Anchors, Bits, & Screws
Anchors are designed to provide secure holding power in materials where screws alone might not be sufficient, such as drywall, masonry, and concrete. Common types include plastic wall anchors, which expand when a screw is driven into them, providing a secure grip in drywall. Toggle bolts are another type, featuring wings that spread out behind the wall, offering strong holding power for heavier loads.
Bits, or drill bits, are the cutting tools used to create holes in various materials. They come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials, each designed for specific applications. Twist bits are the most common, suitable for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic. Masonry bits, often tipped with carbide, are designed for drilling into harder materials like stone, brick, and concrete.
Screws are versatile fasteners used in countless applications, from assembling furniture to constructing buildings. Wood screws are designed with a sharp point and coarse threads, making them ideal for joining pieces of wood. Sheet metal screws have finer threads and a pointed tip for fastening metal components. Machine screws are typically used with nuts or tapped holes in metal, offering strong, secure connections. Self-tapping screws, which include self-drilling variants, can create their own threads in the material, simplifying the assembly process. Deck screws are specifically designed for outdoor use, often coated to resist corrosion and provide long-lasting durability.
Products
4 important tools for industrial wiring.
A multimeter.
A multimeter is a handheld tester used to measure electrical voltage, current, resistance, and other values. Multimeters come in digital and analog versions and are useful for everything from simple tests, like measuring battery voltage, to detecting faults and complex diagnostics. They are one of the tools that electricians request for troubleshooting electrical problems.
A very good wire stripper.
Many wire strippers are not built to a very high standard and can be very frustrating to use. Find a brand that makes a quality set and stick with them. Keep in mind that most wire strippers are designed to work with only a few different wire sizes.
Insulated screwdrivers.
Although the insulation does provide some protection against an electrical shock, it is not meant to be relied upon for safety. A good set of screwdrivers will make any electrical work and wiring easier. For more specialized work, such as working in a control panel, it is essential to find a good set of precision screwdrivers that are designed to be used with smaller terminals.
Electrical Tape.
Whether pulling wire through conduit, securing wires together or covering exposed electrical terminals, electrical tape is incredibly useful and should always be in the tool bag when doing any kind of wiring. Electrical tape can be torn or cut by knives.