Common hand tools used in refrigeration workshop

They are equipped with technology designed to discern various refrigerants that may be leaking during a system's heat cycle.

Leak detectors and seekers are typically lightweight and easy to use, fitting into the palm of one hand and providing accurate readings of refrigerant leaks. The array of tubes that comprise a refrigeration unit may wear down, break, or need to be replaced entirely.

In some instances, however, a simple cleaning is all that is necessary to fix a tube, in which case tube brushes are the ideal means of repair. Tube brushes come individually or in kits, in a vast selection of sizes to fit into any tube. When a tube erodes or breaks, more heavy duty refrigeration tools may be required.

Tube benders have the capacity to change the direction of rigid tubing and allow refrigerants to flow more freely, while tube cutters can cut through the tubing in order to remove and replace it as the situations warrants.

With the complicated system of pipes and wiring in most refrigeration equipment, it is vital that all the pieces fit together perfectly. If they don't, a leak can result and jeopardize the longevity of the unit. Swaging and flaring tools easily merge wires and pipes, bending and fitting individual pieces together.

This type of refrigeration hardware is available in a single-cavity style, which works on just one size of pipe or wire, or a multi-cavity style that fits various sizes. This saw is particularly useful for cutting pegs and making other small, accurate cuts. These saws are used for cutting curves, which almost no other hand saw can do accurately. If you plan on working with wood often or just doing simple DIY jobs, this sort of saw is essential. We recommend having a wide variety of files available.

Files are used for sanding down finished work and can even be used on things like steel in some places. A planer can do many things, such as smoothing rough stock and reducing stock down to the exact thickness you need. We recommend just a portable thickness planer for most purposes. A tree may fall across your driveway, which would make an axe very useful! This is a long, narrow saw that is mostly used for cutting various building materials, like drywall. There are all sorts of clamps, but this is one of our favorites.

It can be tightened with one hand, which means you can hold your work with the other hand. The bar clamp is the answer to those times you were trying to tighten a clamp and wished you had three hands. This is a must-have just because it is so big.

Many of these clamps can provide tons of pressure as well, which you might find useful. These clamps are quick and easy. You should purchase an Allen wrench set as soon as possible. This wrench is suitable for tightening and loosening things like nuts and bolts.

We also recommend having a set of combination wrenches available. Whenever you need to cut bolts or wires, cutting pliers are your best option. You should always have these around in case you need to give a wire a clip or remove a small nail.

These pliers are great for working with small, little things. When something gets stuck, you need these pliers. These are a type of adjustable plier. Having some molly bolts lying around is very useful.

These wall anchors provide a decent amount of holding power, which is useful for many DIY projects. It is vital to write all your measurements down. Otherwise, the odds of you forgetting them are quite high. Sticky notes are a simple option to keep track of measurements and other need-to-know information. However, you will probably need an extension cord at some point anyway.

You need a good pair of gloves for construction work. You just do. Bite the bullet and buy as good a pair of gloves as you can afford. A caulk gun is a tube that is filled with some sort of material to seal up gaps within your home. It can be used on a wide variety of different materials. We recommend having some handy for those quick and easy home repairs. You need a screwdriver for practically everything. Even the very beginning DIYer should have a variety of screwdrivers handy. A flashlight can be essential for tight or dark spaces.

A high-quality utility knife will take you far. These come in a wide range of options, from affordable magnetic ones to professional models. We recommend choosing one based on your budget. Preferably, before you bring home any tool, you should have a spot in your workshop ready for it.

You may not be able to find the tools you need when you need them, and some of your tools may end up breaking from improper storage. Get a toolbox to keep all your commonly used tools in—things like your hammer, nails, a favorite wrench, etc. Then, get another storage solution for your other tools that you may not use on every project. You can organize them like we have in this list or use your system.

Preferably, you should put up your tools every time you step away for an extended period. Each essential hand tool will need to be cared for differently. The most significant part of caring for your tool is to store them properly, which we have already discussed somewhat above. You should only use tools that are in tip-top shape as well.

Dull blades are likely to break, and loose hammers can cause safety concerns. Repair your tools or purchase a new one. Rust is going to be the number one killer of your tools. It makes them unsafe and unstable. Luckily, avoiding rust is decently easy.

All you need to do is avoid moisture, though this is often easier said than done. You can also add a little bit of an appropriate oil to some tools, which will form a seal around them and prevent them from rusting. Essential hand tools can be purchased at local hardware stores and online. There is just something about seeing a tool in person that is hard to replicate online. However, do not purchase the tool at the store. You can almost always find tools cheaper online, especially if purchasing directly from the manufacturer is available.

The internet has made it incredibly easy to purchase and compare tools. We suggest using it to its full abilities. There are quite a few essential hand tools you need to have a stocked workshop. Luckily, most of these hand tools are very inexpensive.

Just buy a few at a time as you can afford it. All the tools on this list are essential, but some can be put off until you really need them.

Any metal will rust, including gold and silver, but the process takes longer with some metals than it does with others. The rust can also. Pete Ortiz Last updated: Jan 11 Measurement tools are essential for nearly any job, but they are commonly overlooked. Hammers, shovels and bars are also essential. You may not use these for every job, but they are essential when you do find yourself in need of them.

Saws and files are also vital for most people. Clamps and wrenches. Many people overlook clamps when purchasing their tools, but they are essential to some jobs. Finally, you may need a few other accessories and miscellaneous items, which will come in handy at some point.

Keeping Track of Your Tools. Organize Your Tools Get a toolbox to keep all your commonly used tools in—things like your hammer, nails, a favorite wrench, etc. The important part is that you do organize them. Image: Pxfuel. Contents 0. Tape Measure 1. Protractor 1. Speed Square 1.

Laser Measure 1. Caliper 1. Ruler 1. Level 1. Bubble Inclinometer 1. Pressure Gauge 1. Hammer 2.