Currently seeking donations & partnerships

Tool Drive

Q: What will be in each Starter Toolkit?

Each starter toolkit will include essential entry-level tools and safety gear commonly required by union and non-union construction employers: Hand Tools Tape Measure (25 ft. minimum) Hammer (16–20 oz.) Utility Knife + Extra Blades Speed Square Chalk Line Carpenter Pencils Safety Gear Hard Hat Safety Glasses Work Gloves High-Visibility Vest Knee Pads Gear & Storage Tool Belt Small Tool Bag Steel-Toe Work Boots (when available) Toolkits may vary slightly based on trade needs and availability of donations.

Q: Who will receive a starter toolkit?

Priority recipients include: Potential to expand to other pre-apprenticeship programs: ANEW, etc. New union apprentices entering trades such as carpentry, labor, ironwork, etc. Justice-involved or re-entry individuals entering the workforce through trades pathways.

Join us in our mission to support entry-level construction workers and apprentices by donating essential tools!

Quicklinks:

View our list of needed tools

FAQ

Many new hires struggle to afford basic construction tools, creating a significant barrier to entry in the industry. Employers often expect workers to come equipped, but initial assistance isn’t always available.

Our Construction Tool Drive aims to reduce financial barriers for new workers in the trades, ensuring they have the necessary equipment to excel in their roles.

Thank you to our partners:

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking new or gently used tools to assemble Starter Toolkits for those just starting their careers in construction.

Hand Tools

Chalk lines
Carpenter pencils
Cordless drills & drill bits
Framing squares
Tin snips

Safety & Work Gear

Hard hats
Safety glasses
Work gloves
Knee pads
High-visibility vests
Work boots (steel-toe, preferred)

Tool Storage

Tool belts
Small tool bags

Specialized Trade Tools

Select an occupation below to view needed tools

For Carpenters

Carpenter’s tool box (min. 26″)
Construction Master Pro Calculator
Magnetic torpedo level
Carpenter nail bags (2 separate w/ belt)
Hand saw (15” min, 8–10 pt)
Level (24″+)
Cat’s paw
Offset chisel ripping bar
100′ measuring tape (metal blade)
9” Linemen pliers
Multi-tip screwdriver
Sliding T-bevel square
Surform pocket plane
16 oz. Plumb bob with reel
100’ Dry line
Scribing tool or compass
Vise grip locking pliers
Chamfer cutters
Framing square w/ rafter tables
Adjustable square gauge set
2, 6” Vise Grip locking C-Clamp
Drywall jab saw
Aviation snips (green and red)
Set of 3 nail sets
7″–10″ Flat pry bar
Automatic center punch
Wood chisel set (5 pcs)
Coping saw with extra blades
7/8” Ratcheting box end wrench

For Ironworkers

Work Boots (6″ ankle+)
4-lb. Beater (Sledge
Hammer)
12″ Adjustable Wrench
8’–10′ Rope (3/8″+)
Screwdrivers (Flat &
Phillips)
Allen Wrenches
Torch Striker
Torch Tip Cleaners
5-Gallon Bucket
Tie Wire Reel
Hex Key Set
Screwdriver Set
Impact Flip Socket w/ Handle
Tool Pouches
Canvas Bull-Pin & Bolt Bag
Adjustable Spud Wrench
Magnetizer/Demagnetizer
Pliers
Wire Cutters
Level
Welding Equipment
Cutting Torch

For Electricians

Work Boots (6″ ankle+)
4-lb. Beater (Sledge
Hammer)
12″ Adjustable Wrench
8’–10′ Rope (3/8″+)
Screwdrivers (Flat &
Phillips)
Allen Wrenches
Torch Striker
Torch Tip Cleaners
5-Gallon Bucket
Tie Wire Reel
Hex Key Set
Screwdriver Set
Impact Flip Socket w/
Handle
Tool Pouches
Canvas Bull-Pin & Bolt Bag
Adjustable Spud Wrench
Magnetizer/Demagnetizer
Pliers
Wire Cutters
Level
Welding Equipment
Cutting Torch

How to Get Involved

By donating tools or getting involved in our Construction Tool Drive Initiative, you can play a vital role in ensuring that new workers enter the trades ready and equipped for success.

View our tool list for a list of equipment needed for the Starter Toolkits.

Connect with our team

Community & Contractors

Donate your new or like-new tools at a drop-off location

Home Improvement Stores & Tool Suppliers

Host an in-store donation bin
Participate in our “Buy a Tool, Give a Tool” campaign

Local Unions

Host a donation bin
Offer donation matches

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be in each Starter Toolkit?

Each starter toolkit will include essential entry-level tools and safety gear commonly required by union and non-union construction employers:

Hand Tools

Tape Measure (25 ft. minimum)
Hammer (16–20 oz.)
Utility Knife + Extra Blades
Speed Square
Chalk Line
Carpenter Pencils

Safety Gear

Hard Hat
Safety Glasses
Work Gloves
High-Visibility Vest
Knee Pads

Gear & Storage

Tool Belt
Small Tool Bag
Steel-Toe Work Boots (when available)

Toolkits may vary slightly based on trade needs and availability of donations.

Who will receive a starter toolkit?

Priority recipients include:

Graduates of Palmer Pathways pre-apprenticeship program, especially those with financial need.
- Potential to expand to other pre-apprenticeship programs: ANEW, etc.
New union apprentices entering trades such as carpentry, labor, ironwork, etc.
Justice-involved or re-entry individuals entering the workforce through trades pathways.

How will toolkits be distributed?

Toolkits will be distributed in several ways to ensure accessibility and efficiency:

Through Training Providers & Unions: Toolkits will be delivered to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for direct handoff to participants.
Via Workforce & Community Partners: Organizations such as Palmer Pathways, WorkForce Central, and others will provide toolkits to eligible clients.

Connect with our Team

Use the form below to let us know how you’d like to support the Tool Drive.