If you’re looking to break into the construction industry in New Zealand, you’re going to need good protective equipment and some decent tools. If you work as a temp through OneStaff, we’ll solve your protective equipment hassles – we provide every temp working with us with full PPE.
As far as tools go though, most roles will expect you to supply your own – and of course, a good toolbox is always handy to have around the house! While this is by no means a comprehensive list (we’ll cover power tools another time!), the below is a great start as to what you should be getting together in your toolbox.
Before You Buy – the Basics
- Don’t buy a “102-piece” cheap and nasty toolkit.
- Do scout out local markets – high-quality secondhand tools are usually still just as good as new ones and are much cheaper. Just make sure you buy good brands if you go for secondhand.
- Don’t go crazy on expensive tools either. Buy reasonably-priced tools and if they break, it’s often because you use them a lot. When this happens, it might be worth replacing them with brand-name alternatives.
Toolbox Essentials
Here’s our take on the ultimate starter toolbox that every construction worker should take with them to each temp job:
Tape Measure
As the old saying goes “measure twice, cut once”. At the end of the day, being able to measure things accurately is the difference between a well-built deck and a safety hazard stuck to the side of your house. Don’t skimp out on a cheap tape measure – a decent once really doesn’t cost that much and provided you don’t drop it a lot, it will last a very long time.
Pencil
Because what’s the point in making measurements and not marking them down?
Screwdrivers
There are a ton of different screwdrivers available, but really you can get away with having about six. You will want three Phillips and three flat-head screwdrivers – one small, medium and large of each. Usually, the best way to buy screwdrivers is to get a basic six to 10-piece set. Alternatively, you can get a ratchet screwdriver set within an assortment of bits.
Note: Square screwdrivers are becoming more and more popular, so maybe be a good addition for the true tool collector.
Claw Hammer
Half repairs, half demolition – among a pretty wide range of different types of hammers, this is the one that will see you through just about any situation where a hammer could be required. Make sure you get a classic 16oz hammer, heavy enough to hammer pretty much anything without being overly cumbersome.
Craft Knife
While easily overlooked, a good sharp utility knife is incredibly handy to have around. No matter what project you’ve decided to pick up, at some point you will need to cut or shape something – even if it’s just the end of your pencil.
Pliers
If you only want to get one pair of pliers, get a pair of needle-nose ones. They are great for getting into tighter spaces that normal pliers can’t. Pliers will prove invaluable if you are doing anything with cables. You can use them to cut, strip, twist or grab effortlessly.
Spirit Level
Other than a tape measure, this is the most important measuring tool you can get. A spirit level will let you know if you have everything square, which in turn means you won’t be building a wobbly deck with a lean to it.
Summary
Being prepared by having the right kit will make your first week on the job feel much less daunting. By using our blog as a shopping list, you’ll have everything you need to get off to the right start.
If you’d like to talk to someone about finding a new construction temp job, get in touch with your local OneStaff office and we can help you put that toolkit to good use!
