Teacher Information

The following information is for teacher use. It is provided to aid in the understanding and development of concepts related to construction.

Construction Tools:

  • Carpenter's hatchet:
A tool that is both a hatchet and a hammer and is good for rough work.
  • Push-pull drill:
Used to make small holes.
  • Chisel:
Used for making cuts in wood that can't be made with a saw or plane.
  • Level:
Used to determine if a piece of material is horizontal or vertical.
  • Hacksaw:
Used for cutting metal.
  • Tape:
Usually flexible and slides into a metal case
  • Square:
A metal tool used for ensuring squared corners, etc. as measurements are taken.
  • Awl:
A pointed metal tool with and rounded knob-type handle. Used to locate a point of measurement.
  • Saw:
There are various types of saws which serve different purposes in terms, of specific "cuts" or use on different materials
  • Hatchet:
Used for cutting and trimming pieces to fit.
  • Vise:
Holds materials for sawing, sanding, etc.
  • Caliper:
Measures inside and outside diameters.
  • Trowel:
Used to apply flooring glue.
  • Screwdriver:
Used for tightening screws.
  • Stapler gun:
Used to make quick attachments such as insulation, construction paper, etc.
  • PryBars:
Used to pry forms apart and demolition.
  • Screwdrivers:
Phillips and slotted head screw drivers, used for inserting screws.
  • Auger:
Used to bore through materials.
  • Drill:
There are several different types of drills for various jobs. Used for drilling holes and inserting screws.
  • Wrench:
There are many different wenches, but basically used to make adjustments, such as, tightening/loosening pipe, nuts and bolts where there is limited space
  • Pliers:
Used to hold and turn bolts and screws.

 

Materials:

  • Plywood:
Layers of glued wood panels made from veneer. Some uses include roof decking, subfloors, interior walls, built-ins, and sheathing to make walls that are warm and rigid.
  • Insulation:
This is made in a variety of forms and types, such as, blanket and batt (flexible), loose fill, etc. Insulation slows down the transmission of energy, e.g. heat, sound, etc. Which aids the climate control systems (heating and air conditioning).
  • Wallboard:
Sheets of gypsum or other board nailed to studding to provide a surface wall which becomes the interior wall for painting or papering.
  • Miliwork:
Various finished (manufactured) features within the home, such as, kitchen cabinets, moldings, doors, etc.
  • Molding:
Strips of wood used as functional pieces or as decorative elements.
  • Spackle:
Joint cement used to fill-in or cover joints and small holes, dents, and or cracks.
  • Sub-Flooring:
Plywood (or other boards) over which a finished floor is laid.
  • Flooring:
Flooring is the final surface to be covered, there are a number of materials to choose from. Hardwood can be obtained in various forms, strip, block, parquet, etc. Other types of flooring include linoleum, tile and carpet.
  • Cabinets and Built-Ins:
Kitchen cabinets, closets, linen closets, bath vanities, broom closets, pantries, and other millwork are installed at the same time as the interior trim is completed.
  • Interior trim:
Wood and or plastic moldings and trims add extra "touches" to a home and helps in softening sharp comers, edges, etc.

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