Manual tools: pliers, crimping tools, and screwdrivers

Manual tools for working in the wiring field are varied; among these, the most used are pliers, screwdrivers, and crimping tools. Specifically, manual crimping tools—although performing different functions—are all those tools that allow you to manually carry out operations that consist of connecting an electrical cable to another specific component. The connection obtained is both physical and electrical, therefore involving the passage of current through all the elements involved in crimping. These tools are widely used and requested not only by professionals but also by those who, although not specialists, need to periodically perform simple DIY operations. For this reason, it is often possible to purchase pliers, screwdrivers, and crimping tools online at advantageous prices. In fact, online sales of screwdrivers, pliers, and other more or less professional tools is a service offered by companies in the sector to make the purchase of safe and quality products even simpler, faster, and more accessible.

Manual tools: a tool for every need

Manual tools for wiring include a tool for every need: working with electrical cables and current is an operation to be carried out in complete safety using the right tools. For this reason, kits and easily portable sets containing various types of tools are very common, gathering all the main tools needed for the most common jobs in one container. In other cases, it is possible to purchase the carrying case separately and then compose your own set with the desired tools according to your needs. Regarding electrical connection operations, there are many specific kits, also available online, dedicated to different types of crimping (for cars, photovoltaic systems, etc.); this is because electrical cables are not the same across all sectors and it is necessary to have the right tools to work optimally, case by case.

Main types of manual tools

Among the many manual tools on the market, the most purchased and requested are certainly screwdrivers and pliers. These items are very useful both for professional jobs and small DIY operations and can be found in their classic version or in models with specific features that allow precise and safe work even on electrical materials.

Screwdrivers: screwdrivers (or turndrivers) are tools that are never missing either at home or in any other public or work context. There are different types of screwdrivers distinguished by function, size, and tip shape. For calibrating trimmers, special “non-inductive” screwdrivers with shafts made of ceramic, plastic, or other specific materials are used.

Pliers: pliers are another tool widely used in different fields. There are also different types, and some are specifically designed to perform crimping tasks. Crimping pliers are used to strip electrical cables, thus connecting the wires inside the conductor.

Pliers: a manual tool with multiple functions

Pliers are the most versatile tool among all manual tools: there are indeed different types, each intended for certain jobs and functions; regardless of the model, the handle is almost always made of insulating material to avoid unpleasant accidents when working with materials or electrical cables. Let’s look at the most used types of pliers.

• Traditional pliers: essentially used to grasp, tighten, and cut elements of various sizes belonging to objects worked on. They come in different sizes and allow performing various operations even for those who simply want to do DIY repairs.
• Curved-nose pliers: perform the same functions as traditional pliers but have bent jaws for a different type of grip.
• Crimping pliers: crimping pliers are used with materials and electrical cables to strip and create a connection between cable wires and a connector or between the cable wires and another terminal element. There are many types of these pliers, each designed to crimp specific cables and electrical components: for example, we have terminal pliers, ratchet pliers, coaxial cable pliers, etc.
  
  

Crimping tools: types and differences

There are various crimping tools on the market used to connect cables, terminals, and other elements by exerting strong pressure that seals the union between the parts. For convenience, crimping tools can be divided into two large categories: electronic and manual. The main differences are that electronic tools are used professionally, can be large, and naturally operate using electric power, while manual tools are small, easily portable, and usable for DIY jobs. Crimping tools, whether mechanical or manual, usually perform multiple functions: besides crimping, they can also bend, strip cables, and cut. This multifunctionality allows for a complete, clean, and precise job without resorting to additional tools, saving time, money, and space. Naturally, to ensure the use of safe and quality crimping tools, it is advisable to purchase from reliable dealers and check that they have technical data sheets and CE certification.

How to choose the screwdriver best suited to your needs

An indispensable tool both at home and in work, industrial, and professional contexts, the screwdriver is essential for both complex operations and basic DIY tasks. However, there are different screwdriver models, and using the right one allows you to work quickly and correctly. But how to choose the screwdriver best suited to your needs? Regarding the model, it is good to know what jobs the screwdriver will be used for, and based on this, choose among:

• classic screwdriver: the standard, most common screwdriver used for small non-professional jobs and can tighten or loosen screws;
• voltage tester screwdriver: a screwdriver equipped at the tip with a small light used to detect the passage of electric current inside a conductor. The screwdriver is placed in contact with the relevant area, the current passes through the handle and resistor, causing the small light at the end of the shaft to light up. The electric current also passes through the operator and is safely discharged to the ground;
• mechanic’s screwdriver: with a flat tip, it easily loosens even very tight screws and is named so because it is mainly used in mechanical workshops to work on various vehicle parts;

Besides the model, it is also important to choose the screwdriver based on the correct tip type (cross, star, etc.) depending on the screws to be tightened or loosened, although ideally, it is best to buy several different screwdrivers, especially regarding tip types, to be ready for any eventuality. In any case, it is always fundamental to use certified items to work in complete peace and safety.