Chapter 5

1. Chapter 5 Construction Tools and Equipment

2. Objectives • After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to: • Differentiate between tools owned by individual trades people and those owned by construction companies. • Name three alternatives for obtaining tools and equipment. • Identify different types of trucks and trailers seen on construction sites.

3. Tools • It is a common practice for trades people to purchase and maintain their own set of tools. • They are responsible for having these tools at the job site each day. • Contractors are responsible for furnishing more expensive and larger tools, such as radial arm saws, compressors, and portable lights. • Tools owned by individuals are typically stored in their personal vehicles and taken home each day.

4. Obtaining Tools and Equipment • Tools and equipment are major expenses for construction companies. • The best tool or piece of equipment for a job is one that will do the job for the lowest cost. • Buy: Buying tools and equipment is often the most economical choice for frequently used and inexpensive items. It is often less expensive to rent a replacement device while the broken one is being repaired than to purchase a new one. • Rent: Expensive and infrequently used tools and equipment are most likely to be rented. Tools and equipment can also be rented to see how well a device works before making a purchase. • Subcontract: In residential construction many types of specialty subcontractors are used.

5. Transportation • Trucks and trailers are the most common hauling equipment used in construction. • Tractor trailers bring large earth moving equipment to the site. • Dump trucks move bulk items such as soil or gravel. • Specifically designed trucks transport cranes, concrete pumps, and concrete. • Flatbed trailers can be used to move equipment and structural components (fig 5-5, page 97). • Portable restroom facilities are brought to, cleaned, and removed from the job sites by the company that owns the portable sanitation facilities.

6. Shop and Storage Areas • A shop is mainly used to do maintenance and repair work on tools and equipment. • The shop may also serve as a place to gather tools, materials, and supplies from storage that needs to be taken to the job site. • A secure storage facility deters tool theft, which is a common problem with construction companies and workers. • Supplies are materials used in the work process that do not become part of the finished product.

7. Summary • It is a common practice for trades people to purchase and maintain their own set of tools. • Contractors are responsible for furnishing more expensive and larger tools, such as radial arm saws, compressors, and portable lights. • Buy: Buying tools and equipment is often the most economical choice for frequently used and inexpensive items. • Rent: Expensive and infrequently used tools and equipment are most likely to be rented. • Tractor trailers bring large earth moving equipment to the site. • Dump trucks move bulk items such as soil or gravel. • Flatbed trailers can be used to move equipment and structural components. • A shop is mainly used to do maintenance and repair work on tools and equipment. • A secure storage facility deters tool theft, which is a common problem with construction companies and workers.

8. Home Work • 1. What influences a contractor to buy or rent equipment? • 2. Why is it important to have a secure storage facility?