What does a Toolmaker do?
Published 3 min read
A toolmaker is a skilled worker who makes and repairs tools.
Toolmaker job duties include:
- Study blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications to determine tool dimensions and tolerances
- Select metals to be used and determine the type of tools and equipment needed to cut, shape, and finish them
- Operate lathes, milling machines, shapers, grinders, and other machine tools to cut, shape, and form metal parts
- Heat treat metals to harden or soften them as required by the application
- Cut, file, grind, and sand metal parts to meet specifications
- Assemble finished tools and equipment
- Test completed tools and equipment to ensure proper functioning
- Repair damaged or broken tools and equipment
- Maintain accurate records of work completed
Toolmaker Job Requirements
A toolmaker is a skilled tradesperson who designs, builds, and repairs tools. They may work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Toolmakers typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. Many toolmakers have several years of experience working in a related field before becoming a toolmaker.
Toolmaker Skills
- Analytical skills
- Attention to detail
- Creativity
- Good eye for detail
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Good manual dexterity
- Good mathematical ability
- Logical thinking
- Numerical skills
- Patience
- Physical strength
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How to become a Toolmaker
A toolmaker is a skilled worker who makes and repairs tools. Most toolmakers work in manufacturing plants, but some work in repair shops or in the construction industry.
There are no specific education requirements to become a toolmaker, but most employers prefer candidates who have completed high school or have earned a GED. Many toolmakers also have completed an apprenticeship or have received on-the-job training. Some community colleges offer certificate or associate degree programs in toolmaking.
Most toolmakers start their careers as machinists or machine operators. They learn how to use lathes, milling machines, and other machine tools to make metal parts. With experience, they learn how to make and repair tools.
Toolmakers must be able to read blueprints and follow instructions. They must be able to use precision measuring instruments and hand tools. They must also be able to operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools.
Some toolmakers specialize in making dies, molds, and jigs. Dies are used to stamp or cut shapes from metal sheets. Molds are used to cast metal parts. Jigs are used to hold parts in place during assembly or machining operations. Other toolmakers specialize in making cutting tools, such as end mills and drill bits.
Toolmakers use a variety of materials to make their products, including metals, plastics, and composites. They must be familiar with the properties of these materials and how they respond to heat, cold, and other treatments.
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