A seasoned contractor is very passionate about their tools of choice, from heavy-duty power tools to the smaller gadgets that fit within their tool belts. A high-quality tool should be well made and durable; they should perform well throughout the heavy use that contractors rely on them for.
Each contractor will have their own set of tools that they utilize with every project they handle. While each will have their preferred favorite tools, there are still many universally needed tools by contractors and are sometimes underrated. Here is a list of 5 underrated tools for contractors in 2018:
A Sturdy Sawhorse
A sawhorse can be extremely useful in unlimited scenarios – if it has a sturdy steel construction, for example, it can securely hold a large amount of weight. If you have a sawhorse and vise combination, you will also be able to utilize a lot of clamping force with strong jaws that can be flexible enough to accommodate anything from a small half footboard to a full-sized door. For instance, the Rockwell Jawhorse has a steel construction that provides a clamping force of up to one ton, and its jaws can be opened more than 35 inches wide. This particular model has the added benefit of being foldable to be compact and easy to store or transport. You can read the detailed review of the top 5 best saw horses for more information.
A High-Quality Utility Knife
No matter what kind of project you are working on, you will always need a solid utility knife. A high-quality retractable utility knife can offer invaluable precision and be helpful throughout every stage of a project that a contractor is working on. Having your utility knife’s blade be changeable without using a screwdriver can be handy in a pinch.
The Irwin Folding Utility Knife is a good option because the handle is built as a storage space for backup blades. This creates an efficient blade changing process for you so that the rest of your tasks aren’t held up.
Cordless Drill
Cordless drills are convenient and have proven their usefulness time and time again. Consider sticking with a lightweight and compact drill with a 12-volt battery for your safety and sanity instead of a tiring 18-volt battery cordless drill. This tool is your best friend for any task that your screwdriver can’t quite handle. Read the details here powertoolbuzz.com/best-cordless-drill
Multi-Tool
As a contractor, you never know when things might come up. Different types of multi-tools would each be more useful in various situations. A tool with pliers, files, and screwdrivers combined into one can be incredibly handy for making a repair on the go or for working in a tight spot on a project.
The benefits of a multi-tool include:
- Adaptability
- Convenience
- Efficiency
- Portability
Tool Belt
A contractor handles many tools throughout their career, and the ease of access for some tools can speed up a project. All of these gadgets need to be in a secure place while they are on standby until you need them, so many contractors utilize a tool belt’s convenience. A good tool belt is easily adjustable and has comfortable pockets that can carry everything you need and more to best help you throughout your job.
If you are looking to increase your tool collection, it is strongly encouraged to make sure that you have each of these valuable tools. However, the sheer number of brands and models of tools out there can be a little intimidating to new or even experienced contractors. Fortunately, there are many helpful reviews of tools out there that can help narrow down the search. For example, www.toolnerds.com is dedicated to providing useful reviews for tools to help contractors.