Tool Parts

Simple tools like hammers and screwdrivers are of one piece. If such a simple tool breaks you have to replace the whole thing. But a more complex tool, such as a power drill, has many replaceable parts. A power drill's motor is one example. The carbon-block "brushes" in the drill motor wear out much faster than the motor itself, and are easily replaced with new ones. Bearings, axles, motor windings, and other parts are more tightly integrated into the drill motor, and therefore more difficult to replace. Often, you must take the tool to a qualified repairman unless you have specific training in tool repair.

Sanders use consumable tool parts, specifically sandpaper and discs. Such parts are better called "supplies" but they are tool parts nonetheless. One might distinguish tool parts from tool supplies by noting that the latter are generally consumed or worn out during a single session. Sandpaper is often changed several times during a sanding session, so it is a supply. The rubber block that backs the sandpaper lasts much longer but still wears out eventually, so it is a tool part.

Some tool parts are interchangeable depending upon the job to be done. Drill bits are such parts; they come in many sizes, shapes, and materials to suit specific applications. Drill bits are small and easily lost. They are also subject to great stress and so they break often. Drill bits may be replaced more frequently than almost any other kind of tool part.

Vermont Tools is one major supplier of drill bits and other interchangeable tool parts. Vermont Tools doesn't make tools themselves, but only sells replaceable parts for them. Other firms also specialize in tool parts. Band saw blades are the specialty of Suffolk Machinery Corp. Black & Decker makes many tool parts including drill bits, saw blades, socket screwdriver bits, and so on.

A vast assortment of tool parts is the hallmark of the serious tinkerer. The more precisely a tool part is made to do one specific job, the more "professional" the tool user thinks he is. You can tell how much time a man spends with his tools just by looking at the extent of his tool parts collection.