One of the most incredible ways to ensure your project runs smoothly is to choose and use the right tools for the job. Picking the right construction tools can make a difference between finishing your project on time with reduced hassles and tripping to the finish line with significant budget overruns. However, with countless options to select from, getting the right construction tools can be difficult.
Here are ten tools that make construction work easier and effective.
1. Claw Hammer
A claw hammer is a valuable tool for many workers. Unlike other hammers, a claw hammer has a claw-shaped tail that you can use to remove nails or as a pry bar.
2. Line Laser Level
You can use a line laser level to level surfaces, align objects, and measure height in various projects, including surveying and construction. It’s an easy-to-use device as you can mount it on a stand to begin the observation. When compared to a spirit level, a line laser level is more accurate when checking long distances.
3. Chisels
A chisel is a multi-purpose tool that can handle several jobs. Cold chisels can trim metal and cut through a tightened bolt, while wood chisels can trim wood without planing it. Masonry chisels can trim or cut masonry, stone, concrete, and brick. Although chisels bear a high level of resemblance, they’re each meant for a specific material, so always check the label to ensure you pick the right one.
4. Float
A float comes in handy when you want to smoothen a concrete surface once it gets plastered. It’s a wooden tool with a handlebar on the top and a flat surface on the bottom, which you move in a round motion to give freshly laid concrete a flat appearance.
5. Pliers
Pliers come in handy when you want to twist or untwist bolts and nuts. It features narrow jaws at the edge of the pair handles. Pliers are ideal for stripping wires, bending metal, and cutting cables. They also work as solid fingers for gripping surfaces and objects.
6. Utility Knife
A utility knife is an indispensable construction tool for cutting duct tape, wire, string, and more. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or on many tool belts without occupying much space or feeling too heavy.
7. Drill (Cordless and Corded)
Drills come in corded and cordless models. They come in handy when mounting posts and railings or attaching ledgers and sill plates.
8. Chalk Line
A chalk line is an invaluable marking tool. It features a long reel of string and a body made of colored, powdered chalk. You pull out the thread and place it against a surface to draw a line. It comes in handy when you need to mark a straight line, and you don’t have a ruler or a long distance of more than 30 feet.
9. Screwdrivers
A screwdriver is an absolute standard for any construction worker. You should have a set flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers at a minimum. However, a set with different lengths can help you work on hard-to-reach screws or tight spaces.
10. Personal Protective Equipment
Construction work is physically demanding and somehow dangerous. You need protective gear to ensure your safety while at work. Invest in protective equipment such as gloves, hard hat, safety glasses, earplugs, sturdy footwear, and a respirator. Ensure you maintain and replace them regularly. Most of the construction tools mentioned above are valuable for most construction workers and even DIY enthusiasts. If you’re wondering where to buy, there are great website resources that cover the constantly changing world of construction tools. But as a rule of thumb: Spend your money on the things that you’ll use.