A contractor’s tools are probably his best friends—and like friends, they should be chosen carefully. Choosing the right quality hand tool can mean the difference between having a hand tool for a short while or having the tool for a lifetime. It also means the difference between having a tool consistently give you professional results when you need it to, or the inconvenience and expense of having a hand tool fail in the middle of an important job.

Hand tools are vital to many jobs. Tradesmen need tools. They have a job to do, and they depend on the tools they own to get their jobs done. And, when it comes to purchasing tools, tradesmen consider tools a very personal purchase. They want tools that have a professional image, and represent quality and expertise.

Many times, there are very obvious ways for distinguishing a quality, durable professional hand tool. But often, knowledge of a few helpful tips can mean the difference in choosing a tool that serves for a lifetime and a tool that fails.

Naturally, uncompromising quality and superior attention to detail often comes with a premium price. However, paying a little more for a tool that will perform better and last longer, can be easily justified by a professional tradesman. Without realizing it, the quality of a contractor’s tools can subconsciously project an image of professionalism and capability.

Extra Attention To Design and Details
Carefully considering design characteristics and quality before purchasing tools can help enhance work quality. Seeking out tools that have been specifically designed with the proper details can maximize the user’s overall performance, making jobs easier, faster and more accurate.

Following are helpful guidelines to aid in hand tool buying decisions.

Tips for Purchasing Quality Hand Tools

• Stick with a preferred brand name that carries a reputation for professional quality. Choose tools from manufacturers that are dedicated to developing tools for the professional user.
• Choose tools manufactured at the manufacturer’s facility, where complete control is maintained over the manufacturing process, rather than out-sourced or imported
• Quality hand tools will come with a warranty against defects and breakage.
• Tools should be precision-crafted of the highest quality tempered steel. For maximum strength and durability, most tools should be heat treated.

Pliers

 

• Hot-riveted joints on pliers are stronger and more resistant to weakening over time. This type of joint ensures smooth action and guards against handle wobbles
• Induction hardening of pliers allows for harder cutting edges. Choose a precision-hardened plier head to withstand ordinary on-the-job toughness.
• Pliers with selectively tempered handles help cushion against shock and absorb the “snap” when cutting wire.
• The mating surfaces of pliers should be precision machined to extremely close tolerances for faultless performance. Each half should be matched side to side, jaw to jaw, and hot riveted for uniformly smooth opening and closing action.
• Look for cross-hatched knurling on the jaw surface of the pliers to provide users with a better grip.

 

Screwdrivers/Nut Drivers

 

• Choose screwdrivers with handles that provide comfort, the proper leverage, and are oil-resistant.
• Choose screwdrivers and nut drivers that have been precision-crafted from the highest quality, tempered steel for durability and precision-machined for an exacting fit.
• Screwdrivers and nut drivers with embossed specifications on their handles, such as Klein Tool’s Tip-Ident®, promote user functionality.
• With the exception of the tip, the blade of a quality screwdriver should be chrome-plated. A black oxide tip ensures that chrome won’t chip off and get into electronics.
• Double-wing flanges inside the handle keep the shaft from turning in a screwdriver or nut driver, providing a solid, resistant anchor.

 

 

Wire Strippers/Cutters
• Tools with cutting knives, such as wire cutters, should be made of strong, hardened steel, which allows for long-lasting edges and perfect alignment.

• Wire strippers with wide handle grips with cushion ridges offer more comfort and greater torque. A spring-loaded action allows the tool to self open for ease of use and increased productivity.
• For durability, wire strippers should be manufactured of hardened steel with precision-ground stripping holes for accurate and reliable stripping of either stranded or solid wire. The tool should also be able to strip wire from left or right quickly, cleanly and evenly.
• Look for compact, lightweight tools that are easy to store and carry.

 

• Wire strippers should be functional, offering users easy-to-read wire gauge markings on both sides, a convenient hole for looping wire and a narrow nose that fits easily into tight places.

 

 

Leather Pouches
• Leather pouches should be crafted from #1 grade, top-grain cowhide leather.
• Leather pouches are available in a wide variety of styles and designs. Choose one that meets your specific needs and has the proper capacity. Also, make sure it is comfortable.
• Tunnel loops or slots on the pouch should fit a variety of belts.
• A good quality, heavy-duty leather pouch will be stitched and riveted for durability.

Lightweight Cordura® Tool Pouches
• Tool pouches should be manufactured of a long-lasting, durable material (such as double-layered Cordura®). Double nylon stitching reinforced by rivets provide even greater strength and durability. Nylon stitching is stronger than cotton stitching and smaller stitches are stronger than longer stitches.
• Look for details such as extra nylon webbing to provide reinforcement in the bottom of large pockets to guard against punctures and wear from tools.
• Padded tool belts offer maximum comfort for all-day wear. The padding should be form-fitting when it is purchased, and not require a break-in period.
• Belts and pouches should be washable for ease of care.

Fish Tapes

 

• Choose fish tapes with enlarged guide slots to allow tape to dispense fast and smooth.
• Extra-large handles will allow the fish tape to be securely gripped from several angles, even with gloved hands.
• Fish tape reels should turn easily in either direction for one-handed operation.
• Winder reels should be made of high-impact plastic for durability and smooth operation.
• Choose fish tapes that provide maximum length for completing jobs.

Pipe Benders

 

• Durable pipe benders should be manufactured of rugged, malleable iron with high-strength steel handles. Ideally, the handle should also offer a quick reference chart so users can quickly determine the bend angle distance between bends and new conduit length.
• A degree scale that is cast into the bender ensures that the scale never wears off.

Quality and Durability Justifies Investment
By following the above suggestions, contractors can ensure that they are choosing a high-quality, durable tool that will last a lifetime. Although contractors may need to spend a little more time and attention to details to carefully choose a hand tool with quality construction and comfort, the improved performance is well worth the investment.

Professionals take their jobs–and their tools–seriously. Professionals need to equip themselves with high quality, premium hand tools knowing that their investments will easily pay off again and again in saved time and professional results.

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Larry Wegner is manager, marketing communications at Klein Tools, Chicago, IL, a leading manufacturer of professional hand tools.