Tool Names in English: List of 30+ Common Tools in English

If English is your second language, learning new vocabulary is an essential skill. However, for less common words, it can be challenging. That is true for household tools that (hopefully) you don’t have to use very often. 

That’s why we’ve listed the names of most of the common tool names in English below. Keep reading to find out exactly what a tool is and the names of different tools broken down into categories.

10 of the most common tool names in English

You can find most of these tools in anyone’s basement or garage, and if you’ve ever bought furniture that you have to build yourself (Ikea, anyone?) then you’ve probably used them too.

These common tools can be found in most homes and are often used by people doing DIY (do it yourself) work around the house. They are also used by specialist tradespeople like builders or carpenters. 

• Hammer

• Screwdriver 

• Mallet

• Axe

• Saw

• Scissors

• Chisel

• Pliers

• Drill

• Tape measure

Download a list of tool names for free

Electric or power tool names in English

Power tools are generally used by professionals and require training to operate. However, many people do have electric tools in their homes for DIY, for example electric drills.

• Electric drill

• Circular saw

• Soldering iron

• Electric screwdriver

• Chainsaw

• Nail gun

Hand tool names in English

Hand tools are non-electric, non-power tools that can be operated by hand. They are common in most homes. However, some hand tools are primarily used by specialists.

• Hammer

• Screwdriver 

• Mallet

• Axe

• Saw

• Wrench

• Monkeywrench

• Chisel

• Pliers

• Hacksaw

• Phillips screwdriver

• Hatchet

• Plane

• Scraper

• Bradawl

• Coping saw

Fastening tools

Fastening tools are used to hold things in place or connect something, for example, two pieces of wood. They are often used in conjunction with other tools like a hammer or screwdriver.

• Wire

• Nail

• Bolt

• Screw

• Nut

• Washer

Measuring tools

Measuring tools are essential because they give different measurements when doing DIY jobs.

• Spirit level

• Tape measure

Gardening tool names

Gardening tools are used to complete tasks in the garden and are specifically designed for working outdoors.

• Spade

• Shovel

• Hoe

• Trowel

• Lawnmower

• Pruning shears

Miscellaneous tools or equipment

There are various tools and equipment that can be used for different tasks and by specialists in different trades. We’ve listed a selection of them here:

• Toolbox

• Paint thinner

• Anvil

• Sandpaper

• Workbench

• Sharpening stone

• Vise / clamp

• Stepladder

Conclusion

Even for native English speakers, some of these tool names are obscure and difficult to remember. However, the most common ones are worth remembering.

Set yourself a task of learning the top 10 tools in our list, and you might be surprised how quickly you use one of them. Learning new words is always a good idea, even if you are fluent in English, so test yourself, create flashcards, and you will understand plenty of English tool names in no time.  

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