If you’re working as a labourer then you’ll be doing a variety of different tasks every day. This is one of the most varied construction jobs out there. So unlike people like plumbers, carpenters and electricians, you’ll need a much wider range of tools.
For those who are starting a new job as a construction labourer, having the right tools is essential. This guide serves as a checklist so if you have ever wondered what tools does a labourer need, then you’re in the right place.
The Most Essential Tools For Labourers
As we have already mentioned, labourers do a lot of general work so it’s really important to have a wide selection of versatile tools. Your employer may provide these for you but they are under no obligation to do this. It’s worth checking with them when you start to find out if you need to supply your own.
Wrenches
You might not need to have a wrench for every job as a general labourer but a multipurpose wrench can come in very handy. So, it’s worth having one in your tool kit. There are a lot of things you can do with a wrench including driving lag screws and adjusting fixtures.
We would recommend getting a wrench with a longer handle as this will give you more leverage. Since these wrenches are designed for multipurpose use, they tend to be adjustable.
Hammers
While the construction site may be brimming with power tools, manual tools like the hammer still have an important place here. As a labourer, you may need several different types of hammer according to the type of project you are working on and the materials you’re using. You’ll probably only need to take one or two hammers to each job but in your wider kit, you’ll need the following.
Claw Hammer
If you’re going to buy just one hammer then it would have to be the claw hammer. These are potentially the most common type of hammer on the construction site and are ideal for driving and pulling out nails.
However, you have to keep in mind that since these hammers are often made from softer metals, they’re not suitable for heavy duty or specialist jobs. In that case, you would need to choose from one of the hammers below.
Ball Peen Hammer
These hammers have one flat side and one round side and are generally used when working with metal. You may sometimes hear these hammers being called a machinist hammer.
Electrician’s Hammer
If you are a labourer working underneath an electrician then it can help to have some specialist tools. An electrician’s hammer is largely similar to a claw hammer but features insulated fibreglass. The reason for this is that it offers protection to the user when working around electricity and is vital for your safety. You’ll also notice that these hammers are better designed to work in tight spaces thanks to the longer striking face.
Drywall Hammer
You can probably guess from the name of this hammer that it’s used when constructing drywall. It’s also used in the demolition of drywall and is a lightweight piece of equipment. This lightweight design means that you can hammer nails into delicate drywall without causing any damage.
Screwdrivers
It probably doesn’t take us to tell you that a screwdriver is an essential basic tool for any job. So, when you’re working as a labourer, we’d highly recommend having a selection.
You’ll need a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver but it can be useful to have a range of sizes. You can buy screwdrivers with interchangeable heads which will save space in your tool bag.
Chisel
A lot of people think that a chisel isn’t an essential tool. But these are far more versatile than you might initially think. There are masonry chisels designed to shave down brick, stone, concrete and other similar materials as well as wood chisels, which are ideal when working with timber framed structures.
Other Essential Equipment
There are plenty of other things you might need when working as a labourer that seem a lot more basic.
- Tape measure: being able to take accurate measurements when on the job is vital so having a reliable tape measure is important. Get a tape measure that can be easily clipped onto your belt for convenience.
- Utility knife: a utility knife is one of the most versatile tools any construction labourer can have. They’re great for cutting through things like plastic, lino, boxes, drywall, rope and much more. Make sure to choose a utility knife that is robust and again, can be clipped onto your belt for easy access.
- Pencil: for marking things while on the job, it’s important to have a pencil. This might seem like a very basic tool but it’ll also come in handy when writing notes and measurements and you’ll soon see that you can’t live without it.
Safety Equipment
As well as having the above basic tools, it’s crucial that you have a range of safety equipment. What you need will depend on the project you are working on. However, you should keep in mind that your employer is legally responsible for providing you with the correct PPE. Here are some of the things you might need.
- Hard hat
- Safety goggles
- Safety gloves
- Steel toe cap boots
- Respirator or breathing apparatus
- Safety vest
Conclusion
If you’re starting a job as a labourer, we’re sure you’re excited. But before you head to the construction site, you’ll need to make sure that you’re well equipped. This career involves a lot of different jobs so your tool kit will need to be versatile.
As well as basic tools, you will also need a range of PPE to ensure your safety on site. Unless you are self employed, your employer will be responsible for providing you with this but you may need to supply your own tools.
1 thought on “What Tools Does A Labourer Need”
Comments are closed.