Hand tool

A hand tool is any tool that is powered by hand rather than a motor. These tools have been used for thousands of years to help people build, fix, and create many different things. Some common types of hand tools include wrenches, pliers, cutters, files, striking tools, struck or hammered tools, screwdrivers, vises, clamps, snips, hacksaws, drills, and knives.

Outdoor tools such as garden forks, pruning shears, and rakes are also considered hand tools. These tools are important because they let people do many jobs without needing electricity or batteries. Unlike portable power tools, hand tools rely completely on the strength and skill of the person using them.

History

Hand tools have been used by humans since the Stone Age, when stone tools were used for hammering and cutting. During the Bronze Age, tools were made by casting alloys of copper and tin, making them sharper and harder. Later, during the Iron Age, iron replaced bronze, creating even stronger tools. The Romans made tools that look similar to ones we use today. After the Industrial Revolution, tools were mostly made in factories instead of by individual craftspeople.^: 2 

Today, many old hand tools are preserved in museums. St Albans Museum has a large collection from 1700 to 1950, gathered by Raphael Salaman. Another big collection was made by David Russell, leading to his book Antique Woodworking Tools.

General categories

Hand tools are tools that you can use with your hands instead of a machine. Some common types of hand tools include wrenches, pliers, cutters, striking tools, struck or hammered tools, screwdrivers, vises, clamps, snips, saws, drills and knives. These tools help people fix and build many different things.