Essential Appliance Tool Guide

    In order to enable you to replace parts and repair your appliance it may be necessary for you to have some of the following tools.

    The purpose of this article is to show you a range of value for money tools and explain how they may be required or used in the repair of your appliances.

    For information on how to tackle and resolve faults and problems on a wide range of appliances see our other articles »

    These tools although may be described as value for money are of a suitable quality for the handy man or just for a one off repair and could
    represent a significant saving over more professional quality tools.

    Screwdriver Set

    Screwdriver Sets

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    Multiple piece Screwdriver Set.

    The start of any tool kit is a selection of screwdrivers, this should include some of the following sizes: -

    • Star: T5 x 50mm, T6 x 50mm, T7 x 50mm, T8 x 50mm, T9 x 50mm, T10 x 50mm
    • Slotted: 2.0 x 50mm, 2.5 x 50mm / Crosspoint: PH00 x 50mm, PH0 x 50mm

    A useful addition could be a set of precision screwdrivers for small work that include:

    • Slotted Screwdrivers: 6 x 38mm, 5 x 75mm, 6 x 100mm, 8 x 150mm
    • Crosspoint Screwdrivers: PH2 x 38mm, PH1 x 75mm, PH2 x 100mm, PH3 x 150mm

    This type of kit includes a range of most popular sizes and types and should cover most general DIY needs.

    Pliers Set

    Pliers

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    Pliers Set.

    It will be useful to have some of the following pliers in your tool kit:

    • Combination: A general purpose grip for holding nots and bolts and releasing spring hose clips
    • Long Nose: A more specialised lighter strength grip for smaller items and in limited access areas
    • Side Cutters: for cutting and removing insulation on electrical cables and cutting wire
    • When looking for pliers, we recommend look for ones with cushion handles as these will give greater comfort and hand grip, whilst you should also look for ones which are drop forged and may have polished heads.

      Water Pump Pliers

      Water Pump Pliers

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      Water Pump Pliers.

      A larger set of pliers which are suitable for larger nuts, spring hose clips and plumbing fittings. These should be manufactured from drop forged carbon steel, whilst hardened and tempered insulated grips will give a more comfortable feel.

      An adjustable locking head will allow stronger grip over different sizes of nuts, multi use pliers/grip for removing hose clamps or tightening pipework couplings etc.

      MultiMeter

      Multimeters

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      Digital Multimeter's.

      A good test meter should have some of the following features:

      Resistance

    • DC amps
    • Battery
    • Diode and signal H2 testing

      two 575mm (23") test leads

    • Diode and fuse protected super sensitive meter

    Diodes, transistor and continuity tests:

    • AC-V: 0 - 200 - 500V.
    • DC - V: 0 - 200MN - 2000MV - 20V - 200V - 500V.
    • DC - A : 0 - 2000uA - 20mA - 200mA.
    • Resistance: 0 - 200 - 2000 -20K - 200K - 2000K

    Adjustable Wrench

    Adjustable Wrench's

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    Adjustable Wrench's.

    Typically manufactured with drop forged heat treated jaws and available in different sizes. We recommend you choose one depending on the size of bolts/nuts being worked on or get a selection of sizes.

    • May be black or silver finish
    • Typical sizes 150, 200 and 250mm

    A set of adjustable wrench's may be used on bolts or pipework connectors. They are suitable for replacing many parts on domestic appliances, car or motorcycles.

    Electrical Repair Tool Kit

    Electrical Repair Tool Kit

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    Electrical Repair Tool Kit.

    For the general DIY, and should contain some of the following items:

    • PVC tape
    • Selection of cable ties
    • Selection of Auto fuses
    • 4 x 100mm Type insulated screwdriver
    • PH1 x 100mm Type insulated screwdriver
    • 140mm Neon mains tester screwdriver with pocket clip
    • 125mm Type wire cutters
    • Heat-shrink tube
    • Length of wire for reconnecting
    • Fuse puller
    • Selection of assorted insulated terminals

    A useful additional kit for repairing or connecting wires and blown fuses and contains cable tie's to tidy up wiring looms

    Drive Socket Set

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    1/4" - 3/8" Drive Socket Set.

    Your lightweight socket set should contain the following type of tools:

    • 1/4" x 3/8" Adaptor
    • 3/8" Drive. 75mm Extension bar
    • 3/8" Drive. 200mm Reversible ratchet handle
    • 3/8" Drive. Spin disc, 16mm & 21mm spark plug socket
    • 1/2" Drive. 250mm Reversible ratchet handle
    • 1/4" Drive. AF Sockets 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 13/32", 7/16", 15/32"
    • 1/4" Drive. Metric Sockets 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13mm
    • 1/4" Drive. Sockets (8PT) 1/4", 5/16", 3/8"
    • 3/8" Drive. AF sockets 9/16", 11/16", 3/4",
    • 3/8" Drive. Metric sockets 14, 16, 17mm,
    • 1/2" Drive. Metric sockets 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22mm

    A comprehensive set for medium and light work repairs on appliances and cars or motorcycles, whilst they can also be carried in cars in case of emergency or breakdowns.

    Universal Work Gloves

    Universal Work Gloves

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    Universal Work Gloves

    Universal work gloves may be manufactured from a nylon mix or leather, can have a crisscross PVC coating for added grip, and elasticated wrists. A good quality protective glove can help to protect against injury from sharp edges on cabinets.

    Tradesmen know a job is easier with the right tool. Here a some recommendations of tools for a basic kit for most home repairs.

    * All information provided is a guide only. BuySpares accepts no liability for any problems occurred while attempting any advice shown. If in any doubt contact a qualified repair service.