Pre-Technical — Tools and Production

Subtopic: CUTTING TOOLS (for students aged ~13)

Cutting tools are hand or small tools used to cut, shape or remove material like wood, metal, plastic, cloth and plants. You will meet these tools in school workshops, at home, on farms and in shops in Kenya. Always use them carefully!

Common cutting tools and what they do

• Scissors — cut cloth, paper and thin plastic. Tailors and students use them.
• Utility knife / Cutter — sharp blade for cutting cardboard, thin wood and plastic. Replace blades when dull.
• Hacksaw — used for cutting metal pipes, rods and small metal parts. (Used in metalwork class)
• Hand saw (wood saw) — for cutting wood boards and planks in carpentry.
• Panga (machete) — common in farms for cutting grass, clearing shrubs and small trees. Very sharp — only with adult supervision.
• Chisel — for cutting and shaping wood or stone when hit with a mallet (used in workshops).
• Wire cutters / bolt cutters — cut wire, nails and small bolts.

Simple picture: Parts of a common saw

Where you see these tools in Kenya

• Tailor shops — scissors for cloth
• Carpentry workshops — hand saws and chisels
• Metal workshops — hacksaws and bolt cutters
• Farms and nurseries — panga for clearing grass and harvesting
• Home — utility knives for opening boxes and small DIY jobs

Safety rules (very important)

1. Always ask a teacher or adult before using sharp tools.
2. Wear safety goggles and gloves when cutting metal or wood.
3. Cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade.
4. Do not run or play with tools — carry them with the blade covered or pointed down.
5. Keep tools clean, dry and stored safely after use (locked if possible).
6. Use the right tool for the job — don’t force a tool to do something it was not made for.
7. If a blade is damaged or dull, tell your teacher—do not use it.

Care and maintenance

• Keep blades sharp — a sharp tool is safer than a dull one because you use less force.
• Clean cutting surfaces after use — remove resin, wood chips or metal filings.
• Oil metal parts lightly to stop rust (especially for saws and chisels).
• Store blades in a box or rack with covers to prevent injuries.

Simple classroom activities

• Match the tool to the material: make cards (Tool — Material) and pair them.
• Watch a teacher demonstrate safe cutting and blade care, then practice under supervision.
• Draw a poster that shows safe ways to carry and store a panga at home or on a farm.

Quick quiz (answers below)

1. Which tool would you use to cut cloth? (a) Hacksaw (b) Scissors (c) Panga
2. Why should you not use a dull blade? (short answer)
3. Name one protective item to wear when cutting metal.
4. Where should you store sharp tools after use?
5. Is it safe for a 13-year-old to use a panga alone? (Yes/No)

Remember: Knowing which cutting tool to use and how to care for it keeps you safe and helps you do neat, accurate work. If you are unsure, always ask your teacher or an adult.