Metalworking hand tool

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Metalworking hand tools are hand tools that are used in the metalworking field. Hand tools
are powered solely by the operator.
Contents

SlapperEdit
Both metal and wood slappers are used for metalworking. Generally wood slappers are
covered with a leather-face. Slappers can be used to shrink, contour, and planish (smooth) the
panel without leaving rough marks to clean up. The slapper controls more surface with each
blow than a hammer can and is very easy to use because it has the same angle of attack as a
body hammer. This means the user does not need to change their arm and hand position when
moving from hammer to slapper. The slapper can be far more effective than the hammer for
shrinking because its leverage gives greater mechanical advantage over the rough spots. The
slapper is great for working metal over a T-stake or for gouging and planishing. A good
slapper can make radius bends and crowns quite well. A slapper works well with forming
stakes and post dollies for lightly planishing and pulling cold shrinks.[1]
SpoonsEdit
One of the finest finishing tools ever designed is the spring steel spoon. It is widely known
for its wide variety of uses, and exceptional durability. When striking directly on thin or
polished sheet while backing up with another contoured tool ( dolly, spike, etc.), the spoon
will provide an accurate contoured surface.[1]
DolliesEdit
Main article: Dolly (tool)
Dollies can be hand-held or mounted on a stake or post. Metal dollies come in a variety of
sizes and shapes and are used for all types of hand-forming and planishing, shrinking, etc.[1]
Forming bagsEdit
Also referred to as "soft dollies." Forming bags are usually filled with sand or lead shot and
sewn very tightly out of a top-grade canvas or leather. A forming bag will allow you to
"shrink" the metal without marking it if used correctly.[1]
MalletsEdit
Main article: Mallet
Mallets used for metalworking usually have either wood or plastic faces. These "faces" come
in a variety of shapes, such as flat, torpedo, hemispheric, or square in shape. The different
faces (and material the mallet is made of) allow you to work and/or shrink different metals.
For instance, the flat face can be used for planishing and smoothing and for hand shrinking
thicker soft metals. Whereas a large hickory "torpedo mallet's" striking weight makes it best
suitable for shaping soft metals such as aluminum or copper, but a similar torpedo mallet
made from heavy black rubber has a striking weight which is best used for shaping steel.[2]
HammersEdit
Main article: Hammer
 A wide range of body hammers are used in metalworking. Hammers range from small,
lightweight "pick" hammers (that provide stubby pick point and high-crown peen-type faces
that will ding out small dents in high fins), to specialty hammers and heavy-duty "bumping"
hammers for heavy gauge truck fenders and panels. There are dozens of hammers that are
designed for specific tasks or metal thicknesses.[2]
Files and raspsEdit
Main articles: File and Rasp
These tools are used to provide a smooth finish for detail work, and are often used in
metalwork done for the aircraft and aerospace industry.[2]
Snips and shearsEdit
Main article: Snips
Snips and shears are used for cutting metal. Various types of snips and shears are used for
different metals and thicknesses. Some shears allow longer or shorter cuts depending on the
shear's style. Certain types of snips and shears are recommended for aviation
metalworking.[2]
Marking and layout toolsEdit
Main article: Marking out
Marking and layout tools are essential to metalwork. A profile gauge is frequently used by
metalworkers to copy curves.[2]
See alsoEdit
 Knockout punch
 Screw extractor
 Set tool

ReferencesEdit
1. ^ a b c d White, Kent. "The Slapper, Spoon, Spike and Forming Stump." Booklet, published
by TM Technologies, 2009.
2. ^ a b c d e "The Fine Art of Metal Shaping," Part 2 by Bob Whittier. Experimenter
Magazine, March 1999.