5 Must-Have Features in a stainless steel hand tools

Metalworking is the process of working with metals to create individual parts, assemblies, and structures. The use of hand tools in metalworking along with skills and processes will make some of this work for you. Metalworking hand tools in this field are recognized as quite essential and necessary in order to create all types of products, from small pieces of jewelry to building components and large-scale constructions. In this article, we will go through more details about the most important types of these practical and handy metalworking tools and introduce their features and usages. First, let's see what are metal work hand tools.

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What Are Metal Work Hand Tools?

As their name suggests, Metal work hand tools are designed for working with metal materials. These tools are typically used for cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing metal to create a variety of objects, structures, or components.

Metal working hand tools should deliver characteristics such as durability, precision, and ergonomic design. Additionally, features like non-slip grips, adjustable settings, and compatibility with safety equipment enhance the performance and safety of these tools in various metalworking applications. Now let's see what are metal work hand tools and their uses exactly.

Types of Metal Work Hand Tools

Along with all the high-tech, electric, and pneumatic power tools used for metal fabricating, you will need specific hand tools as well. Here are some types of metalwork hand tools:

Hacksaw

When looking at the metalworking hand tools list, Hacksaws are at the top. They are fine-toothed cutting tools specially designed for cutting metal such as steel pipes, etc. However, they can also be pretty useful for cutting plastic when you don't access a special tool designed for that purpose.

Most of the hacksaws are manufactured with a C-shaped walking frame that holds a blade under tension. This practical hand tool makes tubing and sheet shock easier to accomplish. To have a perfect cutting result, you can adjust and accommodate different blade sizes according to your uses. In this regard, you can absolutely count on the organically designed Ronix RH- hacksaw with an ABS grip and a sharp Bi-Metal blade.

Related Article : Use Of Hand Tools

Cold Chisel

The second metalworking hand tool that we should mention as one of the most practical ones is cold chisels. They are usually used for cutting metals in a cold state and are designed to cut or shape metal when the stock is thick and other tools, such as a hacksaw or tin snips, may be not really suitable.

They are made of hardened steel with a beveled cutting edge and an octagon-shaped handle. This useful tool also chops easily through metal screws, bolts, rivets, brackets, and nails.

Hammers

Metalworkingalways needs a trusted hammer. So, when gathering metal working hand tools, you should first look for a high-power hammer.

Hammers usually come in different shapes and sizes for a wide range of applications. In other words, there are various types of hammers that are designed for a specific task or metal thickness. You can find a lightweight taper to a heavyweight sled for the most stubborn metal piece in the project. The Ronix RH- and RH- are quite suitable Claw Hammers for metalworking projects with their non-slip rubber grip handles and the heads made from drop-forged polished steel which guarantee a long service life and maximum strength.  

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Mallet

One of the most important metalwork hand tools is mallets. Mallets are generally used to shape, form, and pound metal in a workplace. They could also have either wooden, plastic, metal, or rubber faces.

It is also worth mentioning that hammers have a smaller metal head that is meant to output blunt force, while, mallets have a larger round head that is made of wood, rubber, metal, or other softer material. In addition, mallets are usually made from soft materials that can be used on any surface without leaving any marks, but hammers are pure steel, allowing one to strike with all of one's might.

Related Article : a complete History of Hand Tools

Snips (Shears)

Snips or shears are the hand tools for metal work used to cut metal sheets and other tough webs. There are diverse types of snips for different applications and metals with different thicknesses. These metalworking scissors are also able to cut metal roofing, flashing, metal sheets, and thin metal plates.

Generally, there are two main kinds of snips:

• Tin Snips 
•  Compound Action Snips

Tin snips have long handles and short blades, and are commonly used to cut low-carbon tin or mild steel, while compound action snips are designed for cutting steel or softer materials, although the occasional use on stainless steel is not detrimental. If you want to have a professional one, the Ronix RH- Aviation Snip will handle cuts through cold-roll steel and stainless steel with a high-leverage design and ergonomic TPR handle.

Files

File is one of the hand tools for metalworking that helps in the material removal process. In other words, it removes fine amounts of material from a workpiece.  It is a bar of metal covered with serrations or sharpened scales and is mainly used to smooth, shape, and remove metal. There is a wide range of fines that are utilized for different applications. In fact, they could be different in length and appear in a variety of shapes, including cylinders, triangles, and rectangles.

All in all, for carrying out a metalworking process in a perfect manner it is necessary to be equipped with some particular tools, especially if you are a beginner or DIYer, since at the beginning you will absolutely require the specific hand tools used in metalwork. Furthermore, these kinds of tools, in comparison to the electric and more professional metalworking tools, aren't so expensive, therefore you can provide them easily with a low budget at any tool shop.

Bolt Cutters

The last item in the classification of metal work hand tools is Bolt cutters. They are designed for cutting through materials like bolts, chains, wire, and other metals. In metalworking, bolt cutters are particularly useful for cutting through metal rods, bolts, and similar items. They consist of two long handles, often with rubber or plastic grips for comfort, and leveraged cutting jaws at the end. The cutting jaws are usually made of hardened steel and come in various designs to accommodate different types and sizes of materials.

Hand Tools for Sheet Metal Work

Sheet metal work hand tools should be consistent with the unique demands of working with thin metal sheets. Aviation snips (shears), and sheet metal hammers (which you have read about them in the examples of metal work hand tools) are indispensable for cutting and shaping, while bench anvils provide secure joining and forming.

Ergonomic designs and durable construction are crucial for life-long use, providing comfort and reliability. Additionally, specialized tools like metal brakes enable precise bending at specific angles. The selection of these tools depends on factors such as metal thickness and the specific tasks involved in sheet metal fabrication.

Hand Tools for Cutting Metal

Among Hand tools used for metal work, the following are specifically used for cutting the workpiece.

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• Hacksaws
• Snips
•  Bolt cutters
•  Metal shears
• Files

Hacksaws are versatile tools for cutting thin metal sheets, pipes, and rods. Aviation snips are designed for cutting sheet metal in various shapes. Bolt cutters are used for cutting thick metal rods or bolts. Metal shears provide clean, straight cuts in thin to medium-thick metal sheets. files are used for shaping and smoothing metal surfaces. It's important to follow safety precautions and wear appropriate gear when using these tools.

FAQ

I wear a Diambondback belt system, which I purchased about two years ago. One of the many things I like about it is the fact that it has a place for just about every tool I want to carry with me.

And while there are a few things that stay in it no matter what type of work I'm doing, I do swap some tools out depending on the task. The list below includes two tools I always have on hand, plus a few others that show up as needed.

A Better Pencil

The carpenter's pencil is by far the most common and inexpensive marking tool available. They're easy to come by and also easy to lose. I purchased a Pica Dry Longlife Automatic Pencil a couple of years ago, after reading a review. I haven't lost it (yet) and it's become my go-to pencil and an essential in my pouch.

It comes with a sheath equipped with an integrated pencil sharpener and a variety of lead replacement options.

Pencil Cost: $20 (single), $26 (with lead refill pack), $50 (2 pencil/2 refill set)

Note: Pica has a 'BIG' Dry Longlife Construction Marker available that resembles a traditional carpenter's pencil. I had one, but it stopped advancing lead after a short time so I cannot recommend it.

The leads are available in a variety of refill packs:

Water Soluble 'MULTI-USE' Leads

• Good for all surfaces, whether wet or dry, rough or glossy, oily or dusty, bright or dark
• Ideal for use on porcelain, cast iron, steel, or wood
• Cost: $13 (assorted colors), $14 (graphite)

Water Jet Resistant, Permanent

• Good for all surfaces
• Ideal for use when wet cutting tile and stone
• Cost: $12

Graphite Lead for Joiners

• Hardness 'H'; good for use on dry surfaces
• Ideal for wood
• Cost: $30 (set of 2;10 pc. each)

Basic Side Cutters

I keep a pair of 7-Inch Channellock Diagonal Cutting pliers in my pouch at all times. It comes in handy often, particularly when removing finish nails. A carpenter I used to work with many years ago taught me how to break errant finish nails just below the surface-a useful technique when a nail catches the grain wrong and pops out of a window or door jamb.

I've since learned how to minimize nail blowouts by turning the nail gun 90° to the work. While I don't incur as many nail blowouts as I used to, I'm enough of a creature of habit that I want these pliers available when needed.

Cost: $19

Smart Locking T-Bevel Square

Bevel squares are an invaluable resource for copying angles or bisecting them. Typical inexpensive models have a wing nut at the pivot point for locking the angle in. But that wing nut gets in the way often and isn't always easy to tighten.

A couple of years ago I discovered the Shinwa Sliding T-Bevel, which is made in Japan. It features an aluminum stock, stainless-steel blade, and, best of all, a thumbscrew located at the end of the stock'so no more interfering wing nut.

Cost: $28

A Comfortable Respirator

While not technically a hand tool, I included the GVS Elipse NIOSH P100 respirator here because I do keep it in or on my tool belt often. I discovered this respirator at a local safety supply warehouse about five years ago.

I don't wear any other respirators anymore. This unit has a low profile so it's lightweight and comfortable (as comfortable as a respirator can be), plus it's affordable and has readily available replacement filters. It meets NIOSH P100 TC-84A- and protects against dust, metal fumes, oil and water mists, and microorganisms, i.e., bacteria and viruses. The mask is available in two sizes: S/M and M/L. I recommend buying the carrying case as well.

Cost: $28 (respirator), $13 (replacement filters), $20 (carrying case)

A Handy Folding Saw

The Silky GomBoy is one of those tools that I didn't really realize I needed until I had it in my pouch. I have it with me when I'm doing any kind of carpentry work. It's proven useful on undercutting door jambs and trim, cutting away lathe, finishing the cut in stair stringers, and on window stools.

It's available in a variety of blade sizes and tooth configurations. I've found the 240mm, 10 TPI to be versatile enough for me to use no matter what level of work I'm doing'whether rough framing or finish trim. They come with a plastic sheath, though I keep it directly in my pouch. This saw is also useful for yard work and camping.

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