When starting a contract business, it’s best to be prepared for any given situation. Arriving at a jobsite without the necessary tools could lead to falling behind schedule, an unhappy customer, and lost revenue. You aren’t paying your team to stand around and wait, but that’s just what could happen if you don’t have the right tools.
Most handheld tools can be easily stored and transported from jobsite to jobsite, making it easy for you to be prepared for any job. Here are some essential tools you need to be ready to work, no matter the job or location.
Air Hammer
An air hammer or air hammer chisel is a pneumatic hand tool used to pulverize concrete, stone, pavement, boulders, and tile. This tool is commonly used in construction auto shops.
Air Powered Paver Breaker
Paver breakers, also known as block splitters, are essential for paving contractors. This tool allows blocks and other small paving elements to be split or cut in a straight line via pressure applied by a telescopic lever.
Chipping Hammer
A chipping hammer or pneumatic chipping hammer is a powerful tool that uses compressed air to push a small metal point through concrete or other materials. It is used for cutting edges, de-burring, cleaning, and making holes.
Concrete Breaker
This tool breaks up hard materials such as rock, concrete, and pavement stones. Concrete breakers are optimal for jobs ranging from demolition to landscaping.
Concrete Vibrator
Concrete vibrators help get rid of air bubbles and excess water that develop from newly poured concrete. Without this tool, any trapped air and excess water that exists could weaken the structural integrity of the concrete when it forms.
Drills
A basic handheld tool for contractors is a drill. Although they might not be necessary for every project, drills are essential for others. Here are some basic drills every contractor should invest in:
- Cordless drill – Preferred by many for its convenience, this lightweight, battery-operated drill is also ideal for DIY projects. It’s a good idea to have extra batteries charged and ready to go on the jobsite.
- Hammer drill – Also known as a percussion drill or impact drill, it is primarily used to drill in hard materials.
- Slotted drive shaft/slotted drive system (SDS) - A drill typically used for heavy-duty drilling into strong materials such as brick, stone, and concrete.
- Impact driver/impact drill – A versatile drill that allows users to get into tight spaces and is very useful for completing heavy-duty projects.
Electric Concrete Mixer
If you're working on a large construction project, consider getting an electric concrete mixer. This tool makes it easy to mix and pour large amounts of concrete which will save you on labor expenses and energy.
Electric Cut-off Saws
Handheld cut-off saws are powerful enough to cut through concrete, stone, brick, pavers, and metal pipes. First responders and rescue workers often use these powerful tools to gain access to difficult entries.
Hearing Protectors
Hearing protectors are critical for jobsite safety. Loud sounds, common in contractor work, can cause permanent damage to your inner ear, hearing loss, or tinnitus (ringing, roaring, or buzzing in the ears). The three most common hearing protectors are:
- Formable foam earplugs – The snug-fitting earplugs worn on the inside of the ear.
- Pre-molded earplugs – Washable earplugs that are both hygienic and offer good hearing protection.
- Canal caps – Earplugs that close the ear opening. They are the best option for frequently taking the hearing protector on and off.
Nail Gun
A nail gun, also known as a nailer, works like a hammer to drive nails into wood and other materials. With the right training, a good nail gun can significantly increase productivity at work.
Non–contact Voltage Tester
Non-contact voltage testers detect the presence of voltage in an asset when testing or fixing a failed asset. Direct contact isn’t necessary to detect the voltage, making it easier and safer to use.
Oscillating Multi-Tool
This versatile tool cuts, scrapes, saws, and sands. The oscillating multi-tool works well on most materials and can do everything from cutting door trim to sanding a baseboard flush.
Trimmer Router
A trimmer router is a lightweight tool that is used for trimming laminate, duplicating parts, cutting hinge mortises, profiling edges, cleaning veneer, trimming shelf lipping, flush cutting plugs, cutting joinery, making signs, drilling holes, and mortising inlays.
Trash Pump
Unlike standard water pumps, trash pumps are designed to handle murky water with solids such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. These pumps can handle large amounts of water at a lower pressure level. In addition, they can pass materials without any clogging or damage.
Rental Equipment You Can Trust
We hope that this list of the best handheld tools for contractors helps your new business have a successful start. If you need high-quality rental equipment for your contracting business, we are here for you.
Leppo Rents has operated for over 75 years. We are committed to making the best decisions for our customers.
You can always count on us to deliver the rental equipment on time, give expert advice, and provide excellent customer service. Please feel free to browse our wide selection of handheld tools for contractors.
