What does a tool and die maker do?
A tool and die maker is responsible for operating various mechanical tools and equipment to create components, metal parts, and other tools for a wide range of industries. Tool and die makers analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble parts and verify dimensions accurately. They also perform diagnostic tests for the items and adjust specifications as needed. A tool and die maker must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the technological and mechanical industries.
Tool and die maker responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real tool and die maker resumes:
- Perform proficient & frequent weld repair work using both MIG and TIG welding.
- Generate complex programs utilizing cad- cam software for unattend operation of precise CNC FANUC wire EDM machines.
- Smooth and polish flat and contour surfaces of parts or tools, using files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
- Interpret specifications and blueprints, set up/operated precision surface grinders.
- Comply with ISO management system quality.
- Utilize CAD/CAM software; AutoCad and MasterCam.
- Utilize MasterCam x5 for design as well as program.
- Set up and run mills, grinding operations and die manufacturer
- Experience in writing and editing CNC programs such as Fanuc control.
- Move to cnc boring mill with Fanuc control programming and operating.
- Create machine layout of components for robotic handling of piece part.
- Learned OSHA standards and keep the shop current on OSHA standards.
- Troubleshoot dies and machinery, Toyota machining, and welding certification.
- Analyze a job and perform complicate math to set up fixtures properly.
- Skil in machining properties, blueprint reading and math as well as assisting with engineering design.
Tool and die maker skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Tool And Die Makers are proficient in CNC, Grinders, and Jigs. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Manual dexterity, and Math skills and computer application experience.
We break down the percentage of Tool And Die Makers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CNC, 11%
Job duties include but not limited to; Set up, program and operate Haas VF3 and VF6 CNC milling machines.
- Grinders, 11%
Interpreted specifications and blueprints, set up/operated precision surface grinders.
- Jigs, 11%
Manufactured numerous jigs fixtures and production aids to assist production workers.
- Hand Tools, 9%
Optimize, build and repair cross-bar transfer press automation, using machine tools, hand tools, welding equipment.
- Machine Tools, 6%
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- Calipers, 6%
Utilized calipers, micrometers, and other measuring instruments to inspect carbide die to determine changes in dimensional requirements of dies.
Most tool and die makers use their skills in "cnc," "grinders," and "jigs" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential tool and die maker responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a tool and die maker to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "machinists and tool and die makers must be able to interpret technical blueprints, models, and specifications so that they can craft precision tools and metal parts." Additionally, a tool and die maker resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "analyze a job and perform complicated math to set up fixtures properly. "
Manual dexterity. Another essential skill to perform tool and die maker duties is manual dexterity. Tool and die makers responsibilities require that "machinists’ and tool and die makers’ work demands accuracy, sometimes to within .0001 of an inch." Tool and die makers also use manual dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "perform tool and die repairs on progressive dies, transfer dies, manually operated dies, and tooling. "
Technical skills. For certain tool and die maker responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "technical skills." The day-to-day duties of a tool and die maker rely on this skill, as "machinists and tool and die makers must understand metalworking processes." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what tool and die makers do: "led all technical functions of cnc department that manufactured large vacuum molds for refrigerators and freezers. "
Mechanical skills. Another common skill required for tool and die maker responsibilities is "mechanical skills." This skill comes up in the duties of tool and die makers all the time, as "machinists and tool and die makers may operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water jetting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools." An excerpt from a real tool and die maker resume shows how this skill is central to what a tool and die maker does: "use of mechanical equipment such as band saws, mills, lathes, grinders and sanders. "
The three companies that hire the most tool and die makers are:
Choose from 10+ customizable tool and die maker resume templates
Build a professional tool and die maker resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your tool and die maker resume.
Compare different tool and die makers
Tool and die maker vs. Manual machinist
A manual machinist specializes in developing tools and components through machinery. To make this possible, they must perform research and analysis, understand blueprints and schematics, identify the client or project's needs, develop prototypes and test structures, and subject products into various quality assurance procedures. They may also enhance existing components by studying their specifications and implementing solutions against problem areas. Moreover, a manual machinist typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between tool and die makers and manual machinist. For instance, tool and die maker responsibilities require skills such as "stamping dies," "manual lathes," "apprenticeship program," and "assembly fixtures." Whereas a manual machinist is skilled in "id," "machine shop," "drill press," and "cranes." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Manual machinists tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $49,950. In contrast, tool and die makers make the biggest average salary, $59,333, in the technology industry.On average, manual machinists reach similar levels of education than tool and die makers. Manual machinists are 0.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Tool and die maker vs. Maintenance machinist
A Maintenance Machinist is responsible for implementing and maintaining industrial machinery. Their primary duties include investigating and diagnosing equipment failures and performing corrective actions.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real tool and die maker resumes. While tool and die maker responsibilities can utilize skills like "stamping dies," "apprenticeship program," "assembly fixtures," and "drill presses," maintenance machinists use skills like "osha," "cranes," "preventative maintenance," and "aluminum."
Maintenance machinists may earn a lower salary than tool and die makers, but maintenance machinists earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $61,086. On the other hand, tool and die makers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $59,333.maintenance machinists earn similar levels of education than tool and die makers in general. They're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tool and die maker vs. Jig builder
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, tool and die makers are more likely to have skills like "cnc," "grinders," "machine tools," and "stamping dies." But a jig builder is more likely to have skills like "laser tracker," "machine shop," "cnc machines," and "conventional optics."
Most jig builders achieve a similar degree level compared to tool and die makers. For example, they're 2.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tool and die maker vs. Die sinker apprentice
Types of tool and die maker
Updated January 8, 2025
