Our December Construction Tool of the Month is, in IVHFH Construction Manager Chris Weckmann's terms, the Springy Nail Set​. This is one of the main tools used on the IVHFH construction site to help construction volunteers nail trim work on the inside of the home. Chris explains what a springy nail set is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video below to hear what he has to say!

What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The Springy Nail Set is primarily used on the site for both interior and exterior work as volunteers install trim, soffit, and fascia. Occasionally, when using an air gun to install trim, the nails may not fully embed. The Springy Nail Set is beneficial for volunteers who may be a little nervous when using a hammer, as they could accidentally strike the fascia too forcefully and dent it. This tool helps drive the nail into the final place to create a smooth surface without denting the material.

Our November Construction Tool of the Month is the Aluminum Shear, one of the main tools used on the IVHFH construction site during soffit and fascia installation. IVHFH Construction Manager Chris Weckmann explains what an aluminum shear is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video below to hear what he has to say!

What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The Aluminum Shear is primarily used to cut aluminum for installing soffit and fascia on a home’s roof. This tool is handy for slicing through aluminum, thanks to its two wheels that cut effectively. It allows both straight and curved cuts and can even make cuts at 90 degrees. Additionally, it produces no metal dust and does not crinkle the metal. Compared to a saw, the aluminum shear operates quietly.

Our October Construction Tool of the Month is the Siding Jig, one of the main tools utilized on the IVHFH construction site when installing siding. IVHFH Construction Manager, Christy Shipley, explains what the siding jig is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video below to hear what she has to say!

What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The Siding Jig is primarily used when siding is needed to be cut long, straight, and repeatedly with a circular saw. It can be made from metal, wood, or any material the builder chooses. The jig itself allows you to place the siding in the position and to a mark that you have predetermined your length to be. The two guides on the jig always allows the saw to move across the marked spot. This tool provides a professional finish, making it possible for the siding to be visible on the front if necessary.

Our September Tool of the Month is the Hammer Drill. IVHFH Construction Manager, Christy Shipley, explains what the Hammer Drill is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video to hear what she has to say!

What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The Hammer Drill is used on every construction build site. This multitasking tool not only spins but also punches simultaneously, and with its diamond-embedded bits, it can break through both softer woods and concrete. On-site, the construction team uses this tool to install anchors that secure the house to the concrete slab. This prevents wind lift and tipping with the heavier materials and trusses. Each of our Habitat homes is equipped with anchors to ensure the home remains securely in place.

How to use it:

1. Position the Hammer Drill directly over the area where you intend to create a hole
2. Ensure that the setting is properly adjusted to "hammer and drill"
3. Press down on the handle while simultaneously squeezing the trigger
4. With the Hammer Drill held straight down, you should start to hear a thumping sound, indicating that the hammering function is active
5. Once you get through the wood, the thumping sound will intensify, and you will begin to notice concrete dust
6. Prepare the anchor of your choice to secure the heavier materials

Our June Construction Tool of the Month is the Compound Miter Saw, one of the main tools utilized on the IVHFH construction site when framing. IVHFH Construction Manager, Christy Shipley, explains what the compound miter saw is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video to hear what she has to say!

What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The IVHFH construction crew and volunteers primarily use the Compound Miter Saw on the construction site during the framing process. Additionally, we are using it in the warehouse to help frame mezzanines for additional storage and office areas. It can make angle cuts on both sides of the wood, which is crucial for framing work.

When you operate this tool:

• Safety glasses on
• Ear protection in
• Make sure whoever is assisting with holding the material is paying attention!

Our May Tool of the Month is the Compact Reciprocating Saw, also known on the IVHFH construction site as the Sawzall. IVHFH Construction Manager Chris Weckmann explains what the compact reciprocating saw is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video to hear what he has to say!

Our April Tool of the Month is the Milwaukee Narrow Crown Stapler. IVHFH Construction Manager Chris Weckmann explains what the Narrow Crown Stapler is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video to hear what he has to say!

What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
It is primarily used to attach the aluminum soffit, which is located on the underside of the porch and roof overhangs. We are currently using the stapler for this scope of work at our Memorial Build homes. Unlike pneumatic staplers, which are powered by air compressors, this electric-powered tool is particularly useful once we begin stapling on the soffit of the second floor—it's a bit cumbersome climbing 20 feet in the air while hauling heavy air compressor hoses!

How to use it:
1. Align the stapler with the location where you need to staple.
2. Push the stapler into the aluminum, and the staple will be set in place once you pull the trigger.

Our March Tool of The Month is the Oscillating Took, a favorite of the IVHFH construction crew who lovingly refer to it as the "Wiggler". IVHFH Construction Manager, Chris Weckmann, explains the Oscillating Tool and its use on the construction site. Watch the video to hear what he has to say.

What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for? It is primarily used to cut items in hard-to-reach places. For example, you may have limited space due to a fixed item like a fence or cabinet being in the way. The oscillating tool is essential because it has a thin blade that allows you to reach a difficult space and does not take much force to cut through material. It can be utilized for interior and exterior needs.

Our Construction Manager, Chris, and volunteer Jaeda explain the Pneumatic Air Nail Gun and its use on the construction site! Watch the video to hear what they have to say!

What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for? It is primarily used to install trim work and cabinetry during the finishing stages of home construction.

How to use it:
Ensure it is in the proper position, facing straight onto the material you want to nail.  Once you have it lined up correctly, push down, and with one quick pull of the trigger, the gun releases a nail.