Locksmith tools: requirements, types and tips for choosing

Locksmith tools are a complex set of devices, the task of which is to facilitate metalworking and some other repair processes. The range of application of these devices is very wide, and therefore their variety is great. It is enough to give examples of metal operations that cannot be performed without the appropriate tools to understand the importance and specifics of its application: drilling, bending, threading, sawing, cutting.

Each locksmith tool, depending on the area of ​​its application, has its own characteristic features.

First of all, it is the material from which it is made. Since the field of application, for example, of a cutting tool is metal, the hardness of the alloys from which it is made must also be corresponding. High requirements for strength and assembly tools. Made of special steel and sometimes with special hardening conditions, the tools are widely used for a wide variety of jobs.

The use of the tool also dictates the requirements for its condition. Separately, one should dwell on the one that is designed to work with objects under electrical voltage. For example, the installation of electrical wiring. Here already only ergonomics is indispensable.

Special tools with insulating handles should not be used for this or similar work. Unlike other mounting hardware, it has less strong joints and can be severely damaged if not used for its intended purpose. Especially during such work, insulating handles that are not designed for significant loads suffer. In turn, you should not use a reinforced tool that does not have electrical insulation for electrical work - the consequences can be dire.

The most important requirement when working with locksmith tools are safety measures. GOST clearly regulates its application.

The classification of the entire variety of locksmith tools is based on the variety of its applications. Even if we give a simple list in alphabetical order, it will take a significant amount, therefore, we will nevertheless give the generally accepted classification of a professional instrument.

These are all sorts of bench hammers and sledgehammers, including blacksmiths. They are used for cutting and bending metal, punching holes in it.

The percussion group includes the center punch necessary for marking. Cutting metal is impossible without a chisel - this is also a percussion locksmith tool. A special chisel for making depressions in metal is a cross cutter, in fact, like a conventional one, but with a narrow cutting surface that allows you to punch a groove or depression. It cannot be applied without a hammer, as in the case of a chisel. Thus, the hammer is another standard tool in the set.

A separate group is formed by clamping or hinged-pliers locksmith tools: pliers, pliers, tongs, pliers. The stationary vise is also a clamping tool. It is impossible to hold a metal workpiece with your hand while processing it, and sometimes it is dangerous. It was for such an operation that the tools of this group were invented.

For centuries, metal parts have been connected by means of threaded connections. Special tools have also been developed for threading. The external thread is cut with a die, clamped into a die holder, connected to a knob, by turning which the thread is cut.

The female tap is also held in place with a special tool. Both tools have grooves for collecting chips. They are made of high quality tool steel.

Mechanical processing of metal is carried out using files, and minor revision or processing of small parts using file files. With the help of these devices, you can also cut metal.

A hacksaw is used to cut metal parts. This tool can be used to saw a metal sheet, bar, pipe, corner. A sheet of metal can be cut using special scissors, manual or stationary, one of the cutting surfaces of which is fixed immovably. The scraper allows you to remove a thin layer from the surface of products, this operation is necessary to create high-quality joints of metal parts.

Holes in metal are made by drilling. To do this, use:

• different diameter drills made of alloy steel;

• for better processing of holes, reamers are used;

• to make a bolted or riveted connection, chamfers are selected - this allows the head of the bolt or rivets to be recessed flush;

• countersinks are also used to carry out this operation;

• if it is necessary to improve the quality of the finished hole, for example, adjust it to a slightly larger diameter or align a hole drilled at a certain angle, a countersink is used.

A special group is formed by the tools necessary for assembly, the so-called fitting and assembly or fitting and assembly tools. For threaded connections (bolt - nut), wrenches are used. Open-end wrenches are widespread; ring wrenches, socket wrenches, adjustable wrenches (can be adjusted depending on the size of the bolt head or nut), ratchet and articulated wrenches are also used.

The variety of wrenches suggests their use in a variety of environments. In some cases, it is necessary to dose the force when tightening the threaded connection; for this, torque wrenches were invented. For screws or screws (self-tapping screws), screwdrivers have been developed with a straight or Phillips head.

Metal processing is impossible without precision measuring tools. The simplest of these is the ruler. However, its length is always limited, and it is inconvenient to use a ruler that is too long. To avoid such inconveniences, a flexible ruler was invented - a tape measure.

Calipers, depth gauges and height gages have been developed for accurate measurements. No less important are all kinds of patterns, probes, and leveling bars and plates. These tools allow you to determine the microscopic values ​​of various kinds of gaps with their subsequent adjustment. Various levels and protractors are also used to measure adjustments. Indicating devices are required when working with electrical equipment.

The choice of a locksmith tool is determined by its application.First of all, it is necessary to understand the difference between the so-called household and professional tools.

Buying an expensive locksmith tool, if it is supposed to be used for irregular household repair and installation work, may turn out to be unreasonably expensive. Of course, in any home there should be a standard set of elementary tools: a hammer, pliers, an adjustable wrench or even two, a flat and Phillips screwdriver. They can be useful for minor repairs - for example, the adjusting screw of the cabinet door has been unscrewed, the crane box has deteriorated and other household breakdowns.

But for serious professional activity, such tools should by no means be used. For professional tools, special tool steel is being developed, which makes them more expensive, but also increases wear resistance. In addition, the professional tool is distinguished by the high quality of the handles, not only in terms of the material from which they are made, but also in terms of shape. Such an ergonomic tool does not slip out of the hand, the handle does not rotate under any circumstances, it is comfortable and does not rub the hand during prolonged use with considerable effort.

It may fail the first time it is used. However, it is hardly worth buying too expensive. The costs, as they say, will not pay off if the acquisition is idle for months.

Below you can familiarize yourself with the steel brand locksmith tools.