🧰 Description of Files, Hammers, Chisels, Hacksaw Frames & Blades
Electricians often need to do mechanical work like cutting, shaping, or assembling parts. For that, they use basic fitting tools like files, hammers, chisels, and hacksaws.
Let’s understand their types, specifications, and grades.
🗂️ 1. Files
📄 Description:
Files are cutting tools used to smooth, shape, or remove metal. They have rows of teeth and are used by hand.
🧰 Common Types:
🔹 Flat file – For flat surfaces
🔹 Half-round file – For curved + flat areas
🔹 Round file – For circular holes
🔹 Triangular file – For corners and sharp angles
🔹 Square file – For slots and keyways
📏 Specification:
Length: 150 mm to 300 mm (6 to 12 inch)
Material: High carbon steel
Handle: Wooden or plastic, fitted tightly
🎚️ Grades:
Grade | Teeth per cm | Use |
---|---|---|
Rough | Few teeth | Fast cutting, rough finish |
Bastard | Medium | Normal filing |
Second cut | More teeth | Medium finish |
Smooth | Many teeth | Final finish work |
Dead smooth | Very fine | Precision work |
🔨 2. Hammers
📄 Description:
Hammers are used to apply force (hit) on nails, tools, or metal pieces.
🧰 Common Types:
🔹 Ball peen hammer – Most used in fitting
🔹 Cross peen hammer – For tight corners
🔹 Claw hammer – For pulling nails (mostly in carpentry)
📏 Specification:
Head weight: 200g, 300g, 500g
Handle: Wooden or fiber-reinforced
Material: Drop-forged carbon steel head
⛏️ 3. Chisels
📄 Description:
Chisels are cutting tools used to remove metal by striking with a hammer.
🧰 Common Types:
🔹 Cold chisel (Flat) – For general purpose
🔹 Cross-cut chisel – For grooves
🔹 Round nose chisel – For round grooves
🔹 Diamond point chisel – For sharp corners
📏 Specification:
Length: 100 mm to 250 mm
Cutting angle: 60° (standard)
Material: High carbon steel, hardened tip
🪚 4. Hacksaw Frames
📄 Description:
Used to cut metal rods, pipes, or flats using a thin blade. The blade is fitted in a frame.
🧰 Types:
🔹 Fixed frame – Blade size cannot be changed
🔹 Adjustable frame – Can hold blades of different lengths
📏 Specification:
Blade size: 150 mm to 300 mm
Handle: Plastic or rubber grip
Frame: Mild steel or aluminum
🪒 5. Hacksaw Blades
📄 Description:
Hacksaw blades are thin, toothed blades that cut metal when moved back and forth.
🧰 Types:
🔹 All-hard blade – Fully hardened; used for heavy cutting
🔹 Flexible blade – Soft back, hard teeth; less chance of breaking
📏 Specification:
Length: 150 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm
TPI (Teeth per Inch): 14, 18, 24, 32
🔧 Blade Selection by Material:
Material | Best TPI |
---|---|
Soft metal (Aluminum, Brass) | 14–18 TPI |
Medium metal (Mild Steel) | 18–24 TPI |
Hard metal (Steel pipe, Iron) | 24–32 TPI |
🧠 Summary Table
Tool | Use | Key Spec |
---|---|---|
🔧 File | Smooth or shape metal | Size: 150–300mm, Types: Flat, Round |
🔨 Hammer | Strike and fit parts | Weight: 200g–500g |
⛏️ Chisel | Cut unwanted metal | Length: 100–250mm |
🪚 Hacksaw Frame | Hold blade to cut | Size: 150–300mm |
🪒 Hacksaw Blade | Cut metal rods/pipes | TPI: 14–32 |
✅ Safety Tips While Using These Tools
🔹 Use tools with proper handles
🔹 Wear gloves and safety glasses
🔹 Cut in one direction (files and hacksaws)
🔹 Keep blades sharp and rust-free
🔹 Never strike hardened tools together
📘 Conclusion
Knowing the specification and grade of each tool helps electricians do neat, safe, and precise installations. These basic fitting tools are must-haves for every skilled electrician.
🧰 Right Tool = Right Work = Good Electrician!