THE BASICS, CLEARLY EXPLAINED
KNOWLEDGE
Know the size, profile and connection before choosing a tool. Practical reference guides for every brand.
18 guides
SOCKET SIZES: METRIC AND SAE
Read the fastener size separately from the ratchet drive size.
Read guideFASTENERS & DRIVESRATCHET AND SOCKET DRIVE SIZES
Understand 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-inch square drives without confusing them with hex bit shanks.
Read guideFASTENERS & DRIVESSCREWDRIVER AND BIT PROFILES
Compare common, specialist and security profiles. Choose the shape first, then the exact size.
Read guideFASTENERS & DRIVESHEX BITS AND ALLEN KEYS
The hex tip size and the bit holder size are separate measurements.
Read guideFASTENERS & DRIVESTORX, TORX PLUS AND SECURITY BITS
A six-lobe appearance does not prove two fasteners use the same profile.
Read guideDRILLING & FASTENINGBIT SHANKS AND HOLDERS
A 1/4-inch hex shank is not a 1/4-inch socket drive.
Read guideDRILLING & FASTENINGSDS-PLUS, SDS-MAX AND DRILL SHANKS
SDS is a shank and chuck system, not a screwdriver tip profile.
Read guidePOWER TOOLS BASICSBRUSHLESS AND BRUSHED MOTORS
Brushless describes motor construction, not a battery connector or compatibility standard.
Read guidePOWER TOOLS BASICSDRILL, IMPACT DRIVER OR ROTARY HAMMER?
Different tools deliver force in different directions.
Read guideFASTENERS & DRIVESTORQUE AND IMPACT-RATED SOCKETS
Breakaway torque and fastening torque are different claims.
Read guideDRILLING & FASTENINGDRILL BITS FOR DIFFERENT MATERIALS
Match the working geometry and material application before choosing a shank.
Read guideCUTTING & SURFACE PREPARATIONSAW BLADE SIZES AND ARBOR HOLES
Blade diameter is only one of the measurements needed for a fit.
Read guideCUTTING & SURFACE PREPARATIONSANDPAPER GRIT AND SANDING PATTERNS
Grit, pad shape, attachment and dust holes are separate choices.
Read guidePOWER TOOLS BASICSBATTERY VOLTAGE, AH AND WH
Capacity numbers are not a compatibility guarantee.
Read guideELECTRICAL & LOW VOLTAGERJ45, MODULAR PLUGS AND CRIMPING TOOLS
Match the plug, cable construction and connector-specific tool.
Read guidePLUMBING BASICSPIPE WRENCHES, CUTTERS AND THREAD TOOLS
Choose the tool for the pipe material and the type of work.
Read guideFASTENERS & DRIVESSCREWS: MATERIALS, THREADS, HEADS AND DRIVES
Choose by base material, load and environment. Compare wood, drywall, metal, machine, structural and masonry screws.
Read guideMATERIALS & METALLURGYTOOL MATERIALS, HARDENING AND COATINGS
Understand hardness, toughness and heat resistance. Compare HSS, cobalt alloys, carbide, hand-tool steels and coatings by application.
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