Top tools for your toolkit

With hundreds of tools available on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to know which one is best for the job at hand. IRWIN Tools, manufacturer in hand tools and power tools accessories, shares its top five products that every tradesperson needs for their toolkit.

1. Handsaws
Handsaws have been around for thousands of years, from speciality saws to bow saws. IRWIN Tools’ range of handsaws provide everything a professional woodworker needs.

The Jack Plus Handsaws range includes a fine, ultra-fine, coarse and coated version. The PLUS 770 Coarse is suitable for cutting laminated boards, plasterboard, green wood and fast ripping cuts, and the Coated handsaw cuts through a range of building materials including soft wood, MDF, hardwood chipboard and plywood.

2. One-Handed Bar Clamps
Irwin is said to have invented the first One-Handed Bar Clamp (OHBC) and since then, they have become an essential tool for tradesmen.

With superior clamping performance, IRWIN Tools’ range of Quick-Grip One-Handed Bar Clamps (OHBC) and accessories provide an all-in-one tool for woodworking projects.

Consistent with the previous generation of OHBC, the heavy-duty and medium-duty OHBC can sustain 272kg and 136kg of clamping force.

In addition, the OHBC line now includes seven accessories so that one tool can be used for even more tasks on the job, allowing tradespeople to be more efficient and productive throughout the day.

3. Marples Chisels
Offering performance and precision in fine woodworking, IRWIN Tools’ range of Marples Chisels embody a long tradition of craftsmanship, and will tackle even the most intricate or demanding work.

The range includes the high impact chisel, splitproof bevel edge chisel, all-purpose chisel with Striking Cap, Blue-Chip Bevel Edge Wood Chisel, and Firmer Chisel.

4. Vise-Grip Locking Pliers
Combining innovation and quality, IRWIN® VISE-GRIP locking pliers are a must-have toolkit essential. They are constructed of high-grade heat-treated alloy steel to offer maximum toughness and durability, and hardened teeth designed to grip from any angle.

5. Knives and Blades
Utility Knives are one of the most versatile tools and a must-have for any toolbox. They can be used for opening boxes, cutting carpet, and slicing drywall to name a few. The utility knife was originally a fixed blade knife but now there are many different types available. At Irwin Tools, there is a huge range available including folding, safety, and snap off knives.

Irwin Tools also invented the Bi-Metal Trapezoid and Snap off Blades to be used with this range. Bi-Metal is formed by welding high-speed steel edge and spring steel, which provide a safer tool as they will not break under normal working conditions, and they reduce the risk of injury from breaking or shattering blades.