We all know that building a home or an office of our own is an emotional journey. Indeed, it is a proud moment to own it. Some call it a dream! To accomplish this dream, the path involves men, materials, machines, monetary support, designing, planning, time, and the list goes on. In today’s section, we try to explore the machines or simply say tools. At present time, hand tools are slowly being replaced with power tools or electric tools. Can power tools in construction be a success? Let’s begin our quest in knowing them.

 

Why do you need Power Tools for Construction?

 

Think before you speak or act – a wise man’s advice never goes wrong. Likewise, let us ask a question or think or understand: WHY DO WE NEED POWER TOOLS? Or how do these tools play along?

• Can I complete my work fast?
• Are these tools easy to handle?
• Will these tools help in performing quality work?
• Do they run by electricity or any source?
• A construction work area is always a rugged place. Can I use these tools?
• Are these tools from the best brands?

 

And the answer to all these questions: Power Tools are the best solution. So, you may now start asking: What types of tools can be used?

 

Power Tools in Construction: Choosing now is the smart move!

Construction involves many activities. A layman can simply summarize by saying: cutting stones, laying bricks, mixing cement, cutting wood, electrical wiring, laying foundation, roofing, and it goes on and on. But the technicalities and challenges are known and faced best only by the real hard-core workers & technicians. It is good that we break down a few of the vital activities w.r.t materials, and then see which power tools fit them well.

 

Stone/Ceramic/Marble:

 

Brick n Mortar is often referred to as a building. And no construction of such building goes without stone, ceramic, or marble. These raw materials cannot be used in obtained conditions. Well, they will be cut into large slabs. Again, they cannot be used in their entirety. What do you do? And how do you do?

Chop Saw: Commonly called a Cut-off machine plays a dynamic role in the cutting process. Be it ceramic tiles, concrete, stone, or even marble; all of them can be cut effortlessly with this Chop Saw. Some call it a Circular Saw.

Quick list: Black +Decker CS1500 Circular Saw, Dewalt D28730 14" (355mm) Chop Saw, Makita 4”/5” Tile Cutter, Bosch GCO 14-24/J Chop Saw, Bosch GKS 190/235/7000 Circular Saw

 

Construction Hammer Drill: These types of Drills are mainly used for boreholes in the concrete floors or footholds.

Quick list: HiKOKI DH26PB

 

Rotary Hammer: It performs two functions – drilling & chiseling. This tool is ideal for hard materials like stone, concrete, or marble.

Quick list: HiKOKI – DH40MC, DH45ME, DH52ME, Makita – HR2300, HR4001C, HR4001C/4003C/4031C 40MM, Bosch GBH 180, GBH 200, GBH 2-26E

 

Impact Drill: To have the long screws, bolts & nuts be fastened or bolted up, make use of Impact drills.

Quick list: Bosch - GSB 10 RE, GSB501, HiKOKI - DV13VSS, DV16V, DV10VST, DV14DJL

 

Wood:

Stone & Wood are the prominent materials that are still being used in construction even today. Ceiling, Flooring, Walls, Cabinets, Doors, Windows, and some interior artifacts are all done with wood. Again we need to cut, polish, or grind them as per the requirement. Also, some construction methods do involve wood frameworks.

 

Circular Saw: Used to cut the wood/timber logs. The sharp cutting disc simply slices the wood at great ease.

Quick list: Black+Decker CS 1500, Bosch GKS 190, HiKOKI C9SA3

 

Compound Saw/Mitre Saw: For perfect angle cuts, you need a compound saw. The bending edge as seen in the tables, doors, or window frames can be done using this tool.

Quick list: HiKOKI C12FCH, C12LCH, Metabo KGS 254 M, KS 305 M

Metal:

Another pivotal element in construction is metal. They find extensive use in forming structures, cladding, pipework, and framework using steel (lightweight). Most commonly used metal is steel, iron rods, aluminum, and copper. As discussed earlier, none of the materials can be used in their entirety always. Some change cutting, polishing or grinding. So, let’s see which tool is best for all the operations for a metal.

 

Angle Grinder: A multi-purpose tool that cuts, polishes, or grinds the metal is the most sought-after power tool. You can choose from our Screwfix.

 

Quick list: HiKOKI G13SW (corded), Makita Cordless 100MM/125MM, Metabo DW125, Bosch Grinder GWS 2000 7”, GWS 600 4”, GWS 750-100 4”, GWS 6-125 5”, DeWalt DW824-B1IN 125mm, DWE4597-IN 180mm, DWD28413-IN 180mm, DW801-IN 100mm

 

Nibbler & Shear:

Both of these tools are used for the metal sheet cutting process. If the metal sheets have to be cut into some patterns, then choosing a Nibbler is the right choice. Shearing tools are ideal for heavy metal cutting work; also wastage during the process is minimal when compared to Nibblers.

Quick list: Nibbler--Bosch GNA 2, 0 & 3, 5 & HiKOKI CN16SA

Quick list: Shear—HiKOKI CE16SA, Makita – 18V Li Metal Shear 1.5mm

 

Other portable power tools & their uses:

Here is another list of building tools that cannot go unnoticed.

Tool List	Used	Example
Impact Wrench	Used as fasteners – nuts, bolts, & screws	Bosch GDS 30 DeWalt DCF880M2-QW 12.7mm Hitachi WR18DHL
Reciprocating Saw	Used as a demolishing tool. It can slit open the materials around doors & windows	Makita 1010W / Pipe:130mm / 0-2800spm
Demolition Hammer	As the name suggests, it is used extensively used to cut, chisel or remove the concrete material	HiKOKI H41MB2 Bosch GSH 9 VC Dewalt D25901K-B1
Concrete Vibrator	To remove air bubbles once the concrete is poured into the structure/construction place. It enhances the quality of concrete work as air spaces are removed	Bosch GVC 22 EX Makita 18V Li ion Concrete Vibrator
Stone Polishers	To obtain matt or glossy finish	Makita 180MM / 900W / 600-2000rpm / 2.1kg
Vacuum Cleaner	To absorb dust at the construction place; easy to handle and to cover larger areas	Metabo ASA 30 L PC Inox Makita 18Vx2 Wet & Dry / BL Motor Bosch GAS 35 L SFC+ Vacuum Cleaner
Blower	Another tool to remove dust particles around the working area and also to clean the other tools	Dewalt DWB800-IN Blower 800W HiKOKI RB40SA Makita CORDLESS BLOWER HIGH: 4.4 m3/min 93 m/s 17000 rpm 2.6 kg

 

Any task will always have a start & an end date. Similarly, there will be an estimated completion date even for the construction work. Now, if it exceeds way too beyond the agreed timelines; it has a direct impact on the monetary factor. And no one is happy about it.

We all agree that machines & tools are designed to perform: repetitive jobs/tasks at a faster rate, and with quality. By using these power tools, one can accomplish the required throughput. Quality will never be compromised. They offer both perfection & precision. So, moving towards better power tools for construction is a promising sign of overall improvements.