# ConstructionTested

> Construction guides for the trades: cordless platforms, power and hand tools, PPE and workwear, layout lasers, ladders and scaffolding, jobsite power, storage and site equipment, by trade.

ConstructionTested publishes construction tools and jobsite gear reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://constructiontested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://constructiontested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://constructiontested.com/glossary): construction tools and jobsite gear terms defined
- [How we test](https://constructiontested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Power tools](https://constructiontested.com/category/power-tools): Cordless battery platforms, drills and impact drivers, circular, miter and reciprocating saws, grinders, nailers and corded tools.
- [Hand tools](https://constructiontested.com/category/hand-tools): Framing hammers, pliers, wrenches, utility knives, pry bars, tape measures and trade tool sets.
- [PPE & safety](https://constructiontested.com/category/ppe): Hard hats and helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, gloves and fall protection harnesses.
- [Workwear & boots](https://constructiontested.com/category/workwear): Safety-toe and electrical-hazard boots, hi-vis apparel, work pants, jackets, cooling and cold-weather gear.
- [Layout & measuring](https://constructiontested.com/category/layout): Line and rotary lasers, levels, laser distance meters, chalk lines, squares and moisture meters.
- [Ladders & scaffolding](https://constructiontested.com/category/access): Step, extension and multi-position ladders, baker scaffolds, scaffolding and access equipment.
- [Jobsite power & storage](https://constructiontested.com/category/jobsite): Jobsite generators and power stations, work lights, jobsite radios, gang boxes, modular storage and truck and van storage.
- [Site equipment](https://constructiontested.com/category/site-equipment): Compact equipment, concrete mixers and tools, compactors, dust extractors and site safety signage.
- [By trade](https://constructiontested.com/category/trades): Tool kits and guides by trade: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, drywallers, roofers, HVAC techs and apprentices.
- [Welding & shop](https://constructiontested.com/category/welding-shop): MIG, TIG and stick welders, plasma cutters, air compressors, socket sets, shop equipment and diagnostics.
- [Blades, bits & consumables](https://constructiontested.com/category/consumables): Saw blades, drill and driver bits, abrasives, fasteners and anchors, and how to match them to the material.

## Buying guides
- [Hi-Vis Classes Explained: ANSI/ISEA 107 Type R and Class 2 vs 3](https://constructiontested.com/guides/ansi-107-hi-vis-classes-explained): ANSI/ISEA 107 sorts high-visibility apparel by type and class. Type O is for off-road work, Type R for roadway and temporary traffic control zones and Type P for public safety. Class 1 needs the least material, Class 2 more, and Class 3 the most, requiring sleeves or full-body coverage. Roadway workers usually need at least Class 2, and Class 3 is common for high-speed traffic, night work and flaggers.
- [Safety Boot Ratings: ASTM F2413 Labels Explained](https://constructiontested.com/guides/astm-f2413-safety-boot-ratings): Safety-toe boots in the US are tested to ASTM F2413. The label lists the standard and each protection: I/75 and C/75 for impact and compression toe protection, Mt for metatarsal guards, EH for electrical hazard, PR for puncture resistance, SD for static dissipating and Cd for conductive footwear. Steel, composite and alloy toes can all meet the same rating; they differ in weight, bulk and conductivity.
- [Cordless Tool Platforms Explained: 12V, 18V, 20V Max and Beyond](https://constructiontested.com/guides/cordless-tool-platforms-explained): Cordless tools are sold as platforms: one battery fits many tools from the same brand. 18V and 20V max batteries are the same class; 20V max is the peak voltage and 18V the nominal. 12V platforms are smaller and lighter for trim, plumbing and electrical work. Higher amp-hour packs run longer, and high-output packs deliver more power to demanding tools. Choose a platform by the tools your trade needs, not just the drill.
- [Hard Hat Types and Classes: ANSI Z89.1 Explained](https://constructiontested.com/guides/hard-hat-types-and-classes): ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 sorts hard hats by impact type and electrical class. Type I protects against blows to the top of the head; Type II also protects against side impacts. Class G hats are tested to 2,200 volts, Class E to 20,000 volts, and Class C offers no electrical protection. Replace a hard hat after any significant impact, and follow the maker's schedule for the shell and suspension, which is often about five years and twelve months.
- [Ladder Duty Ratings: Type IAA, IA, I, II and III Explained](https://constructiontested.com/guides/ladder-duty-ratings-explained): Ladder duty ratings give the maximum load the ladder is rated for, including you, your clothes, tools and materials. Type IAA is rated for 375 pounds, Type IA for 300, Type I for 250, Type II for 225 and Type III for 200. Jobsite work generally calls for Type IA or IAA. Use fiberglass near electricity, set extension ladders at a 4-to-1 angle and extend them at least 3 feet above the landing.
- [Rotary vs Line Laser Levels: Which Layout Tool You Need](https://constructiontested.com/guides/rotary-vs-line-laser-levels): Line lasers project fixed lines onto walls, floors and ceilings and suit interior work such as cabinets, tile, framing and drop ceilings. Rotary lasers spin a beam 360 degrees and, with a detector, work over long distances outdoors for grading, foundations and site layout. Green beams look brighter to the eye than red indoors. Compare the accuracy spec, self-leveling range, working range with and without a detector, and the drop-test or IP rating.
- [Silica Dust Protection: Respirators and OSHA Table 1](https://constructiontested.com/guides/silica-dust-respirators-for-construction): Cutting, grinding and drilling concrete, masonry, stone and engineered stone releases crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis and other lung disease. OSHA's construction silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) lets employers follow Table 1, which pairs common tasks with dust controls such as water or vacuum extraction and, for some tasks, a respirator with an assigned protection factor of at least 10. Respirators must be NIOSH-approved and, when required, fit tested.

Contact: info@constructiontested.com