In a sector where margins are tight, it is absolutely vital to minimise any downtime during hectic spells of work. A well set up and equipped workshop is key to every contracting outfit. There is an abundance of tools out there to choose from but we take a look at the top five indispensable tools for every contractor’s workshop.
This can be found in almost every farmyard right around the country. It has the ability to get you out of trouble and often correct a challenging situation. There are three types of welder – a MIG, TIG and an ARC. The ARC would be the most common, simplest and cheapest to buy. ARC welding uses a power supply to generate an electric arc between an electrode and the steel to melt the metal at the point of weld. ARC welders can be purchased new from only €100.
The MIG welding process is where a constant solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun and into the area intended to join two materials together. MIG welders allow for a neater weld but are more expensive. Prices range from €450 up to €2,900.
A TIG welder can be used to join dissimilar metals such as copper and titanium. It works by producing heat from an arc of electricity skipping from an electrode to the surface to area you plan to weld. TIG welders range in price from €300 upwards.
An air compressor has numerous applications, from pumping wheels to operating hand-held tools.An absolute must-have tool in any workshop. This tool stores compressed air under high pressure and releases it as required. It is driven by a motor or an engine depending on the capacity. Air compressors can be used to inflate wheels, drive impact guns or power other air tools such as a spray gun. Price depends on capacity, pump size and brand. Small compressors can be bought for as little as €100 while bigger, engine-powered compressors suitable for use with umbilical systems can reach massive price tags.
A bench vice fixed to a solid bench is a must in any contractors workshop.
A solid bench vice should be installed into any workshop as common practice. A good-quality vice will last a lifetime. We take the bench vice for granted but without this useful tool we would find it quite difficult to straighten pieces of steel or firmly hold steel in a desired position. The vice should be firmly bolted to the workshop bench and where possible, located in the most versatile location in the workshop. Smaller bench vices start off from €80.
A trolley jack will make changing wheels easier but make sure you know its maximum lift capacity.A jack is another tool which is vital in any mechanical-orientated workshop. There are two types – a trolley jack, which comes on wheels; and a bottle jack or a pump-up jack. These jacks vary in size and strength and are priced accordingly. The basic function of the jack is to lift or take the weight off something. However, it is vital that any other appropriate measures are taken when using jacks to carry sizeable weights. Prices for 20t bottle jacks start at €45, while 2t trolley jacks start in the region of €60. A good-quality jack has the potential to last for a very long time so initial investment is best spent on a well-built certified tool.
A universal tool in any contractors toolbox is the vicegrips. The trusty vice grips is probably the most broad-spectrum tool on the market. You would find a vice grips of some description in any workshop around the country. Although small in size, this dependable tool has the capabilities of taking any contractor or farmer out of an awkward and sticky situation. Vice grips come in a number of sizes and pricing varies accordingly with a guide price of €18 to €20. Some brands have a tendency to be more durable and last longer.
In a sector where margins are tight, it is absolutely vital to minimise any downtime during hectic spells of work. A well set up and equipped workshop is key to every contracting outfit. There is an abundance of tools out there to choose from but we take a look at the top five indispensable tools for every contractor’s workshop.
This can be found in almost every farmyard right around the country. It has the ability to get you out of trouble and often correct a challenging situation. There are three types of welder – a MIG, TIG and an ARC. The ARC would be the most common, simplest and cheapest to buy. ARC welding uses a power supply to generate an electric arc between an electrode and the steel to melt the metal at the point of weld. ARC welders can be purchased new from only €100.
The MIG welding process is where a constant solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun and into the area intended to join two materials together. MIG welders allow for a neater weld but are more expensive. Prices range from €450 up to €2,900.
A TIG welder can be used to join dissimilar metals such as copper and titanium. It works by producing heat from an arc of electricity skipping from an electrode to the surface to area you plan to weld. TIG welders range in price from €300 upwards.
An air compressor has numerous applications, from pumping wheels to operating hand-held tools.An absolute must-have tool in any workshop. This tool stores compressed air under high pressure and releases it as required. It is driven by a motor or an engine depending on the capacity. Air compressors can be used to inflate wheels, drive impact guns or power other air tools such as a spray gun. Price depends on capacity, pump size and brand. Small compressors can be bought for as little as €100 while bigger, engine-powered compressors suitable for use with umbilical systems can reach massive price tags.
A bench vice fixed to a solid bench is a must in any contractors workshop.A solid bench vice should be installed into any workshop as common practice. A good-quality vice will last a lifetime. We take the bench vice for granted but without this useful tool we would find it quite difficult to straighten pieces of steel or firmly hold steel in a desired position. The vice should be firmly bolted to the workshop bench and where possible, located in the most versatile location in the workshop. Smaller bench vices start off from €80.
A trolley jack will make changing wheels easier but make sure you know its maximum lift capacity.A jack is another tool which is vital in any mechanical-orientated workshop. There are two types – a trolley jack, which comes on wheels; and a bottle jack or a pump-up jack. These jacks vary in size and strength and are priced accordingly. The basic function of the jack is to lift or take the weight off something. However, it is vital that any other appropriate measures are taken when using jacks to carry sizeable weights. Prices for 20t bottle jacks start at €45, while 2t trolley jacks start in the region of €60. A good-quality jack has the potential to last for a very long time so initial investment is best spent on a well-built certified tool.
A universal tool in any contractors toolbox is the vicegrips. The trusty vice grips is probably the most broad-spectrum tool on the market. You would find a vice grips of some description in any workshop around the country. Although small in size, this dependable tool has the capabilities of taking any contractor or farmer out of an awkward and sticky situation. Vice grips come in a number of sizes and pricing varies accordingly with a guide price of €18 to €20. Some brands have a tendency to be more durable and last longer.
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: