Tools of the Trade – Common Contractor Tools

In construction and industrial industries, certain tools are essential for the successful completion of basic jobs. Without these tools, it would be nearly impossible to carry out the necessary tasks. Here, we present the top seven common contractor tools that you will find in the toolbox of any working contractor:

Hand Saw

While electrical saws are great, one thing that can’t be beat is that of a hand saw. Hand saws are perfect for all those big and small jobs; they are compact, but they can also be heavy-duty. Any contractor or construction worker knows that to get that perfect opening, having a hand saw, especially one that is perfectly sharpened, can make those openings that much easier to access. Not to mention that with a hand saw, one does not have to worry about where an outlet is; rather, it simply requires a good old-fashioned workforce.

Levelers

Any contractor or builder knows that when it comes to providing quality work, a leveler is one of the top tools they use to do just that. A leveler is an essential tool that helps ensure that anything from cutting a straight line to hanging frames is actually straight. A contractor or builder who does not use a leveler is either keenly attuned to straightness or doesn’t care.

Tape Measure

A tape measure is just as important a tool in a contractor’s toolbox as a leveler. The tape measure is a truly essential tool at the beginning of any contractor's or construction worker's job site. A tape measure allows precise, concise measurements of the necessary frame sizes, openings, and materials needed to complete the job at hand.

Claw Hammer

Whether you are hammering a nail or removing one, a claw hammer is a common tool around the waist of a contractor or construction worker. A claw hammer is just as old a tool as the hand saw and is used just as much as it is. A claw hammer can come in different sizes and brands. Contractors and workers will always have a handy hammer on hand on a site.

Nail Gun

Sometimes hammering nails can be both exhausting and time-consuming; enter the nail gun. For both contractors and construction workers, having a nail gun allows work to go not only faster but also more smoothly. Imagine, just point and click and done – nail in and pieces held steadily. For anyone in the industry who uses a nail gun or is a power tool enthusiast, a nail gun comes in different power levels and brands, each with its own pros and cons.

Clamp

Sometimes having an extra pair of hands to hold or stabilize a piece of wood or frame just isn’t feasible – enter the clamp. The clamp is a tool that contractors and construction workers use to secure one piece to another while drilling, hammering, or affixing pieces together. Clamps are a popular tool for carpenters that allow hands-free focus, which can be a good thing when working with heavy machinery and somewhat dangerous tools like hand or electric saws.

Pencil

The last and most essential tool for a contractor or construction worker is the pencil. The pencil is quite definitely the most underrated tool, yet without the pencil, no work can truly be done. How so? A pencil is used for drawing designs, taking measurements, and marking spots for nails and holes. Look into the tool kit or maybe on the side of their hard hat, and you will be sure to find a yellow 2HB pencil shaved down to its bit from all the use!

Whether you are embarking on a new journey as a contractor or builder or have gained years of experience in the industry, it's crucial to equip yourself with the right tools. These essential tools can be found in the toolboxes of not only contractors and builders but also anyone involved in construction.

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