Hand tools

Hand tools have been used by people since the Stone Age when stones were used for hammering and cutting. During the Bronze Age tools were made by casting the copper and tin alloys. Bronze tools were sharper and harder than those made of stone. During the Iron Age iron replaced bronze, and tools became even stronger and more durable. The Romans developed tools during this period which are similar to those being produced today. In the period since the industrial revolution, the manufacture of tools has transitioned from being craftsman made to being factory produced.

Hand tools were used by craftspersons in manual operations to chop, chisel, saw, file etc. The oldest known tools date from 3.3 million years ago. Humans developed tools, like chisels and saws, approximately 4,000 years ago. Early hand tools were made with materials such as antlers and tusks, animal bones, stones and rocks and volcanic glass.

The top 10 hand tools that everyone should have are the following:

1. Claw hammer – every nail needs to be driven in or pulled out
2. Flathead screwdriver – turn it, baby, turn it
3. Phillips screwdriver – a flathead just doesn’t work on a Phillips screw
4. Tape measure – measure twice, cut once
5. Adjustable wrench – a.k.a. crescent wrench, NOT crescent roll
6. Socket wrench – a.k.a. ratchet
7. Vice grips – when a pair of pliers just won’t cut it
8. Needle nose pliers – sometimes you need pliers with a tiny nose
9. Cordless drill – don’t forget to include some bits for that drill
10. Crosscut saw – cut lots of stuff without electricity

At ProWeld, our quality hand tools include products such as bench grips, bolt cutters, hacksaws, hammers, key sets, pliers, sockets & sets, spanners, wrenches, vise grips & clamps, measuring tools.

One such product is the BGS Bolt Cutters 12″ To 36″ which cuts iron metals of up to 4 mm diameter. Price varies by size from €22.14-€69.99

Another hand tool product we sell is the Stillson Wrench Malleable Cast. It’s a high quality adjustable Malleable Cast Stillson Wrench, otherwise known as a pipe wrench. It’s available in a number of sizes and costs vary by size from €32.00-€83.01

The Irwin Curved Jaw Visegrip With Wire Cutter has a one-handed, triggerless release and is 2X easier to open than traditional locking pliers. The anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouch Grips provide comfort, control, and less hand fatigue. Curved jaw puts tremendous pressure on four points of any style nut or bolt head, making it perfect for any application that requires maximum torque. Costs vary by size from €18.45-€22.14

The Engineers French Flat Chalk 144pc includes a neat box of 144 stick of engineers french chalk ideal for marking out on steel. Costs €12.30

Finally, the Measuring Tape 5metre / 16ft has clear Metric & Imperial graduations, along with a comfortable contoured shape. It also includes a belt clip and hand strap. Costs €3.08