The head of a metal anchor expansion tool is the section of the tool at the top of the handles. The ratchet mechanism found on some models is located within the tool’s head.
Handles
The handles are made of steel and will often be painted with a powder-coated finish for corrosion protection.
The handle spring sits between the two handles and separates them when the pressure on the handles from the user is released.
Ratchet
The ratchet is the mechanism that enables the metal anchor expansion tool to pull the screw of the hollow wall anchor back as the handles are repeatedly opened and closed. For more information on the ratchet see How does a metal anchor expansion tool work?
Not all metal anchor expansion tools have a ratchet mechanism. Some that are designed for small hollow wall anchors can pull the screw back and set the anchor in the plasterboard with a single closing action of the handles.
Tension spring
The tension spring forms part of the ratchet mechanism and is visible at the top of some models. For more information on the tension spring and ratchet mechanism see How does a metal anchor expansion tool work?
Support surface
The support surface is the area of the tool that is placed up against the plasterboard. Metal anchor expansion tools with a large support surface distribute the pressure they apply to collapse the hollow wall anchor over a larger area of the plasterboard. This makes them better suited to fitting small hollow wall anchors in thin plasterboard.
U-shaped pulling arm
The U-shaped pulling arm is the part just behind the support surface in the head of the tool. It fits behind the screw head of the hollow wall anchor and pulls the screw back to set the hollow wall anchor in place.
Ratchet release
The ratchet release is either a button or a lever. This is used to release the tension exerted by the spring within the ratchet mechanism, allowing the metal anchor expansion tool to be more easily removed from the hollow wall anchor.
Handle lock/clip
The handle lock/clip is either a small metal loop at the base of the handles or a lever/catch on the tool’s head. It is used to hold the handles together when the tool is not in use, which minimises the amount of space it takes up in a tool box.
Anti finger pinch screw
Some models without a ratchet mechanism feature a screw on one of the handles which can be adjusted to prevent the two handles meeting completely. This is designed to prevent the handles trapping or pinching the user’s fingers when they close the handles together.
