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Hand tools & equipment

Hand tools & equipment

Open lab at The Edge offers a range of small hand tools and electronics repair kits available for use for State Library members to use in certain spaces at The Edge after completing a General induction.

You can check out our Getting Started page to find out how and when you can access.

Tools at The Edge

The Edge's Open lab offers a range of hand tools and electronic repair kits for use by State Library members. Whether you're adding a new memory stick or SSD to your computer, or assembling and tidying up an item made on our 3D printers or laser cutter, we have an extensive collection of tools. Our experienced Open lab staff can help you learn to use them safely.

Tools FAQ

Do I need to book? No, hand tools are available on request during Open lab hours.
Can I bring my own tools? We generally prefer you use the tools provided. We must perform a risk assessment on any new tools before their use in our space. If you have a specific requirement, please talk to the Open lab staff.
Can I work on electronics repairs in the space? Under the Queensland Electrical Safety Act, only licenced electricians are allowed to work on circuits exceeding the Extra Low Voltage threshold, which is 50 VAC and 120 VDC. Therefore, any device powered by 240 VAC from a domestic power point or higher cannot be repaired at The Edge. If you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to ask our Open lab staff.

Measuring rulers

Varying sized metal rulers available.

Safety cutting rulers

Two sizes available for safe cutting.

Set Squares

Assists in making drawings of prototypes and checking that parts are assembled at 90deg.

French curves

Available for fashion design and sewing.

Magnifying clamp lamps

Magnify and light up items.

LED clamp lamps

Light up items with a bright white light.

Fume Hood

Used to extract and filter the hazardous fumes that come off adhesives and cleaning product. Not suitable for spray paint.

A photo of a bright coloured Tape measure.

Tape measures

Various available for measuring needs.

Scissors

Various sizes available for cutting.

Tweezers

To move small or delicate objects.

Screwdrivers

Various sizes available for a range of projects.

Hand nibbler

Used to cut sheet metal, copper, PVC, and aluminium with minimal distortion.

Side cutters

A range of side cutters available for cutting and stripping conductors, jewelry making and removing 3D printing support.

a photo of three different sets of drill bits.

Different drill bits

Various different drill bits to be used with the drill to complete projects.

Multi grip pliers

Pliers with an adjustable pivot, helpful gripping hardware of a range of dimensions and diameters.

Overhead photo of two needle nose pilers.

A range of needle nose, and combination pliers

For gripping small items and bend, re-position and cutting wire.

Allen keys

Various sizes to tighten or loosen hexagonal shaped bolts and screws.

a overhead photo of two different sized filers.

Files

Used to cut, smooth and remove small pieces.

Mallets

Various sizes to fit items together without leaving a mark.

Kinchrome nut riveter kit

Create threads in weak or thin materials for joning them together.

Ryobi 18V hand vacuum

Used to clean up small messes within the lab.

overhead photo of a Ryobi 18V hand drill

Ryobi 18V hand drills

Used to drill holes, tighten or loosen screws within various materials.

Ryobi 240V heat gun

Various tasks were heat is required. Examples include removing paint, adhesives or loosening old bolts and screws.

Hot glue guns

Available for projects that require bonding together with melted glue.

A range of Quick Grip and bar clamps.

Another essential for holding work while you wait for adhesive to cure or securing work while applying a force (eg, cutting with a knife, drilling a hole or hitting with hammer.).

Tools for repairing computers and consumer electronics.

iFixit Repair Business Toolkit (RBT)

The iFixit RBT has a range of tools and gadgets for repairing computers, phones and consumer electronics.

The RBT includes precision screwdrivers, digital callipers and an anti-static mat. Opening tools like spudgers, cards and suction cups. A range of tweezers, handy tools like a magnetiser / demagnetiser, a range of cleaning products and cloths

Locking C-clamp pliers.

Another essential tool for securing work while applying a force (eg, cutting with a knife, drilling a hole or hitting with hammer.)