Gear built forthe jobsite,not the showroom.
Buying guides for cordless platforms, power and hand tools, PPE, workwear, layout tools, ladders, jobsite power and storage, and trade-specific equipment, compared on ratings, runtime and the standards inspectors check.
Find gear by trade and task
Safety gear first, then tools, layout, access, power and storage, and the trades that use them.
Power tools
Cordless platforms, drills, saws and nailers
Hand tools
Hammers, pliers, knives and tool sets
PPE & safety
Hard hats, eye, ear, respiratory and fall protection
Workwear & boots
Work boots, hi-vis, pants and weather gear
Layout & measuring
Lasers, levels and measuring tools
Ladders & scaffolding
Ladders, scaffolds and lifts
Jobsite power & storage
Generators, lights, radios and tool storage
Site equipment
Compact equipment, concrete and dust control
By trade
Electrical, plumbing, carpentry, drywall and roofing
Welding & shop
Welders, compressors and mechanic tools
Blades, bits & consumables
Saw blades, drill bits, abrasives and fasteners
Know the standards
- 01
Hi-Vis Classes Explained: ANSI/ISEA 107 Type R and Class 2 vs 3
ANSI/ISEA 107 sorts high-visibility apparel by type and class.
- 02
Safety Boot Ratings: ASTM F2413 Labels Explained
Safety-toe boots in the US are tested to ASTM F2413.
- 03
Cordless Tool Platforms Explained: 12V, 18V, 20V Max and Beyond
Cordless tools are sold as platforms: one battery fits many tools from the same brand.
- 04
Hard Hat Types and Classes: ANSI Z89.1 Explained
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 sorts hard hats by impact type and electrical class.
- 05
Ladder Duty Ratings: Type IAA, IA, I, II and III Explained
Ladder duty ratings give the maximum load the ladder is rated for, including you, your clothes, tools and materials.
- 06
Rotary vs Line Laser Levels: Which Layout Tool You Need
Line lasers project fixed lines onto walls, floors and ceilings and suit interior work such as cabinets, tile, framing and drop ceilings.
- 07
Silica Dust Protection: Respirators and OSHA Table 1
Cutting, grinding and drilling concrete, masonry, stone and engineered stone releases crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis and other lung disease.
Construction questions, answered
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 hi-vis?
Class 3 requires substantially more background and reflective material and covers the arms or legs, making the worker visible at greater distances.
Read: Hi-Vis Classes Explained →Is steel toe safer than composite toe?
Both pass the same ASTM F2413 impact and compression tests when rated I/75 and C/75. Composite is lighter and does not conduct cold or heat; steel is thinner for the same protection.
Read: Safety Boot Ratings →Is 20V max more powerful than 18V?
No. They are the same class of battery. 20V max is the peak voltage with no load; 18V is the nominal voltage.
Read: Cordless Tool Platforms Explained →What is the difference between Type I and Type II hard hats?
Type I is tested for impacts to the top of the head. Type II is also tested for impacts and penetration from the front, back and sides.
Read: Hard Hat Types and Classes →What ladder duty rating do I need?
Add your body weight, clothing, tools and materials. Most construction work needs Type IA (300 lb) or Type IAA (375 lb).
Read: Ladder Duty Ratings →Do I need a rotary laser for interior work?
Usually not. A cross-line or 3-plane line laser handles most interior layout. Rotary lasers shine outdoors and over long distances.
Read: Rotary vs Line Laser Levels →Standards and runtime first
PPE, ladders and access equipment are compared on the standard and rating they carry first.
Each guide says who the tool suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
The construction tools and jobsite gear index
- 01Power toolsCordless battery platforms, drills and impact drivers, circular, miter and reciprocating saws, grinders, nailers and corded tools.1 page
- 02Hand toolsFraming hammers, pliers, wrenches, utility knives, pry bars, tape measures and trade tool sets.0 pages
- 03PPE & safetyHard hats and helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, gloves and fall protection harnesses.2 pages
- 04Workwear & bootsSafety-toe and electrical-hazard boots, hi-vis apparel, work pants, jackets, cooling and cold-weather gear.2 pages
- 05Layout & measuringLine and rotary lasers, levels, laser distance meters, chalk lines, squares and moisture meters.1 page
- 06Ladders & scaffoldingStep, extension and multi-position ladders, baker scaffolds, scaffolding and access equipment.1 page
- 07Jobsite power & storageJobsite generators and power stations, work lights, jobsite radios, gang boxes, modular storage and truck and van storage.0 pages
- 08Site equipmentCompact equipment, concrete mixers and tools, compactors, dust extractors and site safety signage.0 pages
- 09By tradeTool kits and guides by trade: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, drywallers, roofers, HVAC techs and apprentices.0 pages
- 010Welding & shopMIG, TIG and stick welders, plasma cutters, air compressors, socket sets, shop equipment and diagnostics.0 pages
- 011Blades, bits & consumablesSaw blades, drill and driver bits, abrasives, fasteners and anchors, and how to match them to the material.0 pages