Hand tools and power tools on board: how to specify them

What kinds of tools does a ship order?

A ship's tool stores fall into four groups: hand tools, pneumatic and electrical tools, cutting tools and measuring tools. Each group has its own IMPA section, and each is specified differently: hand tools by size and drive, power tools by their supply, measuring tools by range and accuracy.

In the IMPA marine stores guide these are section 59 (Pneumatic & Electrical Tools), 61 (Hand Tools), 63 (Cutting Tools) and 65 (Measuring Tools). The same names are used for the ShipsBay categories. You can check section names and codes in the public ShipServ IMPA catalogue, although some of its pages ask for a login.

How do you specify a hand tool?

Give the tool type, the size and the system of measurement. For a spanner or socket, that means the size in millimetres (metric) or in AF/inch, the type (open-ended, ring, combination, box, hook) and, for sockets, the drive size.

• Drive size: the square drive of a socket set or ratchet, for example 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" or 1".
• Socket size grid: sockets are made in a fixed series. IMPA's impact-socket lines for a 1/2" drive, for instance, run through set sizes such as 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22 mm and on to 32 mm (ShipsBay's review of the public catalogue). A size between two steps, such as 15 or 18 mm, may have no IMPA code, so describe it in words.
• Metric or AF/inch: they are not interchangeable, so state which one.
• Torque range: for a torque wrench give the range with its unit (N·m or ft·lb) and the drive.

How do you specify pneumatic and electrical tools?

Pneumatic tools are specified by their working pressure and air consumption, and electrical tools by voltage, frequency and plug type. Ship power and compressed-air systems differ from shore ones, so a tool that works ashore may not suit the ship.

• Pneumatic: working pressure in bar, air consumption in litres per minute, hose connection size and free speed (rpm) or stroke rate.
• Electrical: voltage (for example 110 V or 230 V), 50 or 60 Hz, power in watts and the plug type used on board.
• Disc and blade size: grinder wheel diameter and bore, drill chuck capacity, saw blade size.

Scaling hammers, needle scalers, grinders and rust-removal machines are common deck and engine room items.

When do you need a hazardous-area tool?

If the tool will be used where flammable gas or vapour may be present, such as a tanker's cargo area, ask for a tool made for hazardous areas. In the EU, the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU covers equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres. Manufacturers label such equipment and supply their own documents.

State the zone or space, and let the maker confirm suitability. The IMPA catalogue lists non-sparking hand tools as a separate group, and an ordinary tool should never be assumed to be equivalent. Your company's safety management system, class society or flag administration decides what is acceptable on board.

Why do measuring tools need calibration?

A measuring tool is only useful if its reading can be trusted. Calipers, micrometers, gauges, thermometers, torque wrenches and similar instruments may need a calibration certificate before they are accepted in a planned maintenance or class workflow.

State on the enquiry whether you need a certificate, and if so what it must show: serial number, reference standard and the date of calibration. Calibration is repeated at intervals set by the maker, your quality system or your class surveyor. ISO 6789 is the standard family usually quoted for hand torque tools; confirm which edition and interval your procedure cites.

Why are spare parts quoted by manufacturer part number?

Complete tools are coded in IMPA, but many manufacturer spare parts are not. ShipsBay's own review of the catalogue (2026) found that for a pneumatic jet chisel, IMPA codes the complete tool and a few named wear items such as pistons and chisels. It did not code o-rings, cylinders, washers or housings.

For those parts, the maker's part number is the only precise reference. Quote the brand, tool model, serial number if known, the part number and the item's number on the parts list. If you only have a photograph, send that with the tool name.

How do the tool types compare?

Units of measure follow the IMPA line. PCS is a piece, SET a set and PRS a pair. See units of measure in marine procurement for details, and check the unit on the line you are ordering.

What next?

Search the catalogue for torque wrench, socket set or needle scaler to see the lines available. For spares and non-standard items, add the maker's part number to an RFQ in the RFQ cart. The guide on how to prepare a ship stores RFQ explains what to include.