Engineering Workshop Manual

FITTING
2.1. INTRODUCTION
Machine tools are capable of producing work at a faster rate, but, there are
occasions when components are processed at the bench. Sometimes, it becomes
necessary to replace or repair a component which must fit accurately with another
component on re-assembly. This involves certain amount of hand fitting. The
accuracy of work done depends upon the experience and skill of the fitter.
The term, Bench work refers to the production of components by hand on
the bench, whereas fitting deals with the assembly of mating parts, through removal
of metal, to obtain the required fit.
Both the bench work and fitting requires the use of number of simple hand
tools and considerable manual effort. The operations in the above works consist of
filing, chipping, scrapping, sawing, drilling, tapping, etc.
2.2. Holding tools
2.2.1. Bench vice:
The bench vice is a work-holding device (Fig.2.1).It is the most commonly
used vice in a fitting shop. It is fixed to the bench with bolts and nuts. The vice body
consists of two main parts, fixed jaw and a movable jaw. When the vice handle is
turned in a clockwise direction, the sliding jaw forces the work against the fixed jaw.
The greater the pressure applied to the handle, the tighter is work held. Jaws caps
made of soft material are used to protect finished surface, gripped in the vice. The
size of the vice is specified by the length of the jaws. The vice body is made of cast
iron which is strong in compression, weak in tension and so fractures under shocks
and therefore should never be hammered.

Fig.2. 1 Bench vice

Engineering Workshop Manual

2.2.2. V -block with clamp:

The v-block is a rectangular or square block with V-groove on one or both
sides, opposite to each other. The angle of the V is usually 900.V-block with a clamp
is used to hold cylindrical work securely, during layout of measurements, for
measuring operation or for drilling (Fig.2.2.).For this the bar is placed longitudinally in
the V-groove and the screw of V-clamp is tightened. This grips the rod firmly, with its
axis parallel to the axis of the V-groove.

Fig.2. 2 V-Block with clamp

Fig.2. 3 C-Clamp

2.2.3. C-clamp:
This is used to hold work against an angle plate or V-block or any other
surface, when gripping is required(Fig.2.3).Its fixed jaw is shaped like English
alphabet,C and the movable jaw is round in shape and directly fitted to the
threaded screw at the end.
The working principle of this clamp is the same as that of the bench vice.
2.3. Marking and Measuring Tools
2.3.1. Surface Plate:
The surface plate (Fig.2.4) is machined to fine limits and is used for
testing the flatness of the work piece .It is also used for marking out small works and
is more precise than the marking table. The degree of fineness of the finish depends
upon whether it is designed for bench work in a fitting shop or for using in an
inspection room. The surface plate is made of cast iron, hardened steel or granite
stone. It is specified by length width height grade. Handles are provided on two
opposite sides, to carry it while shifting from one place to another.

Fig.2. 4 Surface plate

Fig.2. 5. Angle plate

Engineering Workshop Manual

2.3.2. Angle plate:
The angle plate is made of cast iron. It has two surfaces, machined at
right angle to each other (Fig.2.5).Plates and components, which are to be marked
out, may be held against the upright face of the angle plate, to facilitate the marking.
Slots are provided on the angle plate to clamp the work in position.
2.3.3. Universal scribing block:
This is used for scribing lines for layout work and checking parallel
surfaces (Fig.2.6).Referring the figure, it may be noted that its spindle can be quickly
adjusted to any angle, by an adjusting screw. In some designs, the base of the block
will have a V shaped groove, to enable the block to rest on round bars if require, to
set-off the dimensions from the bar to the surface of the components.

Fig.2. 6.Universal scribing block

Fig.2. 7 Try-square

2.3.4. Try-square:
It is a measuring and marking tool for 90 degrees angle. In practice, it is
used for checking the square ness of many types of small works, when extreme
accuracy is not required (Fig.2.7).The blade of the try-square is made of hardened
steel and the beam, of cast iron or steel. The size of the try-square is specified by
the length of the blade.
2.3.5. Combination Set:
It is a combination of measuring tools used for measuring linear
dimensions, angular dimensions and for checking flatness of surfaces. It consists of
a rule, square head, centre head, protractor and spirit level (Fig.2.8).This may be
used as a rule, a square, a depth gauge, for marking meters (450), for locating the
centre on the end of a round bar and for measuring and marking angles. The rule is
made of tempered steel with grooves. The combination set is specified by the length
of its rule.

Fig.2. 8 Combination Set

Fig.2. 9 Scriber
3

Engineering Workshop Manual

2.3.6. Scriber:
A scriber is a slender steel tool, used to scribe or mark lines on metal
work pieces (Fig.2.9).It is made of hardened and tempered high carbon steel. The tip
of the scriber is generally ground at 120 to 150. It is generally available in lengths,
ranging from 125mm to 250mm.It has two pointed ends. The bent end is used for
marking lines where the straight end can not reach.
2.3.7. Odd-leg caliper:
This is also called Jenny Caliper or Hermaphrodite. This is used for
marking parallel lines from a edge and also for locating the centre of round bars
(Fig.2.10.).As shown in figure, it has one leg pointed like a divider and the other leg
bent like a caliper. It is specified by the length of the leg up to the hinge point.

Fig.2. 10 Odd-leg caliper

Fig.2. 11 Divider

2.3.8. Divider:
It is basically similar to the calipers except that its legs are kept straight and
pointed at the measuring edge. This is used for marking circles, arcs, laying out
perpendicular lines, bisecting lines, etc.(Fig.2.11).It is made of case hardened mild
steel or hardened and tempered low carbon steel. Its size is specified by the length
of the legs.
2.3.9. Punches:
These are used for making indentations on the scribed lines, to make them
visible clearly. These are made of high carbon steels punch is specified by its length
and diameter, say as 150,12.5mm.It consists of a cylindrical knurled body, which is
plain for some length at the top of it. At the other end, it is ground to a point the
tapered point of the punch is hardened over a length of 20 to 30 mm.

Fig.2. 12 Punches
4

Engineering Workshop Manual

Dot punch:
This is used to lightly indent along the layout lines, to locate centre of holes
and to provide a small centre mark for divider point, etc.For this purpose, the punch
is ground to a conical point having 60 degrees included angle (Fig.2.12a.).
Centre punch:
This is similar to the dot punch, except that it is ground to a conical point
having 90 degrees included angle (Fig.2.12b).It is used to mark the location of the
holes to be drilled.
2.4.1 .Cutting tools:
2.4.1 .Hacksaw:
The hacksaw is used for cutting metal by hand. it consists of a
frame ,which holds a thin blade, firmly in position .Hacksaw blade is specified by
the number of teeth per centimeter. Hack saw blades have a number of teeth
ranging from 5 to 15 per centimeter .blades having lesser number of teeth per cm
are used for cutting soft materials like aluminium, brass and bronze. Blades having
large no of teeth per centimeter are used for cutting hard materials like steel and cast
iron.
Figure 2.13 shows two types of hacksaw frames and a blade.
Hacksaw blades are classified as: (i) all hard and (ii) Flexible types. The all hard
blades are made of H.S.S, hardened and tempered throughout to retain their cutting
edges longer .these are used to cut hard metals .these blades are hard and brittle
and can break easily by twisting and forcing them into the work while sawing .flexible
blades are made of H.S.S or low alloy steel but only the teeth are hardened and the
rest of the blade is soft and flexible. These are suitable for use by un-skilled or semi
skilled persons.

Fig.2. 13 hacksaw frames with blades

The teeth of the hacksaw blade are staggered , as shown in fig.2.14 and are known
as a set of teeth .these are slots wider than the blade thickness ,preventing the
blade from jamming.

Fig.2. 14 set of teeth

Engineering Workshop Manual

2.4.2 .Chisels
Chisels are used for removing surplus metal or for cutting thin sheets
(fig.2.15). These tools are made from 0.9% to 1.0% carbon steel of octagonal or
hexagonal section. Chisels are annealed, hardened and tempered to produce a
tough shank and a hard cutting edge. Annealing relieves the internal stresses in the
metal .the cutting angle of the chisel for general purpose is about 600.

Fig.2. 15 flat chisel

Fig.2. 16 Combination plier

2.4.3. Combination plier:

This is made of high carbon steel by proper hardened and tempering
and is used for cutting as well as for gripping the work (Fig.2.16).It has small cutting
edges in both the jaws, which make it able to cut small diameter wires. The
serrations in the jaws offer the facility for gripping, it is named as combination plier.Its
handles are well insulated, which makes it suitable for electrical working.
2.4.4. Nose plier:
It is similar to combination plier but its gripping jaws have extra length
in tapered form which makes it suitable for gripping small objects and also gripping in
narrow spaces (Fig.2.17).

Fig.2. 17 Nose plier

2.4.5. Bench Drilling machine:
Holes are drilled for fastening parts with rivets, bolts
or for producing internal threads. Bench drilling machine is the most versatile
machine used in a fitting shop for the purpose (fig.2.18).twist drills, made of tool or
high speed steel are used with the drilling machine for drilling holes.

Engineering Workshop Manual

Fig.2. 18 Bench Drilling machine

Fig.2. 19 Portable drill

2.4.6 .Portable electric drill:

It is the most useful of all pieces of drilling equipment .it
is readily portable and convenient for use. Generally, it is used for drilling holes in
small pieces held in a vice (fig. 2.19).the capacity of the portable drill is designated
by the maximum diameter of the hole it can drill in steel.
2.5 .Finishing tools
2.5.1. Files:
Filing is one of the methods of removing small amounts of material from
the surface of a metal part. A file is a hardened steel tool, having slant parallel rows
of cutting edges or teeth on its surfaces. On the faces, the teeth are usually diagonal
to the edge. On end of the file is shaped to fit into a wooden handle. Fig 2.20 shows
the parts of a hand file. The hand file is parallel in width and tampering slightly in
thickness, towards the tip. It is provided with double cut teeth on the faces, single cut
on one edge and no teeth on the other edge, which is known as the safe edge.

Fig.2. 20 Hand file

2.5.2. Types of files:
Files are classified according to their shape, cutting teeth and pitch or
grade of the teeth. Figure 2.21 shows the various types of files based on their shape.
Types of files and their description and uses are given below. Further, single cut and
double cut files are shown in fig.2.22.single cut files are rows of teeth running in one
direction, across their faces and double cut files have a second row of teeth, cut
diagonally to the first row.

Tirumala Engineering College

Engineering Workshop Manual

Fig.2. 21 Types of files

Fig.2. 22 Single and double cut files

Hand file:
Rectangular in section, tapered in thickness but parallel in width. The faces
have double cut teeth and one of the edges, single cut. The other edge does not
have any teeth and hence called as safe edge file. It is used for filing a surface, at
right angle to an already finished surface.
Flat file:
Rectangular in section and tapered for 1/3rd length in width and thickness.
The faces have double cut teeth and the edges, single cut. Used for general purpose
filing.
Square file:
Square in section and tapered for 1/3rd length on all faces. All the faces
have double cut teeth. Used for filing corners and slots and also o cut keyways.
Triangular file:
Equilateral triangular in section and tapered for 1/3rd length on all faces .All
the faces have double cut teeth. Used for filing internal corners.
Half round file:
It has one flat face, connected by a curved face and tapered for 1/3rd length.
The curved face is not exactly semi-circular but only a part of circle. The flat face has
double cut teeth and the curved face, single cut. Used for filing concave surfaces
and internal corners.

Engineering Workshop Manual

Round file:
Circular cross-section and tapered for 1/3rd length. It has double cut teeth.
Used for filing concave surfaces and circular openings.
Swiss or needle file:
It is normally 150mm long, with cut teeth. Used for filing corners, grooves,
narrow slots, etc., in intricate work.
File Card:
It is a metal brush, used for cleaning the files, to free them from filings,
clogged in-between the teeth (Fig.2.23).

Fig.2. 23 File card

2.6. Miscellaneous Tools:
2.6.1. Ball-peen hammer:
Hammers are named, depending upon their shape and material and
specified by their weight. A ball-peen hammer has a flat face, which is used for
general work and a ball end, particularily used for riveting (Fig.2.24).

Fig.2. 24 Ball-peen hammer

2.6.2. Cross-peen hammer:
It is similar to ball-peen hammer, except the shape of the peen
(Fig.2.25).This is used for chipping, riveting, bending and stretching metals and
hammering inside the curves and shoulders.

Engineering Workshop Manual

Fig.2. 25 Cross-peen hammer

Fig.2. 26 Straight peen hammer

2.6.3. Straight-peen hammer:

This is similar to cross-peen hammer, but its peen is in line with the hammer
handle (Fig.2.26).It is used for swaging, riveting in restricted places and stretching
metals.
2.6.4. Screw driver:
A screw driver is designed to turn screws (Fig.2.27a).The blade is bade of
steel and is available in different lengths and diameters. The grinding of the tip to the
correct shape is important .A Phillips (star) screw driver is specially designed to fit
the head of Phillips screws. The end of the blade is fluted instead of flattened
(Fig.2.27b).The size of a screw driver is specified by the length of the metal part from
handle to the tip.

Fig.2. 27 Screw Drivers

2.7. Fitting Operations:
2.7.1. Chipping:
Riveting the metal with a chisel is called and is normally used where
machining is not possible (Fig.2.28).While chipping, safety goggles must be put on,
to protect eyes from the flying chips. To ensure safety of others, a chip guard is
placed in position. Care should be taken to see that the chisel is free from mushroom
head.

Fig.2. 28 Chipping
10

Engineering Workshop Manual

NOTE:
For better results, the angle of chipping must be the same throughout the
operation.
2.7.2. Filling:
There are several methods of filing, each with a specific purpose (Fig.2.29).With
reference to the figure, the following may be noted:
1. Holding the file For heavy work and to remove more metal, a higher pressure is
used. For light and fine work, a light pressure is applied.
2. Filing internal curves A part of half round file only makes contact as shown,
during filing operation. Movement of the file is indicated by arrows.
3. Cross filing Cross filing is carried out across two diagonals, to produce medium
surface finish.
NOTE The possibility of the surface becoming curved is drastically reduced due to
continuous changing of directions.
4. Draw filing A smooth file with a flat face is used for this purpose and to produce
fine grained structure.
NOTE: Draw filing is preferred for the edges of long and narrow work pieces. For
this, the file is placed at right angle to the work and held in both the hands across its
body, as close as possible. During work, the file is pushed backward and farward,
along the edge being filed.
2.7.3. Pinning of files this is caused by soft metals, clogging the file teeth and
scratching the surface of the work. The pins are removed with a file card. Pinning
may be prevented by rubbing chalk into the teeth before filing.
2.7.4. Checking flatness and square ness To check flatness, the try-square is placed
as shown in Fig.2.30a.No light should be seen between the bottom edge of the
square and the top surface of the work piece, when both are held against
light.Similarly, the flatness across thickness of plate is tested as shown. The square
ness of one edge with respect to another reference edge is checked as shown in
Fig.2.30b.

11

Engineering Workshop Manual

Fig.2. 29 Filling

Fig.2. 30 Use of Try square

2.7.5. Scraping:
It is an operation by which high spots left on the surface of a job after filing or other
machining operations, are removed by using a tool known as scraper .scraping is
aimed at removing only a little amount of metal, to get perfect flat surface. Scraping
operation is carried out by holding the scraper in the both hands and then removing it
too and fro (fig.2.31)

Fig.2. 31 Scraping
2.8. Marking and measuring:
Accurate marking is the first step and the methods and
instruments used are common in all fitting works. Measurements are taken either
from a finished edge or from the center line. Scriber lines on non ferrous materials
and oxide coated steels are readily visible but bright steel needs coating with copper
sulphate solution or engineers glue (Prussian blue), for the visibility of the line.
Measuring and testing are continuous processes through out the manufacturing,
wheather working with hand tools or machines. Degrees of accuracy are specified on
the drawings. The following are the measuring methods in the order of increasing
accuracy.

12

Engineering Workshop Manual

Fig.2. 32 Methods of measuring and marking

a. Direct measurement from a rule

b. Calipers set to a rule
c. Calipers set to a plug gauge
d. Vernier calipers
e. Micrometer
f. Dial indicator

13

Engineering Workshop Manual

2.9. Principles of sawing

Hack saw blades are specified by length and number of
teeth in a standard length along the cutting edge. The correct choice of pitch should
ensure that at least 3 teeth are in contact with the section to be sawn (fig.2.33).

Fig.2. 33 Selection of blade pitch

Hacksaw blade should be inserted in the frame, with the teeth
pointing forward, as the saw cuts on forward stroke only. The blade should be
tightening such that the blade produces a musical twang when struck lightly with the
finger. Only little downward pressure is needed in sawing, as teeth are designed to
pull themselves into the work. About 40 strokes per minute is the correct sawing
speed.

14