Draw and explain the use of : (i) Combination plier (ii) Tester (iii) Wire Striper
(iv) Hammer
4 Answers
(i) Combination Pliers
A combination plier is a multi-purpose hand tool that, as the name suggests, combines the functions of several types of pliers into one. It is one of the most versatile and essential tools in any toolbox.
Main Parts:
Jaws: The front part of the tool, typically with a flat, serrated surface for gripping flat objects.
Pipe Grip: A curved, serrated section inside the jaws designed to grip round objects like pipes, nuts, and bolts.
Cutting Edge: A sharp, blade-like section at the base of the jaws used for cutting wires.
Pivot: The joint that allows the jaws to open and close.
* Insulated Handles: Grips made of plastic or rubber to provide comfort and protection against electric shock.
Primary Uses:
1. Gripping: The flat, serrated jaws are used to firmly hold objects like nuts and bolts while tightening or loosening them.
2. Bending and Twisting: You can use the jaws to bend, straighten, or twist wires and thin metal strips.
3. Cutting: The cutting edge near the pivot is used to snip soft to medium-hardness wires, such as copper and aluminum. It is not suitable for cutting hardened steel.
4. Holding Round Objects: The curved "pipe grip" provides a secure hold on pipes, rods, and large nuts.
(ii) Tester (Line/Voltage Tester)
A line tester, often just called a "tester," is a simple and crucial safety device used to check for the presence of AC (Alternating Current) voltage in a circuit. It typically looks like a small screwdriver with a transparent body.
Main Parts:
Metal Probe: The screwdriver-like tip that makes contact with the wire or terminal being tested.
Resistor: A high-value resistor inside the body that limits the current to a safe, non-lethal level.
Neon Lamp/LED: A small light inside the body that illuminates when voltage is detected.
Metal End Cap: A metal contact at the top end of the tester.
How to Use It:
1. Hold it correctly: Hold the insulated body of the tester.
2. Touch the probe: Touch the metal tip to the suspected live wire, socket terminal, or component.
3. Complete the circuit: Touch the metal end cap with your finger. Your body acts as a path to the ground, completing a circuit and allowing a tiny, safe current to flow.
Primary Use:
Detecting Live Voltage: Its main purpose is to determine if an electrical wire, outlet, or switch is "live" (has electricity flowing through it). If the internal lamp lights up, there is voltage present. This is a critical safety check before starting any electrical work.
Minor Screwdriving: The tip is often shaped like a flat-head screwdriver and can be used for tightening or loosening small terminal screws in switches and sockets.
Safety Note: Always test your tester on a known live source (like a working power outlet) before using it on an unknown circuit to ensure it is functioning correctly.
(iii) Wire Stripper
A wire stripper (often misspelled as "striper") is a specialized tool designed to cleanly remove the outer plastic or rubber insulation from an electrical wire without damaging the inner metal conductor.
Main Parts:
Notched Jaws: A pair of opposing blades with several precisely sized notches or holes. Each notch is designed for a specific wire gauge (thickness).
Cutting Blades: Many strippers also include a plier-like cutting section for trimming wires to the desired length.
* Insulated Handles: Provides a secure and comfortable grip.
How to Use It:
1. Select the correct notch: Match the hole size on the stripper to the gauge of your wire. Using a hole that is too small will nick the wire, while one that is too large will not cut the insulation properly.
2. Clamp and Rotate: Place the wire in the correct notch and close the handles. Gently rotate the tool around the wire to score the insulation.
3. Pull: Slide the tool toward the end of the wire. The insulation will be neatly removed, exposing the clean conductor underneath.
Primary Use:
Removing Insulation: Its sole primary function is to prepare wires for connection by stripping off the insulation. This is necessary for connecting wires to terminals, switches, or other wires.
Secondary Uses: Many models can also cut wire and some even have features for crimping terminals or looping wire ends.
(iv) Hammer
A hammer is one of the most fundamental tools, designed to deliver a high-force impact to a small area. The most common type for general work is the Claw Hammer.
Main Parts (of a Claw Hammer):
Head: The heavy metal part of the hammer.
Face: The flat, circular surface on one side of the head, used for striking and driving nails.
Claw: The forked, curved part on the other side of the head, used for prying and pulling nails out of wood.
Handle (Shaft): The long part used to hold and swing the hammer, made of wood, fiberglass, or steel, often with a rubber grip.
Primary Uses:
1. Driving Objects: The main use is to pound nails into wood or other materials. It can also be used to tap parts into place or drive stakes into the ground.
2. Removing Nails: The claw is perfectly designed to slip under the head of a nail. By using the handle as a lever, you can easily pull the nail out.
3. Light Demolition: A hammer can be used for light-duty destructive tasks, like breaking apart a wooden crate, tapping out old drywall, or chipping away at plaster.
Safety Note: Always wear safety glasses when using a hammer, as nail fragments or wood chips can fly off during impact. Ensure the hammerhead is securely attached to the handle before use.