Tools & Hardware

If you're involved in electrical or industrial projects, it's important that you have the right equipment to make your job a success. No matter whether your project is highly specialized or relatively simple, having the right tools and hardware is essential if you're going to get the high-quality finish that you've come to expect.

At RS, you'll find an extensive range of tools and hardware supplies to get the job done. From simple handheld tools to specialist heavy-duty power tools, our board-level and general use hardware means you're equipped to build, repair and create- whenever the need arises.

Browse our online tools and hardware shop below to find robust, industry-leading products suited to your needs.

What are tools and hardware supplies?

Although 'tools' does include everything from hand tools to power tools, it also refers to everything that you need to fix, mend, repair or build. Therefore, as part of our tools and hardware supplies, you'll also find soldering materials, tapes and engineering materials.

'Hardware' refers to the smaller components you'll need to fasten, fix, or build. These include the likes of fasteners, nuts and bolts, locks, hinges, chains and handles.

What are the different types of hardware tools and their functions?

As tools and hardware is an umbrella term for anything that performs a particular function, we've broken down the distinct types of hardware tools and what they're used for.

Chemicals and adhesives

Chemicals and adhesives allow components to fuse easily together. As well as being used for their practical holding properties, they also have some broader functions. For example, most adhesives can be used as sealing agents, waterproofing agents and some will even help to halt corrosion.

In electronic projects, adhesives can also be used to bond together surface-mount components and for wire tacking, potting and encapsulating components.

Connector and crimping tools

A crimp tool is a handheld device that is used to join components together. Once force is applied to the crimp tool, a seal (or 'crimp') is created.

Although most connector and crimping tools have multiple uses, the main one is to attach connectors to electrical cables. This highly practical way of working has resulted in crimping tools being used by engineers, electricians and mechanics to install cables or wires without the need for solder.

Engineering materials

If you're undertaking engineering products, our online tools and hardware shop has all the essentials you'll need to complete the job at hand.

Engineering materials can cover a range of different tools and hardware, but they usually fall under three categories:

• Insulation materials- Insulation can refer to one of two things: soundproofing or thermal insulating. The latter includes components such as heater mats. If standard heating methods prove to be difficult, these mats offer a flexible and robust way to provide heat. You'll also find standard insulators such as microporous blankets and soundproofing foam for projects that require an added layer of insulation.
• Sheets- Available in neoprene, silicone, aluminium and polycarbonate, our range of engineering sheets are resistant to UV rays and can withstand extreme temperatures. Their versatility combined with their robust nature makes these sheets ideal for a wide range of uses in aerospace, automotive, construction and electronic projects.
• Rods, bars, tubes and hexagonals- These are commonplace in the construction and fabrication industries. Designed to give support and structure, they can be used in virtually every construction project.

Hardware

Broadly speaking, hardware refers to anything that you need to be able to fix, mend, fasten or build. Common types of hardware include hand tools, power tools, hinges, dials, handles, latches fasteners and insulators.

Latches to locks, casters to clips- hardware includes all the small but vital components you need to complete your project.

Soldering supplies

Solder is a metal alloy that, once heated, will melt and create a strong electrical bond. Soldering is frequently used when making electrical connections to circuit boards. You may even find it useful on plumbing projects to attach metal pipes, while it's even used in jewelry making.

Tapes

As part of every electrician's toolkit, you'll find a roll of specialist electrical tape. Much more robust than standard tape, it's used to insulate wires and cables. Made from vinyl, rubber or silicone, electrical tape can be used to repair, tidy, or insulate all kinds of wiring jobs.

Tools

As well as having the essential components and hardware, you'll also need the right tools. Here are just some of those we stock:

• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Punchdown tools
• Knives
• Hammers
• Glue guns
• Measuring tools
• Power tools such as drills and saws

Why go direct to RS for tools and hardware supplies?

We're proud to be one of North America's leading stocker of tools and hardware supplies. Whether you're undertaking a simple repair job or a complex engineering project, you can rely on our tools and hardware online shop to stock everything you need from industry-leading manufacturers.

For help deciding which of our tools and hardware supplies are best suited to your needs, get in touch with our helpful team today.

If you'd like to know more, head on over to our expert hub for professional hints, tips and tricks.