Introduction to Power Tools Module 00104-09

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Upon completion of this module, you will be able to: 1. Identify power tools commonly used in the construction trades. 2. Use power tools safely. 3. Explain how to maintain power tools properly.

1. Safely and properly use three of the following tools:

• Safely and properly operate an electric drill. • Safely and properly operate a circular saw. • Safely and properly operate a SawZall®. • Safely and properly operate a pneumatic power nailer.

• Three kinds of power tools • Electric Tools – work on alternating current (from a receptacle) or from a direct current (a battery) • Pneumatic tools – powered by air • Hydraulic tools – powered by fluid pressure

• Most are similar because they have a pistol grip and a trigger for controlling power – the harder you pull the trigger on a variable speed drill, the faster it will turn • All bits are held in the drill by a chuck • The chuck key tightens and loosens the chuck • Electric drill – uses electricity • Cordless drill – uses battery power

National Center for Construction Education and Core Curriculum Copyright © by NCCER, Research Module 00104-09 Published by Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 10 Figure 6 – Loading the bit on a cordless drill

• Hammer drill – has a pounding action that lets you drill into concrete, brick, or tile – the bit rotates and hammers at the same time • Electromagnetic drill – a portable drill mounted on an electromagnetic base – used for drilling thick metal – when switched on the electromagnetic base attaches to the metal to keep the drill from moving • Pneumatic drill – powered by compressed air

• Circular saws – first introduced by the Skil company – many people still call these saws a Skilsaw • Blades can range from 3 3/8 inches to 16 ¼ inches – most common is 7 ¼ inches • Trigger on handle starts the saw – the teeth on the blade point in the direction of the rotation – two guards protect you from flying debris – the top is stationary to keep you from touching the blade – the lower is spring loaded – it retracts up and under the top guard when you push the saw forward

• Very fine blade for delicate or intricate work – patterns or irregular shapes from wood or thin, soft metal • Easily changeable blades for cutting many different materials

• Called a SawZall because it is one of the most popular brands • Similar in uses to the saber saw • Blade uses back and forth not up and down • Usually used for heavy duty jobs

• A one piece blade that runs in one direction around guides • Used to cut pipe, metal, plastics, wood and other irregularly shaped materials • Good for cutting heavy metal

National Center for Construction Education and Core Curriculum Copyright © by NCCER, Research Module 00104-09 Published by Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 25 Figure 20 – Proper use of a portable band saw

• A combination miter box with a circular saw – allows straight and miter cuts • Power miter saw – sawblade pivots horizontally from the rear of the table and locks in position to cut angles from 0 to 45 degrees right and left • Compound miter saw – the same as a power miter saw except the blade can be tilted vertically • Compound slide miter saw – blade has the ability to slide forward

• Used to make straight or angular cuts through thicker materials like angle iron, flat bar, and channel • Blade is usually between 10 and 18 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick

• Angle – grind away hard, heavy materials – rotating grinding disc set up in a right angle to the motor shaft – grinding is done with the outside of the grinding disc • End grinder – horizontal grinder – used to smooth the inside of materials • Detail grinder – use small attachments to smooth and polish intricate work

• Stationary grinding machines – usually have two grinding wheels • Position the tool rest 1/8 inch from the grinding wheel – rest what you are grinding on the tool rest • Most wheels are used for grinding, rust removal, and metal buffing – can have brushes for cleaning and buffing wheels for polishing

• Pneumatically powered nailers - Powered by compressed air – nailers have specific jobs • Power-actuated fastening – low-velocity – powered by gunpowder cartridges called boosters – drive steel pins or steel studs into masonry and steel • Air impact wrench – powered by air – fasten, tighten, and loosen nuts and bolts

• Pavement breakers, clay spades, rock drills, core borers • They reciprocate or Move back and forth • Hydraulic jack – pump inside the jack applies pressure to the fluid inside when the handle is pumped – the pressure is applied to the cylinder and lifts or moves the load • Porta-Power – lever-operated pump – rated by how much weight they can lift and by the distance they can move it

National Center for Construction Education and Core Curriculum Copyright © by NCCER, Research Module 00104-09 Published by Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 41 Figure 32 – Typical demolition tools and attachments

National Center for Construction Education and Core Curriculum Copyright © by NCCER, Research Module 00104-09 Published by Pearson Education, Inc. Slide 42 Figure 32 – Typical demolition tools and attachments