HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY- BASED LEARNING

MATERIALS

Welcome!
The unit of competency, "Using hand tools", is one of the common competencies of
Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, a course which comprises the knowledge,
skills and attitudes required for a TVET trainee.

In this module, you are required to go through a series of learning activities in order
to complete each learning outcome. In each learning outcome are Information Sheets, Self-
Checks and Task/Job Sheets.

Follow and perform the activities on your own. If you have questions, do not
hesitate to ask for assistance from your facilitator.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may already have some or most of the knowledge and skills covered in this
learner's guide because you have:

 been working for some time.

 already completed training in this area.

If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a particular outcome,
you don't have to do the same training again.

Talk to your trainer about having them formally recognized. If you have a qualification
or Certificate of Competence from previous training, show it to your trainer. If the skills you
acquired are still current and relevant to the unit/s of competency they may become part of
the evidence you can present for RPL. If you are not sure about the currency of your skills,
discuss this with your trainer.

After completing this module ask your trainer to assess your competency. Result of
your assessment will be recorded in your competency profile. All the learning activities are
designed for you to complete at your own pace.

Inside this learner's guide you will find the activities for you to complete and at the
back are the relevant information sheets for each learning outcome. Each learning outcome
may have more than one learning activities.

At the back of this learner's guide is a Learner Diary. Use this diary to record important
dates, jobs undertaken and other workplace events that will assist you in providing further
details to your trainer or an assessor.

A Record of Achievement is also provided for your trainer to complete once you
complete the module.
 MODULE CONTENT

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : Use Hand Tools

MODULE TITLE
MODULE DESCRIPTOR
NOMINAL DURATION
QUALIFICATION LEVEL
: Using Hand Tools
This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes on the
safe use, handling and maintenance of tools
: 24 hours
: NC II

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this module, the students / trainee must be able to:

LO 1. Plan and prepare for tasks to be undertaken

LO 2. Prepare hand tools
LO 3. Use appropriate hand tools and test equipment
LO 4. Maintain hand tools

LO1. Plan and prepare for tasks to be undertaken

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

1. Tasks to be undertaken are properly identified

2. Appropriate hand tools are identified and selected according to the task requirements
3. Planning and preparing task / activity
4. Electronic hand tools and their uses
5. Function, operation and common faults in electronic hand tools

CONTENT:
 Using hand tools properly

CONDITION:
 Equipment  Supplies and Materials
o Simulated installation o Checklist
o Personal Protective Equipment o Evaluation form
o Googles
o Gloves  Learning Materials
o Safety Shoes o CBLM
o Hard Hat o Books, Manuals and
 Tools Catalogs
o Screw drivers
o Pliers
o Punches

Date Developed: Document No.

July 2019
CBLM EIM NC II Date Revised: Issued by:
DBTI Makati
Using Hand Tools TVET Center Page | 2
Developed by:
C.G. CETRO Revision # 00
METHODOLOGIES:

1. Assessment may be conducted in the workplace or in a simulated work environment

ASSESSMENT METHOD:

Competency in this unit must be assessed through:

1. Written / Oral examination
2. Practical Demonstration
 GLOSSARY

Ampere - a unit of measure of electric current

Cable Tie Gun is a handheld device that is used to hold and tighten cables together with plastic or
steel ties.

Circuit - the path of electric current from the source to the components and goes back to the source

Clamp-On Ammeter is a meter that measures the current in a circuit by measuring the strength of
the magnetic field around a single conductor.

Conductor - a wire or a cord which provides path for current flow

Conduit Bender is a device used to radius (bend) electrical metallic tubing, intermediate metallic
conduit, and rigid steel and aluminum conduit in sizes ranging from 1/2″ to 1 1/2″ diameter.

Connectors and Adapters - accessories that are used to connect from boxes to conduits or raceways
to the other boxes in the electrical system

Corrugated plastic conduit (CPC) - commonly known as flexible non-metallic conduit or the “mold
flex”

Fish Tape is a retractable tape, usually of a rectangular cross section, that is pushed through an
inaccessible space such as a run of conduit or a partition in order to draw in wires.

Fuse Puller is a device that is used for the safe removal of fuses from electrical boxes and cabinets.

Hammer is a striking or splitting tool with a hardened head fastened perpendicular to a handle.

Hot wire - a wire through which current flows

Insulator – material used to cover electric wires which may be made from plastic, rubber, or
asbestos.

Metallic Conduits- metal raceways that was classified into four; rigid steel conduit (RSC),
intermediate metallic conduit or tubing (IMC or IMT), electrical metallic conduit or tubing (EMC or
EMT) and the flexible metallic conduit (FMC)

Multimeter is a meter that is capable of measuring two or more electrical quantities. Multimeters
can be used to measure electrical functions such as voltage, current, continuity, resistance,
capacitance, frequency, and duty cycle.

Non-metallic conduits- plastic conduits or raceways designed to be a channel of wire that are
classified as; rigid non-metallic conduit or the PVC, the flexible non-metallic or CPC, and the surface
plastic molding

Pliers are a hand tool with opposing jaws for gripping and/or cutting.
PVC Pipe Cutter is a handheld tool designed to cut up to 2″ diameter PVC pipe, polyethylene pipe,
and hose quickly and accurately without the use of a vise.

Reciprocating Saw is a multipurpose cutting tool in which the blade reciprocates (quickly moves back
and forth) to create the cutting action.

Resistance - the quality of electric current measured in ohms that resist the flow of current

Screwdriver is a hand tool with a tip designed to fit into a screw head for fastening operations.

Tool Chests are more substantial than toolboxes. A tool chest may have from two to 10 drawers.

Tool Pouches are used to safely transport and store many small electrical hand tools and
instruments.

Tools - are implements used to modify raw materials for human use

Tri-Stand Yoke Vise are used for holding or clamping heavy objects, holding pipe for cutting and
threading, and for forming and shaping metal

Wire Gauge is circular in shape with cutouts in the outside edge. Each cut-out gauges a different size
wire, from 0 to 36 of the English Standard Wire Gauge

Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter is a device used for the removal of insulation from small-diameter wire.

Wrench is a hand tool with jaws at one or both ends that is designed to turn bolts, nuts, or pipes.
 INFORMATION SHEET NO. 1.1-1
LO 1 Plan and Prepare for tasks to be undertaken

Learning Objective:
After reading this information sheet, you should be able to:

1. Define electrical hand tools

2. Identify and select appropriate hand tools according to the task requirements
3. Select appropriate power tools

ELECTRICAL HAND TOOLS

Every electrician needs basic hand tools to perform their tasks. A hand tool is any tool that is
powered by hand rather than a motor. Categories of hand tools include wrenches, pliers, files,
striking tools, struck or hammered tools, screwdrivers, vises, clamps, snips, saw, drills and knives.

Screwdriver is a hand tool with a tip designed to fit into a

screw head for fastening operations. Electricians use
screwdrivers in many installations, troubleshooting, and
maintenance activities to secure and remove various
threaded fasteners. Various types of screwdrivers are
available. The two main types of screwdrivers are the
flathead and Phillips. Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers are
available as standard, offset, and screw holding.

Pliers are a hand tool with opposing jaws for gripping and/or
cutting. Pliers are used by electricians for various gripping,
turning, cutting, positioning, and bending operations.
Common pliers include slip joint, tongue-and groove, long
nose, diagonal cutting, side-cutting, end cutting, and locking
pliers.

Wrench is a hand tool with jaws at one or both ends that is

designed to turn bolts, nuts, or pipes. Common wrenches
include socket, adjustable, hex key, combination, and pipe.
Hammer is a striking or splitting tool with a hardened head
fastened perpendicular to a handle. Common hammers
include the electrician’s, ball peen, and sledgehammer.

Fuse Puller is a device that is used for the safe removal of

fuses from electrical boxes and cabinets. A fuse puller can be
used to remove either operational or non-operational
(blown) fuses from an electrical box safely, preventing the
electrician from coming in contact with an energized circuit.
Fuse pullers have solid-grip jaws, are usually constructed of
nylon or laminated fibber, and can be used on a variety of
different size cartridge-type fuses.
Fish Tape is a retractable tape, usually of a rectangular cross
section, that is pushed through an inaccessible space such as
a run of conduit or a partition in order to draw in wires. Fish
tapes are constructed of nylon, tempered steel, stainless
steel, fiber glass, or multi-strand steel and range in length
from 25′ to 200′. Steel fish tapes are coated with nylon to
prevent corrosion and reduce friction and jamming. Nylon-
coated and fiberglass fish tapes are recommended for
applications where the fish tape may come in contact with
energized electrical wires.

Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter is a device used for the

removal of insulation from small-diameter wire. Most wire
strippers strip stranded wire from American Wire Gauge
(AWG) size 22 to AWG size 10 and solid wire from AWG size
18 to AWG size 8. A wire stripper/crimper/cutter is also used
to crimp terminals from AWG size 22 to AWG size 10. Newer
models are also designed with a wire cutter in the nose of the
tool and a small-diameter bolt cutter near the handle. Most
stripper/crimper/cutter tools shear bolts ranging from 4-40 to
10-32. Wire strippers are also available without the crimper
and bolt-shear functions. Wire strippers without these
functions are smaller and easier to handle than a
stripper/crimper/cutter tool.
PVC Pipe Cutter is a handheld tool designed to cut up to 2″
diameter PVC pipe, polyethylene pipe, and hose quickly and
accurately without the use of a vise. The work piece is held in
place by a hooked jaw. Alloy steel blades are ratcheted
through the pipe to be cut. Alloy steel is used to retain the
sharpness of the blades and increase the time period between
blade replacements.
Cable Tie Gun is a handheld device that is used to hold and
tighten cables together with plastic or steel ties. Bundles of
wire can be quickly tied together in multiple locations by
squeezing the trigger handle of the cable tie gun along the
length of the wires to be bundled. Cable tie guns
automatically tension and cut off the excess tie material.
Cable tie guns are designed to reduce fatigue and increase
the productivity of the operator.
Conduit Bender is a device used to radius (bend) electrical
metallic tubing, intermediate metallic conduit, and rigid steel
and aluminum conduit in sizes ranging from 1/2″ to 1 1/2″
diameter. Conduit is bent to clear obstructions when
machinery or equipment is initially installed or relocated.
Conduit can be bent properly using a hand conduit bender
(hickey), mechanical conduit bender, or electric conduit
bender. All conduit benders have bending shoes with high
supporting sidewalls to prevent flattening or kinking of the
conduit and are designed for quick, efficient conduit bending.
Additional hand tools that are used by electricians include Pipe
reamers, pipe threaders, Pipe cutter, cable strippers, skinning
knives, electrician’s knives, nut drivers, and hacksaws.

An electrician’s knife is similar in design to a pocket knife and

is used for removing insulation and servicing conductors.

Reciprocating Saw is a multipurpose cutting tool in which the

blade reciprocates (quickly moves back and forth) to create
the cutting action. Reciprocating saw blades can be plunged
directly into walls, floors, ceilings, and other resilient
material. Reciprocating saws operate at 1700 to 2800 strokes
per minute (no load) and are used by electricians to cut holes
in drywall, plywood, and hard-surface flooring in order to
install electrical boxes and conduit. Reciprocating saws are
typically used after the framing is done and additional cuts
need to be made.

Battery-Powered Cable Cutter is a tool designed to cut various

diameters of electrical and fiber-optic cables. Battery-powered
cable cutters are similar to racketing PVC pipe cutters. Rather
than using a racketing action, a battery-powered cable cutter
receives power from a rechargeable battery pack and is ideal
for large projects that require numerous cuts. Battery-
powered cable cutters allow an electrician to reduce fatigue on
nerves, muscles, and tendons and increase productivity.
Portable Power Tool - Electric drill for drilling holes into hard
materials. Electric grinder for removing excess material from
a piece or simply cutting into a piece. Electric hot air gun is an
electric device blowing very hot air. All power tools should be
grounded unless they are approved double insulated. Power
tools must have a grounded three wire cord. A three-prong
plug connects into a grounded electrical outlet (receptacle).
Approved receptacles may be locking or nonlocking. Consult
OSHA, the National Electrical Code® (NEC)®, and
local codes for proper grounding requirements.

Tool Pouches are used to safely transport and store many

small electrical hand tools and instruments. Tool pouches are
normally made of heavy-duty leather or fabric and vary in
design and size. Tool pouches are chosen based on specific
needs and comfort. Some tool pouches hold only a few tools,
while others hold a wide selection of tools. The pouch selected
depends on the work required.

Tool Chests are more substantial than toolboxes. A tool chest

may have from two to 10 drawers. A tool cabinet is used to
organize and store a variety of tools and materials in one
location. Tool cabinets are always mounted on casters. Tool
chests can be added on top of the cabinet. A list of all tools
should be kept in a toolbox, chest, or cabinet to ensure a
complete inventory after each job

Bench Vises are used to hold work for filing, hack sawing,
chiseling, and bending light metal. They are also used for
holding work when assembling and disassembling parts. Vises
should be placed on the workbench at the correct working
height for the individual. The top of the vise jaws should be at
elbow height. Poor work is produced when the vise is mounted
too high or too low. A variety of vise heights should be
provided in the shop or skids made available to stand on.

C-clamps are used to hold work pieces on machines such as

drill presses, as well as to clamp parts together. The size of the
clamp is determined by the largest opening of its jaws. Heavy-
duty C-clamps are used by machinists to hold heavy parts such
as steel plates together for drilling or other machining
operations
Hex Key, Allen Wrench or Allen Key, is a simple tool used to
drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads.
The tool is usually formed of a single piece of hexagonal rod
of hard steel, with blunt ends that are meant to fit snugly into
the screw's socket, bent in an "L" shape with unequal arms.
The tool is usually held and twisted by the long arm, creating
a large torque at the tip of the short arm. Reversing the tool
lets the long arm reach screws in hard-to-reach places.
Chisel is a tool with a characteristically shaped cutting edge
(such that wood chisels have lent part of their name to a
particular grind) of blade on its end, for carving or cutting a
hard material such as wood, stone, or metal by hand, struck
with a mallet, or mechanical power.[1] The handle and blade
of some types of chisel are made of metal or of wood with a
sharp edge in it.
Files are tools that anyone in metalwork will use. Often,
through lack of knowledge, these tools are misused. Files are
made in many different lengths ranging from 4 to 18 in.

Tri-Stand Yoke Vise are used for holding or clamping heavy

objects, holding pipe for cutting and threading, and for forming
and shaping metal.

Riveter - a metal bolt or pin having a head on one end,

inserted through aligned holes in the pieces to be joined and
then hammered on the plain end so as to form a second head.

Soldering Iron with Stand, leads and DE soldering pump an

electric tool used to heat solder to its melting point. To
remove solder and components from a circuit board for
troubleshooting.

SPLICES AND JOINTS

When working with electronic equipment or with electrical wiring, it may from time to time
become necessary to splice or join wires together. Splices and joints are essentially the same thing.
Several different methods of doing this exist. The fundamental necessities of an effective splice
include making sure the wires are securely fastened to each other even without solder and that
they are well-soldered to avoid corrosion. All wire joints must also be taped with electrical tape
after soldering.
 A splice joint is a method of joining two members end to end in woodworking. The splice joint is
used when the material being joined is not available in the length required. It is an alternative to
other joints such as the butt joint and the scarf joint. Splice joints are stronger than unenforced butt
joints and have the potential to be stronger than a scarf joint.
 Splices are therefore most often used when structural elements are required in longer lengths than
the available material. The most common form of the splice joint is the half lap splice, which is
common in building construction, where it is used to join shorter lengths of timber into longer
beams.

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANCE OF SPLICES ANS JOINTS?

The connections must be well made and the wires tightly joined to prevent a loss of voltage to the
device powered. In high current situations a poor connection causes heat at the connection and
oxidation of the wires and no more or intermittent connections.
Most problems in electrical is not a short but: an open connection.

In the case of high-voltage underground cables, the restoration of the insulation is critically
important, as is restoring the cable's waterproof integrity. The skills required are such that cable
jointers serve a full apprenticeship in that particular trade.

TYPE OF ELECTRICAL SPLICES AND JOINTS

Western Union Splice

The Western Union splice works best to splice together small, solid
conductors. It is the most common type of wire splice. To make
the Western Union splice, first remove about five inches of
insulation from both wires and cross the exposed wires. Wrap
one wire around the other five or six times, and then do the
same with the other. Cut the excess wires off and pinch the ends
down with pliers. Solder the joint together and wrap tape
around it.

Knotted Tap Joint

A Knotted Tap Joint, also called a tap splice, is used to connect a conductor to a running wire. To
make a tap splice, the main wire, to which the branch wire is to be tapped, has about 1 inch of
insulation removed. The branch wire is stripped of about 3 inches of insulation.

Fixture Splice
Fixture splices, or fixture joints, are used to connect wires of
different sizes. This joint requires five inches of insulation stripped
off the wire. Hold the wires together and then twist them a few
times with a pair of pliers. Both wires must twist for the joint to be
tight. Cut both ends of wire so that they are the same length, and
then take the twisted joint and bend it so that it lines up with the
wires. Take the cut ends and extend them perpendicular to the wire
and the twisted portion. Wrap these two ends in the same direction
as the twist. Solder the joint together and wrap tape around it.
o

Rat tail Splice

A rat-tail splice, also known as a twist splice or a pig-tail
splice, is a very basic electrical splice that can be done with
both solid stranded wires. It is made by taking two or more
bare wires of the same diameter and wrapping them
together symmetrically around each a common axis. The
bare splice can be insulated with electrical tape or other
means.
This common and simple splice is not very strong
mechanically. It can be made stronger by coating it
with solder, or it can be twisted and then held in place by the internal metal spring or threads of
a twist on wire connection, also called a wire nut. Because it is not very strong, the splice is not
meant to connect wires that will be pulled or stressed. Rather, it is intended for wires that are
protected inside an enclosure or junction box.

Britannia Splice
A Britannia Splice, also known as a cable spice, is not easy or
neither difficult in doing. This splice is applied on both inside and
outside of the building to big solid wire where twisting is difficult
but there is an equipment to lessen the difficulty on doing this
kind of splice.
Through Fixture Join
A Through Fixture join is used where fixture leads are connected
to branched wire in an immediate point.

Underwriter's Knot
An Underwriter's Knot, also known as Pretzel Knot, is used in making drop
cord, tie an underwriter knot at the top so the weight is supported not by
the copper conductors where they are connected to the terminals, but by
the knot.

SELF CHECK 1.1-1

Direction: Identify the electrical hand tools describe below. Choose your answer from the words
inside the box.

BENCH VISE PVC PIPE CUTTER SCREWDRIVER

TOOL POUCH/HOLSTER FUSE PULLER WIRE STRIPPER
CABLE TIE GUN ELECTRICIAN KNIFE HAMMER
PLIER TRI-STAND YOKE VISE CONDUIT BENDER
ALLEN WRENCH FISH TAPE RIVETER

1. Similar in design to a pocket knife and is used for removing insulation and servicing
conductors.
2. Used to hold work for filing, hack sawing, chiseling, and bending light metal. They are also
used for holding work when assembling and disassembling parts.
3. A striking or splitting tool with a hardened head fastened perpendicular to a handle.
4. A simple tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads.
5. A metal bolt or pin having a head on one end, inserted through aligned holes in the pieces
to be joined and then hammered on the plain end so as to form a second head.
6. Used to safely transport and store many small electrical hand tools and instruments.
7. A hand tool with a tip designed to fit into a screw head for fastening operations.
8. A handheld tool designed to cut up to 2″ diameter PVC pipe, polyethylene pipe, and hose
quickly and accurately without the use of a vise.
9. A retractable tape, usually of a rectangular cross section, that is pushed through an
inaccessible space such as a run of conduit or a partition in order to draw in wires.
 10. A handheld device that is used to hold and tighten cables together with plastic or steel ties.
11. A device used to radius (bend) electrical metallic tubing, intermediate metallic conduit, and
rigid steel and aluminum conduit in sizes ranging from ½″ to 1 ½″ diameter.
12. A hand tool with opposing jaws for gripping and/or cutting.
13. A device used for the removal of insulation from small-diameter wire.
14. Used for holding or clamping heavy objects, holding pipe for cutting and threading, and for
forming and shaping metal.
15. A device that is used for the safe removal of fuses from electrical boxes and cabinets.

SELF CHECK ANSWER KEY 1.1-1

1. ELECTRICIAN KNIFE 6. TOOL POUCH/ HOLSTER 11. CONDUIT BENDER

2. BENCH VISE 7. SCREWDRIVER 12. PLIER
3. HAMMER 8. PVC PIPE CUTTER 13. WIRE STRIPPER
4. ALLEN WRENCH 9. FISH TAPE 14. TRI-STAND YOKE VISE
5. RIVETER 10. CABLE TIE GUN 15. FUSE PULLER