8 tool belt must-haves

Screwdrivers

There are many different types of screwdriver, the most common being the straight ‘slotted’ tip screwdriver and the ‘cross head’ Phillips screwdrivers. Other types of ‘cross head’ screwdrivers are the PosiDriv and SupaDriv which are designed to be more tolerant of size mismatch in screw heads. It is important to match the right screws and screwdriver both in size and head type.

When using a screwdriver insert the tip into the head of the screw and push firmly whilst turning clockwise (to do the screw up) or anti-clockwise (to undo the screw).  Don’t use a screwdriver as a crowbar, chisel or hole punch. This can damage a screwdriver and cause injury to the user.

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Tape measure

 Tape measures come in different sizes which are typically 3, 5, and 10 metres in length. Most tape measures have a body made of plastic or metal and a metal ribbon as a ruler. The measurements are usually marked in metres, inches, centimetres and millimetres. The end of the ribbon has a metal hook to aid single handed use and the body normally has a belt clip. A tape measure is spring loaded to retract the ribbon after use and has a stop button that can be engaged to stop the ribbon retracting.

When using a tape measure, never let the tape ‘slam’ back in when retracting. Always slow it down first. Try not to bend the tape back on itself. This can damage the tape and cause tears in the ribbon which can seriously cut you. Use a ladder when measuring in high places as 1/8 of an inch can be the difference between good quality and bad. Never pull the tape out as far as it will go as this can damage the spring mechanism. 

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Handsaw

There are many different types of handsaw but the most common is the crosscut handsaw. This is designed to cut across the grain of wood. The cutting edge of each tooth is angled back and has a bevelled edge. This design allows each tooth to act like a knife edge and slice through the wood (in contrast to a rip saw, which tears along the grain, acting like a miniature chisel).

Before use make sure the teeth on the saw are sharp. Line up you wrist, shoulder and elbow with the saw blade and point your index finger forwards. This will help keep you cutting straight. Don’t push down too hard. Use slight pressure on the forward strokes and none on the back strokes - let the saw do the work. Always cut on the outside of your line as you will lose about one eighth of an inch of wood when cutting.

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Spirit level

A spirit level is designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). Spirit levels are usually made from aluminium and contain glass vials containing a spirit or alcohol, leaving a bubble in the vial. Alcohol is used instead of water as it has a lower viscosity which allows the bubble to move more freely and won’t freeze as water will. This liquid is usually coloured green or yellow to make the bubble more visible. There are vials at either end of the level (for vertical levelling), and one in the centre (for horizontal levelling) and these have two markings to indicate the centre of the vial.

To use a spirit level, hold the level on the surface to be levelled and look to see where the bubble falls. The bubble should fall in-between the two marks on the vial. Avoid buying a cheap level. A good quality level will last for years.

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Utility knife

Utility knives (commonly referred to as Stanley knives after a popular make) come in various designs. There are retractable and fixed bladed versions. The blades are usually double ended and can be quickly replaced or turned around. Blades can normally be stored in the handle. There are many different variations of blade types on the market such as curved blades for cutting carpet or fabrics and even serrated blades for sawing wood. Utility knives are designed so that the blade can quickly be changed by either a small screw or clip that opens up the handle.

Always cut away from the body and avoid cutting towards the fingers. When not in use, the blade should be fully retracted, or the knife should be put in its holster.

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Adjustable Spanner

Adjustable spanners, as the name suggests, can be adjusted to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts. There are many forms of adjustable spanners, from the taper locking spanners which needed a hammer to set the movable jaw to the size of the nut, to the modern screw adjusted spanner. Simpler models use a serrated edge to lock the movable jaw to size, while more sophisticated versions are digital types that use sheets or feelers to set the size.

When using adjustable spanners, the moveable jaw should be snugly fitted around the nut to prevent rounding of the nut. Make sure that the ‘fixed’ jaw takes most of the strain as the moveable part of the jaw can be damaged through too much force.

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Pliers

Pliers come in various shapes and sizes and have many uses including gripping, stripping cables, cutting wire and turning nuts and bolts. The most common type is the combination plier. This type of plier can be used for both gripping items and cutting wire. Always do your research and use the correct type of plier for the job.

Always use your pliers for the job they were designed for. Using them as a hammer can damage the pliers and cause injury to the user. Keep the hinge oiled and dirt free, clean the jaws and check that the teeth and wire cutting blade are sharp. If cutting through wire, always cut at right angles and never rock the cutting tool from side to side or bend wire back and forth against the cutting edges.

For DIY product comparisons and more advice and tutorials from Tommy Walsh, visit Tradessupermarket.com

• How to lay a patio
• How to hang a framed picture
• How to change a three pin plug