Tool Box

Use the right tool for the job, and the job will be easier.

Tool Box

Let’s unpack the tool box

*This page is a work in progress*

For taking precise measurements.

Ensures surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical.

Used to check the accuracy of right angles.

Used for measuring the distance between two opposite sides of an object.

Measures angles.

Useful for cutting a variety of materials.

Used for carving and cutting hard materials.

For cutting wood and other materials.

Designed to cut metal.

Used for removing fine amounts of material from workpieces.

Used for driving nails.

Used to turn screws with slotted heads.

Used for turning nuts, bolts, and other fasteners.

Used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets.

Used for pulling, lifting, and prying.

Used for gripping, bending, and cutting wires and cables.

Pliers that can be locked into position.

Used for securing objects tightly together.

A wrench with an adjustable jaw for different sized nuts and bolts.

A type of wrench that inserts into a socket to turn a fastener, typically in the form of nuts and bolts.

A set of removable sockets of different sizes for use with a socket wrench.

A tool used to apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut or bolt.

A long non-ratcheting bar that is used with socket wrench-style sockets.

An accessory for a socket wrench that provides extended reach for sockets.

Allows a socket to turn a fastener at an angle.

A socket that has been designed to cope with the high torque of impact wrenches.

A type of socket that turns hexagonal (six-sided) fasteners.

A longer socket specifically designed to fit over spark plugs.

A wrench in the shape of a crow’s foot, used in hard to reach places.

For illuminating dark spaces.

For binding materials together with staples.

A manual tool used to make holes.

Used to smooth surfaces by abrasion with sandpaper.

For cutting wires and small metal pieces.

Used for applying paint or other finishes.

  • Always ensure your ladder is secure before ascending.
  • Use your safety harness at all times when on a roof.
  • Keep your work area clean to prevent tripping hazards.
  • Always cut away from your body to avoid accidental injuries.
  • Keep tools clean and in good condition; a dull blade or rusted tool can cause accidents.
  • Wear appropriate safety gear, like gloves and safety glasses.
  • Don’t carry sharp tools in your pocket.

These tools and platforms have become popular in the industry due to their ability to simplify and streamline the design process. They help designers create accurate, detailed plans and models, which can improve communication with clients and contractors, reduce errors, and ensure the successful completion of the project.

A large, adjustable table used for drawing plans.

Used to draw straight lines and check angles.

Used to draw circles and arcs, and to measure distances.

Special paper used for creating blueprints.

For drawing and making corrections.

Used to create a physical 3D model of the design. Includes materials like foam board, balsa wood, and miniature furniture.

Can be used to create detailed scale models of the design.

Allows you to create a virtual model of your design and simulate different aspects of construction and operation. Examples include Autodesk Revit and ArchiCAD.

A software application for 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting.

Easy-to-use 3D modeling software that is often used for visualizing architectural designs.

BIM software that allows you to design a building and its components in 3D.

This includes Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, and InDesign for layout and design.

A 3D modeling software used for its advanced and versatile modeling capabilities.

A comprehensive construction management software that helps manage project risk.

A software application for 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting.

When choosing tools, consider the size and scope of your project. For small residential jobs, you may be able to get by with basic tools. However, for larger commercial jobs, investing in higher-quality tools and equipment can increase efficiency and provide a better end result. Always remember to follow safety guidelines when working with drywall tools.

Used for scoring and cutting drywall, as well as trimming excess material.

Essential for measuring drywall before cutting to ensure accurate fit.

Helpful for marking straight lines across large sections of drywall.

To ensure that your drywall is perfectly vertical or horizontal.

This helps keep your lines straight.

For marking measurements and cut lines on your drywall.

A large ruler used for making precise, square cuts in drywall.

Used for attaching drywall to the studs. A screw gun is more efficient than a standard drill for this task.

Covers the joints between sheets of drywall and is necessary for creating a smooth, seamless surface.

Can be mesh or paper tape.

Used to cover drywall tape and screws, and to fill in any gaps or imperfections. The mud pan holds the compound during application.

Comes in various sizes and is used to spread drywall compound.

Used to smooth out drywall compound after it dries.

Include both inside and outside corner trowels, used to finish drywall corners.

Used for cutting out small sections of drywall.

A special tool used to lift large pieces of drywall up to the ceiling. This is especially useful in commercial applications where the ceilings are high.

Essential when sanding drywall to prevent inhalation of dust.

To protect your eyes from dust and debris. And that irritating drywall dust.

Protect your hands from sharp tools and rough materials.

Provide comfort when kneeling on hard surfaces.

Useful for reaching high places without a ladder. Especially useful in commercial applications.

For mixing large quantities of drywall mud.

Safety should always be your first priority when working with electrical systems. Always use tools that are insulated and rated for the voltage level you’re working with. I promise you don’t want to mess around with live wires and current! It’s best to always be prepared with the proper tools for a job, and that includes having the right electrical safety gear.

If you fail to follow proper safety protocol, the result is pain if you are lucky and death if you are not. BE CAREFUL! Shut off all electrical current before touching anything.

Used for gripping, bending, and cutting wires and cables. The most common types used by electricians are needle-nose and side-cutting pliers.

Pliers with a specialized pointed end are used for bending wires or fitting into tight spaces.

These are used for cutting wire and cable. They come in different sizes depending on the thickness of the cable.

Used to score and remove the wire sheathing to expose individual wires.

Drills holes in walls, ceilings, or floors for electrical wiring.

Used to cut through various materials such as wood, masonry, plastic, or metal.

Ideal for cutting conduit, plasterboard, and other materials in tight spaces.

Useful for cutting through metal conduit or trunking.

Used to conjoin two pieces of metal by deforming one or both of them to hold the other.

It is used to route new wiring through walls and electrical conduit.

As the name suggests, this tool is used to bend conduit to specific angles.

Allows you to check for the presence of live voltage without touching any wires.

This tool is used to identify circuits and wires within a wall.

These are used to strip the insulation from electric wires, which is necessary before connecting them.

Used for screwing and unscrewing screws. VDE means they are tested to ensure they are safe to use when working on live circuits.

This device applies a voltage to the conductor and measures the resulting current, determining the resistance in the insulation.

A device used to determine the presence or absence of an electrical voltage.

An essential tool for measuring voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit.

Each of these tools has a specific purpose in exterior construction, and it’s important to have the right tool for each job. Safety equipment should always be worn to protect workers from potential hazards on the job site. As always, it’s important to use all tools and equipment in accordance with their instructions to ensure safety and efficiency.

For digging and moving dirt around.

Used for breaking up hard surfaces like concrete or rocky soil.

A type of heavy equipment used for digging and moving large amounts of soil.

Let’s be honest. This is usually hired out unless you are a big construction company.

Used to mix cement, sand, and water to make concrete.

Useful for moving materials around the job site.

Essential for driving nails and other fasteners.

Used for driving screws and drilling holes.

Ensures that surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical.

For measuring distances and materials.

Used for cutting wood and other materials.

Speeds up the process of driving nails into wood.

For applying paint.

Useful for cleaning exterior surfaces before painting.

Used for applying caulk to seal gaps and cracks.

Protects the head from falling objects.

Protects the eyes from dust and debris.

Protects the hands from sharp objects and rough materials.

Protects the feet from heavy falling objects.

Includes harnesses and lanyards, essential for working at heights like a roof.

The right finish makes all the difference. Learn how to paint, stain, and add those final touches that make your work look professional.

Remember, the type of roof material and roof pitch may require specific tools or techniques. Always research and prepare appropriately before starting a roofing project.

A sturdy, extendable ladder is crucial for accessing the roof safely. Ensure it is set at the correct angle and secured at the top for stability.

This specialized nail gun is designed to drive roofing nails quickly and accurately. It’s used to secure shingles or other roofing materials to the roof deck.

A good roofing hammer is needed for various tasks, such as removing old nails or manually driving new ones.

This tool features a flat blade with teeth that can slide under shingles to remove them efficiently without damaging the roof deck.

Used for trimming shingles to the right size or cutting through roofing felt.

Handy for removing nails or lifting up damaged shingles.

Useful for marking straight lines across the roof to ensure shingles are laid out neatly and evenly.

For measuring distances accurately, ensuring precise placement and fit of shingles.

If you’re working with metal flashing or trim, tin snips will help you cut these materials to the right size.

If you’re installing roll roofing or torch-down roofing, this tool helps you press down the material to ensure a good bond.

Used to apply sealant around roof penetrations (like vents or chimneys) to prevent water leaks.

Essential for installing roofing felt before laying down shingles.

A full-body safety harness is an absolute necessity when working on roofs to prevent serious injuries in case of falls.

To protect your hands from sharp objects and rough materials.

To shield your eyes from dust and debris.

Safety Sunglasses would be good here.

Provide comfort when kneeling on the roof for extended periods.

Keeps your tools within reach while you’re working on the roof.

Handy for storing and transporting your roofing tools.

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