Scaffolding tools include common tools like hammers and wrenches, as well as specially designed tools like the podger for adjusting scaffold tubes. Levels ensure proper alignment and prevent instability, while tool belts and leashes prevent tools from falling. Hoists can lift materials to higher levels.
Several scaffolding tools are required to properly erect the scaffold sections and secure them in place. Some of the tools are very commonly used, such as hammers, ratchet wrenches, crescent wrenches and so on, while others are specially designed scaffolding tools. One of the more commonly used tools specifically designed for erecting scaffolding is the podger, which is sometimes attached to a hammer or wrench. This tool is used to adjust the scaffold tubes correctly; the end of the hammer can be used to force bolts through the bolt holes. If the other end has a ratchet, it can be used to screw in bolts.
The podger features a tapered metal bar that can be slightly hollowed out at its end. Such scaffolding tools can be inserted into bolt holes to properly align the pipes; the tool can be tapped by pressing on the other end, and once the bolt holes are aligned, the tool can be pulled out and a bolt inserted. Most scaffolding erectors will carry this tool with them during construction, as it is a key tool in building the structure correctly. Once the bolt is in place it needs to be secured with a ratchet wrench, although some people prefer simpler scaffolding tools like crescent wrenches for this job.
Nearly every worker putting up a scaffold structure will be carrying levels, which are scaffolding tools used to ensure that the joists, or horizontal pipes, are properly aligned and level with the ground. Ensuring these pipes are level prevents an uneven structure from becoming unstable and falling over. The level is usually quite small and light and can be kept in a pocket for storage. Sometimes the level will have a magnet that secures the unit to the pipeline to prevent it from falling out.
Other important scaffolding tools are designed to prevent tools from falling to the ground. Tool belts allow a worker to hold tools securely around their waist when not in use, and leashes can connect tools to the tool belt or around the wrist to prevent them from falling out if the worker loses control. Sometimes scaffolding tools are designed to lift materials up to the highest reaches of the structure. Buckets can be attached to scaffold hoists, which are sometimes motorized pulley devices; the hoist features a long cable with a hook at one end that can be attached to the bucket or other materials. When the motor is activated, the pulley rotates and the cable retracts, lifting the materials.
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