Scaffolding Tools & Equipment

Because of the challenges and risks associated with any construction work carried out at height, special scaffolding tools have become a must-have for any contractor, ensuring safety is at the forefront of any work done. There are many makes and models of scaffold-friendly tool to suit any job – so whether you’re repairing a bridge, cleaning a building façade or redoing a roof, make sure you and your workers stay safe on the job.

Why would I need a specialised scaffold tool?

As anyone who’s worked at height before knows, the main risk with using any tool is that one will slip out of your grasp and plummet to the ground – whether that’s one or eight storeys below. Not only does this pose a risk to the equipment, much of which is costly, it’s also a threat to other workers or passers-by. Public liability insurance covers you for accidental harm to individuals – but failure to use properly secured apparatus will invalidate any insurance you have. Making sure you use the correct instrument for each job means both you and the people around you are protected from unnecessary accidents – and gives you more confidence in your work.

What kinds of tools are available?

There is a full range of scaffolding-specific tools, from building essentials such as saws, spanners, hammers and spirit levels to more advanced construction items. Hand held power tools are also available, and even indoor tasks at height are accounted for with the introduction of scaffold-designed painting equipment.

Power tools are generally cordless, and there are belt hooks available to secure them while not in use. In addition to the devices themselves, each scaffolder will undoubtedly require harnesses and cords of various lengths to suit different items; their own safety harness; carabiners; frogs for smaller hand gadgets; and a work belt to store accessories such as tape measures.

Every tool comes with a built-in hook, to which a harness or lanyard is attached, whilst the other end secures to your work belt, ensuring that even if you drop an item, it will only fall as far as the cord allows. When using such equipment, pay particular attention to the connections of the scaffolding tools to the safety lanyard. This is often by means of split rings, karabiners or frogs – if there are any signs of wear and tear then the item should be secured by other means until a replacement has been found.

How do I purchase them?

There are various online shops specialising in scaffolding tools, with the most well-known and reputable in the UK being Leach’s and Buy Brand Tools. All stockists offer a large selection of brands including Big Ben, IMN, Leica, Richter and Stabila. Most stores offer a fast delivery service and many provide international shipping too. As always, try to buy your hardware from a reputable scaffolding equipment provider to ensure the products you receive are of good quality and have some form of guarantee.

Picking the right tool for the (scaffolding) job

With such a vast array of brands and websites offering the appropriate tools for anyone working on scaffolding, there’s no excuse for not investing in quality products which not only maximise the wellbeing of your workers but also of the general public. Working at height brings its own challenges, so make your job as easy as possible by using the right equipment from the start; and complete your contracts, content in the knowledge that your investment in quality scaffolding tools is not only contributing to your efficiency, but your safety too.