Embarking on any home project can be daunting, but a capable contractor can ease your worries and take on the brunt of the work and coordination. They work with a variety of professional tools to get projects done correctly and in line with your areas building codes. There are multiple necessary tools for contractors for each job. Let’s take putting up drywall for example, which can require a few unique tools people may have seen, but not associated with this task.
Drywall Knife
Perhaps the most widely recognized construction tool, the drywall knife is the large, flat, usually metal tool used to handle and smooth mud on your drywall. It helps contractors fill holes or seal two parts of wall together so no moisture or other unwanted elements can get into your home. They come in a variety of sizes, usually between four and twelve inches wide, and are a separate apparatus from putty knives, which look similar.
Sanding Pole
You might be a little confused when you see a worker rubbing what looks like an industrial Swiffer mop over your new walls, but don’t worry, it’s a sanding tactic. At the end of the sanding pole is a flat surface where the contractor can attach sanding sheets so he can run them over the walls to make sure the surface is smooth and clean before painting. They’ll actually use two types of sandpaper: a fiberglass mesh and regular sandpaper. The fiberglass option is better at catching drywall dust and removing it from the area, while the regular sandpaper can smooth out and clean the surface. Using the pole and pads is a great way to save time and labor because workers don’t have to go over the whole area by hand.
Jab Saw
The jab saw may look a little sinister, but it’s incredibly useful for cutting drywall. It’s a handheld saw with a six-inch serrated blade that looks more like a knife when held. Its primary use is cutting through sheets of drywall, and although it’s a strong little tool, it doesn’t serve much purpose other than this. This specialized tool is a great addition to any contractor’s belt because you can punch the tip through the wall to start a cut instead of having to use an edge as a starting point.
So, as you can see there are a number of specialized tools that go with construction jobs. Pay attention next time your contractor is working and see if you can identify any!