Top Construction Tools of Ironworker Jesse Garner

Ironworker Jesse Garner shares the five items he can’t live without on the jobsite.

Adjustable Wrench

Garner always works with an adjustable spud wrench while on the job. It’s an item he said is essential, even though his fellow ironworkers often make fun of him for using it (explanation in the video above).

“This thing has come in handy even more times than I could ever imagine,” Garner said.

Load Chart

Being an ironworker is essentially a job of lifting and working with very heavy stuff. As a result, any ironworker has to be able to calculate different load amounts to attach what’s being lifted by a crane or other lifting device on a jobsite. Garner said most ironworkers therefore include a load chart on the inside of their hard hat to account for different load levels as they work.

“You take off your hard hat and look at the column and the row that you’re referring to, and you go on from there,” Garner said.

Watch

Jobsite work on any construction project is heavily regulated. This includes the number of hours workers are to be working, as collectively bargained at the beginning of the project.

Ironworkers must start at a specific time, end at a specific time and take breaks at specific times. “The company is only paying [the workers] for eight, 10, 12 hours a day,” Garner said. “No one wants to work 8 ½ hours if they’re only getting paid to work eight.”

Knife

Ironworkers are often required to work with and cut handline while at work, so Garner always has a knife on him. Specifically, Garner uses a half-serrated Benchmade knife. “I like to have it because it cuts handline quicker,” Garner said.

Training

While not a physical item, Garner insisted that among the most important things he brings with him to the job each day is the training he received as an apprentice early in his career. And when you’re an ironworker working on large, structural projects, oftentimes having the right experience and training is the most important thing you bring to the jobsite.

Not only is training important to do the job well, but it’s a critical aspect of keeping everyone on the jobsite safe.

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[trave]

Hell yeah brother local 433 out here in Vegas! You forgot the other most important essential! Bullard 502! Be safe out there brother. Just got done connecting a few buildings. Getting hot out here in Vegas. Now onto decking, welding & the almighty stud machine breaking my back.

[danielclark]

I carry a small 6" adjustable wrench that fits nicely in my middle bolt bag. Rarely use it but it is clutch when I need it.
You should name this video accessory tools for ironworkers who do more than just connect because those are not top tools for an ironworker.
1"spud, 3/4" spud, 2 pins, 6lb hammer and 7/8" sleever bar are the top five tools for an ironworker

[ChuckUC]

Hi Jesse, it was almost scary, you look so much like your father, Chuck Lenhart.