This list includes 42 Tools that start with R, from “Radar gun” to “Ruler”. These range from handheld measuring and marking devices to power tools and diagnostic instruments used across workshops and job sites.

Tools that start with R are handheld, powered, measuring, or digital instruments used to make, fix, or evaluate objects. A notable example is the “radar gun,” widely used in sports timing and traffic enforcement since the 1970s.

Below you’ll find the table with Tool, Purpose, Primary materials, and Typical users.

Tool: Names of each instrument, including common synonyms and variants, so you can quickly identify items you recognize.

Purpose: A concise one-line description of what the tool does, helping you decide if it fits your task or project.

Primary materials: Lists main construction materials like steel, plastic, or wood so you can judge durability and maintenance needs at a glance.

Typical users: Common user groups such as DIYers, tradespeople, students, or technicians, to guide you toward relevant use cases and buyers.

See the A–Z index or neighboring letters for related tool lists and quick navigation across the alphabet.

Tools that start with R

NameCategoryPrimary materialsTypical users
Radiator keyhand toolsteelplumbers, homeowners
Radar gunmeasuring toolplastic, metal, electronicscoaches, police, sports trainers
Rain gaugemeasuring toolplastic, glass, metalgardeners, meteorologists, landscapers
Rafter squarehand toolsteel, aluminumcarpenters, roofers, woodworkers
Rangefinderdigital toolplastic, glass, electronicsphotographers, golfers, surveyors
Ratchet wrenchhand toolsteel, chromemechanics, DIYers
Ratcheting screwdriverhand toolsteel, plasticDIYers, electricians, mechanics
Rat-tail filehand toolsteelmetalworkers, woodworkers, hobbyists
Rasphand toolsteel, woodwoodworkers, sculptors, DIYers
Razor knifehand toolsteel, plasticDIYers, craftspeople, electricians
Reamerhand toolsteelmachinists, metalworkers, plumbers
Rebar benderhand toolsteelconcrete workers, builders
Rebar cutterhand toolsteelconcrete workers, builders
Rebar tierhand toolsteel, plasticconcrete workers, construction crews
Reciprocating sawpower toolsteel, plastic, electronicscontractors, plumbers, demolition crews
Refractometermeasuring toolglass, metal, electronicslab techs, brewers, jewelers
Refrigerant leak detectordigital toolplastic, electronicsHVAC techs, plumbers
Reel mowerhand toolsteel, plasticlandscapers, homeowners
Retaining ring pliershand toolsteelmechanics, machinists, hobbyists
Ring clamphand toolsteel, woodjewelers, metalworkers, hobbyists
Ring cutterhand toolsteelEMTs, jewelers, emergency responders
Ring gaugemeasuring toolsteelmachinists, jewelers
Ring mandrelhand toolsteeljewelers, metalsmiths
Ring spannerhand toolsteelmechanics, plumbers
Rip sawhand toolwoodcarpenters, woodworkers
Rivet sethand toolsteelmetalworkers, mechanics, fabricators
Riveterhand toolsteel, aluminummetalworkers, mechanics, builders
Roll pin punchhand toolsteelmechanics, gunsmiths, hobbyists
Roller (paint roller)hand toolplastic, foam, woodpainters, DIYers
Roofing hatchethand toolsteel, woodroofers, carpenters
Roofing nailerpower toolsteel, aluminum, plasticroofers, contractors
Rotary cutterhand toolsteel, plasticsewers, crafters, fabric workers
Rotary hammerpower toolsteel, plastic, electronicsconstruction workers, masons
Rotary punchhand toolsteelleatherworkers, upholsterers, hobbyists
Rotary toolpower toolsteel, plastic, electronicsDIYers, hobbyists, jewelers
Rock drillpower toolsteel, aluminumminers, quarry workers, construction crews
Round filehand toolsteelmetalworkers, woodworkers
Rulermeasuring toolwood, plastic, metalDIYers, students, carpenters
Radius gaugemeasuring toolsteel, plasticmetalworkers, woodworkers
Rubber mallethand toolwood, rubbercarpenters, mechanics, landscapers
Routerpower toolsteel, aluminum, plasticwoodworkers, carpenters
Router planehand toolsteel, woodwoodworkers, carpenters

Descriptions

Radiator key
Small square key for bleeding radiator valves and releasing trapped air; simple metal tool used by plumbers and DIYers.
Radar gun
Handheld electronic device that measures speed (mph or km/h) of moving objects; used in sports and traffic enforcement.
Rain gauge
Simple container or graduated cylinder that measures rainfall depth, often in mm or inches; useful for gardeners and weather observers.
Rafter square
Large L-shaped steel square for laying out rafters, measuring and marking framing cuts; also called framing square.
Rangefinder
Handheld laser or ultrasonic device that measures distance to a target quickly; popular with photographers, hunters and golfers.
Ratchet wrench
Socket wrench with a ratcheting head for tightening/loosening fasteners without removing the tool; common in 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ drives.
Ratcheting screwdriver
Screwdriver with a built-in ratchet mechanism for faster turning without repositioning the tool; comes with interchangeable bits.
Rat-tail file
Long, tapered round file used to shape and smooth inside curves and holes; handy for metal and wood finishing.
Rasp
Coarse file with raised teeth for rapid removal of wood or soft material; common cabinetmaking and shaping tool.
Razor knife
Lightweight utility knife with replaceable blades for cutting drywall, cardboard, carpet and trimming materials.
Reamer
Tapered cutting tool for enlarging or finishing holes to precise diameters; comes in hand and power versions.
Rebar bender
Manual or hydraulic tool that bends steel rebar to shape for reinforced concrete; heavy-duty construction tool.
Rebar cutter
Tool for cutting steel rebar cleanly; available as handheld bolt cutters or powered hydraulic cutters on job sites.
Rebar tier
Handheld device (manual or battery) that ties rebar intersections quickly with wire, speeding up reinforcement work.
Reciprocating saw
Versatile power saw with a back-and-forth blade for demolition, cutting pipes, wood and metal in tight spaces.
Refractometer
Optical instrument that measures liquid refractive index or sugar content (°Brix); common in labs, brewing and food testing.
Refrigerant leak detector
Electronic device that senses refrigerant gas leaks in HVAC systems, helping technicians find and repair leaks.
Reel mower
Manual push lawn mower with rotating blades in a cylinder (common for small lawns), quiet and low-maintenance.
Retaining ring pliers
Pliers with tips for installing or removing snap/retaining rings from shafts and bores; internal and external types available.
Ring clamp
Adjustable circular clamp used to hold rings or small pieces while filing, soldering or polishing in jewelry work.
Ring cutter
Small cutting tool used to safely cut metal rings from swollen fingers; also used by jewelers for removal.
Ring gauge
Hardened metal ring used as a reference to check shaft or ring sizes and tolerances; available in sets.
Ring mandrel
Tapered metal bar used to size, shape and form rings while hammering or filing; essential for ring making.
Ring spanner
Closed-end wrench (box-end) that grips a nut or bolt all around for strong torque without slipping.
Rip saw
Large saw with coarse teeth designed to cut wood along the grain quickly for ripping lumber to width.
Rivet set
Heavy steel punch used with a hammer to form solid rivet heads; used in sheet metal and fabrication work.
Riveter
Hand or pneumatic tool for installing blind/pop rivets to join sheet metal and panels quickly.
Roll pin punch
Punch with a small protruding tip to drive or remove roll pins without collapsing them; used in mechanical assemblies.
Roller (paint roller)
Cylindrical roller used to apply paint evenly on walls and ceilings; comes in varying nap lengths for different surfaces.
Roofing hatchet
Small hatchet with a nail puller, used by roofers to cut shingles and drive or remove nails quickly.
Roofing nailer
Pneumatic or cordless nail gun designed specifically to set roofing nails rapidly, improving speed and consistency.
Rotary cutter
Small circular blade mounted on a handle for smoothly cutting fabric, paper and thin materials; popular with quilters.
Rotary hammer
Heavy-duty hammer drill that chisels and drills masonry and concrete with percussive action for tough jobs.
Rotary punch
Handheld wheel punch (rotary) for cutting holes in leather, belts and thin plastics in set sizes.
Rotary tool
Compact high-speed rotary machine (Dremel-style) for cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing and routing small areas.
Rock drill
Heavy pneumatic or hydraulic drill for making holes in rock and concrete during excavation and blasting prep.
Round file
Cylindrical file for smoothing and enlarging round holes and concave shapes in metal or wood.
Ruler
Straight measuring stick commonly 12 in or 30 cm used for measuring and drawing straight lines in many trades.
Radius gauge
Set of templates for checking and measuring curved radii on workpieces; handy for fitting and inspection.
Rubber mallet
Hammer with a rubber head that delivers non-marring blows to assemble parts, set tiles or tap joints without damaging surfaces.
Router
High-speed woodworking tool for cutting decorative edges, grooves and joinery; handheld and table-mounted routers common.
Router plane
Low-profile hand plane used for cleaning and leveling dados, grooves and shallow recesses in woodworking.
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