Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore

Professional builders should have the tools needed for specialty work as well as a lean toolkit of multipurpose hand tools that can work through a variety of jobs in a pinch. Professional builder Jordan Smith’s top ten essential hand tools are tools every builder should have from day one on the job. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it covers the basic list for working in residential and on light construction sites.

Tape measure

Whether you are doing general construction work, framing, or even finer work like finish carpentry, the tape measure is an essential measuring tool that will help you tackle projects both big and small—everything from estimate to build. Make sure to select the best tape measure for the type of work you do most frequently. Since you’ll be using this tool constantly, choose a tape measure with an attachment that allows you to easily clip it to your toolbelt.

Spirit level

Straight lines are a must-have for any construction project, whether it’s a wall, door, window, or entire frame. A spirit level uses gravity to measure if something is level to help you achieve a perfectly level line. These levels have a vial of liquid with an air bubble inside that runs parallel to the body of the tool. When the tool is level with the earth, the bubble is exactly in the middle of the vial, often marked with a line. If the tool (and the surface it is measuring) is sloped or slanted in one direction, the bubble floats to the higher side.

Chalk line

Like a pencil, a chalk line is another essential marking tool. A chalk line tool is made of a body that contains colored, powdered chalk and a long reel of string. You pull the string out, snap it against a surface to mark a line, and wind it back up. It’s a handy tool to mark a straight line when you do not have a ruler and for marking a line over a long distance of 30 to 40 feet and beyond.

Hammer

So many hand tools have been replaced by power tools in the construction industry, but hammers have remained an essential hand tool in every builder’s toolbelt. There is a vast range of hammer types specific to different types of work like framing, masonry, finish carpentry, electrical, and demo work. Often, the type of materials that you will be working with will dictate what type of hammer you should buy, but everyone who works in construction should also own a classic claw hammer—simple, multipurpose, and handy for a variety of different building and demolition tasks.

Wrenches

Wrench sets aren’t a tool bag necessity if you’re primarily working with wood, but every builder should have a few multipurpose wrenches on hand to drive lag screws, level equipment, and make adjustments to fixtures and appliances. In general, the longer the wrench handle, the greater the leverage, and the more snug the wrench head is on the nut, the better the grip you’ll have—especially useful for loosening difficult nuts. Jordan recommends keeping a few adjustable wrenches on hand along with any specialty wrenches you need for your trade.