LockwoodSTEMStudent Engineering Hub
Hand & Cutting Tools

Study Guide

Prepare to use basic FabLab hand tools and cutting tools safely, accurately, and responsibly.

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1. Tool safety mindset

  • Use hand and cutting tools only after instruction and teacher permission.
  • Choose the correct tool for the material, thickness, and task.
  • Never rush, horseplay, distract others, or use a tool for a purpose it was not designed for.
  • Stop and ask for help if a tool feels dull, damaged, loose, or unsafe.
  • Respect small tools; simple tools can still cause serious cuts, punctures, and eye injuries.

2. PPE and workspace setup

  • Wear safety glasses when cutting, snapping, clipping, filing, sanding, or working near flying chips.
  • Keep the table clear so the material lays flat and tools do not roll or fall.
  • Keep backpacks, food, drinks, and loose papers away from cutting areas.
  • Secure long hair, hoodie strings, lanyards, and loose clothing when working with tools.
  • Make sure others are outside your cutting path before beginning.

3. Measuring and marking

  • Measure twice before cutting once.
  • Use rulers, squares, calipers, templates, or marking guides appropriate to the task.
  • Mark cut lines clearly and check orientation before removing material.
  • Account for blade thickness, kerf, or material lost during cutting when precision matters.
  • Do not cut until the measurement, material, and tool choice are confirmed.

4. Clamping and material support

  • Secure material with clamps, vises, fixtures, or approved workholding when needed.
  • Never hold small or flexible materials in a way that puts fingers in the blade path.
  • Support material so it does not bend, shift, snap unexpectedly, or fall off the table.
  • Use a cutting mat, scrap backing, or protected surface when required.
  • Keep the cut line visible and keep clamps clear of the tool path.

5. Utility knives and blades

  • Cut away from your body, hands, and classmates.
  • Use light repeated passes instead of forcing one deep cut.
  • Keep your non-cutting hand behind or away from the blade path.
  • Retract or cover blades when not actively cutting.
  • Report dull, chipped, loose, or broken blades; do not use damaged blades.

6. Scissors, shears, snips, and cutters

  • Use cutters only on approved materials and thicknesses.
  • Keep fingers clear of pinch points and blade closing paths.
  • Do not twist tools or force cuts beyond the tool's capability.
  • Carry sharp tools point-down or closed, and pass them handle-first.
  • Store tools closed or in the correct location after use.

7. Files, deburring, sanding, and finishing

  • Sharp edges should be deburred or sanded when appropriate.
  • Secure the workpiece before filing or sanding small parts.
  • Use controlled strokes and keep hands away from sharp edges.
  • Do not blow dust or chips into the air; use approved cleanup methods.
  • Check finished edges before handling or handing parts to someone else.

8. Cleanup and reporting

  • Return tools to their correct storage location.
  • Dispose of scrap, blades, chips, and dust in the correct container.
  • Report damaged tools, missing guards/covers, dull blades, or unsafe conditions.
  • Do not leave sharp scraps on tables, floors, or inside project bins.
  • Leave the station ready for the next student team.

Hands-on performance checklist

To earn the badge, students must demonstrate safe measuring, material support, cutting direction, edge finishing, and cleanup under teacher observation.

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