Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Main tools
Preferred type
Comments
The hook on poor-quality tape measures
may come loose easily, bend or break,
or not be set correctly. Such tape
measures may also stop returning into
their holder, rust easily, or snap!
5m long, with metric and
imperial units together.
Tape measure
With retractable blade for
safety.
Any small hand knife will do, prefer-
ably on a string to avoid losing it!
Stanley knife
Cheap hammers bend when pulling
nails out, or become pockmarked on
hitting nails. Their handles may pull
off too!
14oz (400g) weight or less,
unless you are used to
them.
Claw hammer
2lb (0.9kg) is sufficient
unless you're trying to
impress someone.
The head can fly off cheap ones!
Lump hammer
A sharp saw is a dream to use, but a
blunt one may put you off carpentry
for life.
Handsaw
Cross-cut panel saw.
A side axe is best, but a
splitting axe is useful too.
Get one that fits your hand size and
strength.
Axe
This is an alternative to the axe, and
extremely handy if you're used to
using one.
Billhook
Any type will do.
Otherwise known as a fencing
hammer. No strawbaler should be
without one!
Long handle, large, light-
weight head.
Persuader
Should be long enough to go through
the width of a bale, and sturdy
enough not to bend too much.
Lightweight steel, pointed,
with two holes at one end.
Baling needles
Fabric with criss-cross
plastic.
Most work gloves are made for men
with big hands, so choose carefully.
Gloves
Need to be really sharp, as straw is
particularly tough to clip.
Hedge clippers
Any type will do.
