In this article, we’re going to talk about which construction supply you’ll need. There’s a lot of different things you can do when it comes to building, so making sure you have the right materials is important.
Table of Contents
1. Hammers
We’ll start by talking about hammers. A claw hammer has a flattened head that fits snugly into the palm of your hand, while ball-shaped and mallet hammers are more versatile in their uses as they can be set on surfaces or used in your hand. Hammers are your most useful tool for demolishing the foundation of your house, and should be stored in a safe place so that you don’t accidentally leave them behind when moving.
2. Sledgehammers
There are two kinds of sledgehammers: hand-held and pneumatic. Hand-held hammers are easier for beginners to use because they tend to have more heads on them than pneumatic ones, with which you can stand upright and swing them with ease. Pneumatic hammers are great for demolishing walls, especially if you need a lot of force behind it.
3. Levels
While hammers are definitely useful for knocking down things, you should also have a level at all times. A level is a tool with which you can measure horizontal and vertical angles, so if you need to know whether what you’re building is straight or if two walls meet on the perfect angle, a level will do you good. You can use it to perform basic tasks like framing, laying tile and making sure brick doesn’t lean over too far.
4. C-clamps
A great tool for beginners is the c-clamp. It’s shaped like a letter “C” and has two handles on either end to give you greater leverage while using it. C-clamps are great for hanging things, securing tubing and installing wire. You can use a c-clamp to install drywall, plaster or wood, and it’s also handy for hanging large items like light fixtures.
5. Saws
If you’re cutting down trees, you’ll need a chainsaw. Bear in mind that the machines come in many different sizes and shapes. There are several kinds of saws which differ from each other in terms of length and weight. Since there are so many different saws on the market, we recommend getting one that is lightweight while also being able to carry out the task at hand with ease. A chainsaw is also an excellent tool for cutting down saplings and small branches.
6. Bolt cutters
If you’re going to be cutting through a lot of material, you’re going to need a good set of bolt cutters. Bolt cutters are useful for removing large pieces of metal, especially if you want to make cuts through metal pipe or cable. You can use bolt cutters to remove bolts from gutters or porch slabs, and they work well for removing burnt-out bulbs from sockets as well. If you’ve ever used them on a car, you know they are great for cutting through motor belts as well.
7. Hammers
The hammer is one of the most versatile tools you’ll have. While you can hammer in nails and pound down stakes, this is only a small part of what a hammer can do. Hammers are helpful for completing any job that requires pounding, like driving down fence posts or wood framing.
8. Screwdrivers
You’ll also need screwdrivers if you’re going to be building anything. There are three types of screwdrivers: phillips, flathead and torx. The difference between these three is in the shape of their blades: phillips have a single tip, flathead have a straight edge and torx have an L-shaped blade. Screwdrivers are often used to attach things like hinges or handles, as well as for tightening nuts and bolts. You can also use them to operate tools like a drill or circular saw.
9. Circular saws
As we mentioned in the previous section, you’ll also need to use a circular saw. It’s an essential tool for cutting lumber or sheet goods. Circular saws come in all shapes and sizes, but they are a convenient tool for making precise cuts.
10. Tape measures
A tape measure is an essential tool for any home improvement project. Keep it close at hand so that you can quickly measure the dimensions of anything. Along with that, a tape measure is also useful for finding studs, evaluating insulation and even helping you identify problems with wiring or plumbing.
Construction supply inventories that we’ve outlined here is the minimum you should have. If you feel like it’s not enough, you can always buy more once the project is underway. It’s better to get ahead of the game and buy material in bulk rather than trying to find what you need when you’re in the middle of a project.