LEATHERS & ASSOCIATES
BOSTON HARBOR PLAYGROUND
CUSTOMIZED TOOLS LIST

This list represents the minimum number of tools you will need.
If your project requires more, we’ll let you know on Organization Day.
All of the tools listed are important. If an item has asterisks (**) next to it, you can never have too many. Some examples are drills, extension cords, and splitters.

All power tools need to be in good working order. All appropriate safety devices (e.g., blade guards) must be attached and in good working order.

There must be skilled operators for all heavy equipment.

Note that a typical build week begins on a Tuesday afternoon and ends the following Sunday, but confirm all scheduling with our consultant on Organization Day.

1. 1 Boom auger truck. It is never too early to arrange to get this. You will need 1 boom auger trucks to drill about 50 holes. The ideal auger sizes are 16”-18” for the 6×6s, and 12” for the 4×4s (if any). The drilling will begin the day your consultants arrive, probably Tuesday, June 6th, and may continue the following morning. Confirm this timing on Organization Day. Be sure that the supplier understands that we must drill, rain or shine, until the holes are finished. It is not necessary for the boom auger crew to clean out holes or set posts. Because hydraulic machines tend to break down, know how to get a replacement truck to the site within an hour. Tractors are not acceptable substitutes. Bobcats (always with skilled operators) with 12” augers are often usable for drilling holes for fence posts. Discuss this on Organization Day. Sources: utility companies, fencing contractors, nurseries, cable-TV companies, pole-barn contractors.

2. 1 Backhoe with front bucket. Depending on the site and design, you may need a backhoe with an operator during the hole-drilling operation. On many projects the hoe attachment may not get used, and the front-loader bucket is the essential attachment for moving the groundcover. A large front-end loader is also excellent for moving groundcover. This is typically done over three days starting Friday. However, if the weather is rainy, groundcover may be moved earlier. Two machines are often needed on Saturday and Sunday. Check with our office representative on Organization Day for an exact schedule. The operators should be flexible and ready to help with other work, since there will be times when their machine is not needed.

3. 1 Crane. Must be able to lift at least 800 pounds and reach 50 to 100 feet. The necessary reach depends on the site and design. Discuss your situation on Organization Day. It is needed on the last morning (typically Sunday) for 2 to 4 hours to set cones.

4. 1 Table saw. 10-inch or 12-inch with new rip blade. For miscellaneous ripping on site. Must have all safety guards.

5. 1 Table saw (off site). This is a heavy-duty saw, and will not be on site. It needs to have a 3- to 5-h.p. motor, typically 220V, 10- to 12-inch blade. It will need a new rip blade, plus a dado blade. Arrange to use it as soon as your lumber is delivered. Check with high school or vocational school shop, lumber yard, mill workshop, etc. Used to rip approximately 75 2×6s, 14- to 16-feet long, at various angles. You will get a description of these rips after Organization Day.

6. 2 Chainsaws. Heavy-duty, high-quality, chainsaws that can be on site for all days of construction. These saws must be kept in top condition to be safe, with new or just sharpened chains. New saws, donated by dealers or rental businesses, are very desirable. Backup chains, proper fuel mixture, bar oil, and special adjusting tools are all necessary. Sources: tree surgeons, nurseries, foresters, cord-wood retailers, public works departments, volunteer firefighters.

7. 1 Slide compound miter saw. This saw is a cross between a radial arm saw and a power miter box. Some will cut a 60-degree angle, which is very useful. If you cannot secure a donation, get a price quotation for purchase or rental. If you buy one, you can recoup some of the cost after the build by auctioning off the saw. Non-sliding compound miter saws are also desirable, but are not substitutes. Radial arm saws and sawbucks are unsafe and unacceptable. Sources: contractors, tool dealers and distributors, homeowners, and other play areas.

8. 2 Power miter boxes. You will need at least four power miter boxes for construction. You will probably find 10-inch boxes easily. Check with rental companies, woodworking shops, homeowners and contractors. It must be able to cut to a 3¾-inch depth. All power miter boxes should be able to make a 45-degree cut to a 2×4 on edge.

9. 1 Electric impact wrenches. With 9/16-inch regular and ½-inch deep well, hardened, 6-point impact sockets. Pneumatic wrenches are not an acceptable substitute.

10. 1 Forklift. An all-terrain forklift or a bobcat with forks is useful on site at least Tuesday through Friday. You must have a skilled operator for this equipment. You will also need one earlier to unload the lumber from the delivery trucks. A boom fork lift (e.g., Lull, Skytrack) is preferable and may be secured from large equipment-rental companies, contractors or lumber yards.

11. 3 Orbital jigsaws. These must be heavy-duty with true orbital action. This is not the same as “scrolling.” Manufactured by Makita, Bosch, Porter Cable, DeWalt, etc. Be sure the blades (on the materials list) match the orbital jigsaws.

12. 1 Electrical panel. See the schematic drawing at the end of this section.

13. 1 Sledge, small. 3 lb. to 5 lb. (See also IStem 50.)

14. 1 Tape measures. 100-foot length. These must be in feet and inches, not decimal surveyors’ tapes. (See also Tape Measures below.)

15. 1 Bar, steel digging. 6 feet or longer.

16. 1 Bobcat (small bucket loader). Should be on site for the entire build. Must have a bucket and forks. See also Item #1, Augers, above. Especially useful Saturday and Sunday for distributing groundcover. You must have a skilled operator for this equipment.

17. 1 Bolt cutters. At least 24 inches long. Used to cut chain.

18. 2 Brooms. Push brooms and standard straw brooms.

19. 5 Brushes, paint. ¼-inch to 3-inch, for oil- and water-based paints.

20. 1 Brush, scrub. Regular household type. Used with soap and water to clean tires.

21. 10 Buckets, 5-gallon. Recycled spackle buckets are excellent. Used for storage, washing tires, and holding sealer.

22. 4 C-clamps, large. With openings larger than 4 inches. At least 5 should open 8” or more.

23. 2 Clamps, pipe or bar. 4- to 8-foot long.

24. 20 Cans. Empty coffee cans or plastic gallon jugs. Used to hold nails and screws.

25. 1 Cat’s paws. Small 8- to 10-inch bars with one curved end. Used to pull nails.

26. 1 Caulk gun. Check the materials list for size.

27. 1 Chain. 20-foot, steel, with hooks on each end (tow chain).

28. 1 Chalk line. With extra chalk.

29. 1 Chisel sets. ¼-inch to 1½-inch.

30. 1 Come-alongs. 2-ton minimum. Cranking device with cable. Used to draw chain tight.

31. 1 Compressor. With air hose and attachments for blowing dust and debris from tools, and also for inflating tires. This is not for any other pneumatic tools.

32. 1 Crowbars. Steel pry bars.

33. 25** Drills, 3/8-inch. These must be variable-speed, and reversible. Used to drill through 2-inch lumber, drive screws, etc. Tape chuck keys to cords on all drills; have extra chuck keys on hand. Aim to have at least 10 cordless drills. They are very desirable, but you must have 2 batteries and a charger for each one.

34. 1 Drill, ½-inch. Extra heavy-duty, and reversible. Used to drill through landscape ties, 6×6 and 8×8 posts, and 6×10-inch beams.

35. 0 Drill press, ¾ h.p.. Does not need to be on site. Used to drill holes through 6×6 blocks for tic-tac-toe, and to install pipe balusters.

36. 1 Dumpster or dump truck. Preferably 30- to 40-cubic yards. Must be on site all week. Check on dumping restrictions (e.g., tires, food waste). Arrange to empty as needed during the week.

37. 30 pr Earplugs. Disposable.

38. 2 Electric lead cords, 100-foot. Each must be #10 or #12 wire with ground, and with 4 to 6 plug-ins on the end. See electric schematic at the end of this section.

39. 4 Electric lead cords, 50-foot. Each must be #10 or #12 wire with ground, with 4 to 6 plug-ins on the end. The 100- and 50-foot cords are the main lead cords that bring power from the electrical panel to the site.

40. 4** Electric gang boxes. Must be #10 or #12 wire with ground, with 4 plug-ins on the end. Used to further distribute power from main cords.

41. 10 Electrical splitters. Two-way and three-way.

42. 30** Electric extension cords, 25-foot. Must be #12 or #14 wire. If necessary, you may use some #16, if it is no longer than 25 feet. Be sure all cords have a ground wire with the ground “prong” properly connected.

43. 1 Extension ladder. Minimum 24 feet long.

44. TBD Fencing. Orange plastic construction fence, to cordon off site and to create the children’s work area. Necessary amount will be discussed on Organization Day.

45. 2 Fire extinguishers. To be placed at the volunteer table and in the tools and materials trailer. Rated for electrical fires (ABC).

46. 60 Gloves, work (pairs). Heavy cotton. Half should be for small hands. Check hardware stores, factories, and industrial complexes for donations.

47. 2 Grinders, side 4½- or 5-inch. Use with metal cutting blades and flap discs.

48. 1 Pickaxe.

49. 25 Hammers, carpentry. 16-, 20-, or 22-ounce. And remember: cheap hammers break.

50. 1 Hammer, sledge. 8-12 lb.

51. 10 Hardhats. This number may increase depending on the amount of elevated construction on your project.

52. 1 Hoses, garden. ¾-inch preferred. Have a trigger type valve on one end. Must be long enough to reach from the water source to the area where children wash tires. Check with your Site Captain.

53. 10 Levels. 36-inch or longer. A few 24-inch and a few torpedo levels are also desirable.

54. 4 Lights. Four or more high-wattage emergency lights. Ask for use of truck with lights from fire departments, road crews, airports, rental companies, or military bases.

55. 5 Light strings. 5 or more 150-foot light strings, each with at least 15 100-watt bulbs, spaced about 10 feet apart. It is best if these strings are hardwired into the electrical panel on their own circuits.

56. 1 Megaphone. This is for occasional announcements. For an opening ceremony, a public address system is preferable.

57. 30 Nail aprons. Check with lumber or hardware stores for donations. Take as many as you can get, but do not purchase any.

58. 4 Nail punches. Used with hammers to drive nail heads down into wood.

59. 100 Pencils. No. 2 or carpenter’s pencils. Don’t forget to get a sharpener.

60. 1 Pickup truck Used to “go-for…” and to move lumber and other materials. ¾-ton or 1-ton preferred. On site at all times.

61. 1 Pipe cutter. To cut ¾-inch and 1¼-inch diameter galvanized water pipe. A pipe vise is also useful.

62. 3 – 5 Port-a-johns. Discuss the quantity on Organization Day. You should have at least one wheelchair-accessible restroom. Arrange for cleaning once or twice during construction.

63. 3 Post-hole diggers. Used to hand dig and clean out holes.

64. 5 lbs. Rags.

65. 10 Rakes. Metal garden rakes, not plastic or bamboo leaf rakes.

66. 8 Rasps, wood. All sizes, flat and round. Used to file down rough edges of posts and boards.

67. 500 ft. Rope. ½-inch preferred, 3/8-inch is acceptable. For tying down tarps.

68. 8 Routers. Be sure 3/8-inch corner-round bits fit routers (see materials list). One router should have an edge guide. One router table is also necessary.

69. 20 Safety glasses.

70. 2 Sanders, belt. Tell your Materials Coordinator what size sanders you have so that the correct size belts can be purchased.

71. 1 Saw, band. For decorative pieces. ¼-inch rough blade. 3/8-inch blade is preferable. Make sure to have extra blades.

72. 15 Saws, circular. Hand-held, heavy duty, 7- to 7¼-inch preferred. At least 15 must be heavy duty. You should have at least 2 worm-drive circular saws.

73. 1 Saw, hand. Sharp, woodcutting.

74. 15 pr. Sawhorses. If you cannot borrow enough, you should build them. Your Donated Materials Coordinator may be able to get this lumber donated. A high school shop class might build the horses.

75. 2 Sawzalls. Heavy-duty with reciprocating blades (not jigsaws). Blades are on materials list.

76. 4 Scissors. Suitable for cutting medium-weight fabric.

77. 6 Screwdrivers. Various sizes, Phillips and regular heads.

78. 20 Sharpies. Fine-point magic markers.

79. 20++ Shovels. Long-handled spades preferred.

80. 5 Sponges. Kitchen type, for applying tire and wood sealer.

81. 1 Squares, bevel. Metal blade attached with wing nut to wood or metal handle. Adjustable to mark different angles on lumber.

82. 10 Squares, speed. 6-inch, used to mark angles on boards.

83. 5 Squares, combination. 12-inch blade that slides through metal or wood handle. Used to mark 90- and 45-degree angles on lumber.

84. 2 Squares, framing. Usually 2-foot legs, L-shaped, made from medium-weight metal.

85. 1 Staple gun. Staples are on materials list.

86. 3 Stepladders, 6- or 8-foot, OSHA rated (light-duty ladders are not acceptable).

87. 3 Stepladders, 10- or 12-foot, OSHA rated (light-duty ladders are not acceptable).

88. 6++ Tables, banquet. For volunteers table, snack table, and tools in trailer. Food service may need many more.

89. 30 Tape measures. 12-foot or longer. We especially prefer 25-foot tapes. Reel types are not useful.

90. 5 Tarps. Plastic, with grommets on edges. Tarps should be as large as possible, but at least 20 feet x 30 feet. Have enough to cover 1,000 square feet. Used for rain cover.

91. 1-5 Tents. As large as possible, and at least 20 foot x 30 foot. For prefab area and food service. The food-service tent(s) should be large enough to serve and seat 150 people. Total number and exact sizes will be determined on Organization Day.

92. 1 Tent or awning. At least 15×15 feet. For volunteers sign-in table. Also used for first-aid station and a site office. A motor home, or travel trailer, with an awning is best.

93. 2 Tin snips.

94. 1 Laser or builder’s level, and tripod. An optical level is acceptable, but a laser is preferable. Needed on site at least for the first two days of construction. For a laser level, be certain to have fresh batteries and the receiver. Sources: Excavators, contractors, drop ceiling installers.

95. 8 Trash cans, 30-gallon. For construction and food waste.

96. 10 Utility knives. Adjustable knives with razor-sharp replaceable blades (blades are on materials list). Let the Materials Coordinator know sizes of blades needed.

97. 1 Trailer with shelves. At least 8 feet wide x 30 feet long x 8 feet high. For storage of tools and materials. You will need safe stairs with railings for this trailer. Also lighting.

98. 2 Vise grips.

99. 20 Wheelbarrows. Suitable for concrete mixing and transporting.

100. 2 Wrenches, adjustable crescent. 1-inch or larger.

101. 2 sets Wrenches, Allen. Also called hex keys. Sets of various sizes. Used to adjust saws and to assemble circular slide (5/16-inch).

102. 1 set** Wrenches, open-end. Set of various sizes, plus 6 additional 9/16-inch.

103. 2 sets Wrenches, ratchet. With complete sets of deep-well sockets, especially 9/16-inch. Also ½-inch or 3/8-inch drive extensions, universals, and any other gizmos good for getting into tight spots. See also impact wrenches above.