The tools you need to get rid of

As any contractor will tell you, ‘time is money’. Persisting with tired old tools and outdated work methods hinders workers’ productivity, either because they are tiring to use and slowing them down or because they are not benefiting from faster, smarter technologies that help them get more work done in less time. Either way, doing things the old way is eroding your bottom line.

Since the 1970s, labour costs have increased 300% while the cost of tools has remained much the same. So there is really no excuse for not upgrading to the latest and most efficient technologies.

Here is my recommended list of tools you need to get rid of, and the modern technologies to replace them, in order to move your business forward:

Cut the cord and optimise labour hours

If you are still using electric drills, it is time to replace them with safer and more efficient cordless alternatives. By opting to use battery-powered tools you will not need to rely on a mains power supply, which is often difficult to find on a jobsite. It also allows teams to mobilise and demobilise between task sites much faster, as there are no cords to manage. Another productivity gain is that you reduce the time needed for the ‘test and tag’ procedure, a process that adds time and hassle to an average project. With battery tools you only need to ‘test and tag’ the charger, and this can be easily managed so that tools are constantly available for use.

A common misconception about cordless tools is that they are not powerful enough to perform heavy-duty tasks, but this is no longer the case. Battery technology is so advanced these days that cordless tools perform just as well as, if not better than, their corded counterparts. The Hilti TE 30-A36 combihammer, for example, can drill large-diameter holes with the speed of a corded tool two classes larger.

Switch to purpose-built tools for clean cutting and grinding

Using a grinder to cut channels for laying cables in brick walls is an outdated practice. A much better, faster and safer way to do this is with a specialised slitting tool such as Hilti’s DC-SE 20 wall chaser. A slitting tool has twin blades which allow you to cut two lines simultaneously and wheels that keep you in a perfectly straight line, a result that is impossible to achieve with a standard grinder. The wall chaser can also be connected to a vacuum cleaner so you benefit further from a dust-free work area.

Old model cutters and grinders that throw dust and debris in your face and all around the work area are doing you no favours. They present health risks such as asthma, ear, eye and throat infections, and even cancer. The dust left behind also leaves you with the added task of having to clean the work area when you are finished.

Look for models that have a built-in dust hood that connects to a vacuum cleaner which collects the dust while you work. Not only does this provide you with a cleaner and healthier work area, it also allows faster cutting progress as there are less particles getting in the way of the blade. An added benefit of a built-in dust hood is that it will prevent the tool from overheating, prolonging its useful lifetime.

Upgrade your hammer drills and reduce downtime

The combihammer is a versatile tool found in every electrical contractor’s van that can perform both drilling and chiselling functions. However, the vibrations it generates during operation cause discomfort and fatigue, which leads workers to pause for a rest regularly. Replace old-model combihammers with the latest, low-vibration models. Hilti has Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) technology built into its combihammers and demolition breakers. It reduces vibrations by up to two thirds, allowing the operator to work continuously for longer periods without needing a rest.

Another potential hazard of old-model combihammers is the possibility of the tool rotating out of control when the drill bit jams on rebar, causing a serious wrist injury to the user. Active Torque Control (ATC) technology, available in Hilti combihammers, stops the motor and disengages the drill bit from the unit instantly when a jam happens, protecting the user from being injured.

Old-style drill bits and chisels can also hamper your productivity as they are not optimised for faster drilling progress and are more prone to breakage. The latest design improvements in drill bits include a solid carbide head with four cutting edges, which slows down the wear of the bit and prevents it jamming when it hits rebar. Also, look for chisels that have a special polygon design. These sharpen themselves while in use, improving their breaking performance and making them last longer.

Ditch the tape measure for fast and highly accurate technology

The humble tape measure has long been a staple in every tradie’s toolbox, but its length limits its usefulness. It becomes very difficult to accurately measure long distances with measuring tape, and never mind trying to measure heights.

A laser range meter will allow you to measure large distances up to 200 m with an accuracy of within 1 mm. It can also perform calculations and has digital recording, so you can ditch the calculator and the pen and pad as well. And if you’re still using a tape measure and spirit level for vertical alignment of electric sockets and cable trays, consider investing in a multiline laser to get the job done single handedly and far more accurately.

Save time with faster fastening methods

Installing cable runs on concrete ceilings and block walls is usually done by anchoring. It is a two-step process whereby you have to first drill the holes, then set the anchors. Gas- or powder-actuated fastening technologies reduce this job to a single step, so you can finish quickly and move on to the next thing. These clever tools allow speedy fastening because you simply attach the fixing to the tool and shoot it directly into the wall or ceiling. They can even be installed with a magazine option so you can complete many fixings in a line very fast, increasing your productivity even further.

Continuing to use conventional tool technology is likely to be costing your business time and money on a daily basis. It’s worthwhile evaluating your current practices and looking for modern technologies that will improve your productivity. Whether it is a matter of upgrading your tools to the latest models or adopting new, smarter and faster work methods, the investment is sure to improve your bottom line.

Image courtesy of Hilti.