The best scaffolding tools can make a difference when you are working. Having a tool break when you are floors above the ground can halt production and lead to delays while the right tools for the job will keep you going until the job is done. Here is information about the most common tools used and tips to use to ensure you have the best quality for the job.
Getting Organized
Scaffolding tools include a few items that are only for organization. When working on a scaffold platform you have very limited space and the platform should always be as clear of tools and debris as possible to prevent falls. A tool belt is worn around the waist and has several pockets for the items that you use most frequently. Leather, canvas and nylon are most frequently used for making tool belts. Nylon is a fairly new material being used for tool belts.
Nylon tool belts have the advantage of being very lightweight. If you really don’t like the weight of a leather tool belt then this may be the right option for you. Leather and thick canvas are more durable than nylon, however. Leather tends to last for many years even when you are carrying heavy scaffolding tools in the belt. Canvas is also extremely durable and is slightly lighter than leather so you may want to try this option first to decide which is best for you.
Safety Tools
Tools that prevent falls are also important to have. Scaffolding tools to stop falls include harnesses that are anchored to the building that you are working on. Your harness equipment should be checked regularly for damage to ensure safety. Make sure all straps and connecting devices are free of wear and tear and check for fraying along the connections to the pack. Noticeable wear and tear indicates the need to replace your safety tools immediately.
Holding tools high in the air can also be dangerous. There are straps that are made specifically for scaffolding tools to anchor the tool to your tool belt. These straps prevent the tool from hitting the ground if it is accidentally dropped. You may need several of these scaffold tools if you use many tools throughout the day. Several tool straps can increase your efficiency since you won’t need to stop and harness each tool individually instead of simply grabbing the pre-harnessed tool from your tool belt.
Levels and Spanners
Scaffolding tools also include items that are used directly on the scaffold. Levels are a tool that are often using on scaffolding to ensure the structure is even and safe for workers to walk on. Special scaffold levels anchor to the frame of the structure with magnets so the level can stay on the frame throughout the project. If the level goes off-center then you know it is time to adjust your scaffold for safety.
Spanners are wide wrenches that are made from durable metals. Spanners are made specifically for scaffolding and are designed to fit into the tool belt nicely. Spanners are very useful for a number of jobs and are often used along with other scaffold tools on a safety lanyard to prevent dropping the tool to the street below. Spanners work the same as traditional wrenches but like many scaffolding tools are made with a hole in the end of the wrench for the safety strap to be inserted through. Stainless steel and aluminum are the most commonly used metals for spanners to ensure durability even if the item is dropped from high.
Buckets and Other Supplies
One of the most popular scaffolding tools is the manual hoist. A hoist can be used for many different tasks, including lifting other tools and supplies to those working on the scaffold platform. Paint cans, buckets, and other tools are attached to the scaffold carefully to ensure the item is secure before being lifted. Many scaffold teams have several hoists that are used in order to keep the platform clear of excess told and to reduce the time needed to obtain needed items from the ground level.
Gorilla buckets are also common scaffolding tools. These buckets are bright yellow to ensure everyone notices them on the platform and are made from durable plastic to reduce breakage. The buckets can hold paint, concrete or any other material needed to complete the job at hand. Each bucket is also fitted with wide handles on each side so the bucket can be lifted up easily using a hoist. Many scaffold teams have many of these buckets to use on hand at all times.
Managing Your Tools
Scaffolding tools are often used in limited quantities because there is limited space on the platform to work with. The most common tools in any tool belt include the following:
- Tools specific to the job. For example, paint brushes for painters and chisels and masonry tools for bricklayers.
- Scaffold specific items such as lanyard ropes and a harness for anchoring workers to the building.
- Multi-purpose tools such as screwdrivers and hammers with a hole in the handle for the safety rope.
- Gloves and safety glasses.
Each worker will have their own set of scaffolding tools that may be slightly different from anyone else. The items that are used most often will be kept in a tool belt and other items will be hoisted up as needed. There are often tools that are needed for one specific job that won’t be needed for the next job, as well. All extra tools are kept on the ground for safety reasons.
You may also find that scaffolding tools include spirit levels and other tools made just for use on the platform. These types of tools are lighter than traditional tools and simpler to carry along when you have limited space and can’t carry a lot of weight. Each tool has its own place in the tool belt and won’t be taken out unless it needs to be replaced with other scaffolding tools.
