Love it or hate it, the world has become heavily reliant on modern technology. Some of the latest tech trends can be a huge help — especially for tradies. We’ve searched high and low for the coolest gadgets that tradies are using to save time, cut down on effort or add a bit of fun to their workday. Take a look below!
Speaking of cool tech, have you tried our Charge-Out Rate Calculator?
Short on time? Skip ahead!
- 1. Garmin Instinct Crossover
- 2. Dusty FieldPrinter
- 3. Augmented reality
- 4. Pocket thermal camera
- 5. Variable speed orbit sander
- 6. Laser distance measure
- 7. Job management software
1. Garmin Instinct Crossover
Although smartwatches are pretty popular these days, they’re not something you often see tradies wearing. This is no doubt because most smartwatches are simply too fragile to keep up with the demands of a typical tradie’s day-to-day.
With Garmin’s Instinct Crossover now up for grabs, there’s finally a smartwatch that’s built to survive anything you throw at it. The water, thermal, and shock-resistant smartwatch offers smartphone connectivity, GPS, dual-format timekeeping, and optional solar charging. It’s perfect for the tradie who takes an interest in health, technology, and fitness tracking.
Time for a new watch? Check out our list of the best watches for tradies and contractors!
2. Dusty FieldPrinter
Dusty Robotics’ FieldPrinter may be one of the most exciting developments in construction technology so far. The robot takes BIM-made building plans and draws them straight onto construction sites using a combination of 3D scanning and autonomous navigation.
Not only will this reduce human error by drawing the plans with extreme accuracy and visibility, but it will also speed up the process of converting building plans from the page to the site itself, so you can get cracking faster than ever.
3. Augmented reality
Available on a ton of gadgets, like iPads and AR headsets, augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information, like CAD designs or plans, against the real world. It’s an interesting technology with tonnes of applications in the trade industry that we’re only just beginning to see come to fruition.
While AR might seem like a bit of a gimmick right now, think of how much easier it could make the communication and planning process between you and a client or architect. You could walk through a life-sized digital rendering of a finished plan, scrutinising each detail, potential challenge, or flaw before you’ve even broken ground. That means fewer problems mid-project, and fewer disputes caused by misinterpreted plans. It also has the opportunity to change how we train apprentices, with clear, real-world overlays showing them where problems and possibilities lie. 
4. FLIR C3 Pocket Thermal Camera
A quality thermal imaging camera is vital for identifying temperature changes or issues whether you’re an electrician, plumber, builder, mechanic, or HVAC tech. These little guys are perfect for staying out of harm’s way when it’s too tough to assess temperatures with the naked eye.
The FLIR C3 Pocket Thermal Camera is a nifty little gadget that’ll fit easily into a pocket or tool belt and make it through small gaps with ease. It also connects right to your smartphone for ultimate convenience.
5. DEWALT Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander
If you’re still using an old-school sander, it might be time to upgrade. Sanders these days do a lot more than they used to. Take the compact DeWalt Orbit Sander, for example — its 3.0 AMP motor delivers between 8,000 and 12,000 OPM, which you get to control with the turn of a dial for greater precision on the job. Not only do you get the freedom to choose the speed of the sander, but you also get to breathe — the DeWalt sander collects dust to keep you safe from inhalation, which is one of the greatest health and safety risks to construction workers and tradies alike.
6. Bosch GLM 50 C Laser Distance Measure
Sick of measuring twice to cut once? Well, with the Bosch GLM 50 C Laser Distance Measure, you’ll never have to follow that adage again.
This high-tech gadget’s laser technology allows for precise measurements up to 165 feet (51 metres), while the simple interface and backlit display make it easy to use, no matter the situation. It also features a brilliant app, allowing for easy transfer of measurement data between the device and your smartphone or tablet.
7. Tradify Job Management Software
If you’re looking for a better way to manage your business and you’re sick of juggling piles of paperwork, then Tradify is the ultimate high-tech tool. Our cloud-based job management software keeps all aspects of your admin in one place. Timesheets, quotes & estimates, invoices, job scheduling — you name it, Tradify does it.
Sign up for a 14-day free trial and watch your business work better than ever before.
