At first blush, hand tools are relatively simple. As we learned in high school physics class, they are just simple machines used to apply force to an object. An automotive technician knows, however, that there is more to it than that.
Hand tools come in many forms and are designed for different jobs. Therefore, when choosing a hand tool for a certain task, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration.
- Does operating this tool require that I use personal protective equipment (PPE)? Trick question; the answer is “yes.” Safety gear should always be used to help avoid unnecessary injuries.
- Was the tool designed with this specific task in mind? Or, will I be pushing it beyond its limits, risking breaking the tool and/or putting myself and those around me at risk for injury? All tools are designed for certain tasks, and they all have limits to which they can be safely used. If a pry bar doesn’t effectively loosen a component, for example, adding a pipe to the end to gain more leverage increases the chance that the tool will slip or break, which puts the technician at risk for injury and damage to the tool or the component.
- Will this tool help me get the job done most efficiently? Specialty hand tools are typically designed for one specific task. On the other hand, many non-specialty hand tools are designed for more than one purpose so the same tool can be used for more than one task. That could allow the technician to continue working on a project without breaking concentration to find another tool.
Safety
Safety must always come first when working in a shop environment, and using hand tools is no exception. There is always a risk for injury, so PPE such as safety glasses are always recommended. Specific safety recommendations will vary depending on the environment and the task at hand, so be sure to check tool manufacturer labels and warnings, any posted signs and placards, and your shop’s safety manual for safety instructions.
As the automotive landscape changes, hand tool safety requirements change with it. Hybrid and full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are becoming a more common sight on the road and in the service bay. Specific hand tools and PPE are required when servicing any vehicle with an electric or hybrid powertrain. High voltage is no joke, and it is vital that technicians follow these requirements for their safety and the safety of those around them.
Choosing the right products
When it comes to purchasing hand tools, technicians will want to look at a few factors. It is important to balance cost and quality, while also ensuring the tool meets the proper specifications required for the tasks it will be used to perform.
Choosing the right hand tool can be challenging because there are so many options available in varied price ranges. If it will only be used once or twice, it stands to reason that a top-of-the-line tool may not be necessary. On the other hand, technicians will want a quality tool if they will be using it again and again. This can be especially true for more common tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and ratchets.
It may also make sense to purchase a high quality product when it comes to precision measurement tools, such as torque wrenches. When performing tasks such as tightening lug nuts, a precise tool is important for the safety of the technician and the driver of the vehicle.
Hand tools evolve to allow technicians to work more safely, comfortably, and efficiently. From basic features like no-pinch plier handles to new tools specifically designed to meet a need that was formerly going unmet, manufacturers continually strive to improve their products. This ongoing process not only benefits the technicians who use the tools, but the safety and efficiency of the entire shop.
