Guide: How to Use Basic Hand Tools

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 30-45 minutes to learn basics

Basic hand tools empower you to handle simple repairs, furniture assembly, and home maintenance without calling someone for help. Understanding how to properly use hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches prevents damage to fasteners, materials, and yourself. This guide covers the eight most essential hand tools every adult should know how to use, with proper techniques for each. What You'll Need

Materials:

• Hammer (16 oz claw hammer recommended)
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead in multiple sizes)
• Adjustable wrench (8-inch recommended)
• Pliers (slip-joint or groove-joint)
• Tape measure (25-foot recommended)
• Level (torpedo or 24-inch)
• Utility knife with retractable blade
• Allen wrench set (metric and standard)
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves (optional but recommended)

Prerequisites:

Basic understanding of tool safety Adequate lighting in work area Stable work surface or floor Patience to practice proper techniques Understanding that force isn't always the answer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Master the hammer for driving and removing nails

Hold the hammer near the end of the handle for maximum leverage. For driving nails, start with light taps to set the nail straight, then use full swings from your elbow (not just your wrist). Watch the nail head, not the hammer. For removing nails, slip the claw under the nail head and rock the hammer back. Place a wood block under the hammer head to protect surfaces and increase leverage.

Step 2: Use screwdrivers with the correct size and type

Match the screwdriver to the screw: Phillips (cross shape) or flathead (single slot). Use the largest screwdriver that fits completely in the screw head without wiggling. Apply downward pressure while turning—pushing down prevents the screwdriver from slipping out and stripping the screw. Turn clockwise to tighten ("righty-tighty"), counterclockwise to loosen ("lefty-loosey").

Step 3: Apply pliers for gripping and turning

Open pliers wide enough to fit around the object, then squeeze handles to grip firmly. For turning nuts or bolts when you don't have a wrench, position pliers squarely on the flat sides, not the corners. For pulling nails or staples, grip as close to the surface as possible and rock back gently. Needle-nose pliers work best for small objects; groove-joint pliers adjust for larger items.

Step 4: Use wrenches for nuts and bolts

Adjustable wrenches have a movable jaw—fit it snugly around the nut or bolt with the stationary jaw in front (direction you're turning). Pull the wrench toward you rather than pushing away for better control and safety. If the nut is tight, position the wrench so you can pull with your stronger muscles. Never use a wrench as a hammer or extend it with a pipe for more leverage—that breaks tools.

Step 5: Measure accurately with a tape measure

Hook the tape's metal end over the edge of what you're measuring (the hook slides slightly to account for its thickness—this is intentional). Pull the tape taut but don't bend it. Read the measurement at the edge you're measuring to, not where the tape starts. For inside measurements (like cabinet width), add the case length (usually printed on the case) to the tape reading.

Step 6: Check level and plumb for straight installation

For horizontal leveling (pictures, shelves), place the level on top and center the bubble in the middle vial—adjust until the bubble sits between the lines. For vertical plumb (door frames, posts), hold the level against the vertical surface and check the end vial. Small adjustments make big differences—move items slightly until bubbles center perfectly.

Step 7: Cut safely with a utility knife

Extend only enough blade to cut through your material—more blade means more danger and less control. Always cut away from your body and keep fingers behind the blade path. Use a straightedge or ruler as a guide for straight cuts. Apply multiple light passes rather than one heavy cut—it's safer and gives cleaner results. Retract the blade completely when finished.

Step 8: Use Allen wrenches for hex socket screws

Allen wrenches (hex keys) fit into hexagonal socket screws common in furniture and bicycles. Insert the short end of the L-shaped wrench into the screw socket—it should fit snugly without wobbling. Use the long end as a handle for leverage. For very tight screws, insert the long end into the socket and use the short end as a handle for maximum turning force.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong size screwdriver or wrench: A screwdriver that's too small strips screw heads. A wrench that's too large rounds off bolt corners. Always use tools that fit snugly. If you're forcing it, you're using the wrong size. Having multiple sizes prevents 90% of fastener-stripping problems.

• Pushing instead of pulling wrenches: Pulling wrenches toward you gives better control and prevents injuries if the wrench slips. Pushing can make your hand crash into sharp surfaces when the bolt breaks loose. Position yourself so you can pull with your body weight if needed.
• Not applying downward pressure with screwdrivers: Simply turning a screwdriver strips screws. You need simultaneous downward pressure and rotation. Push down firmly with your palm while turning—this keeps the screwdriver seated in the screw head and transfers torque effectively.
• Overextending tape measures without support: Long tape sections bend and give inaccurate measurements. For measurements over 6-8 feet, have someone hold the far end or tape it in place. Bent tape measures are inaccurate tape measures.
• Using tools as hammers or pry bars: Wrenches aren't hammers. Screwdrivers aren't pry bars. Pliers aren't hammers. Using tools for unintended purposes breaks them and creates safety hazards. A $15 proper tool prevents a $40 tool replacement and potential injuries.

Pro Tips

Buy quality screwdrivers first: Cheap screwdrivers twist, bend, and strip screws. Invest $30-50 in a good multi-bit screwdriver set—it's the tool you'll use most. Klein, Wiha, and Wera make excellent sets that last decades with proper care.

• Keep tools organized in a tool box: Tossing tools in a drawer damages them and wastes time searching. A simple tool box ($20-40) or tool bag keeps everything organized and portable. You'll always know where tools are when you need them.
• Learn to feel when fasteners are tight enough: Over-tightening strips threads and cracks materials. When resistance increases significantly, stop. The term is "snug tight"—firm resistance but not requiring all your strength. If you're straining, it's too tight or something's wrong.
• Mark your tape measure at common measurements: If you're cutting multiple boards at 16 inches, mark that spot with a pencil on your tape. This speeds repeat measurements and reduces errors. Some tape measures have writable surfaces specifically for this purpose.
• Use the right tool for the right job: A five-minute trip to buy or borrow the correct tool saves an hour of frustration with the wrong tool. Don't force square pegs into round holes—literally or figuratively. The right tool makes every job easier, faster, and safer.

Related Skills

Now that you know how to use basic hand tools, expand your home maintenance capabilities with these related guides from Your Life Manual:

How to Make Simple Home Repairs How to Hang Pictures Without Damaging Walls How to Change HVAC Filters How to Build a Simple Emergency Kit