• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DIY Doctor

Main navigation

      • Project Type A - E
      • All Projects
      • Brick, Block, Masonry and Concrete
      • Damp, Condensation, Rot and Woodworm
      • Doors, Windows and Conservatories
      • Electrical
      • Project Type F - G
      • Fencing, Decking, Paving and Patios
      • Floors, Walls, Ceilings and Lofts
      • Garages, Sheds and Outbuildings
      • Gardening and Landscaping
      • General Building, Self Build and Renovation
      • Project Type G - J
      • General Repairs and Cleaning
      • Green Living and Eco DIY
      • Ground, Foundations and Drainage
      • Heating, Central Heating and Boilers
      • Joinery and Carpentry
      • Project Type M - P
      • Materials, Fixings and Fixing
      • Painting, Decorating and Finishing
      • Planning Regs, Project Management and Safety
      • Plastering, Plasterboard and Rendering
      • Plumbing
      • Project Type R - T
      • Roofing and Gutters
      • Tiling and Tiles
      • Tools, Appliances and Access
      • Useful Tips
      • DIY Tips
      • Find a Tradesman
      • Contract Download
      • Working With Tradesmen - Ultimate Guide
      • Home Improver Protection
      • Price Doctor
      • About DIY Doctor
      • What we do
      • Trade Shows and Exhibitions
      • Master Classes
      • Book Store
      • Contact Us
      • Feedback
      • DIY Competitions

Home > Search for DIY Projects by Trade Type > DIY Guides Covering Hand and Power Tools and Appliances > DIY Guides Covering Using a Range of Hand Tools

DIY Guides Covering Using a Range of Hand Tools

This page includes links to all of our Hand Tool How To projects. Browse through the below list and click on your chosen link to view the project information.

  • Acrow props

    Acrow Props - How to use an Acrow prop to support a load bearing wall - Learn how to use an Acrow prop correctly and safely and also timber needles or Strongboy brackets to support a load bearing wall


  • Using a Brick Bolster and How to Cut Bricks or Blocks with a Bolster

    Bolster chisels - how to use - Learn about using a brick bolster to cut bricks and blocks easily and safely. Also about the types of chisels and how to remove old mortar


  • Using Cable Ties

    Cable ties - how to use - In this DIY guide you will learn all about using cable ties or zip ties in a variety of ways for DIY, at work and in the home


  • Using a Chalk Line

    Chalk line - In this DIY guide you will learn how to use a chalk line to mark a straight and level guide line on to a wall, floor or other surface


  • Sharpening Chisels and Plane Blades

    Chisel and plane blade sharpening - How to sharpen chisel and plane blades safely and how to use an oil stone or diamond stone for wood chisels


  • Using a Glue Gun: When and How a Glue Gun should be Used

    Glue gun - how to use - In this DIY guide you will learn how to use a glue gun correctly and what different types of glue guns and glue sticks available


  • Hammers

    Hammers - different types of hammer, what each type is used for and using a hammer safely - Find out about all the different types of hammer and parts of a hammer and also how to use a hammer safely


  • How to Use a Hand File for Smoothing Rough Edges on Metal

    Hand Files - How to use a file for smoothing metal, plastic and timber - Find out how to correctly use a hand file for smoothing out and filing down metal, plastic and timber and making it smooth


  • Using a Heat Gun

    Heat gun - how to use - How to use a Heat Gun for stripping paint off timber and safety factors to consider when using a heat gun.


  • Spirit level

    Levels - Different types of level and when each should be used - The spirit level is a useful tool and is used everywhere so learn how to use one and also about the types of level that are available


  • Using a Plasterboard Lifter to Move and Position any Size of Plasterboard

    Plasterboard lifter - how to use - How to use a plasterboard lifter correctly and safely to position large sheets of plasterboard while they are fixed in place


  • Pop Riveting

    Pop riveting - using a pop rivet gun - Learn how to use a rivet gun and rivets to join together different materials including metal, Perspex, plastic and other similar items


  • Using a Rasp

    Rasp - how to use - In this DIY guide we show you how to use a wood rasp correctly for shaping wood, timber and other materials


  • Different Types of Screwdrivers

    Screwdrivers - Differnt Types of Screwdriver Including Heads and Fixings - Learn about all the types of screwdriver that are available today and what types of screws, fixings and bolts they should be used for


  • Using a Sealant Gun

    Sealant gun - how to use - For this DIY guide we show you how to use a sealant gun or caulk gun to apply silicone sealants, mastic and caulk


  • How to Use a Soldering Iron; What is a Soldering and When You Should Use a Soldering Iron

    Soldering iron - how to use - Learn how to use a soldering iron correctly including the different types of soldering iron, solder tips and preparing for soldering


  • The Different Types of Spanner and Wrench Explained

    Spanners and wrenches - Different types of spanner and wrench, which you should use and how to use them. Benefits of various spanners and wrenches explained


  • DIY water Level

    Water level - how to use - How to make a water level and then use it. Create your own cheap and accurate level with a homemade water level


  • Cleaned and maintained wheelbarrow

    Wheelbarrows - How to correctly clean a wheelbarrow - In this DIY guide you will learn how to correctly clean and maintain a wheelbarrow after use to ensure it stays in top condition


  • Using a Wrecking Bar

    Wrecking bar - how to use - A wrecking bar or pry bar is a tool used in construction for demolition of floors, walls and other objects, learn how to use one correctly


This section is all about hand tools – how to use them, what you use them for and all the different types that there are. Hand tools have been around perhaps even before the first humans first walked the earth and they have evolved into thousands of different types and forms. For example there are over 20 different types of hammer that are commonly used in home improvement projects. The same applies for pliers and grips, and saws and most other hand tool.

With this bewildering array of different hand tool, it is hard to know which tool is for which job. Many are designed for a very specific job, while others are generalists with many roles. The key thing is that if you get the right tool it will be much easier to use and you will be much more effective with it.

We have projects in this section to help you to understand the different types of tools and when they should be use, but we also have projects that focus on helping you to use a tool correctly so that you can make the best possible job with it.

When it comes to cutting and drilling we have put the tools and drill bits in particular into a separate Cutting Drilling and Using Drill Bits section. [LINK to follow] Here you will find a wealth of information about drill bits and drilling, which can either be done using hand or power tools.

We have a section all about Power Tools which explains everything you should know about power tools in a similar way. We explain which tool should be used for which job and how to use them safely.

When doing any home improvement project it is not enough to simply have the right tools. It is important to consider your safety and the necessary personal protection equipment that you need for the project you are doing. Also having the correct work wear can make it much more comfortable. Have a look at our section on Safety and Workwear for more information.

The Misuse of Hand Tools

We all misuse hand tools from time to time. Our Master Joiner, Gervase Evans, winces visibly at the sight of anyone opening a paint pot with a chisel! The fact that he has actually invented a pretty handing little chisel sharpener doesn’t seem to make any difference to him!

G-Sharp Tools chisel sharpener
The G-Sharp Chisel Shapner in action

The reasons not to misuse hand tools (or any tools for that matter) are obvious. To spare your blushes, they are because you could:

  • Damage whatever you are working on
  • Damage the tools itself
  • Damage yourself

All possibly irreparably, but the latter being the most important, of course.

We all know that we shouldn’t do it and why we shouldn’t do it yet, if we are honest, we still do it! Sometimes it”s worth the risk, or doing the project with the right tool in the right way is too much hassle. Here are the most common ‘misuses”, and a couple of gentle reminders about what could go wrong.

The 5 Most Commonly Misuse of Hand Tools

In order of most misused, here are the tools that we, as DIY-ers, abuse more:

Hammers

This is not because the hammer itself is misused, but when using a hammer there is a chance that debris might fly off. There is virtually no situation when a hammer should be used without some form of eye protection.

How many times do you use goggles or safety glasses? Often people actually remove their glasses to see better when striking a hammer!

There’s obviously the damage caused by miss hits and hitting things that shouldnt be hit. Also ensure that the hammer head is firmly secure to the shaft – it can really hurt if it slides down on to your hands.

Selection of different hammers
There is a huge variety of hammers types to misuse!

Screw Drivers

They are just so versatile. You can use a screw driver for almost anything; a wedge, a punch, a leaver or bar, or even turn it around and use it as a hammer!

The issue is that it dulls the blade or can even bend the shaft. That said everyone needs a blunt, old screwdriver to open those pots of paint.

Knives

The misuse of knives comes in many guises and they are the single largest cause of injury while doing DIY. This is mainly a result of not cutting away from the user, or not holding whatever is being cut firmly. This results in a slip and often a nasty cut.

Knives are often misused for jobs that they are not intended; tightening or loosening screws – the fiddly small one in particular, or for scraping or using them to pry things apart. This will blunt the knife or it could slip and cut something or someone.

Cutting insulation with utility knife
Using a knife safely, with gloves a safe distance from the body and on a cutting board (image: Today’s Homeowner)

Chisels

Other than using them to open pots of paint and varnish which will ruin the cutting edge, one of the greatest misuses of chisels is using the wrong chisel for the job. Trying to use one that it either too large or small is common, rather than going and getting the right one, so that only a corner of the blade is used for instance.

Try and resist the urge to use your chisel as a stripping knife or scraper, as this is all it will be good for before too long.

Axes

There are two areas of misuse; firstly people use axes to cut wood that is teetering on the verge of falling over while it is would be safer to take the time to securely place it so that it will not ricochet off when struck with the axe. Secondly, using a blunt act increase the chances of the blade glancing off the wood even more; the axe head or wood being cut could fly off and cause damage or injury.

Chopping wood with an axe
Watch out for what the split wood or a glancing axe head could hit!

Top Tips for Using Hand Tools

There are a number of tips you might not already know about using hand tools safely:

  • Know what you are doing and how to use the tool for the job – see the projects above, or get in touch if there is something you need to know
  • Keep your tools serviceable; regularly inspect them, keep them sharp and well maintained
  • Ensure that storing and carrying your tools will not damage them – get a suitable tool bag
  • Wear the right protective clothing or personal protective equipment
  • Keep tidy; avoid mess and clutter
  • Only use insulated tools when working with electricity
  • Make sure you are in a stable and solid position before starting to use any tool, particularly one that cuts. Try to cut away from you
Give us Some Feedback!
Was this page useful:
We read and respond to all feedback by email. To allow us to do so you will be added to our email list, however you can unsubscribe at any time using the links at the bottom of any of our emails. Find out more in our privacy policy. Any DIY questions should be posted to our Forum
Sign me up to the DIY Doctor Newsletter:

Primary Sidebar

Master Basic DIY - By DIY Doctor

Our Book - Master Basic DIY

Grab your copy now for all the DIY help you need right at your finger tips!

Buy it Here!

Signup for our Newsletter

Keep up to date with our DIY projects, tips and latest deals

Sign Me Up!

Our Sponsors

Find out about advertising on DIY Doctor

Advertisments

Footer

DIY Doctor company logo

Here at DIY Doctor, we offer completely free DIY and construction help and advice to any and all, from professional tradesmen, exactly as they would do it.

We have hundreds of DIY project tutorials covering all aspects of building and DIY that provide step by step instructions on how to complete your given task.

If you need a little help then we also have an active question and answer forum and a find a trademan service and much more.

Site Menu

  • DIY Doctor Ltd,
    The Workshop,
    Newbury Works, Somerset,
    BA3 5RX

  • 0845 6342 179

  • Contact Us

  • Company Number: 05863375
  • VAT Number: 811134774

Other Stuff

  • About DIY Doctor
  • Contact DIY Doctor
  • Media and Press
  • DIY Projects
  • UK DIY Forum
  • DIY Doctor Suppliers
  • DIY Webinars

DIY Doctor Social Channels

  • Advertise
  • Competitions
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Information
  • NHIC
  • Sitemap

DIY Doctor are members of:

© DIY Doctor Ltd 2025 All Rights Reserved