Types of Drafting Tools

Drafting tools are used for design in both architecture and design. Without some of the simplest tools known to man, none of the most amazing examples of architecture or marvels of engineering could exist. Interestingly, most of the drafting tools still used today are little different from tools used upon inception, although today's versions tend to be far more precise.

Drawing Board

A proper drawing board supplies a very smooth and flat drawing surface. Some people prefer to use an actual drafting table for this process rather than a board that can be laid across any table. For those who are right-handed, the left edge of the drawing board becomes the working edge.

T-Square

The T-square is a device that resembles letter for which it was named. It is used not just for drawing straight horizontal lines, but it was also used for locating reference points. It can also be used for guiding an affixed triangle used for drawing vertical lines.

Compass

In the world of drafting, a compass is not that device that tells where true north is located. It's the device often used by students in math class. The needle is placed stationary so that the compass can draw perfect circles and arcs.

Divider

A divider resembles a compass and is even often called a measuring compass. Where the compass has a needle on one end and a pencil on the other, the divider has two spikes. The two spikes can be adjusted for precise measurements.

Protractor

A protractor is also similar to a compass and is used in drafting to measure angles on the drawings. Whereas a compass tends to be metal, even a high quality professional protractor is usually plastic. Protractors are especially useful for determining gradations of the degrees when measuring circumference.

Pencils

Pencils are quite obviously a necessary tool for drafting, but it is important to realize that drafting pencils are not the same as regular pencils. There are no less than 17 different grades of drafting pencils that range from very hard to very soft. Draftsmen typically want to use a pencil that leaves a very sharp and dense line because this facilitates printing.

Scales

Scales are a necessary tool in drafting because very accurate measurements must be made to complete mechanical drawings. So important are scales in drafting that they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and lengths. Since each and every line must be measured precisely, scales are of extreme importance in the art of drafting.