1.1. Identify the drawing tools used by the draftsman.

1.2. Demonstrate the proper use of the basic instruments in drafting.

1.3. Enumerate the function of each tool.
DRAWING TOOLS

While sketches can show a design idea in its initial developmental stages, final
drawings communicate technical information to the people who design and
manufacture the drafting works. They are basically made with drafting
instruments/tools. Precise drafting supplies ensure quality plans. Accurate
architecture comes from accurate drafting and planning. Technical drawings
must be created with compasses, templates and other precision tools to make sure
the drawing translates to a safe, stable building.
To clearly see the bigger picture of various drafting equipment’s concepts, this
module provides an avenue to answer the following questions:
 Why is it important to know the uses of each drawing tools?
 What are the common drawing tools used by the draftsman?

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Technical drawing, also known as drafting, is the act and discipline of making detailed drawings, and
is performed by architects, engineers and designers of all types. Drawings are created to represent a
specific idea and become a blueprint for a physical form. These drawings need to be accurate for the
object to be manifested.
Drafting instruments and equipment constitute the “tools of the trade” in the design and drafting office.
Being able to identify them is the first step in the process of learning to use them.
In mechanical drawing, accuracy, neatness, and speed are essential. The drafting students and/or
professional draftsmen are advised to purchase the best and most affordable instruments. Good
instruments will satisfy the most rigid requirements, and the satisfaction, giving in time and improved
quality of work that good instruments can produce will more than justify the higher price.
Draftsmen must possess a wide knowledge on using various drafting tools and equipment. In this way,
he/she can develop accuracy and neatness towards his drafting works/plates. Some tools have been
around centuries while other tools have only been developed in the past few decades and are continuing
to improve as the digital world

DRAFTING TOOLS
Drafting tools and equipment are used in planning, drawing, or sketching to come up with an accurate
representation of plan or drawing. Being able to know and use the tools properly is the start towards
acquiring the basic skills in drafting.
The following are the basic tools and materials in drafting:

1. Drawing Board
Drawing board is traditionally made of well-seasoned wood
(plywood), but are now also made of Masonite and plastic. The
drawing provides a straight working edge necessary for
constructing horizontal and vertical lines. It is where the drawing
sheet/drawing paper is fixed during actual drawing.

2. T-Square
The T-Square is composed of a long strip called the blade, fastened
rigidly at right angles to a shorter piece called the head. The upper
edge of the blade and the inner edge of the head are the working
edges and must be straight. It is used to construct horizontal lines
and also serve as base of the triangles when drawing vertical lines.
Accuracy of the T-Square is mostly dependent on the straightness
of the drawing board edges. A transparent blade is also
recommended for the easy access of the drawings around the lines
being drawn.

3. Triangles
A triangle is a three-sided instrument used with a T-Square. It is a
light transparent material made of celluloid plastic with two basic
types. It is used in creating lines from a horizontal base. The
30x60-degree triangles are used in projecting isometric

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 drawing/lines while the 45x45-degree triangles are usually used in
projecting lines in oblique drawing.

4. Scale Ruler
A scale ruler is a tool for measuring lengths and transferring
measurements at a fixed ratio of length. Scales allow drafters to
create accurate drawings that are proportioned to the actual size of
the object being drawn.

5. Dividers
It is an instrument for measuring, transferring, or marking off
distances, consisting of two straight adjustable legs hinged
together and ending in sharp points.

6. Compass
A compass is essentially a divider in which one of the points has
been replaced by a pencil or other marking device. It is an inverted
V-shaped instrument that is used in drawing arcs and circles.

7. Erasing Shield
Erasing shield is made of thin flat metal or plastic with cutouts of
various sizes and shapes. It protects the drawn lines from being
erased.

8. Protractor
It is used to plot angles on working drawing. It is usually made of
celluloid plastic with a calibrated angle and degree, from 0 to 360
degrees. Protractors come in a variety of sizes and materials.

9. Drafting Template
Drafting templates are used when standard symbols are to be
drawn repeatedly. It can be made from plastic or steel. The drafting
templates shapes are used as guides for drawing symbols on plans.

10. French Curve

It consists of templates, which are excellent tools for drawing
irregular curved lines that are not part of a circle or ellipse. These
guides consist of at least a dozen, traditional forms that can help
designer draw almost any flowing curve needed.

11. Ruler
It is used to measure distances or to rule straight lines. A ruler is
used to measure units of length, inches, feet and yards. A standard
ruler is 12 inches or 1 foot long.

12. Dusting Brush

It is used mainly to remove loose dirt particles that collect on the
surface of the drawing. Removing the dirt with your bare hands
may create smudges on the drawing paper.

13. Sharpener
This is the basic tool used for creating sharp conical pencil point
to maintain the line weight and line thickness of the said pencil.

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14. Pencil
Drawing pencil is one of the most important tools of a draftsman.
It is used to sketch drawings. There are different kinds of drawing
pencil. They are varied or classified in accordance to their grade of
softness as well as to the hardness of their lead. Pencils come in
different hardness. The harder the pencil is, the lighter the line it
produces. The grades of hardness are indicated by numbers and
letters.

Best pencils for drawing and shading | Vision Stash. (2020). Retrieved 16 August 2020, from https://visionstash.com/best-pencils-for-drawing-and-shading/

The nature of drawing will determine the kind of pencil to be used. In HB graphite scale, H
indicate the hardness of the pencil while B is for the blackness. But the most preferred are the
HB, 2H and 4H pencils. The HB is used for lettering, the 2H for line work, and 4H for simple
drawing activities.
To get good results, one should not hold the pencil too close to the point and should be inclined
slightly in the direction of the stroke when line is drawn. Also, one should hold the pencil in a
relaxed way.
Pencil Grades
 Hard Grade – These are used for construction lines or technical drawing.
 Medium Grade – These are used for general use on technical drawings. The harder
grades are for instrumental drawings and the other for sketching.
 Soft Grade – These are used for technical sketching and art work.

15. Technical Pen

The technical pencil is commonly used to finalize a sketch. The
point of the technical pencil is classified in accordance to the
thinnest of lines. The finest line comes from the smallest pin
calibration.

16. Mechanical Pencil

This is a type of drawing pencil that does not require sharpening.
This comes in a case and with replaceable lead.

17. Eraser
It is used to remove unwanted lines or sketches in a drawing. It is
usually made of rubber or synthetic material.

18. Drafting Tape (Masking Tape)

Drafting tapes are used to fasten the paper on the drawing board.
Masking tape is commonly used for drafting as it is easier to
remove without leaving smudges or tearing the paper.

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19. Ames Lettering Guide
The main purpose of the *Ames lettering guide is to swiftly
produce evenly spaced lines and guides for writing, architecture or
engineering work. The holes in the tool create consistent spacing
and the rotating circle allows you to adjust the size of your x-
height. When lined up with a t-square, the guide creates precise
lines with equal spacing without using a ruler to measure or
needing to eyeball it.

20. Drafting Paper

Drafting paper is specially prepared for drawing on with pencils and pens. The paper is smooth,
erasable and made from different materials including vellum and film.
When a draft is prepared, it must be done on archival-quality paper, so that the image will
endure and remain crisp for years. The paper must also contrast well with the colors of pen and
pencil used, making it easy to copy the technical drawings. It is also important to use paper
which is firm and not very elastic, since otherwise the precise details of the drawing could
become distorted. Erasability is also key, as changes may need to be made and tell-tale streaks,
lines, and smudges are not desirable.
The following are some examples of drafting papers:
a. Bond – This type of paper is similar to what you use for
your printer. It’s the least expensive option, and it’s
usually offered in roll form so it can be used in drafting
plotters. Bond paper can vary in weight, but 18-24 pound
bond is the most commonly used.
b. Sketch Paper – There are different types of sketch papers,
but draftsmen prefer sketch papers with smooth surface as
it is geared to line drawing and technical drawing. A
bound set of sketch papers is called sketch pad.
c. Mylar – This type of drafting paper is made from a plastic
material. It has the advantage of being erasable, which can
be an advantage if you’re working with ink. It’s also semi-
transparent, so it’s possible to place mylar drawings on a
light table to make sure the linework matches up. The film
is more resistant to tears, and it’s more durable than
regular drafting paper.
d. Vellum – This type of paper is made out of linen, which
has been commonly used in drafting offices. Not only is
it durable, but it also allows pencil work to be erased and
revised multiple times. It is not as strong as mylar, but it
is not as expensive. It also has a smooth surface that does
not absorb ink as quickly as bond paper, so you might run
into a problem if you plan to use it on a plotter.
e. Tracing Paper – It is a translucent white paper that is
slightly thicker than tissue paper but thinner than mylar
paper. You can use tracing paper to trace and transfer
images.

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Proper Use and Care of Drafting Tools and Materials
Drafting tools, materials, and equipment are the best friends of the
architects. Without the drafting tools, materials, and equipment, it will
take you a long time or it is very impossible to finish a work. It is essential
to take proper care of the drafting tools, materials, and equipment. Below
are some tips to properly use and take care of them. If you are working
The proper use and care of drafting tools and materials is necessary. Here on something with a
are three reminders for you. lot of detail or is
1. Avoid dropping your tools and equipment. very large, you can
2. Never use measuring tools in cutting paper. tape, or place a
3. Do not use templates as erasing shield. scrap piece of paper
4. Sharpen and store your pencils properly after use. over whatever part
5. Find or create and organizer where you can hang your measuring of the drawing you
tools. have finished to
6. Do not roll your instruments over the drawing paper. Lift them. protect it from
7. Use a drafting tape in fixing a drafting paper to the drawing board smudges.
so as not to damage the board’s surface the way thumbtacks do.
8. Do not hit scales, triangles and rulers on edges.
9. Before using the T-square, test the working edge of the board. The
T-square must be perpendicular to its head. It should never be used
as a cutting edge for a slight nick will ruin it.
10. Do not overextend compasses and dividers.
Cleanliness is a prerequisite to good drafting. The drafting tools and
materials must be clean. Triangles, T-Squares, scales, etc., must be
washed with water or alcohol, if necessary, before and after using.
Remember that the largest contributing factor to dirty drawings is graphite
from the pencil.
In addition, remember the following:
1. Never sharpen a pencil over the drawing paper.
2. Always start with very light construction lines and apply the appropriate line weights when you
are definite about the figures.
3. Minimize the use of eraser.
4. Use the dusting brush to remove eraser crumbs and other particles from the drawing surface.
Using the palm of hand, tissue paper, or rags can leave smudges on the surface.
5. Keep a cloth or a piece of clay handy to wipe the excess graphite powder from a newly sharpened
lead.
6. Keep your drawing sheets in a plastic tube to protect them from a dust and dirt.
7. Wipe off the surface and edges of triangles and T-squares.
8. Clean plastic tools with water and soap only.

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IDENTIFICATION.
A. Directions: Identify what is described in each statement. Write your answer on the space provided
before each number.
___________1. It is a three-sided instrument used with a T-Square used in creating lines from a
horizontal base.
___________2. This tool protects the drawn lines from being erased.
___________3. It is used to construct horizontal lines and also serve as base of the triangles when
drawing vertical lines.
___________4. It is made of either steel plate or plastic with different shapes, holes, and designs, and
is used when standard symbols are to be drawn repeatedly.
___________5. It is used mainly to remove loose dirt particles that collect on the surface of the drawing.

B. Directions: Identify the tool and give its use/function.

1.
Name:_____________________________________________
Use:_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________

2.
Name:_____________________________________________
Use:_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________

3.
Name:_____________________________________________
Use:_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________

4.
Name:_____________________________________________
Use:_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________

5.
Name:_____________________________________________
Use:_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________

PERFORMANCE TASK 1: PLATE NO. 1

Directions:
1. Place your Oslo paper horizontally on your drawing board and secure it using a masking tape.
2. Construct border lines and guidelines using your T-Square and triangle. In constructing the
border line, use Unipin (or any drafting pen available at home); as for the guidelines, you may
use a mechanical pencil. Follow the given measurements on the template.

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 3. Supply the needed information in the title block, such as your name (e.g., LOPEZ, T. L.), grade
and section (e.g., VIII-DIAMOND), plate number (e.g., PLATE NO. 1), and the name of your
teacher/instructor in Drawing 2 (e.g., MRS. A. B. OLARTE).

10 mm

10mm
10mm

7 mm

3 mm
10mm BATSTATE-U NAME OF STUDENT PLATE TITLE NAME OF TEACHER 4 mm
3 mm

10mm IS DEPARTMENT GRADE-SECTION PLATE NO. SCORE:

10 mm

You will be graded based on the rubric below:

20 The output is accurately done.

ACCURACY 15 Two to five errors are in the output.
10 Six to ten errors were present in the output.
10 The output is neat. No dirt/smudges are visible and paper is
not crumpled.
NEATNESS
8 Two to three smudges/mistakes are visible.
3 Four or more errors are visible and paper is crumpled.
15 All informations are correctly indicated and legibly printed.
8 Labels are written legibly but 1-2 information are missing or
LABELING
incorrect.
5 Information is incomplete and written illegibly.
5 The output is submitted before or on the given time.
SPEED 3 The output is submitted 1 to 2 days after the given time.
1 The output is submitted 10 days beyond the given time.
TOTAL 50

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Watch the series “Drafting 101” to deeply understand how to use different drafting tools.
Writing Tools: https://tinyurl.com/rjsbwt89
Compass: https://tinyurl.com/4ndf7jch
Straightedges: https://tinyurl.com/dh45wdzb
Papers: https://tinyurl.com/dbtwane2
Erasers: https://tinyurl.com/mm6xa7zj
Lettering Guide: https://tinyurl.com/4st8jvt3

Basbas, Leonora D. et al., 2013, Learning and Living in the 21st Century, 856 Nicanor Reyes Sr.St.,
Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, Rex Book Store, Inc.
Bernardino, Josephine C., 2005, TLE I, Quezon City, Philippines, Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.
Fulgencio, Maria Gracia A. Et al., 2013, Technology and Livelihood Education The New Grade 8,
Phoenix Building, 927 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines, Phoenix Publishing House,
Inc.
Roxas, Christian Joy E., 2015, K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum Technology and Livelihood
Education Mechanical Drating, Project 8, Quezon City, Philippines, Bright House Publishing
What are good applications of drafting paper? (n.d.). EngineerSupply.
https://www.engineersupply.com/What-are-good-applications-of-drafting-paper.aspx

Image Sources
Best pencils for drawing and shading | Vision Stash. (2020). https://visionstash.com/best-pencils-for-
drawing-and-shading/
Navarro. (2020). Drawing tools. https://www.slideshare.net/wilsonarlenenavarro/drawing-tools

Module Creator/Curator: Mrs. TIMMY ANNE A. LOPEZ-GARCIA

Mrs. ANGELICA B. OLARTE
Mr. JEFREY C. MENODZA

Template and Layout Designer: Ms. TIMMY ANNE A. LOPEZ-GARCIA