Hand tools are the non-powered tools used for fitting, fixing, cutting and measuring: screwdrivers and bit sets, pliers and cutters, spanners, wrenches and socket sets, hammers, saws, levels, clamps, staplers and service engineers' kits.
Screwdrivers, sockets and spanners
- Screwdriver tips: slotted, Pozidriv (PZ), Phillips (PH) and Torx (TX) tips are all common. PZ and PH look alike but are not interchangeable, and the wrong tip tends to slip and damage the screw head.
- Socket sets: sockets fit a square drive, commonly 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 inch, and come in metric or imperial sizes. Impact socket sets are made for use with impact drivers and wrenches.
- Spanners and wrenches: combination spanners have an open end and a ring end of the same size; adjustable and wide-jaw wrenches cover a range of nut and fitting sizes.
Insulated tools for electrical work
Screwdrivers and pliers for working on or near live electrical parts should be insulated tools made to BS EN IEC 60900, which covers hand tools for use up to 1,000 volts AC and 1,500 volts DC. Look for the marking on the tool. Insulated tools are not a reason to work live: wherever possible, isolate the circuit before work starts.
Cutting, striking and measuring
Saws and blades are graded by teeth per inch (TPI), so match the blade to the material on the pack: hacksaws for metal and plastic pipe, panel and floorboard saws for timber. Choose hammers by job and weight, such as claw hammers for nails, ball pein hammers for metalwork and soft-faced mallets where the surface must not be marked.
For drill bits, blades and other consumables, see power tool spares and accessories, or browse the full tools and power tools range.
