So, you bought a shed kit and now you are trying to figure out what tools you will need to build your new shed. We can help you with that. Most of the hand tools required for erecting a metal building may already be in the average DIY toolbox:
- Tapered Spud Wrench with Adjustable Head
- Wire brushes
- Caulking guns
- C-clamp vice grips – 11R
- Chalk lines
- Pliers
- Channel locks
- Vice grips
- Cordless drill and bits
- Utility knives
- Cordless screw gun and magnetic bits ¼”, 5/16” and 3/8”
- Aviation snips Left/Right
- Crescent and socket wrenches
- Tape measures
- Hacksaws
- Plumb bobs
- Pop rivet gun
- Large screwdrivers
- Pipe spanners
- Tri-square
Larger common tools needed include:
- ratchet tie-down straps
- Electric nibbler, grinder with cut-off blade, or circular saw w/ metal blade
- Levels (1m or longer)
- Cordless impact wrenches
- Push brooms
- Saw horses
- Sturdy ladders
- Tarps
Steel Building Specific Tools
Erecting a steel shed requires power screw guns to properly install self-drilling screws. The screw guns must have an adjustable clutch to disengage the driver—otherwise, the neoprene washers and the Tek screws themselves, will strip out if the screws are over-tightened. You should be able to find DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, or Black and Decker power screw guns with adjustable clutches for around $130.
You may also find these useful on a steel building job site:
- Bull pins
- Rotary hammers
Industrial Lifts and Equipment
Unloading the materials calls for equipment able to lift a minimum of 2,000 kilos. (No bundles should be more than 1,300 kilos).
Forklifts with qualified operators can be rented. Two forklifts with operators may be necessary if panels or other framing materials exceed 7m in length.
A cold-formed steel shed kit also calls for construction-strength nylon slings to aid the forklift operator in offloading the steel building materials. Large-scale structures require a crane with a spreader bar for moving super-sized building materials.
A rented forklift, track loader, or front-end loader will do the job of lifting if the equipment reaches the height required for the structure. Larger or taller structures demand bigger equipment, such as a scissor lift or crane lifts.
Safety Equipment
All construction crewmembers must be properly outfitted for the job site.
Heavy-duty work gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, and sturdy work boots are basic requirements.
Safety harnesses should be employed when working above the ground.
Unloading Steel
- Workers must stay out of the danger zone created by moving equipment or loads to prevent being struck. If workers are in danger due to the movement of a load being lifted, a tagline must be used to control the load.
- All goods, materials, and equipment at job sites must be stacked, stored, and secured in such a way that they do not flow, move, roll, collapse or blow away.
- Workers responsible for stacking, storing, or securing goods, materials, and equipment must be trained in the safe methods for doing so.
Positioning Trailers
- Inspect potential trailer spotting locations.
- Whenever possible, position trailers at site locations that have been packed and traveled, indicating that the soil can accommodate the weight.
Unloading Trailers
- The steel lay-down area should be identified.
- Loads are strapped during shipping and relocation. Before unloading, check whether the load has shifted in any way.
- Check loads for loose or dangerous pieces before un-strapping.
- Loads should be landed on a solid base or dunnage to minimize the potential for unexpected movement when weight comes off the hooks.
- Use a flag person in all vehicle/pedestrian traffic areas.
- Designated signalers must constantly communicate with the crane/forklift operator (visually or electronically).
Shaking Out Steel
- Use adequate dunnage between the steel to give enough clearance and stability for hooking-up activities.
- Keep hands and all body parts clear of pinch points and crush areas.
- Avoid walking on or between beams in the Iay-down area.
- Stay clear of loads.
- Use tag lines on hard-to-control loads.
Use Of Shake-Out Hooks
- Shake-out hooks should not be used for erecting steel.
- Shake-out hooks may be used for off-loading and at ground level for shaking out bunched or improperly stacked steel. This helps avoid pinching hands, fingers, and legs.
- Shake-out hooks should not be used in conjunction with chokers.
Building assembly tips & tricks
- Be Prepared – you will make 80% of your mistakes before you start,
- Read everything – Order, Construction Package, Engineered drawings, and packing list,
- Account for all parts before you start,
- Check everything – site, slab building parts,
- Do not be pressured to start before you are ready,
- Install temporary bracing from the start and do not remove it until fully covered.
