Hello English learners! Do you enjoy DIY (Do It Yourself) projects, or perhaps work in a field that involves construction, repair, or crafting? Understanding the names and functions of common hand and power tools is incredibly useful! This article is designed for B1-B2 English speakers to help you learn and confidently use terminology related to tools.
Knowing these terms will not only help you talk about practical tasks but also understand instructions, safety warnings, and product descriptions in English. Let’s get started and build our vocabulary!
1. Basic Hand Tools
Hand tools are operated manually, without electricity. They are fundamental for many tasks.
Hammer: A tool with a heavy metal head mounted at right angles to a handle, used for striking nails, shaping metal, or breaking things.
Example: “I used a hammer to drive the nail into the wall.”
Screwdriver: A tool with a shaped tip that fits into the head of a screw to turn it. Common types include Phillips (cross-shaped tip) and Flathead (single slot tip).
Example: “You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver to tighten these screws.”
Wrench (or Spanner in British English): A tool used for gripping and turning nuts and bolts.
Example: “Grab the adjustable wrench to loosen that bolt.”
Pliers: A gripping tool with two handles and two jaws, used for holding small objects or bending wires.
Example: “Use the pliers to cut the wire.”
Tape Measure: A flexible ruler, often coiled into a case, used for measuring distances.
Example: “Can you hand me the tape measure so I can check the length?”
Level: A tool used to determine if a surface is perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). It usually has a bubble in a liquid-filled tube.
Example: “Make sure the picture frame is perfectly level before you hang it.”
Saw: A tool with a toothed blade, used for cutting wood or other materials.
Example: “We need a saw to cut this piece of wood shorter.”
Utility Knife (or Box Cutter): A knife with a retractable blade, used for cutting cardboard, tape, etc.
Example: “Use a utility knife to open the box carefully.”
Claw Hammer: A specific type of hammer with a V-shaped claw on the back of the head for pulling out nails.
Example: “I can’t get this nail out; I need a claw hammer.”
Allen Wrench (or Hex Key): A small L-shaped tool used to turn screws and bolts with a hexagonal socket.
Example: “You usually get an Allen wrench with flat-pack furniture.”
2. Power Tools
Power tools use electricity, batteries, or compressed air to perform tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Drill: A power tool used for making holes in various materials. Can be corded or cordless (battery-powered).
Example: “He used an electric drill to make holes for the new shelves.”
Power Saw: A saw powered by electricity or a motor. Common types include Circular Saw, Jigsaw, and Miter Saw.
Example: “A circular saw is great for cutting long, straight lines in wood.”
Sander: A power tool used for smoothing surfaces, typically wood, by rubbing with sandpaper.
Example: “After cutting, use an orbital sander to make the edges smooth.”
Grinder: A power tool used for grinding, cutting, or polishing metal or other hard materials.
Example: “He used an angle grinder to cut through the metal pipe.”
Impact Driver: A powerful tool similar to a drill, designed specifically for driving screws and tightening fasteners with high torque.
Example: “An impact driver makes quick work of long screws in hard wood.”
Nail Gun: A power tool used to drive nails into wood or other materials very quickly.
Example: “The construction workers use a nail gun to speed up framing.”
Heat Gun: A tool that emits a stream of hot air, used for stripping paint, thawing pipes, or shrinking materials.
Example: “I need a heat gun to remove this old paint.”
Router: A power tool used for hollowing out an area in a piece of wood or plastic, or for cutting decorative edges.
Example: “He used a router to create a decorative edge on the tabletop.”
3. Tool Components and Actions
Understanding the parts of tools and the verbs associated with their use.
Blade: The flat cutting part of a tool or weapon (e.g., saw blade, knife blade).
Example: “The saw’s blade is very sharp.”
Handle: The part of an object designed to be held by the hand.
Example: “Make sure you have a good grip on the hammer’s handle.”
Cord: The electric cable that connects a tool to a power outlet.
Example: “Be careful not to trip over the cord of the drill.”
Battery: A device that stores electrical energy and provides power to cordless tools.
Example: “My cordless drill needs a new battery.”
Chuck: The part of a drill that holds the drill bit.
Example: “You need to tighten the chuck to make sure the drill bit doesn’t slip.”
Drill Bit: A cutting tool used to remove material to create holes, almost always of circular cross-section.
Example: “Choose the right drill bit for the size of hole you need.”
Bit (for screwdrivers/impact drivers): A removable tip for a screwdriver or power drill, designed to fit different screw heads.
Example: “I need a bigger bit for these larger screws.”
To Tighten: To make something firmer, more secure, or less easy to move (e.g., a screw, a bolt).
Example: “Please tighten all the screws on the chair.”
To Loosen: To make something less tight or less firm.
Example: “You’ll need a wrench to loosen that nut.”
To Drive (a nail/screw): To force a nail or screw into something.
Example: “Use the hammer to drive the nail straight.”
To Cut: To divide or separate something into pieces with a sharp instrument.
Example: “We need to cut the wood to the correct size.”
To Measure: To determine the size, amount, or degree of an object or distance.
Example: “Always measure twice, cut once.”
To Grind: To reduce (something) to small particles or powder by crushing it, or to wear something down by friction.
Example: “He used the tool to grind down the rough edges of the metal.”
To Sand: To smooth a surface with sandpaper or a sander.
Example: “Before painting, you should sand the surface thoroughly.”
4. Safety and General Terms
Important terms related to using tools safely and general workshop vocabulary.
Safety Glasses (or Goggles): Protective eyewear designed to prevent eye injuries from flying debris.
Example: “Always wear safety glasses when using power tools.”
Gloves: Protective coverings for the hands.
Example: “Wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands from splinters.”
Dust Mask: A mask worn over the nose and mouth to prevent inhalation of dust.
Example: “When sanding, it’s important to wear a dust mask.”
Workshop / Garage: A room or building in which goods are manufactured or repaired, or where DIY projects are done.
Example: “He spends most weekends working in his workshop.”
Toolbox: A box or case in which tools are kept.
Example: “All the screwdrivers are in the toolbox.”
Workpiece: The object or material being worked on.
Example: “Secure the workpiece firmly before you start cutting.”
DIY (Do It Yourself): The activity of decorating, building, and making repairs in one’s home personally rather than hiring professionals.
Example: “I enjoy DIY projects around the house on weekends.”