Illustrated Tools Vocabulary

Twenty common words used for and about tools. You can download this image as an A4/A3 wall poster from our FREE ESL posters page.

Vocabulary in context

• electrical tape: I put some electrical tape around the wire.
• extension cord: I plugged the extension cord into the wall.
• file: You’ll need a file to soften the sharp corners of the wood.
• hammer: I can’t put the picture up without a hammer.
• ladder: I had to climb a ladder to get to the roof.
• light bulbs: I need to replace the light bulb in our bedroom.
• nails: Gerald banged the nails into the wall.
• oil: I put some oil on my bike chain.
• paint: I chose some red paint for my bedroom walls.
• paintbrush: John picked up his paintbrush and started to paint.
• paint thinner: I used paint thinner to get the paint of my tools.
• pipe wrench: Peter used a pipe wrench to fix the pipes.
• saw: Nick was cutting the wood with a saw.
• screwdriver: I can’t remove the screws without a screwdriver.
• sledgehammer: He was breaking the rocks with a sledgehammer.
• spanner (UK): I need a spanner to tighten the bolt.
• tape measure: Gordon measured the table with his tape measure.
• toolbox: I keep most of my tools in my toolbox.
• vice (UK): I used my vice to hold the wood in place.
• vise (US): I used my vise to hold the wood in place.
• work gloves: The men were wearing work gloves to protect their hands.
• wrench (US): I need a wrench to tighten the bolt.