What Are Non Sparking Tools?

Every professional working in the oil and gas sector knows how important it is to have specific hand tools that minimize the risk of accidents in the workplace. Worker safety is a top concern in every industry, which is why they choose non-sparking tools to help avoid situations like fires and explosions.

When it comes to ensuring safety in the workplace, investing in spark-free safety tools is probably the best course of action. These tools are known for performing at their best in industries such as coal mines, oil refineries and offshore oil rigs.

Now, you must be a little curious to know what's so special about these tools and what they are made of to eliminate sparks and ensure safety in the workplace. But before we get into that part, let's start with some brief explanations of spark-free tools.

What are Non Sparking Tools?

Non-sparking safety tools, also commonly referred to as "spark reduction", "spark resistant" or "spark proof", are used in work environments containing flammable gases, vapors, dust, residues and liquids. They prevent the generation of sparks, thereby eliminating the risk of fire and explosion.

Non-sparking tools are usually made of non-ferrous metals (metals that do not contain iron) such as bronze, brass, copper-nickel alloys or copper-aluminum alloys to reduce the risk of sparking during tool use.

These tools are popular in industry because they prevent fires and explosions in environments that may contain flammable vapors, dust, residues or steam. The use of non-sparking safety tools is best practice when working in confined spaces and areas where flammable dusts, gases or liquids are present.

Because these tools are made of non-ferrous metals, they are softer than standard tools made of high-strength alloy steel. They also have lower tensile strength and resistance, which makes them wear out faster. But they have an advantage that other types of tools don't have, and that is that the cold sparks they produce have relatively low heat, not enough to ignite anything.

How To Use Non Sparking Safety Tools?

An important tip: Clean all non-sparking tools thoroughly after use, making sure they are free of any ferrous contaminants or rust, as ferrous contaminants can render the non-sparking properties of the tool useless.

Also, remember not to use tools in direct contact with acetylene, mainly in the presence of moisture, as this can lead to highly dangerous and explosive acetylene.

In addition, do not forget to regularly sharpen all your sparking tools, follow safety procedures such as protecting your face and eyes, and use the proper tools to collect the powder. Finally, you must ventilate the premises to eliminate potentially harmful powders and vapors from the atmosphere.

These are some simple rules you can follow to ensure the long-term operation of your tools and to minimize possible hazards in the workplace.

Final Thoughts

Non-sparking tools have unique properties that make them ideal for use in flammable environments. Thanks to these tools, work in different industries, such as chemical, oil and gas, coal mining, pharmaceuticals, etc., has become easier and safer. In addition, these tools are non-magnetic, so they do not create electronic interference in the industry, maintaining high safety standards.

Safety tools are different from ordinary hand tools and are guaranteed to last a long time. With these tools, professionals can operate effectively without putting their safety at risk.

Everything to Know About Screwdrivers

A screwdriver is a hand tool used to insert and remove screws. Next, we will detail various knowledge about screwdrivers.

Uses and Applications of Screwdrivers

The screwdriver is one of the most basic hand tools in any toolbox. In many situations and occupations, screwdrivers are indispensable for performing specific tasks that revolve around loosening or tightening fasteners.

Some of the most common uses for screwdrivers include.

-Electronic and electrical equipment

-Machinery and industrial production

-Woodworking and carpentry

Types of Screwdrivers

The different types of screwdrivers are usually determined by the shape of the drive head, which corresponds to the specific head type of the particular screw. There are also other types of screwdrivers that are application specific or intended for specific industries.

Some of the most common types of screwdrivers are described in detail in the following sections.

1. Phillips screwdrivers

Phillips screwdrivers, also known as Phillips-head screwdrivers, are one of the most common types. These screws have a cross-shaped recess - hence the name Phillips screwdriver. They were invented to cope with higher torsional forces.

2. Flat-head screwdrivers

The slotted or flat-head screwdriver is probably the most common form of hand tool. It has a flat tip and is used for screws that have straight lines intruding throughout the head. Flat head screwdrivers are versatile and can usually be used for a range of applications.

3. Phillips screwdrivers (star screwdrivers)

Known as star-head screwdrivers, pointed screwdrivers, six-point screwdrivers and Torx screwdrivers, these versions are all of the same type. Torx is a trademark for a screw head with a six-point star intrusion, hence the generic name for a star-shaped screwdriver. These exist to ensure that more torque can be applied, for example in the production of machinery.

4. Hexagonal screwdrivers

Like an Allen key or wrench, a hexagonal screwdriver is a tool used to loosen or tighten hexagonal screws. This tool can be of great use in auto repair applications.

5. Magnetic screwdriver

Screwdrivers with a magnetic head make the screws magnetically attracted. This reduces the risk of accidental drops. Magnetic tools are useful for working with electronic products that have small screws that can easily fall into hard-to-reach places.

6. Ratchet screwdriver

Ratchet screwdrivers have a built-in mechanism that allows force to be applied in only one direction while allowing free movement in the other. These hand tools function similarly to ratchets.

Parts of a Screwdriver

The three main parts that make up a screwdriver are as follows.

-Handle

-Shaft or shank

-Drive head or bit

All three parts are machine-made during the manufacturing process using an extruder to form the correct shape of the material and heat treat it to achieve the required tensile strength.

1. Screwdriver handle

Screwdriver handles are used for gripping and are generally shaped to prevent rolling on flat surfaces. They can also be ergonomically designed to improve comfort when gripping. Over time, the materials used in the manufacturing process have changed, and there is now a wider variety of tools for specific applications. Most commonly, the handles are ergonomic and made of a hard plastic compound. They can also be covered with a non-slip soft material, such as thermoplastic rubber, to improve grip.

2. Shaft or shank

Shafts or shanks are usually made of strong steel to ensure that they do not bend or twist when force is applied. The shaft is round or hexagonal to allow the use of a wrench to increase torque.

3. Drive head or drill bit

The drive head can be an integral part of the shank and is usually non-detachable. There are also replaceable screwdriver heads that are called drivers - similar to drills. These are designed for use with multihead tools. The tip may also be referred to as a screwdriver bit.

SINOTOOLS is a reliable and professional screwdriver manufacturer. We are committed to providing high quality products at competitive prices.

Tool Box Vs Tool Bag: Which One Is Right For You?

There are quite a few options around when it comes to tool carrying and storage accessories, but the most common is a tool box or tool kit.

Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. We'll do a comparison of tool boxes and tool bags to try to figure out which one is right for you. 

Tool Box Vs Tool Bag

First, let's briefly sort out the pros and cons of tool bags and toolboxes.

Tool Bag

Pros

-Very portable

-Lots of storage space

-Lightweight

-Good for lots of small tools

-Fairly inexpensive

Cons

-Not that durable

-Not great for tool safety

-Don’t lock

Tool Box

Pros

-Very durable

-Keep tools safe

-Can lock

-Good for organization

-Can usually gold a fair number of tools

Cons

-Not as good for portability

-Can be very expensive

But this is all very general and may not apply to a specific toolbox or tool bag. Therefore, our comparison of the two storage options also focuses only on important considerations, such as storage capacity, portability, weight, size, etc.

1.Durability

There are some pretty durable tool bags available these days. These can be made from many different materials, often using sturdy synthetic materials. However, the durability of fabric is still worse compared to the metal materials commonly used in toolboxes. Also, due to the presence of sewn seams on tool bags, they may tear when they are subjected to too much weight.

Toolboxes are usually made of plain steel, stainless steel, aluminum or other tough metals. It's heavier than fabric and probably less portable, but if durability is what you're after, a toolbox is a good choice.

2.Portability

Portability is usually a pretty big deal as well. Everyone wants a portable tool to carry and store items. You want something that isn't too heavy, can be carried easily, and won't get in your way when you're moving from one job site to another. So, which is easier to carry, a tool bag or a tool box?

Tool bags are definitely very portable. Their fabric construction makes them fairly lightweight, which is always nice when hauling around tools. Also, tool bags are usually not that big, making them easier to carry. There are also wheeled tool bags so you can easily drag them around with one hand.

Toolboxes tend to be quite heavy, much heavier than tool bags, due to their metal construction.

In addition, toolboxes are square and bulky, which can make them awkward to carry. Yes, toolboxes usually have some sort of carry handle for carrying, but they also tend to be a bit awkward to handle.

3.Storage and Organization

The last feature we'll talk about is storage and organization. After all, the point of both toolboxes and tool bags is to store and transport your tools in an organized manner. So, in this sense, which is better, a toolbox or a tool bag?

When it comes to storage, tool bags are decent. These things usually have one large internal pocket, many smaller internal pockets, and many external pockets. They can hold a fair amount of tools, but they are usually better suited for smaller tools.

Also, in terms of organization, tool pouches are OK, but not the best. However, tool bags tend to be quite roomy, which is what many people like.

When it comes to tool organization, toolboxes are absolutely top notch. They usually have several different levels and compartments to store tools. With these things, keeping your tools organized is often easy. In terms of storage space, it depends on the size of the toolbox you get.

Wire Stripper Tool Guide

What is a Wire Stripping Tool?

What exactly does a wire stripper do? These handheld tools are used to precisely strip the outer sheath or insulation from the end of a wire to connect a second wire, a terminal, or a connector. Standard connection methods, such as crimping, splicing or soldering, require contact with the wire core.

Commercial wire strippers are the standard tool for electricians and they are also widely used by electrical engineers. Other models are designed for hobbyists and DIYers. Wire strippers are also known as cable strippers, or even cable strippers.

Types of Wire Stripper

Various models are available, each designed to tackle particular wire stripping tasks, from light insulation peeling to cutting through tougher materials like copper and conduit. Many are based on the classic plier design.

Some of the different types of wire stripper are explained in more detail below:

Manual Wire Strippers

This is the simplest form of wire stripping tool, ideal for lighter jobs which require minimal force. They typically feature spring-loaded, self-opening handles and a safety lock.

Variations include:

Adjustable wire strippers - these typically have manual and automatic adjustment mechanisms; insert a wire and the unit will automatically adjust to fit, but precise manual adjustments can also be made

Triple Action Wire Strippers - These specialized models allow the user to apply three different cutting actions - spiral, linear and rotary. The spiral type is particularly well suited for stripping materials such as rubber.

Sheath Strippers - In contrast to the triple action models, sheath strippers offer a simple and effective rotary cut, ideal for two and three core wires and cables. They also typically have automatic adjustment for different diameters.

Pistol Strippers - These models have self-adjusting blades that grip and strip the cable in one motion.

Steel Armored Wire Strippers - These devices feature a reinforced blade specifically designed to cut steel, copper or aluminum shields and conduits in fiber optic or armored cables.

Insulated Wire Strippers - These devices have VDE handles, industry standard certification, indicating that they are insulated against electrostatic discharge.

Automatic Wire Stripping Machine

Automatic or automotive models have synchronized jaws that allow users to easily cut and strip wire sheaths with just a squeeze of the handle.

Laser Wire Strippers

Laser wire stripping tools are a high-end alternative to traditional insulation removal solutions and are favored in situations where a high degree of precision work is required. This may include cables with exceptionally small diameters, unusually hard insulation, or very specialized cables, such as those used in medical equipment.

The laser radiation emitted by the tool vaporizes the insulation, but the internal components are highly reflective and therefore unaffected by the standard beam. If the cable includes any metal shielding, it can be cut using a different type of laser.

How to Use a Wire Stripping Tool Safely

Wire stripping is a crucial, everyday job for electricians and engineers, but like any task involving electrical equipment, safety considerations are crucial. Wire strippers are designed for safety. You can strip smaller wires with a sharp knife, but as a specialist tool, wire strippers are much safer and minimise the risk of injury.

Safety considerations vary according to the type of wire you are working with. Here are a few guidelines:

Thin wires are highly susceptible to damage during stripping, so proceed with caution and use a suitable adjustable stripping tool. This includes TV and broadband cables

Plastic-sheathed cables require preliminary treatment with a stripping tool specifically designed to access the multiple individually sheathed wires within them.

Wires are potentially dangerous, so make sure they are not energized before performing any work. Follow standard electrical safety procedures. Choose wire strippers with insulated handles for added safety, and pay close attention during operation to ensure that nothing is damaged, as this can lead to dangerous electrical failures.

Certain types of wire, such as coaxial cable or wall and floor installations, should only be worked on by professional electricians who are fully trained.

8 Clamps to Help You Handle Any Project

Clamps can be very helpful (even essential) in performing certain tasks. But which clamp - among the various hand-screw, bar, spring, band, tube and C-clamps - is right for the project at hand? Here are 8 commonly used clamps and what they do when put to use.

Pipe Clamps
A pipe clamp is commonly used in cabinet or furniture construction to glue the edges of wood together. It can be made to any size by simply changing the length of the tube between the fittings. The pressure exerted by a pipe clamp can damage the wood, so it is best to protect the clamped wood with blocks of wood, cardboard or felt.

C-clamps
The C-clamp is one of the most widely used and versatile clamps and is generally made of steel or cast iron. It is available in various sizes and is operated by turning a threaded rod that closes the "C" when tightened, serving to hold the workpiece in place. C-clamps can easily be over-tightened, so care should be taken not to damage softer wood - clamp the workpiece between blocks of wood or pad it with cardboard or felt.

Spring clamps
Spring clamps work much like clothespins, but with more force and stability. They come in many sizes and are graded according to the width of the opening. They are useful in many applications, not only in the woodworking shop, but throughout the house as well. Because they are the least expensive type of clamp and are usually sold in sets, they are cost effective.



Hand screw clamps
A hand-screw clamp consists of two hardwood pliers and two handles with long threads. The great thing about this clamp is that it can be adjusted for all sorts of odd shapes and angles. It distributes pressure evenly over the hardwood jaws so it is less likely to damage or break the wood it clamps.

Ratcheting Bar Clamps
The bar clamp is similar in construction to a pipe clamp, but it is equipped with a ratcheting handle. Just like a Ratchet, the jaws can be pulled together slowly, so they can be operated with one hand. The handle also has a quick release mechanism that makes removal of the clamp easy.

Ratchet Band Clamps
Band clamps are an excellent choice for situations where multiple surfaces, especially those that are not parallel, need to be clamped together or where clamping pressure needs to come from multiple directions. Special band clamps, through which corner blocks can be penetrated, can be used to clamp diagonally joined frames or boxes. Band clamps are also well suited for round workpieces.

Toggle clamps
Toggle clamps can be attached to a work surface or fixture to keep the workpiece stationary while it is being machined. Toggle clamps come in a variety of sizes and different types - push, pull and right angle - all tailored to specific situations. By pushing the handle down, an adjustment screw is pressed against the workpiece to keep it stationary.

Corner Clamps
Corner clamps can help you make corners or T-joints by holding your workpiece in place while you work. The smaller sizes are used for work like picture frames and the larger sizes are used for things like bookshelves. They don't apply force, so they don't actually push the two pieces of wood against each other. Instead, they frame and hold your pieces of wood in place so you can glue and screw them together.

A Guide On Different Masonry Trowel Types

The trowel is a common tool in masonry work. There are different masonry trowel types, and it can be used for various purposes such as leveling, shaping and laying concrete. It is arguably the most important tool in bricklaying.
The masonry trowel is manufactured from materials such as stainless steel and carbon steel. It is available in different shapes, sizes and types.
There are two most popular masonry trowel types -brick trowel and pointing trowel. In this article, we will focus on these two types of masonry trowels, introducing their characteristics and uses. We hope it will be helpful to you.



1. Brick Trowel
When you lay bricks, you want to have the proper tools to do the job. A brick trowel should be one of the first tools that you purchase. It is probably the most important tool in the entire brick laying process and is equally essential.
If you know anything about bricklaying, then you should understand that the job involves setting the bricks and laying the mortar. A brick trowel is designed for this purpose. It is the tool you use to smooth things out and will work throughout your job to help you get the perfect result.
Having a brick trowel will make laying bricks as easy as possible. You can use the blade of the trowel to help you position the bricks and smooth out the material. Using this tool, you will be able to pick up a sufficient amount of mortar and always be able to put it where it needs to be.
The blade of the brick trowel is made of steel and is strong and durable. If you take proper care of the brick trowel, it will stand up to years of use. It is no wonder that brick trowels are one of the primary and most popular masonry trowel types.

2. Pointing Trowel
The pointing trowel will be another type of masonry trowel that you will use when doing bricklaying work. It is used to perform specific tasks. For example, when you need to add a finish to your brickwork, a pointing trowel is the most suitable choice. The design of this tool makes it ideal for getting close to the brickwork and adding the finish properly.
The pointing trowel can also be used to level things and spread mortar where it is needed. However, it is more commonly used for precise shaping work. Masons usually use a larger brick trowel to do most of the work, then switch to a pointing trowel to finish up and shape the bricks accurately. This way, masons can complete the project correctly.

Sorting out the different masonry trowel types is not an easy task, and you may confuse a pointing trowel with a brick trowel. Remember, the two tools look similar, but the pointing trowel is smaller. It is also designed to fill small cavities that a brick trowel can't get into. It can easily get into tight corners of the brick base.

With these tips, you are now able to procure the right trowel for your masonry project. SINOTOOLS offers quality masonry trowels to meet your various needs. If you want to buy masonry tools, choose us and you'll get the best value for your money.

Splitting Axe Vs Splitting Maul

If you need to create your own firewood, you need to use a splitting tool to do this. Splitting wood is more effective than chopping as it leads to less waste. When looking at splitting wood in its simplest form, it comes down to a splitting axe vs a splitting maul. But in order to determine which one is better suited to your lifestyle and environment, you need to consider what each is and what the differences are.

What Is A Splitting Axe?
A splitting axe is a cutting tool that has a tapered head commonly made of metal and will weight approximately 3 to 6 pounds. A splitting axe has been designed to split wood along the grain to break apart the fibres. This is different from the traditional axe which was designed to chop wood across the grains. When using a top-quality splitting axe, the force created by the head will split the wood for you.

What Is A Splitting Maul?
When looking at a splitting maul, you might mistake it for a splitting axe as they are similar. The splitting maul also has a metal head, but it weighs more at 6 to 8 pounds. The head of the maul will be wedge-shaped and wider than the head of the splitting axe which makes it better at splitting wood. The shape of the head will ensure that the splitting maul does not stick in the wood when it is splitting it and will prevent any jamming.
Splitting mauls have a lot more engineering put into them making more efficient at splitting wood. This is one of the reasons that splitting mauls are so highly recommended and one of the first options people consider now when they want to split wood.

Axe Versus Splitting Maul Pros And Cons
When looking at the splitting axe and the splitting maul, you need to know what the differences are. There are 3 differences that you need to take into account when you choose between these tools. These are as follows:
1.Weight – Weight of the tool and head make a big difference when you’re splitting wood and can make the biggest difference in which one is right for you. Heavier the head the easier it is to split but the more fatigue you will get when using it.
2.Design – Without a doubt, the head of these two types of equipment is the biggest difference and where the biggest pros and cons are in my opinion.
3.Handle – There is a lot of different variations in the handles of mauls and axes that mainly affect the grip you have on the tool itself, which can affect comfort and how long you will be splitting for.

For most people, the choice between the splitting axe vs splitting maul comes down to personal preferences. The greatest determinants will be the amount of work you have at hand and the size of the wood you are working with. When working with large pieces of wood, a maul would be better than an axe. This is due to the fact that you will be able to split quicker, but you have to consider that you will tire faster because of the weight of the splitting maul.
If you have smaller pieces of wood, a splitting axe will generally be the better solution. The splitting axe is also a better choice for people who are smaller and not able to lift the heavier weight of the splitting maul.
The bottom line is the larger the workload, opt for the maul. Lighter day to day tasks to keep the firewood turning over, stick with the axe.