Engineering is a wide-ranging industry that has many different disciplines within it. It is one of the few sectors that can say they have something for everyone. From mechanical engineering to electrical engineering to civil engineering, there are various careers one can choose to pursue. Compared to other industry sectors, a lot of engineering jobs are physical and hands-on, requiring a range of tools to help ensure every job is completed properly. Safety and customer satisfaction are essential for any engineer, so every device that can help them reach these goals are used, including these 7 essential tools for engineers.
In this age of technology we are currently in, computers have replaced a lot of engineering tools, especially for design and civil engineers. But there are still many tools that can be utilized to an engineer’s benefit.
Engineers can use an array of handheld and small tools to help complete different tasks more efficiently. Despite the variety within the engineering sectors, there are specific tools that are universal for every engineer. Becoming familiar with these tools will help you to become the best engineer you can be.
Here are the 7 essential tools for engineers that they need in their arsenal, and how they can be utilized for great results.
Construction Software
First in this list of the 7 essential tools for engineers is construction software. It gives engineers the ability to make changes to their designs in real time, with little re-drawing or re-measuring. Whether they are in collaboration with a client or other contractors, it makes the collaboration process more streamlined and professional. Construction software ensures there are no major mistakes or errors in the design of a project. Therefore, there will be no major delays either. All of which make for a happier working environment and loyal customers. The addition of this software makes work easier for any engineer, and it is a must-have.
Click here to see our top engineering software picks.
Graphing Calculator
Many might think that using physical calculators, like this Texas Instruments Graphing Calculator, instead of software like excel, would be a thing of the past. But tools that have ben used for many decades can still add value to any engineer’s work. Having instruments like scientific or graphing calculators can still be invaluable tools, especially if an engineer is on-site or somewhere where they cannot use a computer to calculate. Having a graphing calculator in their toolbox ensures that any complicated calculations can be done on-site and in real-time. Sometimes the old-school way can still add value to such a rapidly changing field.
Click here to see our top picks for calculators
Digital Callipers
A digital caliper, like the NEIKO Electronic Digital Caliper, is a tool that engineers and scientists use for taking very accurate measurements, especially of something that is an awkward shape. This is an invaluable tool for engineers, especially mechanical engineers that work with machinery and a range of different parts. A caliper is a tool that is easy to use as it has a digital screen to give the exact measurement without the engineer having to read the measurements on the scale. For example, if a mechanical part of a machine is broken, calipers can be used to retrieve the exact measurement so a new part can be ordered or fabricated.
Click here to see out top picks for digital calipers
Engineer’s Toolbox
Every engineer needs a toolbox, like GEARWRENCH Toolbox, for carrying the vast amount of tools an engineer needs. While it is important to keep your tools safe, toolboxes for engineers should be fit for purpose and portable so they can be brought on-site when needed. If a bigger toolbox is needed to store bulkier tools, then this can be stored in your garage or a company warehouse, and the tools needed for a specific project can be moved into a smaller toolbox. Toolboxes should be made from composite material, metal, or heavy-duty plastic to ensure they stand the test of time while being in rugged engineering environments.
Click here to see our top picks for toolboxes for engineers
Safety Eyeglasses
Safety glasses, such as these Dewalt DPG82-11C Safety Goggles, are a piece of equipment that is extremely important for every engineer to have in their toolbox. Without safety glasses, there could be accidental damage inflicted on your eyes during work. There is a range of safety glasses for every environment, so there is no excuse not to wear them. Some companies and clients will not let you start your job without them, as health and safety are incredibly important in modern engineering. So save your sight and invest in a pair of safety eyeglasses.
Clink here to see our top picks for safety eyeglasses
Engineering Level
While a level is another basic tool every engineer should own, it is one that every engineer needs. Levels, like this Wheeler Engineering Level, can be used for a number of different reasons, like checking the operation of a machine and if its axis is straight or leveling large workpieces. Without such a simple yet effective tool, engineers cannot ensure that the construction of various structures is completed effectively. They can be used by civil, mechanical, and design engineers, but should be in every type of engineers’ toolbox or vehicle because it is something that can always be utilized.
Click here to see out top picks for levels
Vibration Isolator
This might be a little out there, but hear me out on this one! A vibration isolator, like the PROAIM Mitchell Vibration Isolator, isolates objects and machines alike from vibrations. This piece of equipment is something that an engineer could use quite frequently as vibrations tend to happen quite a lot with machinery or equipment. This can damage different parts of a machine or keep it from doing its job efficiently. It is a problem-solving piece of equipment that helps engineers solve an annoying problem quickly!
These tools are pieces of equipment that are needed regardless of the type of engineer or the project you are completing. By using these tools, they make any job easier, quicker, and more efficient, which makes for a happy team and customers that will keep returning. Engineering is a job with such variety by having a wide range of tools and equipment, you can ensure the project you are working on is completed to the highest standard.
Thank you very much for being here – we appreciate you taking the time to read our content. If you have any tools you would like to add, or if you have used any of these previously that worked well, please let us know with a comment below!
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