月: 2023年1月

What Is a Tool Box?

A tool box is a storage container for organizing, storing, and transporting tools. Available in metal and resin, tool boxes vary by use environment, tool weight, and size. Multi-tiered cabinet-style tool boxes are also popular, though primarily hand-held models are designed for lighter loads, enabling the carriage of numerous small tools.

Uses of Tool Boxes

Tool boxes are versatile, serving various storage needs:

• In automobile repair shops for organizing screwdrivers, wrenches, and sockets
• For carrying tools and parts for electrical product repairs
• For storing home DIY and farm work tools
• For keeping nail tools and jewelry

They are widely utilized by professionals and hobbyists alike.

Features of Tool Boxes

Tool boxes enhance work efficiency through organization. They come equipped with dividers, inner trays, and drawers for quick tool access. Portability is a key feature, with many boxes featuring handles for ease of transport. Customizability allows for personalized organization of tools and parts. Recently, the rise of DIY culture has brought about tool boxes in various colors and designs, expanding their use beyond mere storage.

How to Select Tool Boxes

Consider the following when choosing a tool box:

1. Type

• Case Type: Offers deep storage and comes in various forms like trunk, attaché case, and multi-tiered, each providing different storage capacities.
• Cabinet Type: Features multiple tiers for extensive storage, with adjustable dividers and drawer thickness varying by the number of tiers.

2. Material

• Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and stylish, ideal for outdoor work.
• Steel: Durable and heavy, suitable for long-term storage of heavy equipment.
• Plastic: Lightweight and cost-effective, available in various designs for versatile storage needs.

3. Size

Select a tool box based on the tools and parts you plan to store, considering the internal dimensions to ensure it meets your storage needs.

What Is a Wire Brush?

A wire brush is a brush with bristles made of metal, as opposed to soft plastic like a toothbrush.

A wire brush is used to remove stains that can only be removed by hard scrubbing or to remove rust or paint.

There are different types of wire brushes, such as those shaped like large toothbrushes, those with a straight brush tip, and those with a wide brush. They are classified not only by shape but also by the material of the bristles.

Uses of Wire Brushes

Wire brushes are made of metal, so the bristles are very hard and rarely bend when force is applied.

They are mainly used for cleaning but are also sometimes used to remove paint.

How to Select Wire Brushes

There are two main points in choosing wire brushes.

If you choose by shape, choose a brush that matches the shape and size of the area to be used.

If the area to be cleaned is large, choose a wide oval-type brush. If you’re cleaning the inside of a tank or other surface, you’ll get better results by choosing a curved tip that makes it easier to scrape corners. For cleaning tubular objects, it is recommended to use a threaded brush with spiral bristles.

Other types of brushes include wire brushes called wheel brushes that are attached to a motor and rotate.

Wire brushes are made of two main types of materials. The first is brushes made of very hard materials such as stainless steel or steel. The second is brushes made of brass, which is a slightly softer material. The stainless steel type is suitable for removing hard stains such as rust because it does not bend even if you rub it vigorously, but it is also easily scratched. Brass brushes are less prone to scratches, but they bend more easily.

What Is a Welding Mask?

A welding mask is a protective gear designed to shield the eyes and face from the hazardous light and sparks produced during welding processes. These masks prevent eye damage, such as blindness, from the intense flash of arc welding, which emits harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays. Welding masks come in two primary types: headgear models that allow hands-free operation and hand-held masks that offer quick removal but occupy one hand during use.

Uses of Welding Masks

Welding masks are indispensable in welding for protecting against retinal damage, keratitis, and skin burns caused by exposure to ultraviolet light and sparks. These conditions can lead to temporary or permanent visual impairment and skin damage, underscoring the necessity of wearing welding masks during such tasks.

Principle of Welding Masks

Welding masks function by covering the face to block harmful radiation and sparks. Head mask types are secured over the head, offering complete coverage and freeing both hands for work. Hand-held masks are manually positioned in front of the face, requiring careful handling to prevent exposure to harmful rays and debris.

How to Select Welding Masks

Selection criteria for welding masks include:

1. Type

Choose based on work requirements and personal preference. Headgear types offer greater safety and allow the use of both hands, while hand-held types provide flexibility and ease of use after welding checks.

2. With or Without Automatic Light Shielding

Models with automatic light shielding adjust visibility based on welding intensity, combining safety with convenience. They may be powered by batteries or solar panels, with the latter reducing the need for battery replacement.

3. Degree of Light Shielding

The appropriate level of light shielding depends on the welding current. Ensure the mask’s shading level matches the intensity of the welding task to maintain visibility and protection.

4. Lightness

A lighter mask reduces fatigue during prolonged use, making it an important factor for comfort and efficiency in both headgear and hand-held types.

What Is a Pin Vise?

A pin vise is a specialized tool equipped with a thin drill for creating smaller holes than can be achieved with standard drills. It is particularly useful for working with plastic materials and offers both fixed and interchangeable models. The interchangeable models allow for varying hole sizes by swapping out drill blades, making them versatile for drilling a wide range of hole sizes.

Uses of Pin Vises

Pin vises are commonly used in hobbies such as plastic modeling and mini 4WD, in crafting with beads, for precision tasks like circuit board creation, and various DIY projects. They are capable of drilling small holes (0.1 mm to 3 mm) in materials like plastic, wood, amber, and beeswax, but are not suitable for hard metals due to the risk of breaking the thin drill blades.

Principle of Pin Vises

To use a pin vise, the tip of the drill is positioned against the material and rotated using the index finger and thumb. It’s important to apply force carefully to avoid damaging the material or causing accidents. For interchangeable models, ensuring the drill blade is securely attached before use is crucial, especially with larger drill sizes.

Types of Pin Vises

Pin vises come in various types, including:

1. Interchangeable Type / Fixed Type

Choose between models with replaceable or fixed drill blades based on your need for drilling holes of various sizes. The collet chuck mechanism, which holds the drill blade, varies with the drill shaft’s thickness, influencing the choice between fixed and interchangeable types.

2. Manual Type / Electric Type

While manual pin vises are more common and suitable for precise, small-area drilling, electric models offer efficiency and ease of use for drilling multiple holes without fatigue.

3. Single-Head Type / Double-Head Type

For interchangeable models, single-head types are standard, but double-head types can increase efficiency by reducing the need to swap out drill blades frequently.

How to Select Pin Vises

Consider these factors when choosing a pin vise:

1. Size of Drill Blades

Select a pin vise compatible with the drill blade sizes you plan to use, considering the collet chuck’s width for the drill shaft’s thickness.

2. Size of the Main Body

Choose a pin vise size that fits comfortably in your hand, especially if you have smaller hands, to ensure stability and ease of use.

3. Material of the Grip

While metal grips are common, rubber grips offer a safer, non-slip alternative that can enhance precision and efficiency.

What Is a Jack?

A jack is a tool for lifting an object.

A jack can be operated in three different ways. Mechanical jacks rotate screws or gears, liquid-actuated jacks use hydraulic pressure, and air-actuated jacks use a compressor or other device to feed air into the jack. Typical mechanical jacks are ratchet screw jacks, screw jacks with bearings, and rack-driven jacks. Hydraulic jacks are mainly used for liquid-actuated jacks.

A jack with various load capacities (maximum load) is also available. These include small jacks with a load capacity of about 3kg for tabletop hobbyists and experimenters, jacks with a load capacity of 2-5 tons for use in automobile repair and construction sites, and lifts (jack) with a load capacity of 5 tons or more for use in factory installations. 

How to Use Jacks

This section describes how to use jacks with a load capacity of 2 to 5 tons, which are used for many types of work, and explains the precautions to be taken when using jacks.

• Checking the installation point (contact point) of the object to be lifted
  Determine the jack’s installation point on the object to be lifted. Some objects, such as automobiles, have predetermined installation points. If not, determine the installation point in consideration of the work area and load balance. Select a hard place for the installation point that can withstand the lifting force.
• Installation of jacks
  Select a level, hard, stable location for the installation surface.
• Jacking up the object
  Operate the jack to raise the object slowly. When raising the object, check the following points: The condition of the installation surface (whether it is stable or not), the installation point of the object (whether it is not being dug into), and the balance of the object (whether it is moving sideways or not).
• Work
  It is prohibited to start work immediately after the object is raised. The jacks are merely lifting the object, and there is a risk that the object will lose its balance and fall over. Work should be started only after fall prevention measures have been taken, such as supporting the object with rigid racks, etc.
• Jacking down
  Operate the jack to slowly lower the object. In the same way as when ascending, slowly lower the object while checking the condition of the installation surface, the object’s installation point, and the object’s balance.

How to Select a Jack

When selecting jacks, the most important factors to consider are the load capacity and height. Also, select the type of jack according to the work. The below information explains the advantages and disadvantages of each type and their uses:

• Load Capacity
  The maximum weight that jacks can lift is called the load-bearing weight. It is important to select jacks with a load capacity greater than the weight of the object to be lifted. If the weight of the object cannot be exceeded with single jacks, multiple jacks should be used to lift the object.
• Height
  The lowest height that jacks can lift is called the minimum height, and the highest height is called the maximum height. Select jacks that can provide the necessary height for the work.
• Merits and demerits of each type
  The advantages and disadvantages of each type are as follows Select the appropriate type for the work area and the work to be performed

The advantage of the mechanical type is that it is lighter in weight and easier to handle than the liquid-operated type. Also, by using it horizontally, there is an advantage that the object can be moved laterally. Ideal for use when carrying a jack. The disadvantages are low work efficiency and the internal screws and gears are easily broken.

The liquid-actuated type is heavier than the mechanical type but has the advantage of high work efficiency. Recently, small types that can be easily transported are also available. It is mainly used in automobile repair and construction work. Disadvantages are that it cannot be used sideways and that handling such as oil leakage requires attention.

The advantage of the air-operated type over the liquid-operated type is that it can be used safely without risk of oil leakage or ignition. Today, various types are available: compressor type, exhaust gas type, and manual pump type. It is advisable to select the type that best suits the work to be performed. However, the disadvantage of jacks with a large load capacity is that they require a compressor, which can be cumbersome. 

What Is a Polyethylene Tank?

A polyethylene tank is a durable container designed specifically for the transportation and storage of kerosene. Made primarily from polyethylene to resist deterioration from stored kerosene, they come in a variety of colors, capacities, and designs to suit different storage needs and aesthetic preferences. Some models are stackable for efficient storage, while others feature designs that complement interior spaces.

Uses of Polyethylene Tanks

These tanks are primarily used to store kerosene safely for use in stoves and heaters. A nozzle or pump is typically used for transferring kerosene to prevent spills and accidents. While polyethylene tanks can store kerosene long-term, it’s advisable not to store kerosene for more than 5 years to avoid deterioration from light and air exposure. Deteriorated kerosene should be returned to a gas station for safe disposal.

Principle of Polyethylene Tanks

To mitigate degradation from UV rays, polyethylene tanks are often colored red or blue. However, tanks are available in various colors, and it’s important to distinguish them from tanks used for other purposes to prevent misuse. For diesel fuel storage, regulations require clear labeling to avoid accidents.

How to Select Polyethylene Tanks

Consider the following factors when choosing a polyethylene tank for kerosene storage:

1. Capacity

Available in sizes from 10 liters to 20 liters, with 18 liters being a common choice. Consider the tank’s total weight when filled for ease of handling.

2. Shape

Varying shapes allow for efficient use of storage space, with some designed for stackability.

3. Number of Mouths

Options include single or dual openings for convenience in refueling with a nozzle or pump.

4. Nozzle

Some tanks come equipped with a nozzle for immediate use, while others may require a separate purchase.

5. Color and Design

Choose a color and design that fits your storage environment and personal preference, with options ranging from soothing greens to military styles.

What Is a Parts Box?

A parts box is a storage container designed to organize and hold small items or parts. These boxes can be portable, with hinged lids and handles for easy transport, or stationary, resembling cabinets with multiple drawers. Some models include casters for added mobility.

Uses of Parts Boxes

Parts boxes are essential for organizing small and electrical parts in factories or on-site, ensuring easy identification and preventing the use of incorrect components. They are also used for storing hobby models, fishing tackle, and accessories, often in clear cases for visibility. Stationary types, with their ability to combine variously sized cases, are popular in factory settings for part organizations.

Principle of Parts Boxes

Equipped with internal dividers, parts boxes allow for the sorted storage of different components. These dividers, often adjustable, enable customization of the storage space to fit the quantity and size of the stored parts, enhancing usability and preventing mix-ups.

Types of Parts Boxes

Parts boxes come in three primary types:

1. Attaché Case Type

This portable option is ideal for those needing to transport parts, featuring secure locks to prevent accidental openings. Lightweight materials like polypropylene offer ease of carrying, while polycarbonate versions provide durability. Models with adjustable or numerous dividers cater to varied storage needs, and those with compartment-specific lids are practical for accessing frequently used parts without risking spillage.

2. Tool Box Type

For DIY enthusiasts, a tool box type parts box, which includes a divided upper tray for small, easily misplaced items like bolts and nuts, and a lower section for larger tools, enhance organization and work efficiency.

3. Cabinet Type

Best suited for stationary work environments, cabinet-type parts boxes feature multiple drawers and may include non-slip bases or wall-mounting capabilities for efficient space usage. Transparent drawers facilitate easy content identification, and while small cases are typically made of resin, larger options may be steel for added durability.

What Is a Crimper?

A crimper is a tool used to crimp the ends of wires.

They are mainly used in electrical construction and electronic work. In general, crimper is sometimes referred to as electrician’s pliers.

Electrical workers sometimes distinguish between crimping pliers, which only have the function of crimping cables, and electrician’s pliers, which have the function of cutting cables and stripping coatings.

Uses of Crimpers

Crimpers are tools used for handling electric cables. They are rarely seen in daily life. They are used for crimping ring sleeves and bare terminals.

For ring sleeves, two wires to be connected are placed in a ring sleeve and crimped by applying strong force with crimper pliers.

Principle of Crimpers

Crimpers consist of a die, a ratchet mechanism, and a handle.

1. Die

The die is the tip of the crimping tool that tightens the crimp terminal. The shape varies slightly depending on the application. Usually, several dies are attached to one pair of crimpers, which can be selected according to the wire diameter. Powered crimpers are limited to crimping 22mm-diameter terminals, so for larger diameters, hydraulic or electric crimping machines should be used.

2. Ratchet Mechanism

The ratchet mechanism prevents the handle from returning during tightening.

3. Handle

The handle is the part that holds the crimp during crimping. Rubber is attached to the handle to prevent slipping. The handles are color-coded according to the application to prevent errors. Red is for bare crimp terminals, yellow is for ring sleeves, and light blue is for insulation-covered terminals.

Types of Crimpers

There are different types of crimpers depending on the application.

1. Crimpers for Ring Sleeves

These tools are used for crimping ring sleeves. Many products are sold in sets of three types: small, medium, and large.

2. Crimpers for Bare Crimp Terminals

This tool is used to crimp bare crimp terminals. There are various types sold according to standards so that crimping can be performed according to wire diameter. Handles are colored red.

3. Crimpers for Insulated Terminals

The tip of the die is characterized by its long oval shape. The color of the insulation coating defines the standard, and red, blue, yellow, and other types of coated terminals are often used. The handle portion is color-coded in blue.

4. Crimpers for Bar Terminals

These tools are used for crimping bar terminals. Although an electric wire is composed of multiple strands, it can be combined into a single conductor using a bar terminal. A crimping tool with a structure in which the bar terminal is passed through the hole and crimped evenly from the surroundings. The color of the handle is not fixed and varies depending on the product.

How to Select Crimpers

The following points should be considered when selecting crimpers:

1. Intended Use

Crimpers must be selected according to the intended use. If crimpers are used that are not suitable for the intended crimping, the joint may come off or the wire may be broken.

2. Grips/Handles

Since strong force is required to crimp cables, the performance of the grip is important.

3. Function

Crimpers can be difficult for beginners. As a supplementary function, a type that allows temporary holding before crimping and a type that allows checking whether crimping was done correctly by marking after crimping is available.

4. Comparison With Electric Pliers

Electric pliers have a cable cutter function and a sheathing function in addition to crimping, so if you need a versatile tool or can afford the cost, electric pliers can be considered.