Traditionally, technical drawings were created by hand. In manual drafting, there are many tools used to create the various lines, shapes, and shading used to make accurate drawings.

It is extremely rare to find drafters using these tools in engineering and architecture firms today. The widespread use of CAD software has significantly increased the efficiency in creating technical drawings. Can you think of advantages and disadvantages of traditional drafting compared to CAD?

Often put on top of an inclined drafting table to provide a flat surface for drawing.

The head of the T-square rests along the side of the drawing board to make drawing horizontal lines quick and easy.

Used to accurately draw objects at a scaled size. Most designs need to be drawn smaller or larger to fit on paper.

Used to draw circles and arcs. The sharp tip is placed at the center of the circle while the lead is placed at the radius and then circled around the center.

Transfers and divides measurements. Useful when there are repeated measurements. (There is no lead in a divider)

Professional grade pencils and pens have a variety of lead thickness and hardness for different applications.

A sandpaper pad that brings the lead of the drafting pencil to a point in order to draw finer lines.

Drawings must be clean of any errors, smears, or smudges so that all the details can be read easily so erasers can take away mistakes.

Used to erase small errors without erasing large sections of a drawing.

Can remove eraser crumbs and dirt without leaving smudges or streaks on the drawing.

Used to measure and lay out angles. If creating a 30, 45, 60 or 90 degree angle, it is better to use triangles (see below).

Also called an irregular curve, it is used to draw curved lines and comes in many sizes and configurations.

Used to secure the paper to the drafting table so that it does not move during the drafting process. It has a unique adhesive so it does not rip the paper.

Used to draw vertical and inclined lines. This version is an isosceles triangle with two 45 degree angles and one 90 degree angle.

This version is a scalene triangle. By putting the 45 and 30-60-90 triangles together, angles of 15 and 75 degrees can also be drawn.