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Unit: Hand and power tools

LMFFL2001A: Use flooring technology sector hand and power tools

Section 1: Types of tools

General hand tools


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Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
Some general purpose tools are used in just about all of the trades that involve on-site installations.

Below are the main hand tools that you're likely to have in common with the other building trades, even if you're using them for a different purpose.

You should take all of these tools with you to the jobsite, whether you're installing carpet, resilient or timber flooring, because each of them could be needed at some stage of the project.

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Claw hammer

For hammering in nails and other fasteners, tapping hardware items into position and withdrawing nails.

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Hacksaw

For cutting metal trims to length and general cutting, shaping and removal of metal or plastic materials.

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Flat head screwdrivers                                                                                                               
For inserting and removing screws and other fasteners with a slot head.

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Phillips head screwdrivers                                                                                                               
For inserting and removing screws and other fasteners with a Phillips head.

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Cordless drill

For using as a powered Phillips head screwdriver, and for drilling small holes in timber, metal and plastic.

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Builders square

For marking 90 degree angles, checking angles for square and use as a straight edge.

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Straight edge

For drawing straight lines, checking flatness, and guiding a knife when cutting seams and edges.

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Chalk line                                                                                                                
For marking set-out lines across a floor.

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Tape measure                                                                                                                
For doing measure-ups, checking dimensions, and marking lines and points.

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Hand brush and broom                                                                                                                
For sweeping up dust and general rubbish.

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Vacuum cleaner                                                                                                               
For vacuuming up dust and fine debris.

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Learning activity

Audio 13 (mp3 |6|KB)

The tools shown above are typical examples of different categories of equipment.

In practice, there are many variations on each of these items - especially the measuring and set-out tools.

What other types of straight edges and squares do you use at work? For example, you might use a T square, bevel, combination square, mitre square or protractor and saw guide.

Do some simple line drawings of your own examples of these set-out tools. Write the name of the tool beside each drawing.

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