Home Improvement Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [tools]

Tool (n) - 1. A mechanical device intended to make a task easier, 2. equipment used in a profession, e.g., tools of the trade, 3. Something to perform an operation; an instrument; a means

There are several large branches of tools that a DIY-er might be concerned with, but they can be easily split into two categories: Power tools and Hand Tools.

Power tools use electricity, gasoline or some other form of chemical energy, or compressed air to perform a task. They are usually but not always man-portable. They may also use some form of mechanical energy provided by human muscles to complete a task. Examples would include a power drill, a nail gun, an orbital sander, or a gas-powered auger.

Hand tools are man-portable tools that are operated using solely physics and mechanical force provided by human muscles. Examples might include a hammer, saw, or screwdriver.

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What are the tools that every Do-it-Yourselfer must own?

What are the tools that every DIY'er should have? This is a community wiki as there is no one right answer. Instructions: One item per answer (so they can be voted on - answers with multiple items will be voted down) Clear formatting like…
Mike Sherov
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What is the purpose of this Y shaped bit?

I have bought a bits set and there is this bit: It is a Y shaped bit, and there is a groove on the inside of the branches. The angle is approximatively 90˚ (a little more).
alecail
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Can you identify this tool that looks like a pyramidal rake with an integrated sliding plate to compress the tines?

Found when cleaning out the garage. It slides to open up as shown in the photos.
Jason
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What is this tool called and what is it used for?

Can anyone tell me what these are used for? I have a full set that was handed down. There is NO edge on these at all for cutting and they are too light of a gauge to be snips.
Mark
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Can you identify this tool?

Does anyone know what these metal tools in the bottom left of the photo are? I found them in my crawlspace and to me they look like some sort of medieval torture device.
dvanderb
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What is this tool that looks like a prybar with tapered tines?

I found this tool in the middle of the road. Appears to be a pry bar of some sort, approximately 16" long. Can anyone identify it and its use?
Carl
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What tool is a solid metal cube with dimples or half spheres on every side?

My neighbor found this metal tool in a box from his father’s workshop. It's a cube with all sorts and sizes of circles and half spheres on every edge. What is it?
Zev Eisenberg
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Putting together a tool set for children 8-11

One of the many hats I wear is the hat of Bagheera, assistant cub scout leader. I'd like to introduce a project where we build a wooden tool box. But I'd also like to provide the cub scouts with a minimal set of tools they can take home. What…
Chris Cudmore
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What hand tool has a long spiral shank with cutting teeth?

I came across the tool pictured in my collection and cannot imagine its purpose. It's a long metal pick, with sharp studs running down it in a spiral. It ends in a tip that seems to be meant to make holes. It's very sturdy.
Jeremy
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What is the difference between a framing hammer and a claw hammer?

What is the difference between a framing hammer and a claw hammer? Can they be used interchangeably?
Ed.T
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What is this odd looking tool?

Neither myself nor a large group of people on a community chat can figure out what this tool is called or used for. It’s triangular with a thick solid 3 legged base, multiple flat wired blades (possibly blades), has a handle, and the rear legs are…
JamG4
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How can I tighten a bolt in a circular hole?

I've assembled a set of swings, and am trying to tighten the nuts at the top. The trouble is that they are embedded deep inside a circular hole and I can't get to them with a regular spanner. What kind of tool should I be using? I had a good look in…
Urbycoz
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Do I need a cordless screwdriver if I own a cordless drill?

I currently own a cheapo corded drill and one of DeWalt's lower-end cordless screwdrivers. I want to buy a cordless drill because I am done with extension cords. Most (good) cordless drills seem to be able to function as a screwdriver. If I did buy…
myron-semack
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Socket wrench: Is there an advantage of a 3/8" drive over a 1/4" drive?

I notice that socket wrenches come in a variety of sizes. For homeowners and DIYers, it's common to see socket wrenches which come in two sizes: a 3/8" drive, 1/4" drive and sometimes 1/2". The 3/8" drive is often 30% more expensive or more. Is…
Stefan Lasiewski
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Help identifying a tool?

Anyone know what this is? We have two of them. The long notched piece moves up and down. Thanks!
Caroline Mitchum Knight
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