---
title: Hand Tools & General Equipment
menu: Hand Tools
taxonomy:
    area: dirty-fabrication
---

# Hand Tools & General Equipment

**Comprehensive collection of fabrication and assembly tools**

This section documents the hand tools and general equipment available in the Dirty Fabrication area. Tools are organized between garage and shed locations as indicated.

## Tool Categories

### Cutting Tools

#### Hand Saws
=> [Hack Saws](#hack-saws) - Frame and junior hacksaws
=> [Jab Saws](#jab-saws) - For flush cutting
=> [Reciprocating Saws](#recip-saws) - Cordless, various blades

#### Metal Cutting
=> [Tin Snips](#tin-snips) - Straight, left, and right cutting
=> [Aviation Snips](#aviation-snips) - Compound action snips
=> [Bolt Cutters](#bolt-cutters) - 14" and 24"
=> [Cable Cutters](#cable-cutters) - For various cable sizes

#### Specialty Cutters
=> [Dremel Tools](#dremel) - Rotary tools with attachments
=> [Nibblers](#nibblers) - Sheet metal cutting
=> [Shears](#shears) - Manual and powered

### Wrenches & Sockets

#### Socket Sets
=> [SAE Socket Set](#sae-sockets) - 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive
=> [Metric Socket Set](#metric-sockets) - 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" drive
=> [Torx Socket Set](#torx-sockets) - Complete Torx set
=> [Hex Key Sets](#hex-keys) - SAE and metric allen wrenches

#### Wrenches
=> [Combination Wrenches](#comb-wrenches) - SAE and metric sets
=> [Adjustable Wrenches](#adj-wrenches) - 6", 10", 12"
=> [Pipe Wrenches](#pipe-wrenches) - 14", 18", 24"
=> [Torque Wrenches](#torque-wrenches) - Click and beam types

#### Pliers & Gripping Tools
=> [Locking Pliers](#locking-pliers) - Vise grips, various sizes
=> [Needle Nose Pliers](#needle-nose) - Straight and bent
=> [Linesman Pliers](#linesman) - Diagonal cutting
=> [Channellock Pliers](#channellock) - Tongue and groove pliers

### Measuring & Layout

#### Precision Measuring
=> [Calipers](#calipers) - Digital and dial calipers
=> [Micrometers](#micrometers) - Outside, inside, depth
=> [Height Gauges](#height-gauges) - Precision height measurement
=> [Dial Indicators](#dial-indicators) - Runout and alignment

#### Tape Measures & Rules
=> [Tape Measures](#tape-measures) - 12', 25', 50'
=> [Steel Rules](#steel-rules) - 6", 12", 24"
=> [Combination Squares](#comb-squares) - Various sizes
=> [Protractors](#protractors) - Angle measurement

#### Layout Tools
=> [Surface Plates](#surface-plates) - Granite and steel
=> [Scribers](#scribers) - For marking metal
=> [Punches](#punches) - Center and prick punches
=> [Dividers & Compasses](#dividers) - For laying out circles

### Hammers & Striking Tools

#### Hammers
=> [Ball Peen Hammers](#ball-peen) - 8oz, 12oz, 24oz
=> [Claw Hammers](#claw-hammers) - 16oz, 20oz, 28oz
=> [Sledge Hammers](#sledge-hammers) - 4lb, 8lb, 10lb
=> [Mallets](#mallets) - Rubber, brass, plastic

#### Striking Tools
=> [Punches](#punches) - Various types
=> [Chisels](#chisels) - Cold, hot, and wood chisels
=> [Setscrew Extractors](#extractors) - For broken bolts

### Clamping & Holding

#### Clamps
=> [C-Clamps](#c-clamps) - 2", 4", 6", 8"
=> [Bar Clamps](#bar-clamps) - Various sizes
=> [Spring Clamps](#spring-clamps) - Quick clamping
=> [Parallel Clamps](#parallel-clamps) - For precision work

#### Vises
=> [Bench Vises](#bench-vises) - 4", 5", 6"
=> [Drill Press Vises](#drill-vises) - Small and medium
=> [Portable Vises](#portable-vises) - Mount anywhere

#### Workholding
=> [Magnetic Holders](#mag-holders) - For drilling
=> [Angle Plates](#angle-plates) - Precision workholding
=> [V-Blocks](#v-blocks) - For round workpieces

### Power Tools (Cordless)

#### Drills
=> [Cordless Drills](#cordless-drills) - 18V, various sizes
=> [Impact Drivers](#impact-drivers) - 18V, high torque
=> [Right Angle Drills](#angle-drills) - Tight spaces

#### Grinders & Sanders
=> [Angle Grinders](#angle-grinders) - 4.5", 7"
=> [Orbital Sanders](#orbital-sanders) - 5" pad
=> [Belt Sanders](#belt-sanders) - 3"x21" belt

#### Saws
=> [Circular Saws](#circular-saws) - Cordless, various blades
=> [Reciprocating Saws](#recip-saws) - Cordless
=> [Jigsaws](#jigsaws) - Cordless

### Abrasives & Finishing

#### Sandpaper & Abrasives
=> [Sandpaper Assortment](#sandpaper) - Grits 60-600
=> [Grinding Discs](#grinding-discs) - Various types
=> [Cutting Discs](#cutting-discs) - Metal and masonry
=> [Flap Discs](#flap-discs) - Grinding and finishing

#### Files & Deburring
=> [File Sets](#file-sets) - Various shapes and cuts
=> [Deburring Tools](#deburring) - Manual and rotary
=> [Countersinks](#countersinks) - Various sizes

## Tool Locations

### Garage Tools
**Location:** Garage section of Dirty Fabrication
**Access:** Standard member access during business hours

**Primary Categories in Garage:**
* Precision measuring tools
* Machining hand tools
* Small power tools
* Clamping and vise equipment
* Abrasives and finishing tools

**Storage:**
* Pegboard organization
* Labeled drawers
* Tool cabinets with locks
* Dedicated workbench

### Shed Tools
**Location:** Shed section of Dirty Fabrication
**Access:** Standard member access during business hours

**Primary Categories in Shed:**
* General hand tools
* Cutting tools
* Wrenches and sockets
* Pliers and gripping tools
* Hammers and striking tools
* Larger power tools

**Storage:**
* Pegboard on walls
* Bin storage
* Shelving units
* Color-coded organization

## Tool Usage Guidelines

### General Rules
* **Check before using** - Ensure tool is in good condition
* **Return to location** - Put tools back where they belong
* **Clean after use** - Remove debris, oil if needed
* **Report damage** - Tell staff if tool is broken or dull
* **Right tool for job** - Don't misuse tools

### Borrowing Between Areas
* Tools marked with area tags should stay in that area
* If you need to move a tool, ask staff first
* Return to original location when done
* Note exceptions in work log

### Maintenance
* **Keep tools clean** - Wipe down after use
* **Oil moving parts** - Apply light oil to prevent rust
* **Sharpen cutting tools** - Use sharpening station or report dull tools
* **Check calibration** - Precision measuring tools periodically checked

## Safety

### Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Required when using hand tools:
* Safety glasses (always)
* Work gloves (as needed)
* Steel-toe boots (recommended)
* Hearing protection (for loud tools)

### Tool Safety
* **Cutting tools** - Cut away from body, use guards
* **Striking tools** - Wear eye protection, check for loose heads
* **Power tools** - Disconnect when changing blades/bits
* **Grinders** - Ensure guard is in place, wear face shield

### Area Safety
* **Clear workspace** - Keep floor free of debris
* **Proper lighting** - Use task lighting when needed
* **Secure workpiece** - Use clamps when cutting or drilling
* **Know limits** - Don't force tools beyond their capacity

## Tool Inventory

### Cutting Tools
| Tool | Quantity | Location | Notes |
|------|----------|----------|-------|
| Hack Saws (Frame) | 3 | Garage | With various blades |
| Hack Saws (Junior) | 2 | Shed | For light work |
| Tin Snips (Straight) | 4 | Shed | Various sizes |
| Tin Snips (Left) | 2 | Shed | Compound action |
| Tin Snips (Right) | 2 | Shed | Compound action |
| Bolt Cutters (14") | 1 | Shed | For bolts and rods |
| Bolt Cutters (24") | 1 | Shed | For larger bolts |
| Cable Cutters | 2 | Shed | For various gauges |

### Wrenches & Sockets
| Tool | Quantity | Location | Notes |
|------|----------|----------|-------|
| SAE Socket Set (1/4") | 1 | Garage | 6-32mm |
| SAE Socket Set (3/8") | 1 | Garage | 8-25mm |
| SAE Socket Set (1/2") | 1 | Shed | 10-32mm |
| Metric Socket Set (1/4") | 1 | Garage | 4-14mm |
| Metric Socket Set (3/8") | 1 | Garage | 6-19mm |
| Metric Socket Set (1/2") | 1 | Shed | 8-32mm |
| Combination Wrenches (SAE) | 1 set | Shed | 1/4" to 1" |
| Combination Wrenches (Metric) | 1 set | Shed | 6mm to 24mm |
| Adjustable Wrenches | 4 | Garage/Shed | Various sizes |

### Measuring Tools
| Tool | Quantity | Location | Notes |
|------|----------|----------|-------|
| Digital Calipers | 3 | Garage | 0-6" range |
| Dial Calipers | 2 | Garage | 0-6" range |
| Micrometer (Outside) | 2 | Garage | 0-1" range |
| Micrometer (Inside) | 1 | Garage | 0-1" range |
| Micrometer (Depth) | 1 | Garage | 0-1" range |
| Tape Measures | 8 | Garage/Shed | 12', 25', 50' |
| Combination Squares | 6 | Garage/Shed | Various sizes |
| Steel Rules | 10 | Garage/Shed | 6", 12", 24" |

### Clamping & Holding
| Tool | Quantity | Location | Notes |
|------|----------|----------|-------|
| C-Clamps (2") | 6 | Shed | Light duty |
| C-Clamps (4") | 4 | Shed | Medium duty |
| C-Clamps (6") | 4 | Garage | Heavy duty |
| C-Clamps (8") | 2 | Garage | Heavy duty |
| Bar Clamps | 8 | Garage/Shed | Various sizes |
| Spring Clamps | 12 | Shed | Quick clamping |
| Bench Vises | 3 | Garage | 4", 5", 6" |
| Drill Press Vises | 2 | Garage | Small and medium |

## Missing or Needs Attention

### Tools Currently Out for Repair
* None at this time

### Tools Need Sharpening
* (Report dull tools to staff)
* (Sharpening service available on request)

### Tools to Replace
* (Check with staff before replacing)
* (Submit request through contact form)

## Suggestions & Feedback

Have suggestions for new tools or improvements to the current collection?

=> [Contact Us](/contact) with your suggestions

## Related Equipment

=> [CNC Equipment](/equipment/cnc) - Precision machining
=> [Welding Equipment](/equipment/welding) - Welding and cutting
=> [Measuring Tools](/equipment/measuring) - Precision measuring equipment

## Area Information

=> [Back to Dirty Fabrication](/areas/dirty-fabrication)
=> [View All Areas](/areas)
=> [View All Equipment](/equipment)
=> [Return to Home](/)

---

## Tool Tags & Identification

Tools are tagged with:
* **Location Color:** Blue = Garage, Red = Shed
* **Type Icon:** Cutting, Wrenching, Measuring, etc.
* **ID Number:** Unique identifier for tracking

**When borrowing tools:**
1. Note the tool's ID number
2. Use tool log to check out
3. Return to proper location
4. Check back in with staff
