Letting children use safe hand tools can teach them responsibility.
When most people think of a child using tools, they often think of the hazards he faces. While many tools are dangerous in the hands a child, a few hand tools are safe for him to use. You need to take the time to teach him the proper use of each tool first, though, to ensure the child's safety.
A Lightweight Hammer
Hammers are one of the most basic and useful tools. Children aren't strong enough to wield most hammers, but a lightweight one (12 ounces at the most) is of a safe weight for a child. Try a rubber covered hammer for their first few lessons because it makes fewer marks on the work surface. Once the child becomes proficient with the rubber hammer and you have a chance to teach him the proper hammering technique, you can move him onto a bare metal hammer.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are a simple tool that can be a part of many different projects. It is safe for a child to use as long as you teach him the proper way to use it. He shouldn't run with a screwdriver or point it at people. You can start him out with one or two screwdrivers and then give him a full set once he shows that he can be responsible with them.
Measuring Tape
Measuring tape teaches your child basic math skills, and it is a handy tool. Even a tool as simple as measuring tape requires proper use and caution, though. A quickly retracting measuring tape can be a hazard. Teach the child about different units of measurement and the proper way to handle the tape against the object you will measure. Don't let the child use the measuring tape as a toy or they may crease the tape.
Pliers
Pliers are a handy tool that a child can operate easily. A child's hands are not as strong as an adult's grip, so don't let them use pliers in projects that require a lot of gripping strength. Only provide the child with pliers that do not have a built-in wire cutter, though. The wire cutter can cause some damage if a little finger gets jammed into the cutters. You can teach your child about all the different types of pliers and the proper ways to use them.
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