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14 Tools Construction Pros Never Knew They Needed
Updated on Jan. 03, 2025
Being equipped with the proper tools can make your job in construction more effective. And if you’ve been using the same dated tools for years, consider adding new items to your tool belt. “While premium tools may cost more upfront, they save money through increased productivity, fewer malfunctions and lower operating costs,” says Jonathan Stowell, CEO of Five Guys Roofing. “Our team can complete more jobs in less time, reducing costs and boosting revenue. Higher quality also means improved safety, precision and compliance on each project.”
Ahead, our team compiled a list of 14 tools construction pros never knew they needed.
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CHANNELLOCK® Reversible Jaw Adjustable Wrench
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Post-it Extreme
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RIDGID Tubing Cutter
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Bosch 5-in-1 Drill/Driver System
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Klein’s electrician scissors
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Klein Impact Sockets
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Carbon Fiber Level
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Cordless Track Saw
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Calculated Industries Contractor Grade AirShim Inflatable Pry Bar and Leveling Tool
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Grizzly Industrial G0785-1 HP Wall-Mount Dust Collector
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Blade Height Adjustment Guide
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Franklin Sensors 710 Professional Stud Finder
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What to Consider When Buying Tools
Penn State Industries 110V Long Ranger III Remote Dust Collector Switch and Starter
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CHANNELLOCK® Reversible Jaw Adjustable Wrench
CHANNELLOCK has a solution to help unclutter your tool belt. For the most part, the CHANNELLOCK Reversible Jaw Adjustable Wrench is just like a normal wrench, but also features a part of the jaw with angled teeth. All you have to do is reverse the jaw and the teeth will let you get a tight grip on objects that a regular wrench would just slide off of.
Post-it Extreme
Post-it Extreme Notes are very versatile. These post-its are made to stick even in the harshest conditions, whether you’re in a dusty workshop or on a messy jobsite.
RIDGID Tubing Cutter
RIDGID ‘s C-style close-quarter tubing cutter slices through both 1/2-in. and 3/4-in. tubing, which means one less tool you need to carry around. The cutting wheel is spring loaded so it needs no adjustment as you spin the cutter, and the outside surface has screwdriver slots for getting leverage in tight spaces.
Bosch 5-in-1 Drill/Driver System
The Bosch Max FlexiClick 5-in-1 Drill/Driver System has one tool and five attachments. That means it can perform all kinds of tasks, like screw-driving, drilling, right angle drilling/driving and offset driving close to edges. This tool isn’t going to replace a deck builder’s impact driver and drill, but it might be a great option for those smaller projects that require a bunch of different applications.
Klein’s electrician scissors
Klein’s electrician scissors can cut through stuff with their blades, like most scissors, but they also have a cable cutting notch so you can rip through wire up to 14 AWG. They’ll strip 19 and 23 AWG wire all day long and have a notch in the tip for de-burring electrical boxes. There’s also a scraper on both blades for convenient wire cleaning.
Klein Impact Sockets
Klein Tools’ impact sockets save you time and space in your pouch. Each of the three sockets is capable of switching between different size nuts and bolts—completely hands-free. These sockets are available in three different models that cover 8 different head sizes.
Carbon Fiber Level
The carbon fiber composite that makes this level light is the same reason that it’s tough enough to spring back from impacts that would permanently throw an aluminum level out of whack. The DWHT43134 level is also mar-resistant, partially because of the design, partially because it’s 35% lighter than its aluminum counterpart.
Cordless Track Saw
Breaking down heavy sheets of materials on a table saw is a difficult job, and pretty nearly impossible when working alone. That’s where a track saw comes in handy. A good quality track saw can produce cabinet saw results out on any job. The FESTOOL TSC 55 is a cordless saw that has the same features and performs just as well as FESTOOL’s corded saw, including the cut capacity and blade speed. It also has a collection bag that actually works, collecting up to 90% of the dust. The batteries are compatible with other FESTOOL products and the saw runs on their standard tracks.
Calculated Industries Contractor Grade AirShim Inflatable Pry Bar and Leveling Tool
No, it’s not a blood pressure tester. It’s an inflatable shim sold by Calculated industries. What in the world would you do with an Air Shim? Well, you could hold a window in position (by yourself) while setting the permanent shims, or prop up a door slab during installation without scratching the hardwood floor. Use it to align base cabinets or level appliances, or deflate it as slowly as you want for precise adjustments.
Grizzly Industrial G0785-1 HP Wall-Mount Dust Collector
Limited floor space is a problem in most shops. However, that’s no longer an excuse for kicking up a bunch of dust without a dust collection system as Grizzly now makes a wall-mounted dust collector. It’s equipped with a powerful 1-HP motor prewired for 120V. It features a canister filter with six times the surface area of a standard bag filter, yet it takes up less space. The filter is easy to keep clean with the hand crank filter-cleaning brush.
Blade Height Adjustment Guide
We’ve always relied on small blocks of wood to set the cutting depth on the table saw blade. Even though each block was labeled, they inevitably get knocked onto the floor and swept into the trash, and then you have to make another one.
We no longer have that problem because we picked up a set of Mag Shims from FastCap. Mag Shims are 1/8-in. magnetic spacers. If you need a blade height of 7/8-in., simply stack seven spacers on top of each other and raise the blade to match. They also work great for setting the depth on router bits and drill presses.
Franklin Sensors 710 Professional Stud Finder
One of the best stud finders you’ll ever use is the Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710. It’s unique in that there’s a whole bar of red lights that light up whenever it detects a stud. Unlike other sensors, which have a single light that stays on as it passes over the wood, the lights on the 710 tell you exactly where the wood stops and starts. No guesswork. Push a button, drag it over the wall and those hidden mysteries reveal themselves. You won’t even need to read the directions!
Penn State Industries 110V Long Ranger III Remote Dust Collector Switch and Starter
Simply put, this Long Ranger III Remote Dust Collector Switch is a remote system for turning on your dust collector out in the shop from whatever tool you’re operating. It plugs into the wall, and you plug your dust collector into that, and you’re done. Push the button on your remote, and it will fire right up. It’s saved us about two years and 1,300 miles of walking back and forth to the dust collector switch.
What to Consider When Buying Tools
“From my experience, discovering new tools involves a blend of research and practical testing,” explains Martin Heaton, the Director at Heaton Manufacturing Ltd. To begin, he recommends checking out reviews from industry publications. You can also engage in forums and communities that offer insights from fellow professionals. “Personally trying out tools before committing to a substantial purchase ensures that they align with your requirements and standards.”
Heaton suggests considering aspects like quality, longevity and warranty coverage. He also suggests seeking tools with designs that minimize strain during prolonged usage. “While price plays a role, investing in top-notch tools can lead to long-term savings due to their durability and dependability.” Also, consider the availability of parts and additional accessories.
Why You Should Trust Us
Harrison Kral is an established writer and editor who writes about the home-building industry, the housing market and general DIY trends. Kral would spend his college summers pouring concrete and building decks. Harrison Kral found a way to use his insider construction knowledge at Family Handyman.
Jonathan Stowell is the CEO of Five Guys Roofing. Stowell uses the latest tools and technologies to improve his business. Stowell and his team invest in high-quality equipment from trusted brands like Makita, Dewalt and Bosch.
We consulted Martin Heaton, director of Heaton Manufacturing Ltd., which also manages the popular UK construction website Reinforcement Products Online, for his expertise on essential construction tools. Heaton focuses on innovating and delivering top-notch solutions in the manufacturing sector.
We also spoke to Chris Stevenson about the best tools his roofing crew employs. Stevenson is an experienced roofing contractor in Denver who serves clients’ needs at 730 South Exteriors.
How We Found the Best New Tools
Many of the tools in this article were tested and recommended by our team, who are handy in their spare time. We researched each one to learn more about their performance features, battery life and cordless capabilities. We also spoke with industry pros who use tools daily to ensure our list is comprehensive and accurate. We also regularly update this list with new products and pricing info so you can make the most informed purchase.
FAQs
What is the most used tool in construction?
“While it varies by trade, for roofers, the hammer is undoubtedly a staple,” Stevenson explains. “It’s versatile for shingle removal, securing flashing, and various other tasks.”
What is the best brand for construction tools?
Reputable brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita are popular, but many other excellent options exist. Stevenson recommends considering specific tool types and reading reviews to find the best fit.
What are some benefits of investing in high-quality tools?
“Opting for top-notch tools comes with many advantages,” Heaton says. “They boast longevity, superior performance and the ability to tackle tasks without faltering. This dependability minimizes downtime and boosts efficiency.”
