Currently, boilermakers are in demand. And their demand is likely to be on the rise. Hence, those who have the passion would not think twice to choose this profession. However, as this profession depends on the techniques that you have to adhere to, you need to have the rights tools for the respective task that you have to carry out. You would not be able to do most of the work without the perfect tools that you would have to use. So, we thought of telling you about the boilermaker tools that you need to know about to indulge in the industry successfully.
The Importance of Boilermaker Tools
Well, tools are there to make our lives easier. If there were no tools, we would not be able to do most of the things that we do. But with the use of the right tools, we would be able to do most of the things very quickly and efficiently. And we would not need much strength when we use tools. So, there is no doubt at all that we have to use tools on numerous occasions in our lives.
However, when it comes to boilermaker tools, you would still have to use the right tools to make your work easier If you do so, you would be able to indulge in the industry like a pro. Your talents matter. Of course, your techniques also matter. Yet, the tools that you use matter above everything else. It is the tools that you use that make the boilermaker out of you. Thus, by reading this article, you can get a very good understanding of the boilermaker tools that we are going to tell you about. Then, you would be able to use them effectively. Go ahead reading!
Boilermaker Tools
Now, we have come to the place that we need to discuss matters lengthily. From here onwards, we are going to provide you with a detailed overview of the essential boilermaker tools that each and every boilermaker should have.
- Hammer
- Hex keys
- Plumb bob
- Dividers
- Shifter
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Torch
- Straightedge
- Framing square
- Tip cleaners
Yes, these are the essential boilermaker tools that you would need. And no doubt, you would like to know about each of them in detail.
1. Hammer
We are going to start our discussion on boilermaker tools with the hammer. Needless to say, a hammer is a general tool that any professional would have to use. Particularly, a person who is not involved in any professional construction work would also need a hammer for general household work. However, for boilermakers, a hammer is very much useful.
Boilermakers must involve in tasks such as assembling, installing, repairing, and maintaining boilers. You would specifically need a boiler for many of the above tasks.
Of course, a hammer is for striking a particular surface. When you need to strike a surface hard, you can use a hammer. It might be either to fix or break something.
For a boilermaker, chipping hammers would be more useful than ordinary hammers. Chipping hammers are mainly used as a concrete breaker. You can easily position them and break vertical and overhead surfaces without much effort.
An important feature that you must consider when purchasing chipping hammers is that they must be durable. If you do not have the ability to use them for a long time, purchasing that product is useless. Hence, go for durable products all the time to ensure that you can use them throughout your career as a boilermaker.
Estwing BIG BLUE Welding/Chipping Hammer – 14oz Slag Removal Tool with Forged Steel Construction & Shock Reduction Grip – E3-WC
In terms of good hammers for a boilermaker, this is a good chipping hammer that we can recommend to a boilermaker. The shock reduction grip of this hammer provides maximum comfort and durability while minimizing vibrations. The head and handle are forged from a single piece and polished to perfection. So, you simply would not have to worry about how convenient it is to use this hammer.
Lincoln Electric Industrial Chipping Hammer | Forge Hardened Steel | Shock Reducing Handle | K4022-1
And here is another suggestion from us. This is a good chipping hammer for boilermakers to make use of. Drop forged steel has been used in this. And that improves the strength, hardness, and toughness of this hammer. To improve adaptability the hammer includes both a flat and cone-type head. And that makes it possible to use this in small places as well. For high comfort, the wide spiral handle disperses stress and pressure. The multi-layer black powder coat of this hammer protects and prevents rust/corrosion on the steel. So, this is a very good product considering all the factors.
2. Hex keys
And here is a description of another type among the important boilermaker tools. It is about hex keys. Yes, all other professionals in the construction field also need hex keys. But without fail, we must mention that boilermakers also surely do need.
Hex keys are for driving bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets. Generally, a hex key is made of hard steel. They have blunt ends. Because of that, it is easy to fit them into the screw sockets. Hex keys are L-shaped. And they have unequal arms.
However, a hex key has a specific socket size. So, you need to have a set of hex keys. A set of hex keys has keys of different socket sizes. Therefore, you would be able to use the right key to fit the respective screw.
Also, there are certain variants of hex keys. They have their short end inserted into a handle that is traversed.
And again, something you must consider is the durability of the hex keys. It is better if the hex keys are lightweight. That would make it easier for you to carry it to the place you need to take it to. The better the product you purchase, the longer it would last. So, make sure to purchase quality products.
EKLIND 55166 Cushion Grip Hex T-Key Allen wrench – 6pc set Metric MM sizes 2-6 (6In shaft)
This is a set of hex keys that we can recommend to you. These are very easy to use. And they are durable as well. This 6-piece metric set has a one-piece loop handle design for robustness. Each hex key is 6″ long. This provides a non-slip grip while also reducing hand fatigue. The following sizes are included in this set: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm. For a boilermaker, this would surely be a perfect choice.
TEKTON Hex Key Wrench Set, 30-Piece (.028-3/8 in., .7-10 mm) | 25253
Here is another suggestion from us. With this set, you would be getting a total of 15 pieces. They include long pattern hex key wrenches: 0.028, 0.035, 0.050, 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 in.; 15-pc. short pattern hex key wrenches: 0.7, 0.9, 1.3, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 10 mm, and a storage case. The straight edges are precise and fit snugly into the fastening head, minimizing wear. Without additional plating that may break off under high-stress contact, the black oxide finish protects against corrosion. So, this would be a good one to use.
3. Plumb bob
The next tool that we are going to talk about is the plumb bob. You may also call it the plummet. This has a pointed tip towards the bottom. As you may perhaps know, this is basically a vertical reference line. And this is extended from a string.
So, you can determine how accurately vertical a boiler or a part that you fix is. If not, there would be many issues as you would not be able to fix it in the correct method. And if you do not do so, it would not particularly be good for the boiler and the equipment. Of course, you would need to have a plumb bob for this.
The cord of the plumb bob would be replaceable most of the time. Thus, you would be able to replace the cord if that wears and tears over time. In fact, that can usually happen. You would have to work in harsh atmospheres on certain occasions. Therefore, it is necessary to have a cord that you can easily replace without any problem.
Johnson Level & Tool 116 16 Ounce Plumb Bob
Of course, boilermakers need plumb bobs as we told you. And you can consider buying this. This is corrosion-resistant. That makes this pretty durable. Also, this has a removable cap for convenient string installation. For factors like ease of use, value for money, and accuracy, this product has received a lot of favorable ratings. So, this would be ideal for you.
AWF PRO Plumb Bob Kit – Perfect for Construction Jobs and DIY. 16 oz and 8 oz Solid Brass Plumb Bobs, Retractable Line Reel with Magnetic Base, 2 Pencils, Pencil Sharpener, Carrying Case
Two brass plumb bobs are in this set. For a total of 4 steel tips, each plumb bob comes with 2 replacement steel tips (one is buried in the cap). Both sizes share the same replaceable caps and tips, making size changeover a breeze. To use this, all you have to do is remove the screw in the cap from the plumb bob, thread the cord through the center opening, knot it, and reattach the cap to the plumb bob. The nylon rope simply detaches from the reel. To keep the cable in place, press the locking lever once. To release the cable, press the locking lever once again. When it is over, the line will automatically retract into the reel. For a boilermaker, this would be a good one to use.
4. Dividers
It is about dividers now. Many other professionals would also need dividers. But there is no doubt that this is one of the most essential tools of a boilermaker as well. You may call this a compass or a pair of compasses. And of course, we have surely used this technique even at the times we schooled.
A divider is a tool that you can use to measure distances. Apart from that, you can use this as a technical drawing tool as well. You can draw circles or arcs using dividers.
A boilermaker would have to use dividers for the purpose of measuring distances. You cannot possibly use a tape measure to get the right distance in a large vessel as part of your task. In fact, you would need to have the right tool for that, which means you need to have a divider.
Although this is a simple and small tool, you would be able to make your work pretty easy if you have a divider. So, purchase one if you want to enter into the profession. Do not think twice about it.
ZLKSKER 6 Inch Adjustable Lockable Steel Divider Wing Leather Compass
In terms of dividers, you can consider buying this product. This leatherworking compass/divider is precise and durable. This is perfect for a lot of work like woodworking, metalworking, and other drawing tasks. And this would surely be useful for a boilermaker big time as well. It has a leg length of 6.0 inches, a maximum span of 6.0 inches, and can draw a circle up to 12 inches in diameter. Made of high-quality carbon steel with good toughness and hardness, as well as being strong and long-lasting, and wear-resistant.
Toolmaker’s Precision Spring Dividers Calipers Compass 0-6.5″ / 160 mm Range C1-06
We can also suggest this divider to any boilermaker to have as one of the tools. You can use it to create arcs and measure and transfer accurate distances between two locations. “I haven’t used this scribe very much yet, but it’s quite sturdy, the points are sharp and it holds position well. I use it both to measure off areas and to scribe cutting lines for my stained glass projects. I’m confident it’ll continue to do well for the measuring.” This is how a happy customer of this product has reviewed it.
5. Shifter
You may sometimes refer to the shifter as the adjustable spanner or adjustable wrench as well. No matter how you refer to the tool, what matters is the benefit that we can get from it.
The shifter is an open wrench. It has a movable jaw. Hence, you can use a shifter with different sizes of fastener heads.
The purpose of using a shifter is to lose or tighten a nut or bolt. If we consider the fixed jaw and movable jaw, it is clear that the fixed jaw can withstand bending stress more than the movable jaw. However, you must not apply excessive force on the shifters. If you do so, there is a tendency for it to break. Therefore, make sure that you apply force gradually without letting it break. So, you would be able to use it for a long time.
All the same, there are different types of shifters. You have the capability of choosing the right type of shifter for the task you have to perform. That is how you must make your work convenient.
Anyway, shifters are essential for boilermakers as there would be nuts and bolts to tighten or loosen in your fittings.
TEKTON 8 Inch Adjustable Wrench | 23003
As we told you, wrenches are india[utably one of the tools of a boilermaker. The sliding jaw and worm gear are precise, allowing for precise fastener fit and easy adjustment. This has Permanent marks in 1/16 in. and 1mm increments on a quick-fit jaw opening guide. Many customers of this product have admired factors such as value for money, sturdiness, and durability of this product.
CRAFTSMAN Adjustable Wrench Set, 3-Piece (CMMT12001)
This wrench set is also a good one that you can use. There is a complete polish chrome finish on the adjustable wrench set. That consequently makes this corrosion-resistant. This also has wide-opening jaws. Obviously, this is a wrench set that meets all the necessary standards in the main. And there are lots of positive reviews in favor of this product on Amazon. Many people have admired factors such as versatility, durability, value for money, sturdiness, and quality of the material of this wrench set.
6. Tape measure
It would be a mighty mistake if we fail to mention the tape measure in this list. Any professional in the construction field would need it. We do not have to go this much. Any other individual would also have to use it for household work.
As you would know, this is a flexible measuring tape with which you can measure particular distances. The specialty of the tape measure is that you have the ability to measure a big distance even though you can keep it in your pocket.
If you take wrong measurements, that would obviously have drastically adverse effects. Because of that, it is indeed necessary to make the measurements in the most accurate manner. For that, you need to have the right tools. No doubt, it is the tape measure that you need to have. With the tape measure, you would not have to put yourself into any trouble as there would be no issues pertaining to the measurements that you make.
This is a very simple and small tool. You might not even consider it important on certain occasions. But having this would make your work immensely convenient. There is no doubt about that.
LEXIVON 16Ft/5m DuaLock Tape Measure | 1-Inch Wide Blade with Nylon Coating, Matt Finish White & Yellow Dual Sided Rule Print | Ft/Inch/Fractions/Metric (LX-207)
No doubt, a tape measure is a must-have for any boilermaker as we told you. This tape measure is a durable one that gives you precise measurements all the time. “The instant locking mechanism works well, very handy when you’re trying to measure things by yourself, and the release mechanism is also smooth without a crazy spring back that threatens to take your eye out.’ This is one of the reviews for this product on Amazon. Of course, you would understand for yourself that this actually is a good one for you to choose.
12 Foot Measuring Tape Measure by Kutir – Easy to Read Both Side Dual Ruler, Retractable, Heavy Duty, Magnetic Hook, Metric, Inches, and Imperial Measurement, Shock Absorbent Rubber Case
This Kutir tape measure is also a good one for a boilermaker to have. On Amazon, this has received plenty of positive reviews and ratings. Many buyers of this product have admired factors such as accuracy, durability, value for money, ease of reading, lightweight, and so on. In general, this is actually an ideal choice for a boilermaker considering all the overall factors.
7. Spirit level
This is another important one among the essential boilermaker tools. Of course, just like all other workers in the construction field, boilermakers also need a spirit level.
A spirit level is a tabular device in which there is a curved glass filled with a spirit incompletely. Consequently, there is a bubble. When you keep the spirit level on a completely horizontal surface, the bubble rests at the center. Likewise, you can find out whether something is perfectly accurate. As a boilermaker, you would specifically have to use this feature whenever you are up to some work. You would have to check if you are going to fix them at the correct angle. That is why you need a spirit level.
Nevertheless, there are mobile phone applications that allow you to check whether some surface is perfectly horizontal or vertical in the modern day. You can make use of them if you are ready to move forward with modern technology.
CRAFTSMAN Torpedo Level, 9-Inch (CMHT82390)
The spirit level has the perfect capability to provide an accuracy of 0.0005-inch/ ft. And this spirit level’s shock-absorbing end caps withstand multiple-use as well. “Perfectly balanced and well-made level. Very easy to read and use.” This is how a happy customer of this product has reviewed this on Amazon. Ease of use, ease of reading, sturdiness, accuracy, and lightness are among the factors that the customers of this product have admired the most.
Jacent 9 Inch Torpedo Level with Magnetic Edge, 1-Pack
This is a durable product that you would be able to use for a long time. Its magnetic edge has the perfect ability to hold to any ferrous metal surface. This is actually of great size for most of the projects where a bigger level would be cumbersome and inconvenient to use. All the same, this has received a lot of positive comments and reviews in favor of this on Amazon. So, this would surely turn out to be a very good product for any boilermaker.
8. Torch
Doubtlessly, you need to have a torch as one of your boilermaker tools. Technically, this might not be a first-hand boilermaker tool. But you would need it a lot as you would have to work in confined spaces.
You would have to work on fittings inside boilers and other big vessels. If you do not have a source of illumination, then you would be in big trouble.
For a professional like a boilermaker, a headlamp would be even more suitable. You would not have to hold it if so. In fact, you can go on working without thinking about it. Basically, it would be like an automatic light that lights up your way to make you see what is in front of you. It would also get directed to the direction that you turn your head.
ENERGIZER LED Headlamp Flashlights, High-Performance Head Light For Outdoors, Camping, Running, Storm, Survival, Batteries Included
This flashlight consists of a powerful light beam that can reach up to 35 meters. And you can switch between high and low light settings as well. The reviews of this product on Amazon bear testimony to the fact that this is a good and durable product. Also, many buyers of this product have admired facts such as battery life, brightness, and night vision. Hence, this would surely be a good product for you to go for.
Headlamp Rechargeable, LHKNL 1100 Lumen Super Bright Motion Sensor Head Lamp flashlight, 2-PACK Waterproof LED Headlight with White Red Light, 8 Modes Head Lights for Camping Cycling Running Fishing
The headlamp flashlight has industry-leading LED chips with a maximum brightness of 1100 lumens, which can easily light up a whole tent, road, or even a mountain. It includes motion sensor mode, which allows you to quickly toggle the lights ON/OFF by waving your hand, making it handier, and preventing the headlamp from gathering any dirt when your hands are filthy. The waterproof rating of the headlight is IPX4. The high-quality shell is more leak-proof, making it appropriate for rain or snow, indoors or out. Also, the flashlight offers eight different illumination settings to suit your needs. So, this would suit a boilermaker for sure.
9. Straightedge
As the name of the tool itself suggests, this is a tool that you can use to draw straight lines. Maybe you can use a straightedge to check how straight something is. Also, it has equally spaced markings. Hence, you may call this a ruler as many would usually call it.
Breman Precison Metal Ruler 15 Inch – Stainless Steel Corked Backed Metal Ruler – Premium Straight Edge Metal 15 Inch Ruler- Flexible Stainless Steel Ruler Set – Inch and Metric
This metal ruler is flexible enough to measure curved surfaces without breaking and sturdy enough to endure through many projects. This consists of high-grade, rust-proof stainless steel. As this has received pretty good ratings on Amazon, we are sure that this would be of fine quality. Many customers of this product have admired factors like ease to read, accuracy, sturdiness, and value for money in the main.
Stainless Steel Ruler and Metal Rule Kit with Conversion Table (Silver, 12 Inch, 6 Inch)
The material of these rulers is stainless steel. So, these would surely last long. And these have clear marks for you to get the readings clearly. Also, these have a conversion tool on the backside of these as well. “This ruler set is ‘awesome’, and exactly what I needed!” This review on Amazon says it all. Of course, this ruler set is a perfect one for any boilermaker.
10. Framing square
Some may call it the steel square. This is an L-shaped tool that has two unequal arms. It is necessary for you to have a framing square for your work in the industry.
VINCA SCLS-1208 Carpenter L Framing Steel Square 8-inch x 12-inch Measuring Layout Tool
The size of this framing square is Size: 8″ x 12″. And its square accuracy is ±0.0573°. This has undergone a rust prevention treatment. So, you would not have to worry about the durability of this product. And this is a product that has received a lot of positive comments and reviews on Amazon.
POWERTEC 80008 Steel Framing Square with Rafter Tables | 16-Inch by 24-Inch L Shaped Tool – Black
In terms of the dimensions of this framing square, its body is 24” long and 2” wide. And its tongue is 16” long, 1-1/2” wide, and 1/8” thick. Surely, this has maximum wear resistance and endurance. It has a smooth design that is simple to grip and pleasant to grasp, making it ideal for professionals. People have rated pretty well for factors like accuracy, value for money, and ease of reading. Hence, this certainly would be a good framing square for you to choose.
Safety
Boilermakers’ work is a little dangerous. Of course, boilermakers would have to work in dangerous places as well. Because of this, you would have to be pretty careful. A severe injury that might happen can indeed affect your entire life. Therefore, you must follow the necessary safety precautions.
Basically, what you have to do is wear the right safety equipment. Boilermakers would need to wear hardhats, safety glasses, earplugs, and other protective gear while working. In fact, you must ensure that you are on the safe side before you engage in work.
Conclusion
We told you plenty of things about the tools of a boilermaker. Perhaps, you must have a pretty good idea by now. And maybe you would like to know about the tools of other similar professionals. You can read about the tools of a carpenter, plumber, electrician, and masonry worker. With that, we have come to the end of the article. So, ultimately, we would like to wish you the best of luck with your industry.
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