can is perfect for watering young seedlings.

Trowels: The basic trowel may be one the handiest tools in the shed. It can handle a variety of tasks and is used for digging, planting, harvesting and weeding. There are plenty of alternatives, but a hand trowel trumps them all.

Garden Shears: These are used for pruning and removing foliage or branches. Don’t buy the most expensive shears until you decide that you do indeed like gardening. A good pair of clippers can keep many trees and shrubs neat and tidy and also harvest vegetables and flowers. They are also helpful if you need to clear away dead leaves and cut weeds away from the plants you want to keep.

Spading Forks: A spading fork is the best way to turn and aerate compost. As personal vegetable gardening continues to grow in popularity, home composting has too.  Every month there seems to be a new gadget available – an electric indoor compost bin, compost thermometers and more. Yet, a spading fork is all you really need to turn your garden waste and kitchen scraps into compost.

Aerators: use these during spring or fall to make holes in your lawn. This aids in root growth and helps supply the water, nutrients and air needed by all types of lawns. If you have a small garden just buy a hand aerator, but for a larger landscape you might want use a gas or electric powered model.

Garden vacuums: Either gas or electric-powered vacuums are popular among people anxious to keep a perfect yard. They suck up leaves and dirt, but that is a major problem … dirt belongs in the yard. Instead consider raking the leaves and other debris or simply leave them where they are. This helps create healthy mulch and compost, plus you don’t have to fill all those bags of vacuumed leaves and put them in the garbage.

Home improvement warehouse stores have all sorts of gadgets and devices aimed at easing your gardening work. However, many successful home gardens have been cultivated with only a few good hand tools. Besides, the high-tech alternatives often don’t help you grow a tastier tomato or brighter begonias.

Here’s another site of interest.

Pliers and Wrenches Need to be used Very Carefully

Almost 90% of the injuries that take place during the course of DIY projects are due to pliers and wrenches being used inappropriately.

What you should do is keep the following tips in mind.

Firstly, if you are working with electricity and the system is particularly complex, you will probably be dealing with a decent range of voltages. Certain hazards can be reduced if you ensure that a rubber covering exists between the pliers handle and your hand. Basically, no matter what – do not be foolish enough to work without some form of insulation.

Knowing which type of pliers or wrenches to use for a project you are working on is very important. Attempting to use the wrong type could end up causing you serious injury. Using a small adjustable pair of pliers when a large wrench is called for might make you put too much effort into the job. The end result could be that you sprain your wrist, or even worse, break the bones in your hand altogether.

As you can see, using these tools isn’t necessarily easy so if you are a beginner, it is highly recommended that you get some training before tackling a job. There are several videos available that will show you the right way to handle pliers and wrenches, how to know which to use and some that list their different uses.

Practical Care for Long Life

Taking care of your tools is the best way to ensure that they will be handy and useful for many years to come.

Use tools only for their intended purpose.  Tools are designed for specific tasks.  Here are a few examples, if you use your screwdriver as a pry bar, it won’t be in very good shape when you need to drive a screw.  If extra leverage is needed, just use a higher-grade pair of pliers rather than  standard ones. They give more cutting and gripping power.

There is much less chance of injury when you use the right tool for your projects.  If you try to use an inappropriate tool you will more than likely end up with a broken tool, a totally damaged project and some form of injury to yourself or someone either assisting or watching you as you work.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for proper cleaning, storage and maintenance.  Keeping your tools clean, dry, oiled and well maintained can mean the difference between having a reliable assistant or one that falls down on the job when you most need them. Caring for your tools will extend their lifespan which, in turn, can save you a ton of money.

Never use damaged tools. Throw them away, fix them or … Better Yet … Replace Them!