Once you have committed to build with ICF and you have your materials on site or on order, you need to start considering your plan of action on site. The best ICF system can be turned around into one of the worst installations simply by trying to build the walls without the right tools.
This list of tools and equipment is includes everything from the basic tools to the optimum setup to handle virtually any ICF install project. The tools and equipment are broken down into several categories. Many of the tools needed for installing ICF’s are not specific to ICF but some items such as a wall alignment scaffold system are somewhat proprietary to ICF. The category delineation has some overlap so your interpretation is invited. Supplies for specific applications such as anchor tunnels etc. are not considered part of the supply list.
Truck, ¾ ton or greater for tool storage and pullingTrailer, 18’ heavy duty for wall alignment systemTie down straps
WorkbeltBasic carpenter’s tools
100’ steel tapeLayout laser (we like the PLS-5 by Pacific Laser Systems)Laser levelPlumb bob (sometimes easier than a laser)Chalk boxes, (Red for permanence, Blue for sensitive areas)
Manual rebar cutter/benderElect. Or Hyd. Rebar cutter/bender system14” Gas cut-off sawGas can for sawYankee twisters for rebar ties (1 per crew member)Hickey bender4” Electric grinder(Bosch)14” Electric cut-off saw(Bosch)Bolt cuttersStirrup bender
Air compressorNail gunAir hoseBlower attachment for air hoseCorded ½” drill (Bosch)Cordless drill driver (3 for a crew)(Bosch)Corded hammerdrills (2 for a crew)(Bosch)Cordless hammerdrills (2 for a crew)(Bosch) Condrive system (2-3 sets for a crew) Levels, 2’,4’,6’,8’ (Stabila) Nail pullers, small & large Sledgehammer Stake puller Corded Circular saw Cordless Circular saw Corded sawzall Cordless sawzall
Handsaws, short finer tooth, (5 for a crew) Electric chainsaw Keyhole saw (3 for a crew) Windlock Rasp Hotknife
100 steel stakes Stake puller Demolition Drill/Hammer Corded vibrator, 1” head Cordless vibrator (2 for crew) Pump tip hose Trowels Laser Screed trowel
Push broom (2 for a crew) Regular broom Short handle flat tip shovel Garden hose, 250’ Garden hose nozzle 3’ Squeegee
100 sets of wall alignment scaffold system, 8’-12’ capability Prescriptive Methods for ICF Book
Generator Compound miter saw Spiracut tool Portable table saw Socket set Wrench set Vise grips Channel locks Adjustable wrench Small pipe wrench 5# Hammers (2) Magnet Ladders 2ea. 4’,6’,8’,10’, Extension ladder, up to 28’ Water cooler 10 gal. Ice chest First aid kit Extension cords, 500’ Power dist. Block Flashlight Calculator Tin snips PVC Pipe cutter Large speed square Layout square Framing square .22 caliber nail driver w/ shot & pins Wood chisels Spare Turnbuckles Concrete chisels Repair tools/toolbox
Rags Hand cleaner Drinking cups Foam adhesive Foam adhesive guns (1 per crew member) Foam adhesive cleaner Gloves, concrete Gloves, work Spray paint (3 or 4 colors) Magic Markers (3 or 4 colors) Pencils Chalk for chalk lines (two colors) Vinegar Oil Grease WD-40 Oil mix for saw Gas Tapcon screws, 1-3/4” 2-1/2” course screws 1-5/8” course screws 4” course screws Bit boss (1 per drill) Bit tips for drill drivers Hex bits for drill drivers Drill bits for drill drivers Spade bits for drills Hammer drill bits (all sizes) Core bits, 4”, 6” Saw blades for each saw Saw blades for cut-off saws Sawzall blades Utility knife blades Nailgun nails Nailgun oil Duplex nails, 16d Sinker nails, 12d Reinforcing twist ties Stringline Grinder discs Cut nails Concrete nails Self tapping screws for metal or plastic Rebar chairs Rope Fiber tape Packaging tape Duct tape Tie wire Waterproof tarp Bracing specific screws Hole saws Trash bags Plastic “zip ties” various long lengths