Essential Construction Gadgets For Project Managers & Supervisors
In the world of construction, the jobsite is where all the action is. construction managers are fully exposed to the heat, the cold, the rain and every other kind of element, all while coordinating the ever-crazy construction process.For those working as a project manager, site superintendent or any other position in construction management, you understand the need for a wide variety of tools and CONSTRUCTION gadgets to handle what the day throws at you.
Onsite conditions must be monitored; material requirements must be tracked; cool stuff needs to be looked at closer – you get the idea! the point is, there are many tools & devices that the job site requires on the regular basis. if you’re a tool & gadget fan such as myself, you may be interested in acquiring a few new additions to your job site repertoire.
this page is dedicated to putting all of these essential tools & CONSTRUCTION gadgets in one place, along with why each device is useful and a few models to consider (4 stars minimum rating) if you’re looking to buy one! I DO MY BEST TO INCLUDE PRODUCTS AT A VARIETY OF PRICE POINTS.
BROWSE CONSTRUCTION GADGETS BY CATEGORY:
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NO-TOUCH SURFACE THERMOMETER
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
MANY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS REQUIRE A SUBSTRATE ABOVE A SPECIFIC TEMPERATURE TO FACILITATE A PROPER INSTALLATION. THIS INCLUDES INDUSTRIAL PAINTS & WATERPROOF COATINGS THAT ARE USED TO COAT STEEL, ALUMINUM, CONCRETE AND OTHER COMMON MATERIALS. WHEN USING A NO-TOUCH SURFACE THERMOMETER, A QUICK SQUEEZE OF THE TRIGGER GIVES YOU AN INSTANT DIGITAL READING OF THE SUBSTRATE’S SURFACE TEMPERATURE. EXTRA TIP: TAKE A PICTURE OF THE READING FOR DOCUMENTATION.
>>READ MORE: TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY IN CONSTRUCTION
TOP-RATED MODELS
FLUKE 62 MAX+ INFRARED THERMOMETER
Klein Tools Dual-Laser Infrared Thermometer [20:1]
HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE MONITORING TOOLS
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
MANY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS MUST BE INSTALLED & CURE BELOW A CERTAIN ATMOSPHERIC HUMIDITY THRESHOLD. THESE SAME MATERIALS OFTEN HAVE APPLICATION TEMPERATURE CONSTRAINTS, TOO. THESE INCLUDE COATINGS, PAINTS, CAULKINGS AND WATERPROOF MEMBRANES. HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE CAN BE TRACKED CONTINUOUSLY OVER 24-HOUR CYCLES USING THESE MONITORING DEVICES TO ENSURE THESE COATINGS ARE SETTING UP PROPERLY! SOME FEATURE REAL-TIME MONITORING THROUGH MOBILE APPS AS WELL, SO YOU CAN KEEP RECORDS OF THIS CRUCIAL INFO.
>>READ MORE: TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY IN CONSTRUCTION
TOP-RATED MODELS
Extech 45158 Mini Waterproof Thermo & Humidity Meter
IDEAL SCIENCES Wireless TempERATURE & Humidity Sensor
NO-TOUCH VOLTAGE TESTING
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
ARE YOU WONDERING IF THAT OUTLET, WIRING OR CORD IS LIVE? DON’T TAKE THE CHANCE! USE THESE SMALL, HANDHELD VOLTAGE TESTING PENS TO STAY SAFE FROM SURPRISE SHOCK OR ELECTROCUTION. THIS CAN BE ESPECIALLY USEFUL IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS OR ON RENOVATION/DEMOLITION PROJECTS, MAKING THE VOLTAGE TESTING PEN ONE OF THE MORE ESSENTIAL CONSTRUCTION GADGETS.
TOP-RATED MODELS
Klein Tools 69149 Multimeter Test Kit
Fluke 1AC-A1-II Non-Contact Voltage Tester
ENDOSCOPE SNAKE CAMERA
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
IF YOU’RE WORKING AMONGST CONDUIT, SEWERS, SMALL SPACES, PIPING OR UTILITY CHASES, IT PAYS TO HAVE A HIGH-QUALITY CAMERA TO GO WHERE WE OURSELVES CANNOT! AN ENDOSCOPIC SNAKE CAMERA IS A GREAT WAY TO INSPECT OLD PIPING, GET A CLOSE-UP LOOK AT INTERNAL ISSUES OR JUST CHECK OUT SMALL SPACES. THESE MODELS ARE WIRELESS & ARE COMPATIBLE WITH MOST SMART DEVICES.
TOP-RATED MODELS
Oiiwak Waterproof Borescope Inspection Camera [1080p]
BlueFire 1080P Wireless SMARTPHONE INSPECTION CAMERA
MIL THICKNESS GAUGE FOR COATINGS
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS FOR COATINGS, PAINTS & MEMBRANES REQUIRE THAT THESE LIQUIDS ARE APPLIED & INSTALLED AT A CERTAIN MINIMUM THICKNESS. A MIL GAUGE ALLOWS US TO CHECK THESE THICKNESS WHEN THE LIQUID IS FIRST APPLIED TO ENSURE IT’S MEETING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
TOP-RATED MODELS
TCP Global Wet Film Thickness Gauge [1-80 Mil Scale]
CM-206FN Digital Coating Thickness Gauge
concrete rebound "Schmidt" hammer
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
WHETHER YOU’RE CHECKING OUT THE DENSITY OF AN UNCOVERED BOULDER, INSPECTING AN OLD CONCRETE STRUCTURE FOR STRENGTH OR CONFIRMING THAT A NEWLY-POURED CONCRETE ELEMENT HAS PROPERLY CURED, THE SOUNDING HAMMER – ALSO KNOWN AS A “SCHMIDT HAMMER” – WILL TELL YOU EXACTLY HOW STRONG THAT MATERIAL IS.
TOP-RATED MODELS
NEWTRY Portable Concrete Rebound Hammer
TORQUE WRENCH
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
WHEN IT COMES TO STEEL ASSEMBLY, CONCRETE/MASONRY ANCHORS AND OTHER STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS, THEY MUST BE STRONG ENOUGH TO MEET A PRE-DETERMINED, SPECIFIED STRENGTH VALUE. A TORQUE WRENCH IS A QUICK WAY TO CHECK THE STRENGTH OF AN ANCHOR, BOLT OR FASTENER TO MAKE SURE IT’S MEETING THE SPECIFICATION. THIS ALLOWS CONTRACTORS AND INSPECTORS ALIKE TO CATCH PROBLEMS EARLY BEFORE THEY GET TOO OUT OF HAND! P.S. IF ‘MY COUSIN VINNY’ DIDN’T POP UP IN YOUR MIND YET, NOW IT HAS 🙂
>>READ MORE: THE TORQUE WRENCH IN CONSTRUCTION: IMPORTANCE & USES
TOP-RATED MODELS
GearWrench 1/2″ Drive 120XP Digital torque wrench [85196]
TEKTON 1/2" Click Torque Wrench (25-250 ft.-lb.) [24340]
HIGH-POWERED WATERPROOF FLASHLIGHT
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
MANY TYPES ON CONSTRUCTION HAPPEN IN THE DARK: TRENCHING, CONFINED SPACE, UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE, DUCTING/INTERIOR UTILITY PROJECTS, NIGHT WORK & MORE. ON PROJECTS LIKE THESE, A GOOD, TRUSTWORTHY FLASHLIGHT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND. SMARTPHONE FLASHLIGHTS ARE OK SOMETIMES, BUT A BRIGHT LED FLASHLIGHT CAN BE EASILY CARRIED AND IS SIGNIFICANTLY BRIGHTER! NOT TO MENTION, WE DON’T WANT OUR PHONES GETTING SOAKED – A WATERPROOF FLASHLIGHT IS MUCH LESS RISKY. STAY SAFE IN THOSE DARK PLACES! A GOOD FLASHLIGHT IS A MUST-HAVE CONSTRUCTION GADGET ON THE JOB SITE!
TOP-RATED MODELS
BIGSUN Q953 10000mAh Rechargeable LED Waterproof Spotlight
Klein Tools 56220 LED Hard Hat Headlamp
UTILITY KNIFE
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
ALTHOUGH WE DON’T NEED TO STATE THE OBVIOUS, LET’S DO IT ANYWAYS. THERE’S ALWAYS STUFF TO CUT WHEN SPENDING TIME ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE. PACKAGING, BOXES, STRING, ROPE, PLASTIC – THE LIST GOES ON. A GOOD, SOLID UTILITY KNIFE ALWAYS COMES IN HANDY ONSITE. OF COURSE, KEEP YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IN MIND.
TOP-RATED MODELS
Summit Gear Heavy Duty Folding Dual Utility Knife
Klein Tools Heavy Duty Folding Utility Knife [44131]
TAPE MEASURE
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
AH YES, THE QUINTESSENTIAL TAPE MEASURE. THE LITERAL RULER OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD. WHETHER IT BE PERFORMING A TAKEOFF ONSITE, LAYING OUT NEW WORK, CHECKING TOLERANCES OR ONE OF THE MILLION OTHER REASONS TO USE ONE, A HIGH QUALITY TAPE MEASURE IS EVERY CONSTRUCTION MANAGER’S FRIEND. I PERSONALLY LIKE ONES THAT CAN REACH AT LEAST 25-FT AND TAKE A FALL, HENCE THE SELECTIONS TO THE LEFT/ABOVE. A BONUS FEATURE IS THE MAGNETIC TIP FOR THOSE WORKING AMONGST METAL STRUCTURES.
TOP-RATED MODELS
Stanley FatMax 25-Ft. Tape Measure
Klein Tools 25-Ft. Double-Sided Magnetic Measuring Tape
DIGITAL LASER DISTANCE METER
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
A DIGITAL LASER DISTANCE METER IS A GREAT TOOL FOR ANYONE NEEDING TO TAKE ACCURATE, ON-POINT MEASUREMENTS THAT TYPICALLY REQUIRE A SECOND PERSON…WITHOUT THAT SECOND PERSON. CERTAIN LASER DISTANCE METERS CAN TAKE MEASUREMENTS WELL OVER 100FT – ACCURATELY. THESE DEVICES ARE PARTICULARLY USEFUL WHEN TRYING TO GET A DIMENSION READING OVERHEAD WITHOUT DIRECT ACCESS TO IT.
TOP-RATED MODELS
Bosch Blaze Pro 165' Laser Distance Measure [GLM165-40]
cshare 262-ft. Digital Laser Distance Meter
DISTANCE-MEASURING WHEEL
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
THE DISTANCE-MEASURING WHEEL IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL ON BRIDGE/ROADWAY AND LARGE COMMERCIAL PROJECTS. ON BIG JOB SITES LIKE THESE, A SET OF PLANS AND A TAPE MEASURE JUST DOESN’T CUT IT. USE A DISTANCE-MEASURING WHEEL TO DO LARGE-SCALE TAKEOFFS, LAYOUT AND MORE.
TOP-RATED MODELS
Zozen Collapsible Measuring Wheel [0-9,999 Ft]
Calculated Industries DigiRoller Plus III Measuring Wheel [0-9,999,999 Ft]
PROTRACTOR / ANGLE FINDER
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
WHILE SOME CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ARE SQUARE AND BOXY, OTHERS HAVE MANY COMPLEX GEOMETRIES TO THEM IN SOME FORM OR ANOTHER. WHETHER IT BE MEASURING ANGLES AND DIMENSIONS OF AN EXISTING STRUCTURE, MAKING A SKETCH, CREATING A TEMPLATE OR LAYING OUT NEW WORK, AN ANGLE FINDER WILL SAVE A LOT OF TIME AND HEADACHE ON THE JOB SITE. STAINLESS STEEL MODELS ARE RESISTANT TO RUST AS WELL, SO WEATHER IS NOT A FACTOR.
TOP-RATED MODELS
Neoteck Aluminum Digital Angle Finder Protractor
ANKACE Multi Angle Measuring Ruler
CONSTRUCTION CALCULATOR
WHY IT'S A GREAT CONSTRUCTION GADGET
IF YOU’VE BEEN WORKING ON CONSTRUCTION SITES FOR A WHILE, YOU’VE LIKELY BEEN DOING LOTS OF ‘NAPKIN MATH’ FOR ALL KINDS OF REASONS: ESTIMATING QUANTITIES, FIGURING OUT DIMENSIONS, PERFORMING LAYOUT AND CALCULATING ANGLES ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES. LUCKILY, WE DON’T NEED TO GO INSANE OVER THIS. CONSTRUCTION CALCULATORS CAN PERFORM A TON OF THESE OFTEN COMPLEX CALCULATIONS. SWITCH BETWEEN UNITS, WORK WITH FRACTIONS, MINIMIZE LEFTOVER MATERIAL WASTE AND MORE WITH A CONSTRUCTION CALCULATOR AT YOUR SIDE.
TOP-RATED MODEL
Calculated Industries 4065 Construction Master Pro
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