The History Of The Axes

The Oldest Axes

The axe is one of the oldest tools used by human. The oldest axes are known as hand axes.
A handaxe is a pear-shaped, roughly cut stone tool with a wide handle. Handaxes may have been used for many different tasks, from butchering animals to digging up tubers. Gradually, the design was refined to include knives, scrapers, and arrowheads.
When much later the axe was given a wooden handle, several different types of axe heads were developed. They can be divided into two main categories: non-axe bore type axe heads and axe bore type axe heads.

Bronze Age Axe Heads
During the Bronze Age (2000 BC to 500 AD in Northern Europe), stone axes began to give way to axes with copper and bronze heads. Initially, these axe heads were often pure replicas of stone axes. Bronze axe heads were cast in molds, allowing their design to be reproduced and mass-produced.
One type of Bronze Age axe head is the socketed axe head, where the axe handle is secured in a socket at the end of the axe head. Since this axe head was hollow and the handle was inserted into the axe head, a perfectly functional working axe head could be made with a minimum of material. Earlier socketed axe heads were quite long, but they were gradually replaced by smaller types in which the out-turned edge compensated for the smaller size.
At the beginning of the Iron Age (c. 500 B.C. in northern Europe), older axe types, such as socketed axes, were simply copied onto iron, but the possibility of new materials led to a gradual change in the appearance of axe heads. Axe heads without shaft holes disappeared and were replaced by axe heads with holes for handles. Axe heads also became larger, with wider blades.

Axes As Weapons
Like the club and the spear, the axe is one of man's oldest weapons for close combat. The earliest axes used as weapons were probably those used as tools, as these were close at hand.
"Ordinary" axes were used as weapons until recent times, and then gradually special axes for combat were born. Axes produced for the specific purpose of being used as a weapon in combat are called battle axes. People began making such axes as early as the Stone Age and the Bronze Age.

Axe Manufacture Today
With the development and application of modern machinery, the axe has disappeared from the realm of the forest industry. Chain saws and harvesters have completely replaced hand tools for processing millions of cubic meters of pulpwood and timber.
The axe is now used more for small jobs in agriculture, home and outdoor sports, just as it was before the rise of the forest industry. Many people also choose to use power tools like chainsaws, but the axe still has an irreplaceable role in certain jobs as a most basic hand tool.
Even the axes manufactured today are very different from when man first utilized this tool. Modern processes allow axe handles to be made of materials other than wood, such as rubber and fiberglass. They may be stronger, lighter, and can also fit the hand better for gripping. Stronger carbon steel is also used for the axe head, which brings very powerful cutting ability.
However, there are still very few manufacturers producing handmade axes. More specialized craftsmanship takes more time, and many other tools are used in the making process. For today's handmade axes, the most important factor is quality, not quantity.

If you are interested in hand tools, please remember that SINOTOOLS is one of the most professional hand tool manufacturers in China. Feel free to browse our website and discover more about the various tools.

Essential Hand Tools for DIY Beginners

Taking care of a house has a variety of repair challenges, such as redecorating or moving in for the first time, then you may have to face some DIY work. With so much equipment, tools and products available to the novice, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. What do you really need to get started with DIY?
Don't worry, we've put together a list of basic tools for anyone who needs a do-it-yourself or DIY enthusiast newbie. If you're struggling with small repairs and installations, or want to solve home routines on your own, read on for guidance!

Safety Equipment
You can never go wrong investing in some safety equipment. If you're decorating or sanding, dust masks will come in handy. These masks are fine for sawdust and plaster dust, but for very fine powders, paint fumes and other chemicals, it is recommended that you purchase a respirator.
A pair of safety glasses is absolutely essential. Eyewear that meets the low impact protection standard will meet the need for eye protection in most scenarios. Loud noises - especially in an enclosed space - can be uncomfortable and can even damage your hearing. When using power tools at home, a simple pair of ear protectors will provide proper protection from loud noise.
Work gloves are an inexpensive way to protect your hands from minor abrasions and reduce discomfort during long hours of work. Likewise, foam mats or knee pads can be helpful in protecting your knees during long hours of work.

Measuring Up
For DIY, there are few measuring tools more important than a tape measure. No matter how keen your eyes or steady your hands, you can't just pick and choose. Even if you're just measuring furniture, your trusty tape measure is your best friend, along with a level to keep things straight.

Hand Tools
Screwdrivers are the DIY tool you'll use most often, so investing in a decent set will probably get you hundreds of jobs done. With so many different accessories, sizes and lengths of screwdrivers, it's easy to get carried away, but for everyday use, a Phillips head and flat head set is a solid starting point.
Similarly, a solid set of hex keys (also called allen wrenches) is another toolbox necessity due to the mass appeal of flat-pack furniture.
For all the finesse of modern fittings and fixtures, you'll still need a hammer, and a classic "claw" hammer is a good choice to start with. For putting nails in the house, removing them from fixtures and walls, and applying leverage where needed, a solid hammer is a lifelong tool.
An adjustable wrench is the most basic tool for handling nuts, bolts and pipe work with a simple twist. For pulling and prying off small fittings, you'll need at least one set of pliers.

Other Essentials
In addition to the various safety protection devices and basic tools mentioned above, there are many other accessories that are well worth the investment. They may not look impressive, but they can make your job a lot easier.
First, we recommend that you purchase a toolbox or bag. You don't want to have all your tools cluttered together and not be able to find the one you need when you use it. Use a toolbox to organize and protect your tools.
For quick fixes, a sturdy roll of duct tape is another must-have you'll need at some point. Whether you're sealing, wrapping, or making a temporary fix, duct tape is a back-up tool that takes a larger place in your toolbox.

Of course, if you're still not sure where to start, SINOTOOLS has a combination tool kit for you as well. It contains most of the basic tools mentioned above to help you get started on your DIY journey.

Quick Facts About Common Types of Hammers

A hammer is a hand tool used for striking objects or materials. There are different types of hammers that can be used for many different purposes, including: nailing nails into wood, metalworking and demolition applications.
With a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, it can be difficult to choose the right hammer for the job at hand. Read on to learn more about the common types of hammers and how to choose the right hammer for the job.

1. Ball Pein Hammers
A ball peen hammer is also known as a mechanic's hammer. The head of a ball peen hammer is harder than a claw hammer, making it less prone to splintering when impacted. These hammers are widely used in metalworking applications such as: driving punches and chisels, setting rivets, and bending and shaping metal. Spherical hammers are available in a variety of styles: straight hammers, angled hammers, and cross hammers.

2. Brass Hammers
Brass hammers are used where sparking from metal contact is not desired, usually in the oil and gas industry. Because brass hammers are made of a soft metal, they do not damage the material they come in contact with, but only the hammer. Brass hammers can be used for striking bearings and for other similar applications where a steel hammer would cause damage.

3. Dead Blow Hammers
A dead-blow hammer is a specialized hammer designed to minimize damage to the object being struck, as well as to control the force of the blow so that the surface of the object being struck has minimal rebound.
Dead blow hammers usually have a hollow head which is partially filled with steel/lead bullets or sand. This helps to disperse the energy of the blow over a longer period of time.
A dead blow hammer may also have a solid head made of rubber or flexible plastic, which helps to absorb the impact and reduce rebound. Due to the minimal rebound, dead blow hammers are often used in tight spaces to help avoid accidental damage.

4. Carpenter’s Hammers
Carpenter (nail) hammers are used to drive nails, pull nails and pry apart wood. The two most common types of carpenter's hammers are the framing hammer and the claw hammer. A framing hammer has a straight claw and is commonly used for building wooden houses. The heavy head, long handle and polished face of the hammer allow them to quickly drive nails into wood. The claw hammer has a more curved claw than the frame hammer shape. The rounded head and long handle are used to gain leverage to help pull the nails out of the wood.

5. Sledgehammers
Sledge hammers may be classified as hand tools, but these tools are much larger than the average hammer. Because of the size of sledge hammers, they are used for jobs that require more force than a standard hammer. The large head and long handle are designed to apply a large amount of force in a small area. Sledge hammers can be used to drive rebar and stakes, as well as break concrete and other demolition work.
Don’t forget using hammers can be dangerous if the proper safety equipment is not being used, always be sure to have the proper Eye Protection and Work Gloves at all times when using hammers.

SINOTOOLS is a professional manufacturer of hammers and other hand tools with many years of experience. If you would like to learn more about hand tools or guides, you can check out our past articles. Feel free to contact us anytime, our warm team is always happy to help.

Types of Screwdrivers Every DIYer Should Know

Ask any seasoned carpenter or DIYer what tool takes up the most space in his or her toolbox, and the answer is probably "a screwdriver". Since there is no one universal screw for framing, decking or carpentry, it's essential to have a variety of screwdrivers and screwdriver bits to insert or remove any type of screw you come across.
On top of that, chances are you'll find both manual and electric screwdrivers needed for maintenance and carpentry projects around the house. If you're just starting to equip your toolbox, pay close attention to the following types of screwdrivers.

Screwdriver Operation
Screwdrivers have only two purposes: to insert screws and to remove them. While the type of screwdriver is defined by the tip that matches the specific design of a particular screw head, you'll find other variations in the way screwdrivers operate. Understanding these design differences will allow you to choose the best way to handle screws for any given project, with any type of screwdriver.

- The manual screwdriver - the most recognizable variant of the hand tool - consists of a thick handle with a cylindrical steel shank that ends in the working head of the screwdriver (in some cases, it has an interchangeable tip to match some screw head patterns). Because the handle is larger than the tip, only a moderate amount of torque is needed to turn the screw. When using a manual screwdriver, you must lift the screwdriver off the screw head after each turn and reposition it before the next turn.
- A ratcheting screwdriver saves time and reduces the need to lift and reposition the screwdriver head after each turn. An internal ball bearing mechanism allows the user to turn the screw multiple times with a simple back and forth wrist motion. The ratcheting action can be changed from one direction to another by toggling a button on the screwdriver so that the DIYer can both insert the screw (clockwise movement) and remove it (counterclockwise movement).
- With the advent of the electric drill and the ability to replace the drill bit with a screwdriver head, the modified electric drill screwdriver was born. The electric drill/screwdriver dramatically reduced the time it took to insert or remove screws and quickly replaced nails in many construction and remodeling projects because the angled edges of the screws held firmly in place in the wood.

Finally, whether you prefer to use a hand screwdriver or a power drill, the most important factor is matching the screwdriver head to the screw head.

SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Flat/Slotted
While flat-head screws are no longer widely used in residential construction, you can still find them in furniture construction, small cabinetmaking projects and some electrical applications - which makes flat-head screwdrivers useful for more than just prying off the lid of a paint can. You'll need them to install plate covers on outlets and switches, and in other situations where it's important not to overtighten the screws.
Flathead screwdriver bits can be used for ratcheting and drilling, but it's a good idea to keep a flat-head hand screwdriver in your tool bag. When matching a screwdriver to a flat-head screw, pick one that matches the width and depth of the slot in the head of the screw in question.

SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Phillips
Phillips screws are identified by a flared "+" on the head and are widely used in construction and woodworking. Screwdrivers and bits suitable for Phillips screws are marked with a "Ph", but sometimes the size of the screwdriver does not match the size of the Phillips screw marked. You must physically match the screwdriver head to the specific screw. Manual or ratcheting screwdrivers work well when you only have one or two screws to install, but construction projects often use a large number of screws. Choose a drill with an interchangeable Phillips head for more efficient construction.

SCREWDRIVER TYPE: Hex Key
Hexagonal screws are usually very small and are commonly found in door handles, towel bars, and faucet handles. Hexagonal screwdrivers, also called Allen wrenches, are very useful in auto repair.

After reading this full guide on screwdrivers, hopefully your work will go better. SINOTOOLS offers a wide range of screwdrivers, feel free to contact us if interested.

Six Must-Have Agriculture Tools To Buy

You know that as a farmer, spring is a great time to start working and purchasing new tools. With so many options and a limited budget, trying to figure out what you need to buy can be difficult.
Check out this list of farm tools you can use to manage your crops more efficiently. Hopefully, some of the following tools will end up on your shopping list.

1.Sickle
A sickle is a hand tool with a sharp, curved blade used for harvesting. It is used to cut succulent grasses for livestock fodder. Sickles are commonly used to cut green grass and grains. The history of the sickle dates back centuries and is a popular and useful tool in agriculture/farming. Originally, forged iron was used to make sickles. However, steel is now also used.
There are two types of sickles. They are serrated sickles and smooth sickles. Serrated sickles have an advantage over smooth sickles, which can cut harvested grain on a large scale compared to smooth sickles. Modern kitchen knives are designed with serrated edges and follow the same design principles.

2.Shovel
A shovel is a hand tool used by construction workers or farmers. This handy tool is used to move bulk materials such as snow, sand, gravel, soul, ore or coal. In construction it is used to mix sand, cement and gravel to make concrete mixtures. The shovels are the perfect agricultural tool for lifting and transporting soil. The two main components of a shovel are the long handle and the shovel head.

3.Spade
The spade is used for digging and also for cutting turf. Spades have a long handle and a narrow, straight blade with a sharp metal tip. They are made in various designs depending on the kind of work. The spade is primarily a digging tool, but it can also be used for plowing.

4.Hoe
The hoe is an old, popular and versatile agricultural hand tool used for shaping soil, removing weeds, cleaning soil and harvesting root crops. Shaping soil involves piling soil around the base of plants and shaping furrows and shallow ditches for planting seeds. Weed control with a hoe can be accomplished by stirring the soil surface and chopping off the foliage at the roots as well as removing crop and soil residues. Hoes are used for harvesting root crops, such as potatoes and carrots, and for digging and moving soil.

5.Rake
A rake is a very common tool on any type of farm. There are several types of rakes to choose from. The main function of this tined rod is to loosen and level the ground. Traditional rakes have been developed from tractors that have been fixed by hand or pulled by livestock.

6.Machete
This tool, consisting of a handle and a long, sharp steel blade, is hard to forget. Its practicality allows it to be carried everywhere. It is almost irreplaceable. It can be used to mow, cut or trim plants, or to work in the bush.

A Quick Guide On Dead Blow Hammer

A dead-blow hammer is a tool used to nail without damaging the surface you are nailing to. The intricate design of this hammer means that it can be used for many different projects, from setting up carpets to furniture making. If you've never used a dead-blow hammer before, this article prepares you for some of the things you should know about its uses and how to use it properly. Read on for more tips.

What is a Dead Blow Hammer
Since their invention in 1884, dead blow hammers have been a powerful tool used by carpenters around the world. They are primarily used to drive chisels and other tools for jobs such as cutting concrete or laying railroad tracks. They are also common in a variety of demolition jobs, such as knocking down brick walls and removing tile floors.
Dead blow hammers are also known as "no impact" hammers. The hammer head design usually has a flat head on one end and a round head on the other. This design means that it will not produce any damage on any of the materials you are working with.
The interior of the dead-blow hammer is designed with several small weights. The weights are located at the opposite end of the tool, where the flat surface is. When you strike your material, these weights absorb all of the kinetic energy of that impact, so it doesn't damage what you're working on and gives more force when you strike it. These little weights also stop the dead blow hammer from bouncing.

Dead Blow Hammer Uses
You can use a dead blow hammer for many craft projects, but the most popular uses are for furniture making and floor covering. A good dead-blow hammer is necessary when installing hardwood or other natural materials, as they won't damage the surface of the material as much as a traditional hammer would. If you're remodeling an old piece of furniture and need to replace some nails, you might also consider using a dead-blow hammer - this tool is specifically designed for that purpose.

Some other suitable project is bellowed,
-Chassis work.
-Installation of hardwood floors or other natural materials.
-Smaller projects.
-As a useful chisel mallet.
-Taps things more precisely.
-Beat stiff wood joints together.
-Knocks small dents out of sheet metal.
-In automotive repair.

How to Use a Dead Blow Hammer
You should always strike the nail head steadily, but don't put too much pressure on it as you strike - instead, just keep taping until the nail sinks deep enough into the wood (or metal, or whatever else you're working on).
The first step is to use the foot lever or handle of a dead blow hammer to put the nail into position. Once this is done, hold the hammer in one hand, hold the material in the other and strike the head of the nail with a steady blow - this should create a shock wave on its shaft, which will be enough to push any debris away from it.

Conclusion
If you're looking for help with your home improvement project, a dead blow hammer is a great choice. This type of tool reduces the amount of vibration created when striking an object and will not launch nails or any other small items into the air.
We hope this article on the uses of a dead blow hammer will be helpful to you. If there are any other questions, please check out our hammer products page to learn more or contact us today!

Full guide on Screwdrivers: Types, Uses and Maintenance

A screwdriver is a simple and common tool used to install or remove screws. Screwdrivers perform simple functions in a simple design and come in several types depending on the shape of the screw. Screwdrivers usually have a plastic or rubber handle and a head made of alloy steel with different types of tips.
Different shapes of screwdrivers transmit different torques and exert different pressures on the screws. Below we will discuss about several common types of screwdrivers and their uses.

Types of Screwdrivers and There Uses
1.Flat Head Screwdriver
The flat head screwdriver is the most common type we use, it is simple and widely used for most installation or removal purposes. We can find this screwdriver in most toolboxes.
The tip of a flat head screwdriver is a wedge-shaped flat head. This type of tool does not transmit more torque and slips easily, so we need to choose the exact size to work with the screws. We think most flat head screwdrivers should need a sharp tip, but this is not the case. A sharp tip is more likely to slip and may damage the top flat grip of the screw or the tip of the tool. This type of tool needs a small flat surface at the end to avoid easy slippage from the screw head.

2.Phillips Screwdriver
The Phillips screwdriver is mostly used in the automotive industry and it has a cross (X) shape at the tip. This type of tool is used to turn screws with more torque to achieve the desired fit and is less prone to slippage. Using a Phillips screwdriver may require greater grip strength. It also requires choosing the right size to work perfectly.

3.Hexagonal Screwdriver
A hexagonal screwdriver is also known as a hexagonal key. It has six sides and is a very common type of tool used in construction and auto repair. This type of screwdriver has a hexagonal tip, which has more grip and can transmit more torque and reduce slippage during work.
Hexagonal keys can be used to work on nuts and bolts, most of which are held in this shape, so hexagonal tools are highly used nowadays.

After understanding the types of screwdrivers commonly used, it's time to talk about the attention to be paid when using them.Although the screwdriver is a relatively small hardware tool, but if you want to have a long service life, it still needs to be used in the process of normal maintenance and care.

Safe Using of Screwdrivers
1. Do not use a screwdriver to tighten or loosen the screws on the workpiece in your hand. The workpiece should be clamped in a fixture to prevent injury.
2. Do not use a screwdriver to pry things apart or to remove metal burrs and other objects.
3. If the screwdriver is damaged or dull, it should always be sharpened. When sharpening with a grinding wheel, it should be cooled with water. If the screwdriver is beyond repair, severely damaged or deformed, or if the handle is broken or damaged, it should be discarded promptly.
4. The appropriate screwdriver should be selected according to the slot width and slot shape of the screw head to be tightened or loosened; a smaller screwdriver cannot be used to screw larger screws; a Phillips screwdriver is used to tighten or loosen screws with a cross recess at the beginning; an elbow screwdriver is used for screw heads with limited space.

In short, screwdrivers are generally used with screws. Follow the above methods to use the screwdriver to ensure that the screwdriver will not be damaged in the process of use.