Woodwork Tools That Do the Hard Work: Driving, Impelling & Holding Devices Explained

INTRODUCTION: POWER IN YOUR PALM – MEET THE TOOLS THAT DRIVE, GRIP, AND SHAPE THE WORLD

Have you ever watched a carpenter build a chair or fix a broken door and wondered, “How do these simple tools create strong, beautiful things?” Behind every wooden table, shelf, or classroom desk lies the silent strength of woodwork tools—tools that drive nails, grip planks, and hold things together while ideas become reality.

This week in Basic Technology, we’re diving deeper into the heart of practical skills—the woodwork tools that do the real work:

• Driving tools like hammers that punch nails with precision

• Impelling tools like mallets that gently guide without damage

• Holding devices like vices and clamps that keep everything steady while we cut, saw, and build

But there’s more—knowing a tool is not enough. We’ll also learn how to care for them, because a rusty hammer or broken clamp can ruin a project or cause injury.

This topic isn’t just about passing an exam—it’s about building the mindset of a maker, the hands-on habits of a problem solver, and the discipline of safe, efficient work. And who knows? You just might be holding the future in your hands.

Let’s begin.

JSS1 Basic Technology – Week 3 Lesson Note

Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Class: JSS1
Subject: Basic Technology
Topic: Woodwork Hand Tools – Driving and Impelling Tools, Holding Devices, Care and Maintenance
Duration: 40 minutes
Keywords: driving tools, impelling tools, holding devices, woodwork, maintenance

SEO Title:

Woodwork Hand Tools: Driving, Impelling Tools and Holding Devices for JSS1

Focus Keyphrase:

Woodwork hand tools in JSS1

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Meta Description:

Explore driving, impelling tools, and holding devices used in woodwork for JSS1. Learn their uses, care, and real-life examples in this Basic Technology lesson.

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify driving and impelling tools used in woodwork.

2. List and describe common holding devices.

3. Explain the uses of these tools and devices.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of how to care for woodwork tools.

Set Induction

The teacher brings a hammer and a G-clamp to class and asks:
“What do you think these tools are used for? Can anyone guess what would happen if you used the wrong tool to drive a nail?”

Entry Behaviour

Students have already learned about boring and cutting tools used in woodwork in Week 2.

Lesson Content

H2: A. Driving and Impelling Tools

These are tools used to drive nails, screws, or force other objects into wood.
Driving means pushing something with force.

Examples and Uses

Illustration Example:
When fixing a shelf at home, a hammer is used to drive nails, while a screwdriver is used for screws. Using a mallet helps avoid damaging wooden joints when fitting parts together.

H2: B. Holding Devices in Woodwork

Holding devices are used to hold wood firmly in place while working on it. This helps ensure accuracy and safety.

Examples of Holding Devices

Real-Life Scenario:
During a school project to build a birdhouse, a G-clamp can hold the wood steady while you saw, ensuring neat and accurate cuts.

H2: C. Care and Maintenance of Woodwork Tools

Proper maintenance keeps tools effective and prevents injury.

Tips for Maintenance

• Clean after each use: Remove sawdust and oil metal parts.

• Store tools properly: Use toolboxes to prevent damage.

• Sharpen regularly: Especially for screwdrivers or chisels.

• Avoid misuse: Use each tool for its specific purpose.

Example:
Using a screwdriver as a chisel can damage the tip. Always use tools correctly and store them safely to extend their life.

Teacher’s Activities

• Display and explain different tools.

• Demonstrate safe tool handling.

• Show how to maintain tools after use.

Learners’ Activities

• Identify tools shown by the teacher.

• Group tools into driving, impelling, and holding devices.

• Discuss their uses and how to care for them.

• Watch a demonstration of proper tool handling.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is a driving tool? Give two examples.

2. What is the use of a mallet in woodwork?

3. Mention two holding devices and their functions.

4. List two ways to care for woodwork tools.

5. Why is it dangerous to use the wrong tool for a job?

Conclusion

The teacher wraps up the lesson by emphasizing that every woodwork tool has a specific role. Driving tools, impelling tools, and holding devices all help us work faster, safer, and smarter — but only when we use and care for them properly.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (MCQs)

Each question includes four options (a–d), with only one correct answer.

1. A __________ is used to drive nails into wood.
   a. G-clamp
   b. Vice
   c. Hammer
   d. Mallet
   Answer: c

2. The tool used for driving chisels gently without damage is the __________.
   a. Mallet
   b. Screwdriver
   c. File
   d. Pincer
   Answer: a

3. A __________ is a holding device that secures wood firmly on a bench.
   a. Saw
   b. Bench hook
   c. Hammer
   d. Vice
   Answer: d

4. A __________ is commonly used to drive screws into wooden surfaces.
   a. Ruler
   b. Mallet
   c. Screwdriver
   d. Wrench
   Answer: c

5. The G-clamp is shaped like the letter __________.
   a. O
   b. G
   c. C
   d. U
   Answer: b

6. Holding devices are used to __________.
   a. Sharpen tools
   b. Store wood
   c. Hold wood in place
   d. Measure wood
   Answer: c

7. A tool used to prevent movement of wood during sawing is a __________.
   a. Bench hook
   b. Ruler
   c. T-square
   d. Knife
   Answer: a

8. The tool used for driving nails is called a __________.
   a. File
   b. Mallet
   c. Hammer
   d. Clamp
   Answer: c

9. A clamp that holds small wood pieces together during cutting is called __________.
   a. C-clamp
   b. L-clamp
   c. G-clamp
   d. H-clamp
   Answer: c

10. The most suitable tool for hammering a wooden joint without splitting is the __________.
    a. Screwdriver
    b. Mallet
    c. Saw
    d. Clamp
    Answer: b

11. The best way to store woodwork tools is to __________.
    a. Throw them in a corner
    b. Leave them outside
    c. Keep them in a toolbox
    d. Hang them on the wall
    Answer: c

12. One way to care for woodwork tools is to __________ after each use.
    a. Discard them
    b. Lend them
    c. Clean them
    d. Hide them
    Answer: c

13. A __________ is a metal tool used to hold wood during operations like cutting or drilling.
    a. Compass
    b. File
    c. Vice
    d. Pencil
    Answer: c

14. Which of the following is NOT a driving tool?
    a. Hammer
    b. Mallet
    c. Screwdriver
    d. Ruler
    Answer: d

15. When tools are used for the wrong purpose, it may lead to __________.
    a. Safety
    b. Injury
    c. Accuracy
    d. Cleanliness
    Answer: b

B. 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a driving tool in woodwork?
   Driving tools are used to insert or force objects like nails or screws into wood.

2. What is the difference between a hammer and a mallet?
   A hammer has a metal head used for nails; a mallet is wooden or rubber and used to tap gently.

3. Can a screwdriver be used as a chisel?
   No. This is unsafe and can damage the tool.

4. What does a G-clamp do?
   It holds wood pieces tightly during work like sawing or gluing.

5. Why is it important to maintain woodwork tools?
   To ensure safety, efficiency, and long tool life.

6. What happens if tools are not stored properly?
   They can rust, get damaged, or cause injury.

7. Which tool is better for gentle force: hammer or mallet?
   A mallet provides softer impact, reducing damage.

8. Can I use a vice to hold any material?
   It’s best for wood, but some types hold metal too.

9. What is an impelling tool?
   A tool that helps to apply force indirectly (e.g., mallet, used with a chisel).

10. Why should I clean tools after use?
    To remove dust and prevent rusting.

11. Is a bench hook necessary in every workshop?
    It’s very useful for beginners to ensure safe sawing.

12. How can I prevent tool injuries?
    Use tools correctly, follow safety rules, and wear protective gear.

13. Why do some tools have wooden handles?
    Wood absorbs shock and is comfortable to hold.

14. Are these tools used only in school workshops?
    No, they are common in home repairs and carpentry work.

15. How do I know which tool to use for a task?
    Learn each tool’s function and choose based on your task (driving, cutting, holding).

C. 10 Evaluation Questions

1. Define driving tools and give two examples.

2. Explain what a mallet is used for in woodwork.

3. What is the purpose of holding devices in a workshop?

4. List three holding tools used in woodwork.

5. Mention two ways to care for woodwork tools.

6. Describe the danger of using a hammer to drive a screw.

7. What is the function of a G-clamp in a project?

8. Differentiate between a hammer and a screwdriver.

9. State three reasons why maintenance of tools is important.

10. Identify three safety precautions when using woodwork tools.