Top 10 Tools Every Machinist Should Have - Practical Machinist (2024)

Having just the right tool for the job makes all the difference in getting the job done quickly and correctly. No place is this more important than in the machine shop.

Since every machining job differs from the previous one, there is no universal set of tools for every single machinist. It is a good practice, however, to buy a few basic tools to have always on hand and build a more customized toolbox from the ground up.

In the end, no one wants to start a new machine shop or a new job as a machinist without the tools they need.

When starting your first machine shop or job in the field, our suggestion is to pick up these basics, get a quality toolbox, and buythe restas you go.

We’ve done some research, studied what you, the practical machinists, recommended on the forum and identified the 10 most important tools that every machinist should own.

1. Hand tools

Even though more and more operations in a machine shop are now performed by machines, there is no machine shop job where hand tools are not involved. For every category of tool, there are dozens of variations in size, shape, and design, so it is easy to see why most machinists havehundredsof tools in their rollaway chests.

This 128 pieces set has all the necessary hand tools every practical machinist should have to undertake any job

2. 6″ Scale

A simple 6” scale is probably the most used tool for every type of job.A must-have tool for every manual worker.

Here’s what we recommend.

3. Combination Square

A good combination square, properly used, is worth its weight in gold. A good 6″ or12″ combination square does far more than just help you draw perpendicular lines.

This is what we chose to start.

4. Deburring tool

Deburring tools are incredibly useful when it comes to rounding out rough edges. These tools can also be used to remove chatter marks from machining.

This complete kit is has everything you need to start deburring your parts.

5. Telescoping Gauge

The telescoping gauge is used to measure the internal diameter of a bore, hole or groove. They are often used when the holes and bores are too small for calipers or internal micrometers.

Here’s what we recommend.

6. Caliper

The Vernier caliper is an extremely precise measuring instrument; it is used to measure internal and external distances extremely accurately –the error may beas little as0.05 mm depending on the make.

We recommend this digital model for extreme precision.

7. Dial Indicator

Dial indicators are typically used to measure deck clearances, crankshaft thrust and straightness, lifter travel and other measurements that involve the distance between two surfaces or small amounts of component travel.The most commonly used type of dial indicator reads in .001-inch increments over a range of 1 inch.

Here’s what we recommend.

8. Edge Finder

Edge finders, or wigglers, are tools used to locate the edges, the center, layout markings or a previously machined feature. They are held in a collet, end mill holder or chuck mounted in the spindle of a milling machine or drill press.

This edge finder has the basic quality to achieve good results in every job.

9. Micrometers

This precision measuring instrument is often used to measure diameters, thickness, and length of parts or material.

This set of micrometers has different ranges (0-1”, 1-2”, and 2-3”) to cover most types of jobs.

10. Center Punch

The center punch is a simple, yet pretty common and useful tool that every job shop should have. It is commonly used to mark the center of a drilling hole to guide the tip of the drill.

The simple set is our choice for all drilling operations.

Bonus Tools

Although the following tools didn’t make it to the top 10, they are still considered fundamental by the majority of our community. So here’s a bonus list of tools you should have in your tool box:

Allen Wrench

Allen wrenches are a universal tool that should always be part of a machinist’s toolbox. It is one of the easiest wrenches to use and is designed to help tighten or loosen screws and bolts that have a hexagonal socket in the head.

Here’s what we recommend.

Calculator

Where there’s machining, there’s math. Luckily there are tools that can help make math easier and the most important one is a calculator. We recommend using a machinist calculator as it already has machining-specific keys, like surface feet per minute (SFPM), inch per tooth, inch per minute, and data about the most popular materials.

Here’s our favorite.

Files

Files are probably the most used deburring tool in any machine shop. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and types depending on the material of the part and the type of edge.

This set by Nicholsoncontains 9 American Pattern files that will cover most of your roughing needs.

Hammer

Often underestimated, hammers are one of the most used tools in any machine shop. They come in different shapes and materials to better address your needs. The two types we always recommend having are the Ball-Pein, used to deform soft materials, and the dead blow, generally used for objects that need a little more force to move.

Machinery’s Handbook

Although technically not a tool, this book is a must-read for any professional machinist. TheMachinery’s Handbookhas been the most popular reference work in metalworking, design, engineering and manufacturing facilities, and technical schools and colleges throughout the world. If you don’t have a copy, we recommend getting the pocket version and keeping it nearby while working in the shop.

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