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Basic Hand tools

Basic Tools

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Objectives

• Upon completion of this class and activities, you will be able to:– Recognize basic hand tools.– Identify the correct tool for the job.– Use tools properly.– Identify types of service manuals.

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Wrenches

• Combination Wrench

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Wrenches

• Adjustable Wrench

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Ratchets

• Ratchets – ¼”, 3/8” (most common), and ½”

Other drive handles

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Sockets

• Regular and deep well sockets are available

• Universal joints allow for movement

• Extensions in various lengths are also available

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Spark Plug Socket

• Rubber insert to hold and protect the spark plug

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Impact Sockets

• Use with impact wrenches• Wear safety glasses

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Socket sizesSize inch SAE size Metric size (mm)

0.313 5/16”  

0.315   8

0.344 11/32”  

0.354   9

0.375 3/8”  

0.394   10

0.406 13/32”  

0.433   11

0.438 7/16”  

0.469 15/32”  

0.472   12

0.5 ½’  

0.512   13

0.531 17/32”  

0.551   14

0.563 9/16”  

0.591   15

0.594 19/32”  

0.625 5/8”  

0.63   16

0.656 21/32”  

0.669   17

0.688 11/16”  

0.709   18

0.719 23/32”  

0.748   19

0.75 ¾”  

0.375 3/8”  

0.394   10

0.406 13/32”  

0.433   11

0.438 7/16”  

0.469 15/32”  

0.472   12

0.5 ½’  

0.512   13

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Slip Joint Pliers

• Used to grab, turn, cut, or bend• Do not use when a wrench will work

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Locking Pliers

• Also known as Vise-Grips® • Can lock on oddly shaped items or flat pieces of

metal

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Groove Joint Pliers

• Also known as Channellocks®• Good for gripping cylindrical objects

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Needle Nose Pliers

• Grip/pull objects in hard-to-reach areas

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Diagonal Pliers

• Also known as side cutters• Used to cut wires

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Screwdrivers

• Turn screws or other fasteners

• Do not use screwdrivers as pry bars

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Hammers

• Ball Peen Hammer

• Rubber Mallet

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Pry Bars

• Long handles allow for mechanical advantage for lifting or adjusting components

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Drive-on Ramps

• Good for oil changes• Use wheel chocks• Set parking brake

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Wheel Chocks

• Prevents a vehicle from moving • Use when jacking or with drive-on ramps• Set parking brake

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4-Way/Cross/Lug Wrench

• Better leverage and handling than a L shaped lug wrench

• Multiple sizes

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Bottle Jack

• Commonly in the trunk for emergency tire changes

• Some vehicles have a scissors jack

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Tread Depth Gauge

• Used to measure tire tread depth• Tread depth is commonly measured in 32nds of

an inch or in mm

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Tire Pressure Gauges

• Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa)

• Check at least once a month• Tire pressure changes with temperature

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Systems of Measurement

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Torque Wrench

• Beam or clicker style• Used to tighten a fastener to a specific tightness

(torque)

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Spark Plug Gauge

• Spark plug gauge tool is used to set the spark plug gap.• The gap is the distance between the center and side

electrodes.• The correct gap is located on the VECI sticker under the

hood.

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Precision Measuring Tools

• Feeler Gauge

• Digital Caliper

• Outside Micrometer

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Multimeter

• Measures voltage, resistance, and amperage

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Wire Stripper

• Used to remove wire insulation, cut wires, and crimp solderless connections.

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Battery Load Tester

• Used to evaluate a battery’s condition

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Battery Brush

• Used to clean battery posts and terminals

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Battery Terminal Spreader

• Used to spread battery terminal post clamps or scrape corrosion from the inside of the terminal clamps.

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Jumper Cables

• Used to transfer electrical energy from a charged battery to a discharged battery.

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Oil Drain Pan

• Used to collect oil• Recycle used oil at a recycling center• Wear disposable gloves

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Oil Filter Wrenches

• Band style

• Cup style

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Funnel

• Helps prevent spills when adding fluids.• Clean the funnel before pouring fluids.

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Grease Gun

• Contains a grease cartridge.• Used to add grease to steering, suspension, and

drivetrain components.

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Grinder

• Used to remove metal.• Wear safety goggles and a full face shield.• Do not operate near flammable materials.

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Files, Chisels, and Punches

• Machinist File

• Chisel

• Punch

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Hacksaw

• Saw used to cut metal.

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Creeper

• Used to access the underside of the vehicle.

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Work Light

• Quality light makes inspection easier.

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Summary

• Use the correct tool for the job.

• Start off with a basic tool kit and add specialized tools to your toolbox as you need them.

• Care for your tools.