There are certain tools you can expect every contractor to have in their possession. Simple saws, hand tools and drills are all chief among them, but there are also some tools that are a bit more unusual that can make contractors’ jobs a lot easier—which is why you’ll often see them on a list of contractor must-haves. Let’s take a look at a few of the most commonly-sought-after tools for contractors:
- Laser level: Line laser levels are very handy tools for checking height, aligning objects and making surfaces level. These levels are much more accurate over longer distances than traditional levels, and you can even find self-leveling models to prevent you from having to seek perfection yourself.
- Non-contact voltage testers: Any contractor that will be doing work with or around electricity should have a voltage tester to help protect themselves against potential electrical shocks. Testers that are designed to be non-contact do not need to touch the object to detect voltage. They’ll be able to find voltage from 12V to 1,000V in fuse boxes, appliances, outlets, wiring and wall switches. They then provide a flash or beep signal when detecting the voltage.
- Hammer drill: A standard cordless drill is a staple of any jobsite. The hammer drill, however, provides some additional function that makes it a great tool for any contractor to have in their possession. This drill is capable of drilling into materials with greater levels of hardness, such as concrete, stone and mortar. It’s also faster and easier to operate than a standard drill. You can find hammer drills in corded or cordless varieties.
- Multi-tip screwdrivers: Rather than bringing out a large set of screwdrivers to a jobsite, you can purchase a screwdriver that allows you to swap out tips, so you always have the right bit for the right screw. This is especially beneficial for circumstances in which you might be driving specialty screws.
- Dust-collection systems: Contractors who will be creating a lot of sawdust or debris can benefit from using dust-collection systems to keep the air clean and safe. Central dust-collection systems can connect to multiple pieces of equipment via tubes or PVC pipes.
- Oscillating multi-tool: If you’ve never used an oscillating multi-tool before, you’re going to be hooked the first time you do. This little tool can serve a wide range of uses in woodworking and metalworking, such as grinding, sawing and sanding. It’s great for doing flush cuts and trip cuts and for removing grout from tile. Its versatility allows you to avoid purchasing multiple tools for individual purposes.
- Concrete moisture meter: A moisture meter is useful for measuring moisture content in concrete floors. This is particularly important if you’re going to be installing any kind of floor covering—you’ll need to know where the concrete is most likely to deal with dampness and the measures you’ll need to take to mitigate that issue.
At East County Rentals, Inc., one of our missions is to outfit contractors with all the tools they need (and desire). We encourage you to contact us and check out the various contractor tools we have in stock.