Basic Hand Tools for the aircraft newcomers

Socket Drive Size

• A socket’s drive size is the size of the square opening for the handle

Practice

• What are the three common socket handle drive sizes?
• ¼ inch (Quarter inch)
• 3/8 inch (Three-eights inch)
• ½ inch (Half inch)

Socket Handles

• Socket handles fit into the square opening in the top of the socket. Several types are shown. A ratchet is the most commonly used. A flex bare, or breaker bar, is the most powerful and strongest socket handle. A speed handle is the fastest hand operated socket handle.

• Various socket handles. A- Ratchet B- Breaker bar or flex handle. C- Speed handle. D- T-handle E. Torque wrench F- Flex driver.

Extensions

• Extensions are used between a socket and its handle.
• They allow the handle to be placed farther from the work piece, giving you room to swing the handle and turn the fastener.
• A universal joint is a swivel that lets the socket wrench reach around obstructions.
• It is used between the socket and drive handle, with or without and extension.

Other Wrenches

• Allen Wrenches are hexagonal (six sided) shaft type wrench.. It is used to turn set screws on pulleys, gears, and knobs. To prevent damage make sure the Allen wrench is fully inserted in the fastener before turning.

• Ratchet Wrench
• Flex Combination Wrench
• Half moon, 12 point wrench for tight quarters

Screwdrivers

• Screwdrivers are used to remove or install screws. They come in many shapes and sizes.
• A Standard screwdriver has a single blade that fits into a slot in the screw head.
• A Phillips screwdriver has two crossing blades that fit into a star-shaped scre slot.
• A Reed and Prince screwdriver is similar to a Phillips, but has a slightly different tip shape.
• Torx and clutch head are special types of screwdrivers