Construction Group Leader - What you need to bring.
What follows is a complete list of the tools and equipment your group will need to construct a house in Mexico. This is a minimum list. You can certainly add or replace items from this list to suit your groups specific needs.
Two or three is all you need.
Visit the Forms & Plans page for House and Latrine plans.
(Note: Pictures of tools and their links are only for illustration. Many other makes and models are readily available)
-
A Reciprocating Saw with wood cutting blades.
-
2 Sawhorse sets
-
1 - Electric or large battery powered drill with 5/8" & 3/4" bits.
-
1 - Door lock drilling set. (or hole saws)
-
2 Levels
-
2 or more Stapling guns
-
1 Hand Saw
-
3 Ladders
-
Several Hammers Special Note about Hammers
-
4 Utility Knifes (With Blades)
-
Several Framers, Quick Square
-
Several Nail Aprons with Hammer Loop
-
Several Tape Measures
-
1 Chalk line
-
Several Drywall Hammers
-
Taping Knifes and Pans
-
1 Drywall Square
-
2 Drywall saws and rasps
-
Tin snips for corner bead
-
Paint rollers (4 or 6) and Handles
-
Roller pans (2 or 4)
-
Brushes (4 or 6 assorted sizes)
-
1 Electrical wire cutter (side cutter)
-
Various Screwdrivers
-
Adjustable end wrench. (Crescent Wrench)
-
Nail Puller and Crow Bar
-
Optional Tools
1 Generator 3000 KW minimum
- Fuel can
- A few extension cords.
Note: If you are unable to obtain a suitable generator, contact Baja Christian Ministries and let them know before your trip. A few are available in Mexico but they must be reserved well ahead of time.
1 or 2 Skilsaws with 100' extension cord.
Some groups also bring a chop type saw.
If you decide to bring a chop saw, you may want a separate set of saw horses
for the saw.
A Reciprocating Saw with wood cutting blades, is also a must.
A Sawzall is the reciprocating saw of choice for most house building teams. You will
want to bring blades for wood cutting, both 6" and 12". You may also want blades for cutting holes (small blades that can turn sharply) and some blades that can cut nails (in case you make a mistake!).
Both DeWalt and Milwaukee make a cordless version. They work fine as long as the batteries are charged.
2 Sawhorse sets
Pictured here are a good example of portable saw horses.
Click on the picture for a link to the manufacturer for more information
This style works well and can be transported easily. They adapt well to uneven ground and are very strong. The picture above shows two different sizes. You will need two sets of two for this project.
1 - Electric or large battery powered drill with 5/8" & 3/4" bits.
You will need a drill capable of drilling several dozen holes. A good quality pistol type hand drill will work fine, remember a long extension cord. If you prefer cordless drills, remember to bring extra batteries and the charger.
1 - Door lock drilling set. (or hole saws)
Many different kinds of kits are available. From simple hole saw kits
to kits the pros use. Some groups prefer to order a pre-hung door. (At extra cost.)
If you use a pre-hung door, you will not need this tool.
2 Levels
One 5 or 6 foot and one small level are need for various jobs.
2 or more Stapling guns
Several boxes of 3/8" or 1/2" staples for the roof and wall felt paper.
1 Hand Saw
One small hand saw.
Three ladders
1 - 16' Extension ladder (8' when closed)
1 - 8' Step Ladder
1 - 5' Step Ladder
Extension Ladder
for roof access.
Two Step Ladders
Framing, drywall & Siding Etc.
One 8' and one 5' work very well
Hammers
Primary Hammer - Framing
Round Milled Face
Used for all of the framing and sheeting.
Roofing Hammer
Flat Milled Face
Cutting Blade
Roofing Gauge
Most of the time, air powered roofing nailers are used and these have little use. But just incase, its a good choice.
Drywall hammer
Round Soft Milled Face
Drywall Hatchet
Nail puller
Important in proper installation of the drywall.
A special note about hammers
Many groups bring inexpensive, light weight hammers. Will the cheap hammers work? Sure, but not nearly as well as a hammer designed for the job. Building these houses requires framing, drywall and roofing. I have illustrated the basic differences in the three types of hammers. If you have one of these types, they will make your work much more fun, easier and faster.
4 Utility Knives (With Blades)
.
You should plan on several of these. You need them for many different jobs. I suggest you bring 5 or six along with extra blades.
Framers, Quick Square
You will need one of these for each of the framers and one for the cutters.
Nail Aprons with Hammer Loop
I suggest one of each carpenter, roofer and drywall installer.
Tape Measures
You will need one of these for each of the framers and one for the cutters.
Crow Bar and Nail Pullers
A couple of Nail pullers and one crowbar are all you will need.
Chalk Line
Two or three is all you need.
Drywall Taping Knife and Pans
One set for each person doing the mud and taping.
Knives should be in two sizes, 6" and 12"
Drywall Sqaure
One is all that is necessary, but two is better.
Drywall Saw and Rasp
Two or three of each will be a big time saver.
Tin Snips
Many different models are available. You will only need one or two.
A air compressor, framing nail gun and roofing nailers make the work go a little faster!