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A basic knowledge of hand tools, electrical tools, and test meters is necessary to effectively complete most installations and repairs. This section will cover the basics of each tool. A working knowledge of these tools is a must for the installation and repair of appliances. Always follow safety precautions and manufacturer’s recommendations when handling tools. Before starting on any type of repairs, take the time to put together a toolkit with a selection of good quality hand tools. A partial list of common hand tools includes: Screwdrivers a complete set of flat-blades ranging from 1/8” to 5/16”.Handle sizes may vary with the blade dimension. Phillips-tip sizes also vary; the two most common are #1 and #2. Nut drivers a complete set is recommended. The common sizes are: 3/16”, ¼” to 5/16”/ 11/32”, 3/8, and ½”. Wrenches • Socket wrenches, either 6-point or 12-point ranging in sizes from 7 to 1 inch. • Box wrenches; common sizes range from 1/4 to 1½-inch. • Open-end wrenches; common sizes range from 1/4 to 1 5/8”. • Adjustable wrenches. The handle size indicates the general capacity. For example, a 4-inch size will take up to a 1 7/8-inch nut. A 16-inch handle will take up to a 1 7/8” nut. • Allen wrenches, have sizes ranging from 1/16 to about ½-inch. Claw hammer; Adjustable pliers; Flashlight; Drop-cloth SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Safety starts with accident prevention. Listed in this section are some tips to help the technician when using hand and power tools. Warning: Any person who cannot use basic tools should not attempt to in stall, maintain, or repair any major appliance. Any improper installation, preventative maintenance, or repairs creates a risk of personal injury and property damage. Individual safety precautions Injuries abound when using tools. To be protected from injuries when using hand tools and power tools, do the following: • Wear gloves. • Avoid wearing loose clothing when working with power tools. • Wear safety glasses to protect the eyes from flying debris. • Use tools according to manufacturers specifications, and never alter their use. Safety precautions when handling tools Regardless of which tool is being used, these same rules of care and safety apply: • Keep tools clean and in good working order. • Use the tool only for jobs for which it was designed. • When using power tools, be certain that the power cord is kept away from the working end of the tool. • If the tool has a shield or guard, be sure it is working properly, and remember to use it. • If an extension cord is used, be sure it is in good working order. Do not use it, if there are bare wires showing. Also, use a heavy-gauge wire extension cord to ensure adequate voltage for the tool being used. • Be sure that the extension cord is properly grounded. • Grip the tool firmly. • Never use worn-out tools. A worn-out tool has more potential for causing injuries. For example, with a worn-out screwdriver, there is a greater possibility for slips, which would make medical attention necessary. • If there is a problem with a power tool, never stick your fingers in the tool. Unplug it first, and then correct the tool’s problem. SCREWDRIVERS A screwdriver is a hand tool used to attach, or remove, screws. The two most common types are the flat-blade and Phillips. The flat-blade screwdriver is used on screws that have a slot in the screw head (Fig. __1). The flat-blade screwdriver is available in many sizes and shapes. Always use the largest blade size that fits snugly into the slot on the screw head, so that it will not slip off the screw. The screwdriver should never be used as a pry bar, or a chisel: it was not designed for that purpose. A Phillips screwdriver is a hand tool that is used to attach, or remove, screws that have two slots crossing at right angles in the center of the screw head (Fig. __2). When using a Phillips screwdriver, exert more pressure downward in order to keep the tool in the slots. Always use the largest Phillips size that fits snugly into the slots, just as with the flat-blade. __1. Flat blade screwdrivers. __2. Phillips screwdrivers. Never use worn screwdrivers when working on appliances; because a worn screwdriver may damage the head of the screw. It can also damage the product on which you are working. NUT DRIVERS Many manufacturers use metal screws with a hexagonal head. A nut driver is a hand tool similar to a screwdriver, except that the working end of the driver is hexagonal- shaped, and fits over a hexagonal nut or a hexagonal bolt head. Each size nut re quires a different sized driver (Fig. __3). WRENCHES Wrenches are the most frequently used tool. There are many types and sizes of wrenches. Their purpose is to turn nuts and bolts (Fig. __4). Wrenches are generally available in five different types: socket wrenches, box wrenches, open-end wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and Allen, or hex, wrenches. __3. Hex-nut drivers. __4. Wrenches are used to remove and to fasten nuts and bolts. They are available in socket wrench, box, open-end, adjustable, and Allen types. Socket wrenches are used to slip over bolt heads, as opposed to other wrenches listed that are used at right angles to the nut or bolt. This arrangement allows more leverage to be applied to loosen, or tighten, the nut or bolt (Fig. __5). Always choose the correct wrench for the job, using box wrenches for heavy-duty jobs. Open- ended wrenches are useful for medium-duty work. Adjustable wrenches help light- duty jobs, and also odd sized nuts and bolts. Box wrenches are useful in certain close-quarter situations. Open-end wrenches are needed where it is impossible to fit a socket, or a box wrench, on a nut, bolt, or fitting from the top. The adjustable wrench is useful where a regular open-end wrench could be used. It is adjustable to fit any size object within its maximum opening. __5. A. Socket wrench. B. Adjustable wrench. C. Open-end wrench. Allen wrenches are used for adjusting and removing fan blades, or other components that are held in place by Allen set screws. The Allen wrench has a 6-pointed flat face on either end. HAMMERS A hammer is a hitting tool. There are many sizes and styles of hammers made (Fig. __6). The most common type used in appliance repairs is the claw hammer. The claw hammer can also be used for prying objects. __6. The most commonly used hammer is the claw hammer: Rubber mallet; Claw hammer; Ball-peen hammer PRYING TOOLS Prying tools are available in many sizes and shapes. The most common are the crowbar, ripping bar, and the claw hammer. The claw hammer is basically used for light duty work: removing nails and prying small objects. The ripping bar is used for medium-grade work, and the crowbar for the heavier work. PLIERS Pliers are one of the most frequently used tools. A plier is a tool for holding or cutting, depending on the type. Generally, they are not made to tighten, or unscrew, heavy nuts, and bolts. They are available in many sizes and shapes (Fig. __7). Choose a pliers to fill a particular need, being careful that it is the proper pliers for the job. These are some of the most common types of pliers: • Slip-joint • Slip-joint adjustable • Vise grip • Needle nose • Diagonal cutting Slip-joint pliers are pliers for everyday tasks (Fig. __7A). The jaws can be adjusted into two different positions. Do not use them on nuts, bolts, or fittings. They can easily slip and injure both the technician and the device. Slip-joint adjustable pliers are also used for general jobs (Fig. __71). They would be preferred over slip-joint pliers when working on a larger object. The jaws of slip- joint adjustable pliers can be moved into many different positions. (a) Heavy duty slip-joint pliers (b) Long needle nose pliers (c) Heavy duty diagonal cutter (d) Diagonal cutter (e) Heavy duty lineman’s side cutter (f) Long nose pliers (g) Long reach needle nose pliers (h) Hose clamp pliers (i) Slip-joint adjustable pliers (j) Vise grip pliers __7. Pliers are available in many sizes and shapes. The vise grit pliers are actually four tools in one (Fig. __7J): a clamp, a pipe wrench, a hand vise, and pliers. The lever holds the jaws in one position, allowing the vise to hold up to one ton of pressure. The needle nose pliers are mostly used with electronic, telephone, and electrical work (Figs. __7B, F, and G). Other uses would be use in confined areas, to form wire-loops, and to grip tiny pieces firmly. This is because of the long nose. They are also available with side cutters. Diagonal cutting pliers are used in electrical and electronic work (Fig. __7C, D, E). They are used for cutting wire and rope. CUTTING TOOLS There are many different types of tools used for cutting. The object is to know which tool to use in each situation. Chisels are used for cutting metal and wood. They are made of high carbon steel, to make them hard enough to carve through metal (Fig. __8). These should be used when removing rusted bolts and nuts. Pin punches; Solid punches Center punches; Cold chisels Star drills; Wood chisel __8. Chisels are available in many different sizes and shapes, such as wood chisels, metal chisels, and concrete chisels. Hacksaws are used for cutting metal (Fig. __9). The hacksaw consists of a handle, frame, and a blade. The frame is adjustable, so it can accept any length of blade. The blades are available with different numbers of teeth per inch. A file is a cutting tool. It is used to remove excess material from objects. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes (Fig. __10). Drill bits are also cutting tools. They are designed for cutting holes in metal, wood, and concrete (Fig. __1 1). __9 .Saws are used to cut metal, wood, etc. Hacksaw POWER TOOLS Power tools do the same job as hand tools. However, they do the job faster (Fig. __12). The most common power sources can be either electric or battery power. When using power tools, there are some safety precautions that must be followed to prevent accidental injury. Always read the use and care manual that comes with each power tool. Tang; Double-cut; Cross section; Round __10. Files are used to smooth the rough edges off metals, wood, etc. Wood bit Twist drill Masonary drill with carbide tip __11. The general-purpose twist drill set will handle most of the technician’s needs. The wood bit and masonry drill are used in installation work. Single-cut; Coarse; Bastard; Second-cut; Smooth; Half round; Bastard SPECIALTY TOOLS These tools are specifically designed for a particular use, and are used for in-depth servicing of the appliance. For example, these type of tools are used for the installation and removal of special screws and nuts; they are required to remove the bearings in washing machines; and, also for adjusting switch contacts. Figure __13 illustrates some of the many types of specialty tools. Other specialty tools, and their uses, will be mentioned in the later sections of this book. __12. Power tools can have either a line- or battery-operated power supply. Electric drill; Battery drill __13. In addition to the basic hand tools, a number of special-purpose tools used in appliance servicing are illustrated. “Pinch-off’ pliers; External snap ring pliers; Hose damp pliers; Internal snap ring pliers; Spanner wrench; Wire stripper TEST METERS Test instruments are very important tools, and they are used in assisting a diagnosis of the various problems that arise with appliances (Fig. __14). Listed below are some varieties of test meters: • The volt-ohm-milliammeter is a test instrument used for testing the resistance, current, and voltage of the appliance. It is also the most important test meter to have in the tool box. • An ammeter is a test instrument connected into a circuit to measure the current of the circuit, without interrupting the electrical current. • A wattmeter is a test instrument used to check the total wattage drawn by an appliance. • A temperature tester is a test instrument used to measure the operating temperatures of the appliance. __14 Test meters are available with analog or digital readouts. Thermometers display the temperature. Clamp-on ammeter; Volt-ohm milliammeter; Thermometer; Test leads
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