Hand Tools

Most commonly known as a wrench in the United States, a spanner is a metal device most often used for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. There are a multitude of different types, many of which have specific jobs. In this article, we will look at what a spanner or wrench is, the different types, … Read more

A wrecking bar is a tool that has a long metal shaft and various shaped ends depending on its type and use. They come in a wide range of sizes, from under a foot to over 5 feet in length. In this article, we will look at the different types of wrecking bars and their … Read more

If you work on a farm or have a homestead, then having a pitchfork is essential. Pitchforks are invaluable for picking up hay, straw, manure, or piles of garden weeds. A famous painting, “American Gothic,” shows a three-tined pitchfork, although they may also have two to five tines or sometimes even more. Today pitchforks are … Read more

A machete is a tool designed for cutting. It has a long blade set into a handle. Machetes have historically been used for cutting down cornfields or crops of sugarcane. Today a machete still has many useful applications; among other things they are great for cutting small tree branches, splitting kindling for fires, or sharpening … Read more

The wheelbarrow has been in existence for several thousands of years. Designed as a simple hand cart, they are used to simplify the moving of items without the need of mechanical means all around the world, and remain popular today. In this article, we will learn more about the humble wheelbarrow and its ancient roots. … Read more

Secateurs, pruning shears, anvil pruners, or just plain pruners are a small hand tool, used for cutting stems, stalks, and branches. They are popular with gardeners, arboriculturists, plant nursery workers, farmers, flower arrangers, and conservationists who require a sharp, precision cutting tool.  What are Secateurs Used For? Secateurs are used for trimming plants such as … Read more

The garden hoe has been around in one form or another for over 4,000 years. Comprising of a long handle and metal bladed head, it is a useful farm tool, for weeding and clearing the ground ready for planting. In this article, we will be finding out much more about this ancient gardening implement. What … Read more

The scythe is an essential agricultural hand implement used by people in many parts of the world. It has a slightly curved blade fitted to a long curving shaft, often with two additional handles projecting from it. The origin of the scythe is unknown, but the first records begin in Europe around the 8th century … Read more

A sickle is an ancient tool used for the harvesting of cereal crops and for clearing land. It has existed for many thousands of years, being made from materials of the time. Early on, these were flint and bone, while they are hardened steel and plastic in the present day. A sickle blade is usually … Read more