Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Other useful tools
Preferred type
Comments
For marking 90º and 45º
angles.
Cheap ones may bend or not measure
angles accurately.
Combination square
Most common problems are the tight-
ening screw handle getting in the way
when marking, or not staying tight.
For marking angles from 0º
to 180º.
Bevel
A traditional tool that is extremely effec-
tive, but may be difficult to find. Can be
made by a blacksmith from an original.
Hay knife
Large single blade.
Powerful, with hammer
action.
See 'Power tools and electricity on site',
opposite.
Electric drill
An essential protection when using
240V power tools on site.
Earth trip
Plugs directly into a socket.
Can also use battery powered. Note that
the heads on cheaper screwdrivers or bits
are made of softer metals that will wear
out rather than turn a difficult screw.
A selection of sizes, both
straight head and posidrive
or Phillips.
Screwdrivers
Spanners and
wrenches
A selection of sizes.
May need both metric and imperial sizes.
Crowbar
Long but not too heavy.
Can be used for many different jobs.
Possible alternative to the persuader
(see 'Main tools'), but can encourage
too much macho behaviour.
Sledgehammer
Short- and/or long-handled.
All types will work, but be careful not to
get one that's too heavy, as it has to be
used sideways.
Best with a metal
cutting blade.
Garden strimmer
Must be very sharp, but can get very
close to the straw for a nice neat finish
and can create lovely details around
window and door openings.
Crocodile or
alligator saw
Electric or powerful battery.
A very dangerous but effective tool;
needs to be kept sharp. May need
constant cleaning as straw will clog it up.
Chainsaw
Petrol driven or electric.
100mm (4”) angle
grinder
Use a wood carving (arbutus) blade.
Again, a very dangerous tool: be careful!
Electric.
Must be very sharp. Don't hire them at
the end of the season because they'll be
blunt and frustrating!
Hedge cutters
Petrol or electric.
