Tools of the Trade

Everything You Need at an Affordable Price

Tools are an essential aspect of everything we do at ProVantage, so don't forget to come prepared! Please show up to your project every day with all of the following equipment (listed below), and remember: it's your responsibility to gather these tools.

With that said, we understand that funds can be tight. So, you may be hesitant to fork over a chunk of cash to purchase these supplies. But think of it as an investment. With the proper tools for the job, you can excel in your position and work your way up the ladder (if you’re interested in becoming a New Lead Candidate, click here for more information).

Below, we’ll point you towards vendors where you can find everything you need and get the most bang for your buck. Happy shopping!

Box Cutter:

Best Overall (Budget + Quality):

Craftsman 10 Blade Utility Knife ($18)

This top-notch Craftsman utility knife is the complete package; it’s safe, easy to use, and changing blades is a piece of cake. Plus, you can even store blades within your knife!

Best Budget Choice:

Craftsman Utility Knife, 2 Pack ($10)

Another great choice at an incredible price point, this box cutter is the most basic version but works like a charm. The best part about is it comes in a 2 pack so you always have a backup.

Tape Measure:

Best Overall:

Stanley Powerlock 25 ft. ($12 – $15)

Several reviews online (including the New York Times) rave about this Tape measure. It’s known as the best overall tape measure out there, due to its high quality and low price.

Best Budget Choice:

Komelon The Professional 12 ft. ($8 – $10)

Komelon’s The Professional is another extremely affordable option. While it’s a bit shorter than the Stanly Powerlock, there’s no arguing that this tape measure will get the job done.

Rubber Mallet:

Best Overall:

Vaughan’s Professional Rubber Mallet ($26 – $37)

If you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks, Vaughan’s Professional Rubber Mallet is considered the premium mallet on the market. Its durability makes it useful on almost any material.

Best Budget Choice:

Tekton 16 oz. Fiberglass Handle Black/White ($12 – $15)

According to the Chicago Tribune, this Tekton Rubber Mallet is a terrific product that’s sold at a great price point. Don’t miss out on this bargain!

Screwdrivers:

Best Overall:

Craftsman 12 Piece Screwdriver Set ($17)

The Craftsman brand is a longtime staple in hand tools, especially screwdrivers. This 12-piece set offers a variety of screwdriver sizes, all of which are made with sturdy material.

Best Budget Choice:

Pittsburgh 8 Piece Screwdriver Set ($10)

If you’re looking for the cheapest option possible, Pittsburgh screwdrivers are the way to go. There’s plenty of sets to choose from at extremely low prices (some as low as $3), but this one offers a respectable balance of quality and cost.

Slip Joint Pliers:

Best Overall:

Channellock Slip Joint Pliers ($11 – $14)

These pliers are the best of both worlds: cheap and effective. For only a dollar or two more than the “budget” option, you can buy one of the highest-rated pliers on the market.

Best Budget Choice:

Irwin Vise-Grip Slip Joint pliers ($10)

These Irwin pliers are the way to go if you’re on the hunt for cost-effective tools. Check it out!

Angle Cut Pliers:

Best Overall:

Knipex High Leverage Diagonal Cutter ($24 – $26)

If you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars, this pair of angle cut pliers is the way to go. Workers in various industries rely on this Knipex product to get the job done.

Best Budget Choice:

Irwin Vise-Grip Diagonal Cutting Pliers ($8-$17)

Finding quality angle cut pliers for a reasonable price can be a difficult task. But we’ve got you covered with these sturdy and reliable (and cheap!) angle cut pliers.

Level:

Best Overall:

Dewalt 9 in. Torpedo Level ($19)

Another Dewalt product that people swear by, the Dewalt 9 in. Torpedo Level offers a great tool for an even better price.

Best Budget Choice:

Craftsman Torpedo Level ($16)

The Craftsman Magnetic Torpedo Level is a cheap and handy addition to the toolbox. At only 9 in., it doesn't take up much space, but always gets the job done.

Cordless Power Drill:

Best Overall:

Dewalt 20v Max ½ in. Cordless ($99)

Any handyman will tell you, “You can’t go wrong with a Dewalt.” At a decent price point, this 20v drill is a reliable option that packs a punch.

Best Budget Choice:

Black+Decker 3/8 in. Cordless ($39)

Whether you go with the 12v or 20v options, this cordless drill is your best bet if you’re working with a tight budget. Recommended by various sources, Black+Decker provides a reliable drill at a terrific price.

Basic Socket Set:

1/2 in. Socket Set:

Dewalt 23 Pc. ½ in. Socket Set ($45 – $55)

If you opt for the Dewalt ½ in Cordless Power Drill, this socket set is the perfect match. It’s equipped with a respectable selection of socket sizes and comes at an affordable price.

3/8 in. Socket Set:

Dewalt 34 Pc. 3/8 in. Socket Set ($39 – $49)

If you’re in the market for a 3/8 in. socket set, Dewalt is the way to go—at a great value, it offers a vast collection of socket sizes.

Now that you've got all your tools, it's time to take your career to the next level!

Here are some leadership tips to get you started.