PROPER USE OF

HAND
TOOLS AND
SAFETY
PROCEDURES
Select word from the box below that
fits into the statements..
 A technician needs to be able to

PROPER properly use each tool in the tool kit.

This topic covers many of the various

USE OF hand tools used when repairing

computers.

HAND
TOOLS
PROPER USE OF HAND TOOLS
1. Screws
Match each screw with the proper screwdriver. Place
the tip of the screwdriver on the head of the screw. Turn
the screwdriver clockwise to tighten the screw and
counterclockwise to loosen the screw. Screws can
become stripped if you over-tighten them with a screwdriver.
A stripped screw, may get stuck in the screw hole, or it may
not tighten firmly. Discard stripped screws.
 2. Flat head screwdriver
Use a flat head screwdriver when you are working with
a slotted screw. Do not use a flat head screwdriver to
remove a Phillips head screw. Never use a screwdriver as
a pry bar. If you cannot remove a component, check to see
if there is a clip or latch that is securing the
component in place. Turn screwdriver clockwise to
tighten a screw and counter clockwise to loosen the
screw.
 CAUTION: If excessive force is needed to
remove or add a component, something is
probably wrong. Take a second look to make
sure that you have not missed a screw or a
locking clip that is holding the component in
place. Refer to the device manual or diagram for
additional information.
3. Phillips head screwdriver
Use a Phillips head screwdriver with
crosshead screws. Do not use this type of
screwdriver to puncture anything. This will
damage the head of the screwdriver. Turn
screwdriver clockwise to tighten a screw and
counter clockwise to loosen the screw.
4. Hex driver
Use a hex driver to loosen and tighten
bolts that have a hexagonal (six-sided) head.
Hex bolts should not be over tightened because
the threads of the bolts can be stripped. Do not
use a hex driver that is too large for the bolt that
you are using.
 CAUTION: Some tools are magnetized. When
working around electronic devices, be sure that
the tools you are using have not been
magnetized. Magnetic fields can be harmful to
data stored on magnetic media. Test your tool by
touching the tool with a screw. If the screw is
attracted to the tool, do not use the tool.
5. Part retriever, Needle-nose pliers, or tweezers
The part retriever, needle-nose pliers, and
tweezers can be used to place and retrieve parts that
may be hard to reach with your fingers. Do not
scratch or hit any components when using these
tools.
 CAUTION: Pencils should not be used
inside the computer to change the setting
of switches or to pry off jumpers. The
pencil lead can act as a conductor and
may damage the computer components.
Directions: Identify the tools and its proper
way of using it in the activities Presented
below.
Directions: Identify the tools and its proper
way of using it in the activities Presented
below.
 Tool to be used
Activity Proper way of using it

Tightening a slotted screw

Cutting Wire

Loosening a crosshead Screw

 SAFETY
PROCEDURES
WHEN USING
HAND TOOLS
SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING SCREWDRIVERS
Every tool serves a purpose, but according to the
National Safety Council, the screwdriver is perhaps the most
misused and abused tool in the workplace. Misuse can
compromise the integrity of the tool by breaking the
handle, bending the shaft or dulling the tip, making workers
susceptible to hand injury when the tool is used correctly.
To prevent injury and keep screwdrivers in shape, the
council recommends:
• Do not use a screwdriver as a punch, wedge, pinch bar
or pry.
• Keep the tip clean and sharp to permit a solid grip
on the tip of the screw.
• Keep the handle of the screwdriver clean and intact to
allow for a solid grip.
• Never hold the piece you are working on in your hand.
Always lay it on a workbench or place it in a vice.
• Carry screwdrivers in toolboxes or work belts – never in
your pocket. In wood and sheet metal, make a pilot hole
for the screw.
• Never use a screwdriver during electrical work unless it
is properly insulated.
SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING CUTTING TOOLS
Cutters are designed to cut materials of different
kinds of products such as wires, cables (electrical, coax,
multi-strand), wire ropes, fencing, bolts, rods, pre-
stressed concrete wires, and strapping.
• Choose the proper cutter for the job. Cutters are
designed for a specific type, hardness, and size of
material.
• Cut materials straight across - keep the material being
cut at right angles to the cutting edges of jaws.
• Keep cutting tools in good repair.
• Adjust and lubricate cutter and moving parts daily if
heavily used.
• Sharpen jaws according to manufacturers' instructions.
• Do not rock cutters from side to side when cutting wire.
• Do not pry or twist with tool when cutting.
• Do not repair cutters. Discard equipment that is cracked,
broken or shows signs of damage.
SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING CRIMPING TOOLS
• Work on a Stable Surface.
• Avoid Working in Dark or Unlit Areas.
• Keep Children away from the Work Area.
• Wear Safety Glasses and Gloves.
• Only Use Crimping Pliers for the Intended Purpose.
Directions: Match items A with items B.
Write the letter of the correct answer.
 Column A Column B
1. Philips a. Work on a stable
Screwdriver surface.
2. Wire b. Bolts should not be over-tightened because
cutter the threads of the bolts can be stripped.

3. Tweezer c. Do not scratch or hit any components

when using these tools.

4. Hex d. Sharpen jaws according to

Driver manufacturers' instructions.

5. Crimping e. Do not use a it as a punch, wedge, pinch

tool bar or pry.