STRUCTURAL FABRICATION TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT.

A comprehensive range of tools and equipment is employed, each meticulously designed to

enable the precise measurement, assembly, and cutting of materials. The effective utilization of
these instruments is pivotal in ensuring accuracy, durability, and the overall quality of
construction outcomes in metalworking endeavors.
1. MEASURING TOOLS
Measuring tools serve as the foundational elements in fabrication processes, as they provide the
necessary accuracy and precision prior to the cutting, assembling, or welding of components.
Tape measure, a flexible instrument, is essential for determining the lengths and dimensions of
structural elements, forming a critical part of layout work.
Steel rulers, known for their rigid construction and straight edges, facilitate straightforward
measurements and are routinely used for marking and verifying dimensions on metal sheets or
bars with a high degree of reliability.
Spirit level, equipped with a liquid-filled vial containing a movable bubble, is instrumental in
ensuring that components are accurately aligned and leveled. This alignment is vital for
maintaining the structural integrity of beams, frames, and platforms, as it helps prevent
misalignment issues that could compromise safety and performance.
Procedures:
a) Tape Measure
- Initiate the measurement process by conducting a thorough inspection of the tape measure for
any bends, frays, or damages that may jeopardize its accuracy.
- It is essential to implement a schedule for regular maintenance checks of the tape measure,
which should include cleaning and visually examining the tape to ensure consistent performance
and accuracy in measurements.
- To conduct a measurement, firmly hook the tape at one end of the workpiece, ensuring secure
positioning, and extend it to the desired length with a steady hand.
- Carefully read the measurement at the point of reference, ensuring that your line of sight is
directly aligned with the tape to prevent parallax errors.
- Utilize a scriber or chalk to mark the measurement on the workpiece for subsequent cutting or
assembly operations, ensuring the mark is clear and precise.
- Slowly retract the tape, maintaining control to prevent potential damage to both the tape
measure and adjacent objects.
 b) Steel Ruler
- Position the steel ruler flat against the surface of the work piece to achieve stable and accurate
measurements.
- Align the starting edge of the ruler precisely with the reference point to ensure measurement
accuracy.
- Read the measurement carefully at the designated point and mark it with precision to avoid
cutting errors in subsequent steps.
- Employ the ruler as a straightedge when marking lines for cutting, ensuring that markings are
straight and true.
- Establish a routine for regular cleaning of the steel ruler to remove any residual dirt or grease
that could interfere with measurement accuracy; this should include wiping it down with a
suitable cleaner.
c) Spirit Level
- To evaluate the levelness of a surface, place the spirit level evenly on the area under
assessment.
- Observe the bubble within the vial; if it is perfectly centered between the marked lines, the
surface can be deemed level.
- If the bubble is not centered, make the necessary adjustments to the component until proper
alignment is achieved.
- Always recheck the alignment to confirm that the bubble remains centered subsequent to
adjustments.
- Implement a periodic testing routine for accuracy and recalibration of the spirit level,
especially prior to executing critical tasks to assure dependable results.

2. HAND TOOLS
Hand tools are indispensable for the assembly, fastening, and adjustment of structural
components during fabrication.
Spanners play a crucial role in the tightening and loosening of nuts and bolts, ensuring secure
connections between various metal parts.
Rivet guns are another critical tool, effectively installing rivets that create robust, durable joints
between metal sheets—a technique prominently employed in structural steel frameworks and
industrial metal enclosures.
Procedures;
a) Spanners
- Begin by identifying the appropriate size of the spanner that corresponds to the nut or bolt in
question.
- Securely position the spanner over the nut or bolt head to ensure a solid grip.
- Rotate the spanner in the appropriate direction—clockwise for tightening and
counterclockwise for loosening—applying steady, controlled force to maintain grip and
minimize the risk of slipping.
- Prioritize safety by donning gloves to enhance grip, reduce the risk of injury, and protect
hands from sharp edges or slipping tools.
b) Rivet Gun
- Select the appropriate size of the rivet compatible with your project requirements, ensuring it
is loaded completely into the rivet gun for operational readiness.
- Insert the rivet into the pre-drilled hole of the metal sheets, ensuring a snug fit for optimal
performance.
- Firmly press the handle or trigger on the rivet gun to expand the rivet adequately, creating a
robust and secure joint.
- Carefully release the gun and trim any excess rivet stem that may protrude from the joint for a
clean finish.
- Conduct a meticulous inspection of the joint post-riveting to verify that it is firm and free
from defects.
c) Crow Bar
- Position the crowbar strategically at the point where leverage is required, typically in a
crevice or for prying loose materials.
- Apply consistent downward pressure on the longer end of the crowbar to lift, pry, or
dismantle materials safely.
- Maintain control and precision to avoid excessive pressure that may bend or fracture the bar
or cause injury.
- Emphasize the importance of wearing protective eyewear while utilizing a crowbar to
safeguard against potential projectiles or splinters, and highlight the significance of stable
footing and grip to prevent slipping during operation.
Crowbar, or pry bar, is a valuable tool utilized for leveraging and pulling apart materials, as
well as positioning heavy components during both assembly and dismantling tasks, thereby
showcasing its functionality in various fabrication contexts.
3. CUTTING TOOLS
Cutting tools are essential for shaping and sizing metal components to conform to specified
design requirements.
Hacksaws, which are manually operated, are ideal for cutting smaller metal pieces such as pipes,
rods, and bars with precision. For more extensive cutting applications.
Guillotine shears offer the advantage of cleanly and efficiently slicing through sheet metal.
Nibbling machine is particularly adept at executing intricate cuts and curves, making it a
favored choice in custom metal fabrication.
Shearing machine is another indispensable tool, providing straight and precise cuts on thicker
metal sheets, which is particularly relevant in structural steelwork.
Sewing machines, including band saws and circular saws, facilitate efficient cutting of large
metal sections and pipes, ensuring accuracy while minimizing material waste.

Here’s an elaborated and more detailed version of the procedures for operating structural
fabrication tools and equipment, presented in an academic tone suitable for diploma students:

Procedures:
a) Hack Saw
- Secure the metal workpiece using a vise or clamp.
- Select the appropriate blade based on the material thickness and type (e.g., metal blades for
steel, bi-metal blades for various materials).
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and goggles, before starting.
- Hold the hack saw firmly and start cutting with steady, even strokes, maintaining a consistent
angle. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as it can lead to blade damage.
- Finish the cut smoothly and remove any burrs with a file if necessary.
b) Guillotine Shear
- Ensure the guillotine is properly set up, the blade is sharp, and safety guards are in place.
- Position the metal sheet on the cutting table.
- Align the cutting line with the blade edge, checking the measurement against any guides.
- Adjust the blade height for the thickness of the material being cut.
- Operate the foot pedal or lever to lower the blade and cut the sheet.
- Remove the cut piece and inspect for accuracy, ensuring that the cut is clean and within
specified dimensions.
c) Nibbling Machine
- Secure the sheet metal on the work table, ensuring it is flat and properly aligned.
- Adjust the machine settings based on the required cut pattern, including speed and stroke length
suitable for the material.
- Wear goggles and other protective gear during operation.
- Guide the sheet metal along the cutting path while operating the machine, maintaining a steady
pressure.
- Maintain a steady feed rate to avoid jagged edges, and monitor the machine for any irregular
sounds that indicate an issue.
- Inspect the cut and smooth edges if necessary, using a file or deburring tool.
d) Shearing Machine
- Ensure the shearing machine is set up correctly, with safety features engaged and the blade
sharpened.
- Place the metal sheet against the back gauge or alignment guide.
- Engage the clamp to hold the sheet in place securely.
- Activate the shearing mechanism to cut the metal, checking that hands and other body parts are
clear from the cutting area.
- Remove the cut piece and check the dimensions, ensuring they match the specifications
required.
e) Sawing Machine
- Secure the workpiece in place using a clamp, ensuring it is stable.
- Select the correct blade type and speed setting based on the material being cut (e.g., slower
speeds for thicker materials).
- Wear protective gloves and goggles.
- Start the machine and slowly feed the metal into the saw blade, maintaining control of the
workpiece.
- Maintain a steady cutting speed to prevent overheating, listening for any unusual sounds which
may indicate an issue.
- Turn off the machine after the cut has been completed, and remove the workpiece carefully.
- Clean the work area and dispose of scraps according to environmental regulations, considering
recycling when possible.
- Upon completion of the cut, refine any rough edges and remove burrs carefully using a metal
file to ensure a smooth finish.
- Always wear protective gloves while handling metal pieces to safeguard against cuts and
abrasions.