It’s every builder’s pride to see their project completed without any hiccups. Yet a builder’s skill is not the only thing that matters when working on a project. The kind and quality of his tools are equally as essential in getting the job done.
Not only is having the right tools vital for obtaining a successful project but also having the knowledge to use choose the best ones and wield them efficiently.
Every stage in construction requires a number of tools and materials to achieve completion. Local and online stores make them available almost anytime and anywhere.
But in the vast ocean of tools available out there, it is also important to know which tools will be used frequently to be able to make the right investment in them.
So what are the standard tools that builders need? Here are a few must-have pairs of tools every builder’s toolkit should have.
Pencil and Tape
Every project always starts with a plan, which highlights its specifications and requirements in detail. To scale a building’s dimensions from the blueprint to its actual size, a builder needs their trusty tape. Pair this measurement tool with a handy pencil that will be used for marking, and the light goes green for the build!
A standard carpentry pencil is usually used together with a measuring tape. While using a regular pencil would suffice when doing precise measurements and writing on building materials, a carpentry pencil works better when it comes to framing.
How accurately a builder uses their tape measure will determine how much time they’ll either waste or save. For starters, they can use tapes using the metric system or the English measurement.
A great tip to remember is to get the ones with magnetic ends, which usually last longer for the job. Technology has also combined these two systems by using a laser tool to measure distance.
Power Drill and Drill Bits
Gone are the days when builders would use manual drills. Now, power drills make the job faster and easier. They save time and provide more power to get the job done right away. Gone are the days when builders would use manual drills.
Now, power drills make the job faster and easier. They save time and provide more power to get the job done right away.
Powered by either electricity or battery, power drills make pre-drilling holes for screws and nails a walk in the park. Of course you’ll need drill bits as well to complete the job — but that really depends on what you’re building or repairing.
Power drills also replace the labor required by screwdrivers. The latter may be fine for small DIY projects, but they are not practical when it comes to big construction projects.
Buying a screw tip latched to the end of the power drill levels up any kind of screwdriver work. It also ensures that even the most durable deck boards are well embedded.
Depending on what is at work, drill bits for taps, wood, metal, masonry, and the likes, are essential for any construction work. The wide variety available might come a bit intimidating, especially for beginners, but the key is to match the bits with the work at hand.
More importantly, it will save time, which is a builder’s most important resource. Make sure to use the right tools for the right material to achieve the best results.
Hammer and Nail
The hammer is one of those tools that can be found in almost anyone’s toolbox—and for good reason. When power tools rose and replaced many handy tools, hammers remained and held their place inside the toolkit. Of course, a builder needs the appropriate amount of nails to get the work started.
A hammer is there to drive and bury your nails tightly. The claw hammer is the most common pick for any builder, which is usually used in most households for simple handyman work.
But like drill bits, there are specific types of hammers, each with varying sizes and weights depending on the construction work required.
Hammers that can be used for metalwork, masonry, or carpentry, would be ideal to throw in the toolkit mix. The same goes for nails, which come in different points, heads, and shanks, for any type of work.
As builders, they need to pick out the right type of hammer and nail to ensure good quality work.
Invest in Quality Materials
Remember, achieving the best results in any project is possible once you have all the essential tools within your arsenal. Also, having the right tools is better than having a lot that doesn’t really serve its purpose.
Completing the ideal builder’s toolbox can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners, which is why it’s important to research and ask the experts for help.
While some may say that tools are overrated, a quality set of tools will last years — maybe even decades — if properly maintained and cared for.