DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

WORKSHOP TECHNOLOGY
Course Outline
Apply workshop safety
PPEs
First Aid
Fire
Workshop tools, Instruments and equipment
Troubleshoot and repair workshop tools and equipment
Apply workshop safety
The safety in workshops has been written not only to provide appropriate safety procedures but
also to assist trained workshop personnel with the provision of a reference document outlining
the general principles of safe working practices relevant to the civil engineering aspects. It
relates to specific areas where definite safety measures are required for workshop operations
A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm; for example, electric tools, working
above ground level, wet or uneven floors, rotating parts.
Potential hazards include
 Cuts and punctures—severe cuts and lacerations, abrasions or punctures from tools,
machines or from handling sharp objects
 Thermal exposure—caused by extreme cold or hot work
 Blood borne pathogens—caused by first-aid or clean-up of blood, body fluids, or other
infectious agents.
 Chemical exposure—skin contact from working with chemicals
 Repetitive motion disorders—caused by computer use or jobs requiring repetitive motion
may cause carpal tunnel syndrome
 Entanglement—caused from wearing gloves, clothing, or jewelry near moving
equipment.
 Slipping
 Electrical hazards - electrocution and fires.
 Compression, squeezing, smashing, falling objects, or rolling objects.
 Chemical gases.
 Dust.
 Flying particles.
General Safety Precautions while working in a workshop
1. One should not leave the machine ON even after the power is OFF and until it has
stopped running completely. Someone else may not notice that the machine is still in
motion and be injured.
2. Operator should not talk to other industrial persons when he is operating a machine.
3. One should not oil, clean, adjust or repair any machine while it is running. Stop the
machine and lock the power switch in the OFF position.
4. One should not operate any machine unless authorized to do so by the authorize person in
the shop.
5. Always check that work and cutting tools on any machine are clamped securely before
starting.
6. The floor should be kept clean and clear of metal chips or curls and waste pieces. Put
them in the container provided for such things. Scraps and chips or curls may cut through
a shoe and injure the foot.
7. Defective guards must be replaced or repaired immediately.
8. One should not operate any machinery when the supervisor or instructor is not in the
shop.
9. All set screws should be of flush or recessed type. Projecting set screws are very
dangerous because they catch on sleeves or clothing.
10. One should not try to stop the machine with hands or body.
11. Only trained operator should operate machine
12. Always follow safe lifting practices
13. No one should run in the shop at work time.
14. Always keep your body and clothes away from moving machine parts.
15. Stop the machine before making measurements or adjustments.
16. Do not attempt to operate a machine until you have received operating instructions.
17. Be thoroughly familiar with the ‘stop’ button and any emergency stop buttons provided
on the machines.
18. Wash your hands thoroughly after working to remove oils, abrasive particles, cutting
fluid, etc.
19. Report all injuries to the person in charge, however small. Cuts and burns should be
treated immediately.
20. Always work in proper lighting.
21. You should not lean against the machines.
22. Use the correct tool for the correct job.
Construction site safety is one of the most overlooked things during a construction project.
Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions, and work on the job site is where
most accidents occur. This work includes many hazardous task and conditions such as working
with height, excavation, noise, dust, power tools, and equipment. Safety precautions are thus
necessary to mitigate casualties. The following are some of the safety measures that were
implemented during the attachment period.
Personal protective equipment (PPEs) are:
 Gadgets to protect workers from injury or illness caused by having contact with the
dangers/hazards in the workplace whether they are chemical, biological, radiation,
physical, electrical, mechanical and others.
 It is protective clothing helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to
protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
 All equipment designed to be worn, or held, to protect against a risk to health and safety.
Helmet
A helmet is the single most effective way to help reduce head injuries. There are, in fact,
different helmets for different activities, and each type of helmet is designed to protect your head
from the impact common to a particular activity or sport.
Gloves. Gloves are important to protect hands from abrasion and bruises and burns. Gloves for
construction work purposes need to be tough and flexible at the same time. Gloves are important
when removing hot materials from the oven. Gloves are also very much important especially
while handling blocks and steel reinforcements. Gloves are also important while handling
cement as it also has a caustic and abrasive properties.
Manufacturer specification charts provide guidance in selecting proper PPE. Appropriate hand
and body PPE shall be worn when potential hazards exist, including exposure to:
a) Cuts and punctures—severe cuts and lacerations, abrasions or punctures from
tools, machines or from handling sharp objects
b) Thermal exposure—caused by extreme cold or heat or hot work
c) Blood borne pathogens—caused by first-aid or clean-up of blood, body fluids, or
other infectious agents.
d) Chemical exposure—skin contact from working with chemicals
e) Repetitive motion disorders—caused by computer use or jobs requiring repetitive
motion may cause carpal tunnel syndrome
f) Entanglement—caused from wearing gloves, clothing, or jewelry near moving
equipment
Reflectors
Reflectors have the benefit of high visibility which is the sole purpose of wearing one. Reflectors
are made using mesh material that makes them light. On top of that, Safety vests are made out of
fluorescent colors and reflective materials to make the worker easily seen in all conditions.
Reflectors also protects from dirt even though that’s not the main objective.
Dust coat
This is a one piece of cloth that is worn on top of other clothes to prevent them from getting dirty
while doing tasks that involve a lot of dirt. Some overalls have reflective slips that enable
visibility and conspicuousness.
Safety boots.
Safety boots come in various variations according to the potential hazards. These hazards could
be shocks from falling objects, electric shock, chemicals, sharp objects etc. Safety boots for
construction purposes have a strong sole and are equipped with a steel toe to protect the feet
from falling objects and flying objects. This is also to protect workers from punctures when
workers could step on sharp objects or be struck by sharp objects from above.
Ear Protection Device
An ear protection device is worn over or in the ear while exposed to hazardous noise. Noise
hazards include noise from a vibrating machine used for compaction of concrete, etc.
Goggles. These are clear safety goggles. Always wear clear googles to protect yourself from
airborne dust and debris from getting into your eyes
Mask. This is a safety equipment used to cover the mouth and nose. Always wear face mask
when working in area with high concentration fumes and dust for protection against inhalation
problems.

Personal protective equipment should be taken cared as of the other tools and equipment.
1. Wipe your helmets, gloves, safety shoes before keeping it.
2. It should also be cleaned, kept in proper tool rack/cabinet.
3. It should be stored in dry places so that it will not have mold build-up.
4. Overall suites should be washed regularly so that perspirations and other dirt will be
washed clean.
Common sources of accidents
The large number of machines in use and an even larger number of parts can be regarded as
sources of danger and require guarding for protection against accidents. Some common sources
of accident are listed below:
1. Projecting nips between sets of revolving parts, viz, gears, rolls and friction wheels, etc.
1. Projecting fasteners on revolving parts.
2. Revolving cutting tools e.g., circular saw blades.
3. Revolving drums, crushers, spiked cylinder and armed mixers, etc.
4. Revolving shafts, spindles, bars and tools like drills, reamers, boring bars and chucks, etc.
5. Projecting sharp edges or nips of belt and chain drives, belt, pulleys, chains, sprockets
and belt fasteners.
6. Reciprocating tools and dies of power presses, drop hammers, and revolving presses, etc.
7. Grinding wheels and stones.
8. Reciprocating knives and saw blades such as cutting and trimming machines and power
hack-saws, etc.
9. Revolving drums and cylinders without casing, such as concrete and other mixers.
10. Intermittent feed mechanisms.
11. Projecting nips between various links and mechanisms, like cranks connecting rods,
piston rods, rotating wheels and discs, etc.
Accidents.
An accident is a mishap, a disaster that results in some sort of injury, to men, machines or
tools and equipment and in general loss to the organization. The said injury or loss may be
reportable or non-reportable depending on the nature of the injury.
Causes of accidents
Causes due to human beings
a) Carelessness
This is due to overconfidence, loss of interest, fatigue (continuous work without rest),
monotony, unnecessary emotion which diverts concentration on the work being done
hence resulting to accidents.
b) Ignorance
An operator must understand the users and the function of his machine equipment.
c) Unsuitable clothing in working areas. Personnel should wear clothing which will
provide protection against dangers in areas where they work. That is:
 Safety Shoes/boots. They should be a type which provides protection against
slippery conditions. They should be strong enough in the feet to prevent injury
from hurting objects e.g., safety boots.
 Gloves- They should be worn where there are risks when harming sharp
objects whether inside or outside buildings.
 Safety glass - Safety glasses or goggles should be worn where there’s likely of
danger to the eyes, such as using drills, grinding machines etc.
d) Untidiness
 Keep all passage ways clear and clean. Circular rods if stepped upon can
cause nasty falls.
 Keep the workshop floor free from grease and oils.
Contributing causes
a) Unsatisfactory hand tools, e.g., being worn out without handles
 Hammers with loose handles or crippled faces should never be used.
 Chisels with burred heads are dangerous as broken pieces from the edges may
fly off and cause injury. Files should have tight handles to prevent accidents to
the hands. Spanners which fit incorrectly will slip and can result I n damaging
fingers. When drilling always ensure that the work is securely held in a vice or
otherwise securely clamped.
b) Unsatisfactory machines. That is being insufficiently spaced, unguarded, broken,
improperly adjusted, insufficiently lubricated and being too small or weak for the job
being undertaken. So see that all machines are properly guarded, all abrasive wheels
are kept in good condition and run at safe speeds. Don’t attempt to adjust or remove
by hand a belt on a rotating shaft. Don’t allow idle belt to rest on rotating shaft and
don’t attempt to oil overhead shafting while it’s in motion.
 c) Physical condition of personnel while working, e.g., before lifting equipment ensure
that the weight is within your capability to handle. A base that anything used for
lifting is serviceable and in good working condition chains, hooks etc. should never
be overloaded.
Common sources of accidents
The large number of machines in use and an even larger number of parts. This can be
regarded as sources of danger and require guarding for protection against accidents.
Some common sources of accident are listed below:
a) Projecting nips between sets of revolving parts, viz, gears, rolls and friction wheels,
etc.
b) Projecting fasteners on revolving parts.
c) Revolving cutting tools, circular saw blades.
d) Revolving drums, crushers, spiked cylinder and armed mixers, etc.
e) Revolving shafts, spindles, bars and tools like drills, reamers, boring bars and chucks,
etc.
f) Projecting sharp edges or nips of belt and chain drives viz., belt, pulleys, chains,
sprockets and belt fasteners.
g) Reciprocating tools and dies of power presses, drop hammers, and revolving presses,
etc.
h) Grinding wheels and stones.
i) Reciprocating knives and saw blades such as cutting and trimming machines and
power
j) hack-saws, etc.
k) Revolving drums and cylinders without casing, such as concrete and other mixers.
l) Intermittent feed mechanisms.
m) Projecting nips between various links and mechanisms, like cranks connecting rods,
piston rods, rotating wheels and discs, etc.
Common Methods of Protection
The common methods of protection against accidents are the following:
1. Safety by construction When a new machine is designed, it should be ensured that all its
dangerous parts are either enclosed in suitable housings or provided with suitable safety
guards. For example, the belt drive and motor in a lathe or milling machine are enclosed;
the back gears in a lathe are either enclosed or provided with cast iron guards or covers.
Lubricating points are provided on the outer surfaces so that the interior parts are not
required to be opened every time.
2. Safety by position. The machine design is in such a way that the dangerous parts are
located such that they are always beyond the reach of the operator. The dangerous parts
of all the machines should invariably be guarded and undertaking should be made to
make them enclosed in the body or housing of the machines.
3. Safety by using interlock guards. It is a very efficient and sound method of guarding in
that the guard cannot be removed and dangerous parts exposed until and unless the
machine is totally stopped. Similarly, the machine cannot be started to work unless the
guard returns in position and protects the dangerous parts. An interlocking guard may be
mechanical, electrical or some sort of a combination of these. It is essential that it should:
 Prevent the starting and operation of the machine in case the interlocking device
fails.
 Always acquire its position to guard the dangerous part before the machine can be
started.
 Remain closed in position until the dangerous part is completely at rest.
4. Safety by using fixed guards. These guards either for man integral part of the machine or
are tightly secured to them. They should be made to have rigid construction and should
be so placed that any access to the dangerous parts of the machine is totally prevented in
the running condition of the machines. Steel sheets can be advantageously used and they
facilitate an easy fabrication of guards and are lighter in weight. In some cases, the fixed
guards are made adjustable in order to accommodate different kinds of works or sets of
tools. In some cases, the fixed guards are provided at a distance from the danger point.
Safety by using distance guards. The principle of a distance guards is that a fencing,
enough high, is made of bars, at a suitable distance from the machine such that even if the
operative, by chance, extends his hands over it, his fingers, clothes or any part of the
body does not reach within the area of dangerous parts. An additional measure of safety,
some sort of tripping device is also usually incorporated to stop the machine quickly in
case of an accident.
5. Safety by using automatic guards. The principle of an automatic guard is that its
operation is actuated by some moving part of the machine. It may link that the part will
automatically bring the guard in protecting position before the operation of the machine
starts. The design of the guard is such that it automatically forces the operative away
from the dangerous area of work before the operation starts and does not permit his
access to the area again until and unless the machine stops. It may be noted that due to
enough time being required for their operation, this type of guards is not suitable for
quick-acting and fast-running machines. Their use is largely favored for heavy and slow
acting machines like heavy power presses
PLUMBING TOOLS
Classification of plumbing tools
1. Holding tools
These include bench vice and pipe vice.
2. Fitting tools
These include wrenches, pliers, adjustable spanner, spanners, spirit level, and thread tape.
3. Cutting tools
These include pipe cutter, hacksaw, and snips.
4. Pipe bending tools.
These include pipe bending machine and threading dies, and bend spring.
5. Measuring tools
These include tape measure, try square and steel rule.
6. Hammering tools.
These include a mallet, anvil, chipping hammer, and ballpen hammer.
Pipe cutter
A pipe cutter is one of the most common plumbing tools used to cut water, sanitary or sewer
pipes. A pipe cutter consists of a cutting reel, a moving reel base, screws and an adjusting
handle. The moving reel base is adjusted to the pipe size with the help of the adjusting screw
handle. The pipe is cut by the rotating cutter around it.
Slip joint pliers
Slip joint pliers are sometimes referred to as channel pliers. They are similar to regular adjustable
pliers, but have an extended adjustment section and angled jaws that allow them to grip almost
any size pipe or other plumbing component.
Pipe wrench
It is designed to firmly grip round objects (such as pipes) by digging sharp serrated teeth into the
pipe with increasing pressure as the wrench is turned.
PVC pipe cutters
PVC pipe cutters are like super strong scissors for cutting plumbing materials like PVC pipe and
PEX.
Pipe benders
Benders are used to turn or bend pipes at various angles as required to achieve the assembly
requirements of water pipes. Hand-operated benders are used to bend small size pipes, while
hydraulic benders are used to bend large size pipes.
 Hydraulic Pipe Bender. A hydraulic pipe bender bends pipe of various sizes
using a hydraulic pipe bender
 o Mark the bending distance from the end of the pipe (former mark).
o Deduct from the diameter from the measured distance and make a fresh new mark.
This gives an allowance of the centre of the pipe to accommodate the gain in length
after bending.
o Put the stops and pins in the correct position and choose the correct size horse shoe.
o Position the pipe in the machine against the stops with the centre line between the two
marks made (Former and fresh mark).
o Close the hydraulic cylinder bleed valve to build up the pressure for pumping.
o Pump the machine carefully until the suitable bend is obtained.
o When you are satisfied with the bend, open the valve of the hydraulic machine to
pump to lower the hydraulic cylinder.
 Bending spring. A pipe bending spring is a strong, flexible spring that is inserted into (or
over) a pipe to support the walls of the pipe when manually bending. This is mostly used
for PVC pipes.
Thread seal/tape
Used to wrap around pipe threads and helps to prevent leaks from joints.
Spanners
This tool is used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts of standard size. There are various
types of spanners, namely:
i. Ring spanners. These spanners have full circular closed ring at both ends.
ii. Open-ended spanners. These types of spanners are open from both sides
iii. Combination spanners. These spanners are open at one end and closed at
the other
iv. Adjustable spanner
Threading dies.
A threading die is used for making threads in a pipe where it is to be joined with another pipe or
fixture.
Drilling machine
Drilling machine is used for making a hole in a metal or wood or concrete surface.
Bench vice
A vice is a tool used for holding an object for various tasks like filing, chipping, sawing,
threading, tapping, etc. A bench vice is fixed to a table or a bench through a bolt. Bench vices
hold the objects and allow use of other tools to complete the tasks
Pipe Reamer. This is a purpose made tool used to remove internal burrs from steel or copper
pipes. They are usually cone–shaped with several cutting edges which can either be hand–turned
or machine – turned.
NB: Burrs are rough edges or ridges left on objects after an action of tools
Files. Files are used for general shaping and the preparation of pipes before jointing, including
removal of burrs and swarf.
NB: fine chips or fillings of a material produced after a machine or tool operation
Spirit level and plumb bob. These are tools used for setting out horizontal or vertical pipe work
runs so that when clips and brackets are fixed will be horizontally level or vertically plumb.
Drills. These are used to make holes in metals, plastics wood and masonry. They consist drill
bits, which actually makes the hole, and the drill itself which turns the drill bit.
Centre Punch. It is used to make an identification in the materials to prevent the drill from
slipping when making holes.
Screw driver. It is used to drive in or remove screws.
Mallets. A mallet is a kind of hammer, often made of rubber or sometimes wood and usually has
a relatively large head.
Ball pen hammer. The flat end is used to flatten or removing dents from metal sheets. The
penning face is used for rounding off edges of metal pins and fasteners such as rivets.
Snips. This is used to cut metal sheets.
PPR welding machine. Polypropylene random copolymer pipes are made from a blend of
polypropylene and ethylene copolymers. A PPR welding machine is used to join two or more
plastic pipes together by heating them and then fusing them together. The welding machine uses
a combination of heat and pressure to melt the plastic pipes and create a strong durable joint.
Hacksaw. A hacksaw is primarily designed for cutting through metal, like copper pipes or
conduit. However, it can be used on plastic, like PEX or PVC, making it a versatile tool
Square. This is used for marking and checking 900 angles on metal sheets.
Tape measure. This is a flexible ruler used to size up spaces and objects with precision.
Steel rule. This is a precision measuring tool used to measure length, width, or depth or objects
in machining applications.
CARPENTRY TOOLS
Hammering and Percussion Tools
In this group are tools used to drive nails or staples and tools (such as a mallet) that are used to
strike other tools. Adhesive guns are also included in this grouping as they are used for fastening
materials that were formerly fastened by nailing.
Hammering Tools
 Curved Claw Hammer. Of all carpentry tools, this is the most used. See Fig. 4. Its
weight should be about 16 ounces, for general all-around work. The steel in the head
must be of such a quality that its face will withstand contact
 Straight claw Hammer. For rough work, the carpenter frequently has a straight claw or
ripping hammer, slightly heavier than the regular hammer, with which he can split pieces
of wood as well as drive and pull nails.
 Flooring Hammer. This hammer is used in laying tongue and groove hardwood floors.
A claw or half hatchet is sometimes used for this purpose.
 Drywall Hammer. This is especially designed hammer used for the application of
drywall, such as gypsum panels. The rounded face of the hammer dimples the drywall
surface without breaking the paper covering.
 Mallets. A mallet is used for driving wood chisels and for striking nailing machines. A
wooden mallet is commonly used, although mallets made of other materials are available.
Various weights and handle lengths may be obtained. Use the mallet appropriate for the
job.
Staplers.
 Mechanical Stapler. The mechanical stapler or gun tacker (Fig. 10) is used for a variety
of operations that used to be done by hand nailing. Stapling is a quick and efficient
mothed of tacking insulation, wall planking, ceiling, metal lath, etc. Using the stapler
leaves the other hand free for holding the material.
Tools for Supporting and Holding Work
Vices. The portable vise, which is clamped on a sawhorse or work bench can easily be carried in
the carpenter's tool kit, and receives heavy use. A typical vice of this type will clamp on a bench
or saw horse up to 24 inches in thickness. The L-shaped jaws are designed to hold work both
horizon tally and vertically, and open up to 315 inches.
G-clamps. These, or other kinds of clamps, are also sometimes used by the carpenter. See Fig.
31. They are often used to secure material that is being worked on, such as for securing material
that is to be sawn, planed, or routed.
Layout and Measuring Tools
Chalk Line. The chalk line and reel are used to strike straight guide line on work, such as on
boards and shingles. The chalked string is held taut, close to the work, by nails at each end of the
string, and is then snapped with the fingers to strike a chalk line on the material. The reel
contains a colored chalk dust which becomes attached to the line.
Plumb bob. The plumb bob is a weighted tool, from 80g to 450g in weight and ranging in length
from 4 inches to 8 inches. It is commonly used in form construction, to ensure that the form is
vertical.
Level. The level is a tool used by the carpenter to plumb and level building members. The 24 and
28-inch level is the most commonly used in the carpenter trade.
Straightedge. The straightedge is used in connection with a level for plumbing door jambs and
corner posts, or for leveling work when spans greater than the length of the level are
encountered.
Marking Gauge. The marking gauge is used, as the name implies, for marking (scribing)s line at
a set depth parallel to the edge of the work.
Butt Gauge. The butt gauge is used to lay out hinges on doors and door jambs. It has three
marking knives (A, B and C) which can be set from 3/4 of an inch to 2 inches. It should be kept
free from dirt and lightly oiled.
Vernier calipers. The caliper rule is used for taking small measurements, such as board
thickness, pipe and bolt diameters, and hole and opening widths. Two readings are given of the
face of the caliper rule: outside and inside. Outside readings are for taking measurements of
objects which are inserted between the caliper jaws. Inside readings are for taking the
dimensions of holes and openings.
Combination Square. The combination square is a steel tool, 12 inches long, with a 4½ inch
handle. The blade is either slotted or grooved. The blade is so joined as to allow measurement,
on a go- or no-go basis, of both 450 and 900 angles. It is useful for short markings, and because of
its size it can be carried in the hip pocket. Com-bination squares are sometimes made with a
spirit level built into the handle. This tool should receive the same care as a framing square.
Try and Miter Square. This square has a blade ranging from 6 inches to 10 inches in length.
with a 4 inch to 6-inch handle. Angles of 450 and 900 can be checked with the handle, but unlike
the combination square, no adjustment can be made.
Try Square. The blade of the try square is between 6 inches and 12 inches long, with a 43/8 inch
to 8-inch handle.
Saws
Both manually operated saws and power saws are used by the carpenter.
Hand Operated Saws
 Handsaws. Handsaws are available with either a curved of a straight back. The straight
edge, which may be used for drawing lines before sawing, in an advantage of the straight
 back saw. The better grades of handsaws are taper ground, that is, the blade is thinner
along the back than it is along the cutting or toothed edge; such saws need little set.

 Crosscut Saw. This saw is designed to cut across the grain.

 Ripsaw. The ripsaw is used to cut wood with the grain and has a 26-inch blade and, in
most cases, 51/2 or less points per inch. The front of the tooth is at right angles to the line
of teeth.

 Compass saw. This saw is 10, 12, or 14 inches long with 10 points to the inch. Its main
application is cutting holes and openings, such as for electrical outlets, where a power
tool would be too large.

 Coping saw. This saw is used for coping joints and has a 63/8 inch long blade which is 1/8
inch wide. The blade of the coping saw can be turned as desired, for cutting sharp angles.
The coping saw is sometimes used for cutting curved surfaces and circles.

 Backsaw. The shorter backsaws are used for close cutting and for precision work. The
longer backsaws are used in a miter box which guides the saw for accurate cutting.

 Dovetail saw. This is used for finish work, etc.

 Hacksaw. It is used for cutting metal such as nails and bolts.

Portable Power Saws

 Electric hand saw.
 Sabre saw. It is usually an orbital blade saw with a stroke of 7/18 to 1 inch (With an orbital
blade cutting action, the blade cute on the upward stroke only and moves slightly away
front the work on the downward stroke) The tip of the blade is pointed and sharp, by
which means the saw is able to start its own hole.
 Reciprocating saw. This is a general all-purpose saw. As the name implies, it has a
reciprocating or up-and-down cutting action.
Stationary Power Saws
 Circular Table Saw. This is one of the most frequently used power tools. This tool
employs a circular saw blade, up to 16 or more inches in diameter, and is equipped with
many accessories and safety devices. The axis of the saw can usually be tilted from the
vertical. This feature is known as a tilting arbor and is adjusted by a graduated handwheel
on the side, or on the front of some models, of the machine.
 Radial Saw. A radial saw is a very versatile power tool which is used in all types of
construction, including house construction, formwork construction, and timber
 construction. It is used both on the construction job or in the shop. The material being cut
always remains in the same place, while it is the saw itself that moves.
 Band saw. A saw consisting of an endless moving steel belt with a serrated edge.
MASONRY TOOLS
Trowel. It is made up of steel. Wooden/plastic handle is provided for holding. The ends of
trowel may be bull nosed or pointed. This is used to lift and spread mortar in joints during
masonry construction. There are different kinds and sizes of trowels used in masonry work.
Setting Out Square or Mason Square. It is used to set out right angles at the corner of masonry
wall. This is very important and basic tool used in masonry work. This tool has “L” shape. It is
made of flat steel having each arm about 0.5 m long
Plumb Rule and Bob. It is used to check the verticality of walls. It is also very basic and
important tool. It consists of a string tied to a weight at bottom called bob and straight wood
board with edges which is called plumb rule. On its center a groove is provided in which plumb
bob is placed. When the rule is placed vertically with the wall the plumb bob must be in the
groove line otherwise the wall will not be vertical.
Spirit Level. It is used to check the horizontality and verticality of the surfaces. Spirit level is
made of hard plastic or wood with bubble tube in the middle. The bubble tube is partially filled
with alcohol. So that, the air bubble is formed in it. The spirit level is placed on surface of
masonry wall and bubble is checked. The surface is called leveled when the bubble in the tube
settles at middle of tube.
Line and Pins. It is used to maintain the alignment of the work-in-progress. Line and pins
consist of a string whose ends are connected with two solid metal rods with pin points. It is used
to level line and the alignment of brick course while brick laying in brick masonry work.
Water Level. It is used to transfer and check level. It is a simple tool to measure the level at two
different points. It is a tool that works on the principle that water always seeks its own level. It
consists of flexible tube with liquid, and the liquid at both ends will be at the same level whether
you’re holding them together or spreading them a hundred feet apart.
Spades. They are used to mix mortar and also used to place cement, mortar, concrete in head
pan. Spade is also used to dig the soil for foundation trenches etc. It consists of metal plate at the
end of long wooden handle.
Mortar Pan. Mortar pan is commonly used in construction sites and is made of iron or plastic. It
is a vessel made of rigid plastic or steel used to hold or carry sand, cement, mortar and concrete.
It is also used to mix and to lift mortar on working site. To use a mortar pan, fill it with a
quantity of material i.e. sand, cement, mortar etc. that you are comfortable with carrying.
Jointer. A jointer in masonry construction is a tool in the form of a striking iron or a striking tool
used to finish the horizontal or the vertical mortar joints. A jointer or brick jointer is a hand tool
designed to imprint grooves into recently filled mortar joints at the stage when they are starting
to set. Using a brick jointer helps to improve and visual impact and the lifespan of the mortar.
Jointer is used to refer to any tool which can shape the mortar between bricks.
Bevel. It is employed to set out angles. It comprises of two slotted blades of steel and fixed with
each other with thumb screw. It is a tool consisting of two rules or arms jointed together and
opening to any angle.
Pick Axe. It is employed for rough dressing of stones and to split the stones in the quarry. It has
a long head pointed at both ends
Chisel. They are used with mallets and with hammers. A chisel is used for normal splitting,
roughing out and shaping the stone. Chisels are available in different sizes with bladed, flat,
tapered and other shaped chipping points. Blade of chisel is made from iron or metal and the
handle is made from wood.
Club Hammer. It is used to strike arrow -headed chisels. It is also useful for light demolition
work, driving masonry nails, and for use with a steel chisel when cutting stone. Its weight drives
the chisel more deeply into the material being cut than any lighter hammers. It also consists of
iron head and wooden handle like other stone masonry tools.
Point. It is employed for roughly dressing the hard and tough stones. Point is also used for
roughing out areas and knocking off high spots in stones. Point tool is used after any initial work
with the pitching tool. The point and the punch both tools are used to rough-out the form. The
Point differs from the Punch in that the latter tapers to a small cutting edge of stone where the
former tapers to a single point of the stone.
Hand Saw. It is used to cut soft stones. It is a saw with wide blade and handle at one end. It has
a wooden/plastic handle and it is used by one hand. Blade has crosscut teeth and blade is made
from steel.
Cross-cut-saw. It is used to cut hard stones. It is designed specifically for rough cutting. It has a
comparatively thick blade, with large, beveled teeth. Traditional 2-man crosscut saws (felling
saws) have a handle on each end and are meant to be used by two people to cut stones.
Brick Hammer. It is used for rough cutting of bricks in different shapes and sizes. One end of
the hammer is square and another end is sharp-edged. It has one flat traditional face and a short
or long chisel shaped blade. It is also used to push the bricks if they come out from the course
line.
Straight Edge. Straight edge act as extensors to mason’s level. They are used when levels are
shorter than the area that needs to be measured or assessed. The middle section of the top of the
straightedge should be horizontally parallel to the bottom section. It is used for checking the
straightness of brickwork.
Laying Trowel. It is used to pick up and spread mortar on bed and cross joints in the brickwork.
Mixer. A concrete mixer (often colloquially called a cement mixer) is a device that
homogeneously combines cement, aggregate such as sand or gravel, and water to form concrete.
A typical concrete mixer uses a revolving drum to mix the components. An alternative to a
machine is mixing concrete by hand. This is usually done in a wheelbarrow; however, several
companies have recently begun to sell modified tarps for this purpose.
Steel float. This is a flat tool used to spread and smooth plaster, mortar or concrete.
Wood float. This is used to smooth and compact mortar or concrete surfaces, removing
imperfections and preparing the surface for final finishing.
Maintenance of hand tools.
a) Clean tools after each use to prevent erosion and extend their life.
b) Lubricate tools as needed to keep them running smoothly
c) Regularly inspect tools, including electrical components like batteries
d) Check tools for damage like rust, cracks, or loose parts. Oil metal parts to prevent rust.
e) Store tools in a cool, dry place to prevent rusting and cracking
f) Handles should be replaced when broken
g) Sharpen blades of cutting tools,
h) Check electric cords and connections on electric-powered tools.
i) Read and follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual for each piece of power
equipment.