When the editor of this magazine asked if we could write an article about the 10 handiest tools in an installer’s kit, we immediately said yes, no problem!
Well, that was before we started talking about what each of us thought those handy tools would be. First, how do you narrow down the lengthy list of installers’ tools and equipment? Second, we discovered we didn’t necessarily agree. So we expect you will look at our list and start to come up with your own. In fact, we would enjoy hearing from you on the tools you feel are the handiest.
Tool number one is not really a tool at all, but without it you won’t be an installer for long. That tool is a good healthy dose of common sense. This runs the gamut from how to deal with the variety of people you do jobs for, to the technical sense to know when something will work and when it will not. The ability to look over a site and anticipate problems is invaluable when you’re bidding a job. It helps you avoid putting yourself in a position where you have promised a client too much.
Number two is so common it will probably not make many lists: It is the shovel. While backhoes and other machinery are necessary to complete a job, the shovel is essential for finishing and close work. It is handy in hard-to-get-at areas and where you may be trying to avoid electric or gas lines.
The third tool, related to the shovel, is a 3-inch bucket auger. You can use this tool to evaluate the soil in the area of the treatment system. By taking a few well-placed soil borings to make sure of the soil condition where you will be digging, you can prevent some mistakes. And what you find may actually lead to a discussion with the designer, which in turn may result in design changes that improve the system.
Fourth is a laser level. As you already know, keeping things level is one of our guiding principles. The advent of the laser has made life a lot easier in terms of setting grades or making sure your trench or septic tank excavation is level. In the old days, setting up the transit and making sure it was level was a job in itself. It led to a lot of bad choices, such as “eyeballing it,” because it was such a hassle. Now, no more excuses! Of course, a laser level doesn’t replace the need to know and understand surveying basics, but it does make the job easier.
Fifth is a digital camera. Again, with this improved technology, taking photographs to document work and problems has never been easier. Having pictures of a job from start to finish can be very valuable in case questions arise in the future about what the site looked like, or why you handled a certain aspect of the job the way you did. The camera provides an easy way to document your work.
Sixth is a variety of cordless equipment. This includes drills along with saws of different varieties and sizes. When on job sites, it is common to work in areas where it is difficult to get electricity. Being able to work without running a generator or rolling out lengthy extension cords is a luxury.
Seventh is a companion piece to the cordless equipment, and that is a battery charger. We feel it deserves its own slot because if you have ever gone without a charger, you understand that there is no advantage in cordless tools. So, a charger is a must for all the sizes of equipment you plan on using.
Number eight is sharp drill bits. Drilling holes in plastic pipe or other material is a lot easier if the bits are sharp. If you’re drilling holes in pipe for pressure distribution, it’s very important to have clean holes without burrs or plastic pieces sticking up. Those defects can result in orifices plugging down the road, and you’re likely to get them if your drill bits are dull.
Ninth is a 100-foot tape measure. Nothing puts an end to discussions about how far away the well is, or the distance to the corner of the garage, like actually measuring the distance. It’s important to know setbacks and other critical distances accurately, instead of just relying on pacing or guessing.
Tenth is a tile probe, to locate tanks, drop boxes, and trenches at repair jobs. The probe allows you to scout the area quickly and locate those system parts so you can troubleshoot the system or plan your repair strategy.
Well, there you have it — our 10 handiest tools list. You’ll notice that we avoided anything with a motor or an engine. We could probably do a top 10 list of the handiest equipment needs, like a small-tracked Bobcat, a gooseneck trailer, or ...
But wait — maybe that’s a topic for an article in the future! Enjoy discussing your favorite tools, and feel free to send us your thoughts on this subject.
