Grade 8Pre-Technical Studies

Cutting Tools

Common cutting tools (hacksaw, chisel, snip); safe use, care, maintenance.

📖 3 min read · 3 worked examples · 5 practice questions

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The lesson

Today we begin our journey into the world of cutting tools – the simple yet powerful devices that shape wood, metal, and plastic in workshops across Kenya. First, let's define a cutting tool. A cutting tool is any piece of equipment—like a hacksaw blade, a chisel, or a pair of scissors—designed to remove material by shearing, grinding, or chiselling it into a new shape. Notice the bullet saying "shapes material"—that's the core role: turning raw blocks into useful parts, whether we're making a wooden stool or repairing a metal fence. Next, we'll look at the G8 Tools & Production strand. This part of the curriculum introduces you to the most common tools you'll find in Kenyan workshops and homes, and shows how they fit into everyday projects. Finally, our learning goals for today: you will be able to name three basic cutting tools, explain how each works, and identify at least one real‑world example of when you would use each one. If anything feels unclear, just raise your hand and we'll pause to check understanding.

Let's explore the common cutting tools we'll be discussing today. First, the hacksaw – a sturdy blade ideal for cutting metal and plastic. You'll often see it in mechanic shops around Nairobi, perfect for trimming rusty bolts or plastic pipe. Next, the chisel. This tool shapes wood and is a staple for carpentry apprentices learning to carve furniture and fixtures. Finally, the tin snip, sometimes called snip, used for cutting sheet metal. It's a must‑have in metal‑work classrooms for precise cuts on metal panels. Remember, each of these tools has a specific purpose, and choosing the right one makes your work safer and more efficient.

Worked examples

– Cutting a Metal Pipe with a Hacksaw

Class, let's walk through our first worked example: cutting a metal pipe with a hacksaw. First, we select the correct blade – a fine‑toothed blade is best for metal because it reduces snagging and gives a smoother cut. Next, securely clamp the pipe in a bench vise; this keeps it steady and protects your hands while you saw. Notice the bullet points also remind us to maintain steady pressure and let the saw do the work – don't force it. As the diagram shows, place your hand low on the handle for control, and guide the blade in a smooth, even motion along the pipe. To check understanding, can anyone tell me why we let the saw do the work rather than pushing hard?

– Shaping Wood with a Chisel

Let's work through Example 2: shaping a wooden dowel with a chisel. We'll see how a few simple steps give us a clean, precise angle. First, always start with a sharp bevel‑edge chisel. A sharp edge cuts cleanly, reduces splitting, and gives you better control. Next, clamp the dowel securely on a workbench so it doesn't move while you shave wood. Here's a quick reference table showing which chisel angles work best with the direction of the wood grain. Align the blade so it follows the grain for a smoother cut. Finally, strike the chisel gently with a wooden hammer. A light tap gives you fine control and avoids bruising the wood. To recap: sharp chisel, secure clamp, match angle to grain, and a gentle hammer strike. Any questions before we move on?

– Trimming Sheet Metal with Snips

Class, let's walk through Worked Example 3, where we trim a thin steel sheet using hand snips. First, choose the right‑hand or left‑hand snips depending on the direction you need to cut. If you cut from left to right, use right‑hand snips, and vice versa. Next, mark the intended cut line clearly with a permanent marker so you have a visual guide. When you start snipping, apply even pressure and keep your fingers well clear of the blades—think of it like using scissors on paper, but with metal. Finally, run a metal file along the cut edge to deburr it, leaving a smooth finish ready for assembly. Any questions before we move on to the next example?

Practice questions

Remember: a hacksaw is perfect for cutting metal pipes or thin rods because its fine teeth can bite through hard material without bending. A wood chisel, on the other hand, is shaped for carving wood—you push it with a mallet to remove material and create a rough shape.
Take a moment to read each question carefully, pick the best answer(s), and trust the material we just covered. If anything feels tricky, think about the material you're working with and the shape of the tool's edge.
For the hand saw question, remember the most critical protection is protecting your eyes from flying chips, while also keeping your hands safe from cuts. Think about which combination covers both of those needs best.
When a hacksaw blade gets dull, there are a few valid actions: you can replace it, you can sharpen it with a fine‑toothed file, and you can use cutting oil to reduce friction. Tapping the blade on a hard surface, however, can damage the teeth and isn't recommended.
The unsafe chisel practice is the one that puts the blade in a vulnerable position—striking a chisel that's angled upward can cause the tool to slip and injure you. Always keep the handle away from the cutting edge and work on a stable surface.

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Cutting Tools

📖 The lesson

✏️ Worked examples