# ConstructionTested

> Construction guides for the trades: cordless platforms, power and hand tools, PPE and workwear, layout lasers, ladders and scaffolding, jobsite power, storage and site equipment, by trade.

ConstructionTested publishes construction tools and jobsite gear reviews, buying guides and reader discount codes. Every review states who the product suits, the current price from the brand's own store, and any active reader code.

## Key pages
- [Reviews](https://constructiontested.com/reviews): every product we recommend
- [Buying guides](https://constructiontested.com/guides): how to choose
- [Glossary](https://constructiontested.com/glossary): construction tools and jobsite gear terms defined
- [How we test](https://constructiontested.com/testing-methodology)

## Topics
- [Power tools](https://constructiontested.com/category/power-tools): Cordless battery platforms, drills and impact drivers, circular, miter and reciprocating saws, grinders, nailers and corded tools.
- [Hand tools](https://constructiontested.com/category/hand-tools): Framing hammers, pliers, wrenches, utility knives, pry bars, tape measures and trade tool sets.
- [PPE & safety](https://constructiontested.com/category/ppe): Hard hats and helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators, gloves and fall protection harnesses.
- [Workwear & boots](https://constructiontested.com/category/workwear): Safety-toe and electrical-hazard boots, hi-vis apparel, work pants, jackets, cooling and cold-weather gear.
- [Layout & measuring](https://constructiontested.com/category/layout): Line and rotary lasers, levels, laser distance meters, chalk lines, squares and moisture meters.
- [Ladders & scaffolding](https://constructiontested.com/category/access): Step, extension and multi-position ladders, baker scaffolds, scaffolding and access equipment.
- [Jobsite power & storage](https://constructiontested.com/category/jobsite): Jobsite generators and power stations, work lights, jobsite radios, gang boxes, modular storage and truck and van storage.
- [Site equipment](https://constructiontested.com/category/site-equipment): Compact equipment, concrete mixers and tools, compactors, dust extractors and site safety signage.
- [By trade](https://constructiontested.com/category/trades): Tool kits and guides by trade: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, drywallers, roofers, HVAC techs and apprentices.
- [Welding & shop](https://constructiontested.com/category/welding-shop): MIG, TIG and stick welders, plasma cutters, air compressors, socket sets, shop equipment and diagnostics.
- [Blades, bits & consumables](https://constructiontested.com/category/consumables): Saw blades, drill and driver bits, abrasives, fasteners and anchors, and how to match them to the material.

## Buying guides
- [Angle Grinder Discs: Match the Wheel to the Task](https://constructiontested.com/guides/angle-grinder-safety-and-disc-types): Select an angle-grinder disc using its marked operation and material, then match diameter, arbor, speed and guard to the grinder. OSHA 1926.303 requires abrasive-wheel inspection and ring-testing before mounting in construction work; wheel ratings remain model-specific.
- [Hi-Vis Classes Explained: ANSI/ISEA 107 Type R and Class 2 vs 3](https://constructiontested.com/guides/ansi-107-hi-vis-classes-explained): ANSI/ISEA 107 sorts high-visibility apparel by type and class. Type O is for off-road work, Type R for roadway and temporary traffic control zones and Type P for public safety. Class 1 needs the least material, Class 2 more, and Class 3 the most, requiring sleeves or full-body coverage. Roadway workers usually need at least Class 2, and Class 3 is common for high-speed traffic, night work and flaggers.
- [Safety Boot Ratings: ASTM F2413 Labels Explained](https://constructiontested.com/guides/astm-f2413-safety-boot-ratings): Safety-toe boots in the US are tested to ASTM F2413. The label lists the standard and each protection: I/75 and C/75 for impact and compression toe protection, Mt for metatarsal guards, EH for electrical hazard, PR for puncture resistance, SD for static dissipating and Cd for conductive footwear. Steel, composite and alloy toes can all meet the same rating; they differ in weight, bulk and conductivity.
- [Circular Saw vs Track Saw: Which Makes Sense on Site?](https://constructiontested.com/guides/circular-saw-vs-track-saw): A circular saw is the versatile choice for framing, rough cuts and a compact jobsite kit. A track saw adds a guided rail for repeatable straight cuts and cleaner sheet-goods work, but the rail and setup add cost and transport. Choose by the cut quality and setup time your work actually needs, then confirm blade size, track fit and material capacity in the saw manual.
- [Cordless Tool Platforms Explained: 12V, 18V, 20V Max and Beyond](https://constructiontested.com/guides/cordless-tool-platforms-explained): Cordless tools are sold as platforms: one battery fits many tools from the same brand. 18V and 20V max batteries are the same class; 20V max is the peak voltage and 18V the nominal. 12V platforms are smaller and lighter for trim, plumbing and electrical work. Higher amp-hour packs run longer, and high-output packs deliver more power to demanding tools. Choose a platform by the tools your trade needs, not just the drill.
- [Steel vs Titanium Framing Hammers: Compare the Specs](https://constructiontested.com/guides/framing-hammers-steel-vs-titanium): Steel and titanium framing hammers can have different head and total weights, handle designs, faces and service parts. Compare the exact model rather than treating head-weight labels as total tool weight. Stiletto's 14-ounce TIBONE listing, for example, specifies a 14-ounce head and 29.6-ounce total weight; its lighter-weight and impact statements are the manufacturer's claims.
- [Pneumatic vs Cordless Framing Nailers: Compare the Setup](https://constructiontested.com/guides/framing-nailers-pneumatic-vs-cordless): Pneumatic framing nailers trade a compressor, hose and fittings for a simple tool setup and shared air supply. Cordless models remove the hose and compressor but add battery or fuel-system choices, charging and tool-specific service. Choose by crew size, fastener type, daily volume and the time spent moving between work areas, not by power source alone.
- [Hard Hat Types and Classes: ANSI Z89.1 Explained](https://constructiontested.com/guides/hard-hat-types-and-classes): ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 sorts hard hats by impact type and electrical class. Type I protects against blows to the top of the head; Type II also protects against side impacts. Class G hats are tested to 2,200 volts, Class E to 20,000 volts, and Class C offers no electrical protection. Replace a hard hat after any significant impact, and follow the maker's schedule for the shell and suspension, which is often about five years and twelve months.
- [Impact Driver vs Drill: Which Tool Should You Buy?](https://constructiontested.com/guides/impact-driver-vs-drill): A drill is the more versatile first tool for holes and controlled fastening; an impact driver is faster for repeated screws and larger fasteners, with less finesse. Drills use a chuck for round-shank bits, while most impact drivers use a quick-change hex collet. Buy a drill first for mixed tasks, then add an impact driver when fastening volume or stubborn screws is slowing the work.
- [Jobsite Generators vs Power Stations: Output and Runtime](https://constructiontested.com/guides/jobsite-generators-vs-power-stations): Honda's EU2200i lists 2,200 watts maximum and 3.2 to 8.1 hours of runtime per tank, depending on load; EcoFlow's DELTA 2 Max lists 2,048 watt-hours and 2,400 watts of output. Compare the exact tool load, run time, refueling or recharging, portability and site rules before choosing.
- [Ladder Duty Ratings: Type IAA, IA, I, II and III Explained](https://constructiontested.com/guides/ladder-duty-ratings-explained): Ladder duty ratings give the maximum load the ladder is rated for, including you, your clothes, tools and materials. Type IAA is rated for 375 pounds, Type IA for 300, Type I for 250, Type II for 225 and Type III for 200. Jobsite work generally calls for Type IA or IAA. Use fiberglass near electricity, set extension ladders at a 4-to-1 angle and extend them at least 3 feet above the landing.
- [Modular Tool Storage Systems: Compare Stack and Carry](https://constructiontested.com/guides/modular-tool-storage-systems-compared): Milwaukee lists a 250-pound capacity for its PACKOUT 48-22-8426 rolling box, while DEWALT lists its ToughSystem 2.0 rolling toolbox at 38.7 by 21 by 23.79 inches. RIDGID's Pro Gear cart lists compatibility with its 1.0 and 2.0 systems; compare exact-model connectors, case dimensions and load limits before combining boxes.
- [Rotary vs Line Laser Levels: Which Layout Tool You Need](https://constructiontested.com/guides/rotary-vs-line-laser-levels): Line lasers project fixed lines onto walls, floors and ceilings and suit interior work such as cabinets, tile, framing and drop ceilings. Rotary lasers spin a beam 360 degrees and, with a detector, work over long distances outdoors for grading, foundations and site layout. Green beams look brighter to the eye than red indoors. Compare the accuracy spec, self-leveling range, working range with and without a detector, and the drop-test or IP rating.
- [Silica Dust Protection: Respirators and OSHA Table 1](https://constructiontested.com/guides/silica-dust-respirators-for-construction): Cutting, grinding and drilling concrete, masonry, stone and engineered stone releases crystalline silica dust, which causes silicosis and other lung disease. OSHA's construction silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153) lets employers follow Table 1, which pairs common tasks with dust controls such as water or vacuum extraction and, for some tasks, a respirator with an assigned protection factor of at least 10. Respirators must be NIOSH-approved and, when required, fit tested.
- [Tape Measure Standout and Blade Width: What to Compare](https://constructiontested.com/guides/tape-measure-standout-and-blade-width): In Milwaukee's 25-foot examples, its compact model has a 1-inch blade and 9-foot standout, while the wide-blade model uses a 1-5/16-inch blade. Treat those as model-specific maker specifications and compare markings, hook, carry size and standout before buying.
- [Van Shelving vs Truck Boxes: Measure Before You Upfit](https://constructiontested.com/guides/van-shelving-vs-truck-boxes): WEATHER GUARD lists 7.0 cubic feet and 64.5 pounds for one mid-size saddle box, while Ranger Design's guide lists a 36-inch fold-away van shelf at 66 pounds and 250 pounds capacity. Use exact model fit guides, allow for mounting brackets, and account for the full upfit and cargo in the vehicle's payload.

Contact: info@constructiontested.com